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All of our tours are fully customisable to suit your tastes and requirements. 

The Highland & Island Self-Drive Tour

This awe-inspiring package showcases Scotland’s charming towns and villages, stunning scenery, fairytale castles, historical ruins and mesmerising beaches. “A captivating self drive package like no other”.

We offer a range of vehicles for you to choose for your self drive vacation in Scotland:
4×4 options: Range Rover Sport, Land Rover Discovery.
Large Vehicle options: Mercedes V-Class
Other vehicles are available, just ask our team for more details.

Day One – Arrival into The Highlands

Accommodation: Culloden House (1 Night)
Transport: Meet & Greet

After arriving at Inverness Airport, you will be greeted by the friendly face of a Luxury Scotland Tours representative who will hand you the keys to your private hire car. You’ll have the chance to ask any questions and get some advice on the best way to spend your first day in the wonderful country of Scotland. Once you’re ready, it’s time to get your Highland and Island Self Drive Tour underway!

You will be heading to your accommodation just outside Inverness for the night, Culloden House, for a relaxing evening in luxurious surroundings.

A whisky tasting will be arranged for you at Culloden. With over 120 Malt Whiskies to choose from in their Library Bar, some of which are rare and cannot be found anywhere else, you can take a tasting tour of all six whisky producing regions of Scotland.

Dine: Adam’s Dining Room, Culloden House

After your whisky tasting you will enjoy a delicious meal in Adam’s Dining Room, Culloden’s fine dining restaurant. Here you can choose from seared king scallop, white truffle risotto, pork fillet, and many other fantastic dishes.

Day Two – West to the Isle of Skye

Accommodation: Duisdale House, Isle of Skye (3 Nights)

Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness
After a comfortable night’s sleep and a hearty Scottish breakfast, you’ll be all set for a trip to the famous Loch Ness for a chance of spotting our national mythological creature – the Loch Ness Monster!

Ok, maybe not. But you will get to enjoy a fantastic private boat tour of Loch Ness, the UK’s largest body of water by volume, holding no less than seven and a half cubic kilometres of water. Your knowledgeable captain will be able to answer any questions you have as you get a chance to explore the natural beauty of Loch Ness up close and personal.

Eilean Donan Castle
After that it’s off to visit Eilean Donan Castle, which wouldn’t look out of place in a Game of Thrones scene! This ancient castle was built in the 13th century and survives remarkably well to this day. The tiny bridge across the water to its own little island really gets your imagination running wild as to what it must have been like living there all those hundreds of years ago. You will also be able to enjoy some stunning views out over Loch Duich. A coffee and gift shop are also available.

Then it’s off across the Isle of Skye Bridge, a delightful example of Scottish engineering, to your accommodation for the next three nights – Duisdale Hotel. This luxury hotel combines absolute comfort with class and style for a relaxed and homely stay.
The hotel boasts a double AA Rosette, award winning restaurant offering only the finest in fresh local Scottish produce.

Day Three – Island Exploration

Accommodation: Duisdale House

Day three of your Highlands and Island tour is a truly magical one. You will explore the rugged and charming island of Skye. Sitting off the north-west coast of Scotland, Skye is an island of vivid contrasts where you can find everything from the dramatic and dangerous Cuillin hills, to the peaceful tranquillity of seaside villages.

Sligachan Bridge
Built in 1818, the old Sligachan Bridge is a perfect example of excellent engineering standing the test of time. Set against the backdrop of the Black Cuillin Mountains, enjoy the manmade and natural wonders together.

Your trip round Skye begins with a visit to the Fairy Pools, an extensive string of waterfalls, rock formations and crystal-clear pools that form the river Brittle. If you’re adventurous, you may want to pack some swimwear and a towel for a dip, but beware, the water is very cold!

Lunch Reservation: The Three Chimneys
You will then enjoy some lunch at The Three Chimneys which sits on the shores of Loch Dunvegan and takes pride in providing the best Skye and Scotland has to offer, including cured salmon, scorched langoustine, Black Isle beef, and Gigha halibut.

Your driver will then take you to Neist Point and the most westerly point of Skye, at the tip of the Duirinish peninsula. Here you will see one of the most famous lighthouses in all of Scotland, that was first lit back in 1909. As well as the stunning scenery, keep an eye out for whales and dolphins below.  As you are on the cliffs there will be lots of common seabirds to view too.

Stay & Dine: Duisdale House Hotel
You will then enjoy another fabulous evening at Duisdale House Hotel.

Day Four – Scenic Discovery

Accommodation: Duisdale House

After a hearty full Scottish breakfast, you’ll make the drive to The Fairy Glen, on the west side of Trotternish.
An otherworldly experience awaits as you approach this supernatural looking landscape.
A short hike from the road, these rich and vibrant colours and fairytale views all around are a photographer’s paradise.
Be sure to keep a look out as legend has it that fairies live deep within this magical Glen…

Next you will continue north to the most northerly point of the Trotternish ridge, The Quiraing. With rolling hills and cliffs surrounding you, there are opportunities here for a brief walk or hike. Be sure to have your camera ready to snap the gigantic pinnacles of rock as they bask in their glorious surroundings.

Continue North to Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls. You will notice that these ancient 90 metre cliffs resemble a pleated kilt, hence the name ‘Kilt Rock’. You will witness both of these spectacular sights, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, from the same viewpoint on the Trotternish Peninsula.

The other beautiful sight here is Mealt waterfall. Flowing from the nearby Mealt Loch, the water plunges from the cliff tops to the rocky coast below.

For lunch today you will be visiting the Skye Restaurant at Flodigarry Hotel where their motto is, “nature writes our menu” emphasising their dedication to serving the freshest seasonal produce.

Your next stop is The Old Man of Storr, a monumental rock pinnacle that can be seen from far and wide.
A staggering sight to behold.  Be sure to have plenty of battery left in your camera as there are photo opportunities aplenty here.

Stop and explore Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye.
With local craft shops and a bustling fishing port, you will have the opportunity to interact with friendly locals and experience Portree’s thriving culture.
Have your camera at the ready as you will want to grab a picture of the brightly coloured, cottage lined harbour.

You will be staying at Duisdale again this evening. However, for dinner you will make the 5 minute journey to Kinloch Lodge where the kitchen staff really go the extra mile to provide you with the very best local produce Scotland has to offer. From Perthshire partridge to Skye venison, and a range of Scottish cheeses, Kinloch Lodge always delivers a first-rate dining experience.

Day Five – West Highlands

Accommodation: The Torridon, Wester Ross (1 Night)

Today you will leave Skye via the impressive Skye Bridge before heading to the delightful village of Plockton, lovingly known as the “the jewel of the highlands”. A peaceful walk around the bay, looking out over the views of Loch Carron, will certainly hit the spot.

The next stop is Torridon, which is known for its wild, Jurassic looking landscape and boasting some of the finest mountains in the whole of the UK, so maybe keep that camera handy as you’ll be sure to get some more excellent pictures.

Stay: Shieldaig Lodge
Your accommodation for the night is The Shieldaig Lodge Hotel, a traditional former hunting lodge set amid the West Highlands’ mountains. With views out across the captivating Loch Gairloch, there really is no better spot to enjoy the majestic tranquillity that Gairloch is famous for.

Dine: Loch View Restaurant
Enjoy wholesome Highland cuisine in the hotel’s fine dining restaurant.
Panoramic views with an impressive menu to match.

Day Six – Historic East Highlands

Accommodation: Links House, Dornoch (2 Nights).

After breakfast, you have a real treat on your hands as you make the scenic drive through Kinlochewe, Achnasheen, and Garve. These idyllic little villages are packed full of charm and character, so be sure to stop off for a coffee along the way.

Next up you’re off to Rogie falls, an impressive area of white-water rapids. A handy little bridge provides an excellent platform to take in the views.

Your next stop is the Fyrish Monument. The Fyrish Monument has a rather heart-warming history, back in the early 1780’s, the local people were being ordered to leave the land they had worked on for hundreds of years. As a solution, Sir Hector Munro ordered the construction of the monument to provide labour for the people. It is even rumoured that Sir Munro deliberately had stones tossed down to the bottom of the hill, just so they had to be retrieved, thus allowing the workers more labour time and more pay. Take the short walk along the ‘Jubilee Path’ to reach the summit, then enjoy the sensational views over the Cromarty Firth from this historic monument.

Today’s lunch spot is Dornoch Castle where you will be treated like royalty by their attentive staff. A standout dish is the Dornoch gin cured salmon made using the hotel’s own gin.

You are in for a treat this evening as you will be dining in the MARA Restaurant at Links House. Offering one of the finest dining experiences in the Highlands, MARA will be sure to provide a meal to remember. Their menu includes hogget, pork cheek, sea trout, and they have an entire plant-based menu.

Having enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Links House, you will get the pleasure of experiencing the luxurious and comfortable rooms here too. The elegance and grandeur of the furnishings are second to none and we guarantee a memorable stay at Links House.

Day Seven – Highland Beauty

Accommodation: Links House

For your first stop of the day you will pay a visit to Dornoch Cathedral. The Cathedral dates back to 1224, and given that it’s still in use today, it’s incredible to think that it has been serving the local community of Sutherland for so many hundreds of years.

Cairn Liath is what’s known as a Broch, a fortified structure unique to Scotland which are truly something to behold. There are hundreds of Brochs across Scotland, mostly in the highlands and islands, and they first appeared approximately 2,300 years ago. As you explore Cairn Liath, you won’t be able to help but imagine what life must have been like for the people who lived their all those years ago.

Your next stop is Brora beach, a gorgeous golden sandy beach offering the chance for a relaxing stroll. You may also want to pack a pair of binoculars for the day as there is a good chance of spotting minke whales, dolphins, and seals

Dunrobin Castle and Gardens is a true highland gem as it’s the most northerly of Scotland’s large houses. It is also one of the UK’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, having occupants since the 1300’s. You will get the chance to marvel at the huge conical spires before exploring the gardens, which were inspired by the gardens of Versailles. There are also lovely views across the Moray Firth to the Cairngorm mountains in the distance.

You will then get lunch in the Tea Room which offers homemade soup, fresh sandwiches, and a range of cakes, scones, and pastries.

Photo Stop: The Wee House, Loch Shin
As you continue on your journey, you will make your way to Loch Shin for a chance to snap a picture of a most peculiar wee house which sits proudly on a tiny island.

Next up is a trip to the Falls of Shin, a delightful spot where, at the right time of year, you can watch salmon leaping up the river. There is also plenty of other things to do, including nature walks and a restaurant.

You will return to the Links House to stay for the evening.
You will dine at the nearby Luigi restaurant, a contemporary, relaxed space with an emphasis on great local seafood.

Day Eight – The Capital of The Highlands

Accommodation: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness (2 nights)

Your first stop today will be at the nearby village of Balintore.
Here you will see the Mermaid of the North, sitting on her rock – called ‘Clach Dubh’.

You will then visit Chanonry Point (Gaelic: Gob na Cananaich) on the Black Isle.
Widely acclaimed as the best place in the UK to see bottlenose dolphins from the land. Also, keep an eye out for seals, porpoises, and otters.
The lighthouse at the tip of Chanonry Point is still active and was first lit back in 1846.

Today you will be treated to a fantastic lunch at Loch Ness Country House Hotel. With a selection brimming with delicious traditional favourites and Scottish dishes there will be a real danger of over-eating.

From there it’s on to the 5-star Ness Walk Hotel, which sits right on the banks of the River Ness and enjoys an oasis of calm in Inverness (‘The Capital of The Highlands’), an otherwise busy city, as it is surrounded by a huge canopy of trees. Here, beautiful period features combine with sleek modern features to deliver an ambiance that oozes sophistication.

You will dine in the luxurious Torrish Restaurant this evening, where you will be warmly welcomed and have the chance to try some Isle of Lewis mussels, Orkney hand-dived scallops, Speyside lamb, as well as many other delicious dishes. There is also a vegan à la carte menu, so there will be something for everyone.

Day Nine – Historic Highlands

Accommodation: Ness Walk Hotel

After breakfast, the first stop of the day will be Culloden Battlefield. You will learn about the fall of the Jacobites, who were outwitted by British forces, leading to the brutal slaughter of over 1000 men.

You will then enjoy lunch in exquisite floral surroundings at The Garden Restaurant at Boath House, which is situated in their walled garden. The portion sizes are generous, and every dish is bursting with flavour, so you’re guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face.

You will then make your way to Cawdor Castle. This fairy-tale castle has strong links to Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’. Dating back to the 14th century, you will explore this archaic castle and gardens that sit perfectly within the surrounding highland countryside.

On your final evening in Scotland, you will be treated to something special at the Rocpool Reserve Restaurant. Enjoy a sumptuous meal at one of the most well-renowned restaurants in Scotland which offers duck rillette, quail, assiette, and Scottish Angus beef.

After dinner you will return to the Ness Walk Hotel for one more evening of relaxing in luxury before setting off for home in the morning.

Day Ten – Departure

On Day 10 we must bid you a fond farewell.  But as you make your way to Inverness Airport, we hope your mind might just be wandering to planning your next trip…

You will return your vehicle to a Luxury Scotland Tours representative at the airport who will be there to meet you upon arrival.

Our Tailor-Made Luxury Scotland Tour Experience

T: +44131 5109424     E: info@luxuryscotlandtours.com

Our experience lies in creating bespoke itineraries which meet the your exact specifications. Our process for creating your perfect tour itinerary is simply; great communication and expert knowledge. From your initial enquiry we will acquire the key details needed to craft a beautiful tailor-made itinerary.

For example:
Number of guests, Travel Dates, Preferred Room Types, Private chauffeur driver or self-drive,
Specific Interests, Particular regions you would you like to visit.

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