DRIVING THE DREAM
AN UNFORGETTABLE 7-DAY SCOTLAND ITINERARY
EDINBURGH • ST ANDREWS • ISLE OF MULL
THE HIGHLANDS • GLASGOW
Short but undeniably sweet, the Driving the Dream tour compacts the very best experiences into a 7 day Scotland itinerary. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be in the capable hands of our expert driver-guides, who transform the miles between destinations into a journey just as rewarding as the stops themselves.
Your adventure begins by soaking up the historic atmosphere of Edinburgh for two days before heading to the "Home of Golf," for a St Andrews tour. To contrast the city bustle, you’ll then head into the wilds to reconnect with nature; think walks through ancient forests and wildlife tours where you’ll spot majestic birds of prey and native sea life.
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The journey culminates in the vibrant city of Glasgow, where you’ll spend your final evening discovering the legendary warmth and character that proves "People Make Glasgow."
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With historic castles, world-class distilleries, luxury stays, and incredible meals at every turn, this is a week dedicated to the very best of Scotland.
DAY 1
A WARM WELCOME
MORNING
Touch down at Edinburgh International, where your private chauffeur will be waiting to whisk you away. Forget about wrestling with luggage or navigating maps; just sink into the seat of a mercedes and enjoy the ride to the 5-star Balmoral Hotel. As one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, it’s the ultimate "welcome to Scotland" spot. We’ll get you checked in so you can freshen up, shake off the jet lag, and find your feet.
ACCOMMODATION
The Balmoral, Edinburgh
TRANSPORT
Executive Vehicle, Private Driver/Guide
ITINERARY
Airport Arrival, Transfer to Edinburgh & Exploring New Town
AFTERNOON
Ease into things with a stroll through the New Town, which, despite the name, dates all the way back to 1767. It was designed by a 23-year-old architect named James Craig, and its grand Georgian townhouses and wide-open squares are still a masterclass in style. If you’re in the mood to shop, hit the St James Quarter or the upscale boutiques on George Street. For the best views in the city, head to the Scott Monument. If you’re feeling brave, climb the 287 steps to the top for a panoramic look at the skyline.​
EVENING
Keep it local tonight at the hotel’s own restaurant, Number One. It’s a 4 AA Rosette spot that does modern Scottish food right. Their five-course tasting menu is the perfect introduction to the country’s seasonal flavors.
DAY 2
EXPLORE THE CAPITAL
MORNING
Fuel up with a proper Scottish breakfast (we’ll tell you which "mystery" items are actually worth a try!). Meet your Blue Badge guide in the lobby to dive into the Historic Old Town. These guides are walking encyclopedias, so grill them with all your questions as you wander the Royal Mile and soak up the local legends.
ACCOMMODATION
The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
TRANSPORT
Self-guided
ITINERARY
Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Mary Kings Close
AFTERNOON
Grab some lunch at whatever catches your eye, your driver will have plenty of recommendations if you’re stuck. Afterward, head up to Edinburgh Castle. You’ll be stepping back to the 12th century as you explore the Great Hall and St. Margaret’s Chapel. Time it right to catch the One o’clock Gun and have a look at the Honours of Scotland (our Crown Jewels).
Later, take a walk through Greyfriars Kirkyard. You’ll hear the heart-wrenching tale of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal terrier who guarded his master’s grave for 14 years. Harry Potter fans can also go on a hunt for Tom Riddle’s grave, which famously inspired J.K Rowling. If you’ve got a taste for the spooky, don't miss The Real Mary King’s Close, a hidden warren of underground streets that tells the darker, hidden history of the city.
EVENING
Dinner tonight is at The Dome. Built in the 1700s, this place has been everything from a physicians' hall to a bank, and it’s now one of the most stunning dining rooms in the city. It’s the perfect spot to toast to your second day before heading back to the hotel, or finding a cosy pub to share a dram with the locals.
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DAY 3
A COASTAL JOURNEY TO ST ANDREWS
MORNING
We’ll kick things off by heading to Port Edgar Marina for a 90-minute boat trip on the Firth of Forth. You’ll get an up-close look at the Three Bridges, including the world-famous Forth Bridge, a cantilever masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site completed in 1890. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and puffins while you enjoy the onboard commentary. Back on land, we’ll drive across the 1.7-mile Queensferry Crossing before winding along the scenic Fife Coastal Route to the postcard-perfect fishing village of Crail.
ACCOMMODATION
Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
TRANSPORT
Executive Vehicle, Private Driver/Guide
ITINERARY
Three Bridges Boat Trip, Crail, St Andrews Walking Tour
AFTERNOON
After lunch, a quick drive then brings us into St Andrews, the historic "Home of Golf". You’ll join a local guide for a wander through the town’s medieval heart, visiting the ruins of the Cathedral and Castle, the famous University, and the iconic Old Course. If there’s time, take a stroll along West Sands Beach, famous for that legendary opening scene in Chariots of Fire.
EVENING
Dinner tonight is at the Road Hole Restaurant, the "beating heart" of the hotel named after the Old Course’s notorious 17th hole. This fine-dining spot has earned a prestigious triple-A recognition for its incredible service and focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood and grill classics. With floor-to-ceiling views stretching across the Old Course and out toward the North Sea, it’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down over the Fife coastline.
DAY 4
JOURNEY TO MULL
MORNING
We head north to Perth to visit Scone Palace (pronounced ‘Scoone’), a place heavy with Scottish history. This was the site of Scotland’s first parliament and the crowning place of 42 kings, including Robert the Bruce, on the legendary Stone of Destiny. You can explore the magnificent grounds, tackle the maze, and learn about the Earls of Mansfield, whose family still resides in part of the palace today.
ACCOMMODATION
Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa, Mull
TRANSPORT
Executive Vehicle, Private Driver/Guide
ITINERARY
Scone Palace, Glenturret Distillery, Kilchurn Castle/St Conan’s Kirk, Oban
AFTERNOON
Next, we visit Glenturret Distillery in Crieff, where tradition meets perfection. As you explore one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, you’ll see the centuries of craftsmanship that go into every single malt. Afterward, we’ll stop at the hauntingly beautiful Kilchurn Castle on the shores of Loch Awe. Built by Clan Campbell in the 1400s, it sits just a stone's throw from St Conan’s Kirk, an extraordinary lochside church that even houses a bone relic of Robert the Bruce. We’ll finish the afternoon in the harbor town of Oban to catch the 17:25 ferry over to the Isle of Mull.
EVENING
Your base for the next few days is the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa, a 4-star retreat that recently enjoyed a £3 million upgrade. Whether you’re relaxing in the Driftwood Spa or taking in the views from a sea-view suite, it’s all about sophisticated elegance. For dinner, head to the hotel’s restaurant, Òran Na Mara, where the chefs prepare a seasonal menu inspired by the island’s rich surrounding waters.
DAY 5
ARTISANAL CHARM
MORNING
After breakfast, meet your guide in the foyer of the hotel and embark on a private wildlife tour of the Island. On a typical day you are likely to see White Tailed Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles, Hen Harriers, Buzzards, Divers and many others, normally 40 to 50 species of birds. Mammals include Red Deer, Common Seals, Atlantic Grey Seals, Otters, possibly Porpoises and Dolphins and even occasional Minky whales. ​
ACCOMMODATION
Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa, Mull
TRANSPORT
Executive Vehicle, Private Driver/Guide
ITINERARY
Wildlife Tour, Mull Cheese Farm, Tobermory
AFTERNOON
After a light lunch head up the hill to the Mull Cheese farm where you will learn about the cheesemaking process from fresh milk to aging. See the cows, traditional dairy equipment, and cheese maturation rooms and discover the farm’s renewable energy setup, which powers operations. Try their famous Isle of Mull Cheddar, known for its rich, nutty flavour and taste Hebridean Blue and other artisanal cheeses. End the day with a relaxing stroll around Tobermory, the capital of the island. Pop into the distillery or visit the Mull museum.
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EVENING
Your base for the next few days is the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa, a 4-star retreat that recently enjoyed a £3 million upgrade. Whether you’re relaxing in the Driftwood Spa or taking in the views from a sea-view suite, it’s all about sophisticated elegance. For dinner, head to the hotel’s restaurant, Òran Na Mara, where the chefs prepare a seasonal menu inspired by the island’s rich surrounding waters.
DAY 6
JUSTICE & ROYAL VIEWS
MORNING
After a final island breakfast, we’ll head to the Craignure Ferry Terminal to catch the boat back to the mainland. Once we dock in Oban, we’ll visit McCaig’s Tower, a massive stone landmark inspired by the Roman Colosseum that offers incredible panoramic views over Oban Bay. From there, we move on to Inveraray Jail, a fascinatingly grim 19th-century prison where you can see exactly what life was like for the criminals and debtors of the 1820s.​
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ACCOMMODATION
The Kimpton Blythswood Square, Glasgow
TRANSPORT
Executive Vehicle, Private Driver/Guide
ITINERARY
McCaigs Tower, Inveraray Castle, Loch Lomond
AFTERNOON
After lunch, we’ll explore Inveraray Castle, the ancestral seat of the Duke of Argyll and a stunning 15th-century fortress belonging to the powerful Campbell clan. The journey then takes us over the famous "Rest and Be Thankful" mountain pass to Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest loch. We’ll take a quick wander through the picturesque village of Luss before arriving in Glasgow, Scotland’s most vibrant city.
EVENING
You’ll be staying at the Kimpton Blythswood Square, a 5-star Georgian landmark and the only hotel in the city with AA accreditation.
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For your final evening, savour the very best of Scotland’s artisan produce at Ardnamurchan. Celebrating seasonal ingredients and traditional methods with a contemporary touch, this dining experience showcases the creativity and quality of modern Scottish cuisine. It serves as an exceptional and fitting send-off to your time in the country, perfectly reflecting the heartfelt warmth and culinary excellence that define Scottish hospitality.
DAY 7
FAREWELL – PICK UP &
DROP OFF​
MORNING
After a final breakfast at the hotel, your private chauffeur will collect you for your transfer to the Airport. As you leave Scotland, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of castles, lochs, fine whisky and world-class hospitality.
We hope this journey has left you truly enchanted by all that Scotland has to offer and we look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.
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From all at DFH Scotland Tours,
Haste ye Back
DRIVE THE DREAM IN LUXURY
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