Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Find hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.

Gardens

Scotland's Castles & Gardens | 7 Day Self-Drive

Scotland was made for culture, castles, and all things breathtaking. This tour showcases them front and center, so you’ll want to have your camera ready. Admire the beautiful gardens and discover the history of each unique castle as you journey aroun

Day 1: Royal Botanic Gardens & Dirleton Castle

Arrive in Edinburgh and check into your accommodation. Begin exploring all that Edinburgh has to offer such as its famous Royal Botanic Garden. You can also find Malleny Garden with its ancient yew trees, old-fashioned roses and dazzling herbaceous borders at Balerno on the city outskirts. Edinburgh also makes a good base for exploring other castles of the Lothians, including Dirleton Castle, a medieval fortress originally built by an Anglo- Norman family. It also has a very attractive garden below the old walls, its herbaceous plantings are at their best in high summer. Enjoy dinner in the evening and return to your hotel.

Overnight in Edinburgh

Day 2: Kellie Castle & Branklyn Garden

Get an early start this morning and head over the Forth Bridge towards the historic county of Fife. As you continue on your journey, be sure to turn east along the coast to reach the photogenic East Neuk fishing villages. Make a stop near the small town of Anstruther at Kellie Castle. Wander through the garden and admire its herbaceous borders filled with organically grown fruit and vegetables. 

Next, return westwards by way of Falkland Palace, favorite hunting lodge of the Stuart monarchy. Continue north-west across Fife to join the M90 for Perth and the small-scale, intimate plantings at Branklyn Garden. Make your way through this attractive garden while checking out the exotic plants and rare species. Finally, leave and make the drive back to Edinburgh. 

Overnight in Edinburgh

Day 3: Pitlochry & Blair Castle

Today you will drive north along the A9. The Scottish Plant Collectors’ Garden at Pitlochry makes its tribute to more than a hundred collectors of Scottish origin or descent who discovered many of the species which are the mainstays of British gardens today. After some exploring, continue north.

Arrive at Blair Castle, a historic fortress and ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl. On the estate you can see Diana’s Grove, with trees planted more than a century ago as newly introduced American conifer species. They now represent the tallest grouping of trees in the UK, with at least 20 above 150 ft (46m), including several British record breakers.

Next return briefly south to take the A827 west for Aberfeldy. Beyond the town on one side of the River Tay is Castle Menzies, while on the other is Bolfracks, a country- house garden demonstrating the sheer range of plants which can be grown in Perthshire’s temperate climate.

Continue west by Loch Tay. Look for signposts to Ben Lawers, above the loch, noted for its alpine plants. Further on, Finlarig Castle is a ruined fortress in Killin at the west end of Loch Tay. After a full day of exploring, drive back to Edinburgh, stop for dinner, and then return to your hotel.

Overnight in Edinburgh

Day 4: Kilchurn Castle & Dunstaffnage Castle

Continue west through Glen Dochart to reach Loch Awe. Arrive at Kilchurn Castle, a former Campbell stronghold with a four-story tower and the first purpose-built barracks in Scotland. The castle offers magnificent views over loch and mountain. Next continue to Oban where you’ll find Dunstaffnage Castle – the temporary prison of Flora MacDonald in 1746 – as another option on the way. Continue on to your accommodation in Oban and spend the rest of the day exploring this lovely town.

Overnight in Oban

Day 5: An Cala & Carnasserie Castle

After breakfast this morning, take the A816 south from Oban. Among the garden options in the vicinity is An Cala, with it’s meandering streams, winding paths, Poulsen roses, Japanese cherry trees and banks of Ghent azaleas. The garden, set snugly into a horseshoe of surrounding cliffs, overlooks Easdale Island with its fascinating slate-mining heritage. Noting Carnasserie Castle, a 16th century tower-house, seen from the main road south, continue down, via the prehistoric sites in Kilmartin Glen, to the ferry across Loch Fyne from Tarbert, reaching Cowal at Portavadie. Drive east by the lovely Kyles of Bute, taking the ferry at Colintraive for the Isle of Bute.

Overnight in Glasgow

Day 6: Mount Stuart & Brodick Castle

Visit Mount Stuart, a grand Gothic stately home five miles south of Rothesay, set in gardens built on a grand scale. Return to the mainland via the Colintraive ferry again, taking the scenic road east for Dunoon and the Benmore Botanic Garden, one of the most spectacular on the western seaboard. If time permits, this tour can be continued southward via the Dunoon-Gourock ferry connection for Ayrshire and the island of Arran, reached by ferry from Ardrossan. The rhododendron collection at Brodick Castle is world-famous and definitely worth a visit. Enjoy your last night as you please.

Overnight in Glasgow

Day 7: Return Home

Return you rental car at Glasgow airport and fly home.

Preis auf Anfrage


Abreisedaten

  • Montag
  • Dienstag
  • Mittwoch
  • Donnerstag
  • Freitag
  • Samstag
  • Sonntag

Januar — Dezember

Kontaktdaten

Kelturas Vacations

100 Spring St
Boston
Massachusetts
USA
02132

Tour information

Ab

  • Edinburgh

Dauer

7 Days

Transport

  • Air
  • Driver guide
  • Self drive

Art

  • Bespoke
  • Private
  • Small Group (1-16)

Sprachen

  • English

Themen

  • Castles
  • City
  • Food and drink
  • History
  • Landscapes

Haltepunkte

Kelturas Vacations

Informationen zum Anbieter

Kelturas Vacations

Kelturas Vacations is a tour operator based in Boston specializing in custom vacations to Scotland and Ireland. A family-owned business, Crystal Travel was founded in 1985 by Jim & Teresa Kelly and since that humble beginning it has grown into a trusted resource that has helped tens of thousands of people better enjoy their travel.

Öffnungszeiten

Mon - Fri | 8am - 6pm
Sat | 9am - 5pm

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Der Inhalt vieler unserer Webeinträge wird von den jeweiligen Drittanbietern und nicht von VisitScotland bereitgestellt. VisitScotland übernimmt keine Verantwortung für (1) Fehler oder Falschdarstellungen in Webeinträgen und (2) die Inhalte externer Links innerhalb der Webeinträge ((1) und (2) werden im Folgenden unter „Inhalt“ zusammengefasst). VisitScotland schließt jegliche Haftung für Verluste oder Schäden aus, die durch Verlass auf den Inhalt entstehen. Der Inhalt dient nur zu Ihrer Information und wird von VisitScotland nicht unterstützt.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Find hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.