THE CITY &
HIGHLANDS TOUR
THE PERFECT 6 DAYS IN SCOTLAND
EDINBURGH • GLASGOW • ISLE OF ERISKA
OBAN • STIRLING
The perfect 6 days in Scotland come to life with our City and Highlands journey, an effortlessly curated experience that captures the very best of the country in just under a week.
You will be chauffeured across Scotland with the best of the best, every destination is complimented by our drivers unique insights that tell a story as you weave your way across the country.
5-star hotels, exceptional Scottish fine dining, and breathtaking views set the tone for how you unwind between this tour’s iconic stops. Everything you could want from a journey through Scotland, all in 6 unforgettable days.
DAY 1
WELCOME TO SCOTLAND
MORNING
When you arrive at the capital’s airport, Edinburgh International, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your private chauffeur who will be your personal driver as you discover Scotland. No worrying about luggage, or how to get to the hotel – sit back and relax as you travel in comfort to the 5-star Balmoral Hotel.
Edinburgh’s most prestigious hotel, known for its stunning clock tower, impeccable service, and prime location at the heart of the city. We could not choose a warmer welcome for guests than the exceptional and intimate service of one of Edinburgh’s most iconic luxury hotels.
ACCOMMODATION
The Balmoral, Edinburgh
TRANSPORT
Executive Vehicle, Private Driver/Guide
ITINERARY
Airport Arrival & Transfer to Edinburgh
AFTERNOON
Enjoy some free time, take the opportunity to stretch your legs after a long journey, visit the Princes Street Gardens, stroll through this beautiful green space beneath the castle and visit the Scott Monument. If you feel adventurous and still have some energy after your flight, climb the 287 steps for panoramic views of Edinburgh.
EVENING
For your first Scottish dinner, your hotel is home to a 4 AA Rosette restaurant celebrated for its modern Scottish cuisine, crafted using seasonal ingredients from trusted local suppliers. The Number One offers a five-course tasting menu, blending traditional flavours with their contemporary signature.
DAY 2
EXPLORE THE CAPITAL
MORNING
Your first morning in Scotland will begin with breakfast – where you’ll probably find a few things to try that you haven’t seen before (don’t worry, we give recommendations).
Meet your blue badge guide at hotel reception and you’re off to explore Edinburgh’s Historic Old Town. Your guide is an expert and experts love questions, so don’t shy away from asking questions, they’ll share the legends of the Royal Mile and some of Edinburgh’s most famous architecture.
Following that, you’ll visit the first castle of the trip and it will take you on a journey back to the 12th century. You’ll walk in the footsteps of kings and queens, see where battle decisions were made in the Great Hall, where soldiers and royalty prayed in St Margaret’s Chapel. At 1 o’clock, you’ll witness the One o’clock Gun and the Honours of Scotland.
ACCOMMODATION
The Balmoral, Edinburgh
TRANSPORT
Self-guided
ITINERARY
The Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace
AFTERNOON
For lunch there are a multitude of restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from, but you could try Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar next to Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery.
For an additional experience before or after lunch, the cemetery offers an interesting glimpse into the past. The cemetery is best known for Bobby, a Skye terrier belonging to John Gray who died and was buried in the graveyard in 1872. Bobby is said to have sat by the grave for 14 years and he was buried just inside the gate not far from his master’s grave. For the Harry Potter fans, you can add a stop to Tom Riddle’s grave. JK Rowling lived nearby and was known to have spent time walking through the graveyard, undoubtedly looking for inspiration. Alternatively sample the delightful menu of Holyrood 9a, a cosy little pub offering a huge range of salads, burgers, steaks, venison and since you’re in Scotland, a haggis burger.
After lunch take a stroll back down the royal mile to Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland and a key site of Scottish royal history, political intrigue, and dramatic events for over 500 years. Explore the Royal Apartments, see the lavish rooms still used by the British monarchy during visits. Walk through Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers and explore the rooms where Mary lived and learn about the dramatic murder of her secretary, David Rizzio in 1566.
Stroll through the Palace Gardens, filled with manicured lawns and wildflower meadows. Enjoy spectacular views of Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh’s famous extinct volcano. If time allows, take a short walk up to St. Anthony’s Chapel ruins for a unique historic spot.
EVENING
Spend the evening enjoying the many culinary delights of The Dome, an imagining of architect James Craig. Originally a Physicians Hall built in 1775, it soon went on to become a bank and then in 1996, a rather unique location for a restaurant.
A Georgian backdrop, food for every palate and impeccable service, the perfect way to wrap up day two before you enjoy an early evening or maybe get acquainted with the locals and their favourite tipple.
DAY 3
GLASGOW’S CULTURAL CAPITAL
MORNING
After a final breakfast in Edinburgh you will be met by your driver-guide as you begin your journey west to the city of Glasgow. Scotland’s largest city was once a thriving global centre of industry, innovation, and trade during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its industrial strength and immense influence on global commerce and technology helped shape the modern world. Explore George Square, surrounded by grand Victorian architecture. Visit Glasgow Cathedral, a stunning medieval structure, and walk through the Glasgow Necropolis, a beautifully eerie Victorian cemetery.
ACCOMMODATION
The Kimpton Blythswood Square, Glasgow
TRANSPORT
Executive Vehicle, Private Driver/Guide
ITINERARY
George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove
AFTERNOON
Following lunch, travel across the city to Glasgow’s West End, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, home to works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Salvador Dalí. Across the Clyde River is the Riverside Museum & Tall Ship, a fantastic curation of Glasgow’s maritime and transport history.
Back at the Ness Walk you will have some time to relax and reflect on your trip so far and get excited for what’s left to come, before dinner.
EVENING
While you’re in the West End, you’ll enjoy traditional Scottish cooking at The Bothy. Their talented team are skilled in drawing out the very best flavours from locally sourced produce, creating an experience every guest is delighted to enjoy.
Finish the evening with a whisky tasting at The Pot Still – one of Glasgow’s best whisky bars with over 1000 choices.
DAY 4
LOCHS & LANDSCAPES
MORNING
After breakfast you will begin your journey north towards the Scottish Highlands, and what better way to start than a short drive to Auchentoshan Distillery, one of Scotland’s few triple-distilled whisky producers. You’ll enjoy a private whisky tasting of their smooth, lowland single malts. Next stop is Luss, a charming Lochside village, on the west banks of Loch Lomond. Cruise the loch itself by boat and take in the stunning mountain views that surround it.
ACCOMMODATION
Isle of Eriska Hotel, Private Island
TRANSPORT
Executive Vehicle, Private Driver/Guide
ITINERARY
Auchentoshan, Loch Lomond, Glencoe
AFTERNOON
Stop for lunch at The Drovers Inn, one of Scotland’s most atmospheric and historic pubs, dating back to 1705. It’s a perfect lunch stop on your way from Glasgow to Glencoe, offering traditional Scottish fayre in a cosy, rustic setting, plus a chance to hear ghost stories!
Your travels will continue north through Scotland’s most scenic landscapes. A stop at the Three Sisters viewpoint for the perfect photo op, and then on to the valleys of Glencoe.
The scenes of beauty have a darker history than appearances suggest – you’ll learn about the 1692 Glencoe Massacre at your stop to the Glencoe Visitor Centre.
The afternoon ends with the idyllic Castle Stalker, one of Scotland’s most photogenic castles, set on a tiny island.
EVENING
After another action-packed day, you’ll check in at Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island Hotel, the only five-star Scottish hotel that is situated on its own private island, near Oban.
In summer you can enjoy the sunset over the mountains as you dine on small plates at The Deck, or in the colder months the warmth of The Main House Restaurant for the stunning Table d'hôte menu.
DAY 5
THE GATEWAY TO THE ISLES
ACCOMMODATION
The Caledonian, Edinburgh
TRANSPORT
Executive Vehicle, Private Driver/Guide
ITINERARY
Oban, Callander, Stirling Castle, Kelpies
MORNING
You’ll enjoy another of many delicious local breakfasts before your driver takes you a short way into Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles” – a charming coastal town with stunning views and world-class seafood.
Grab a coffee or tea from The Little Potting Shed Cafe and take a peaceful walk along Oban Bay to watch the ferries depart for the Inner Herbrides – it’s the perfect relaxing start to the morning.
Take a drive up to McCaig’s Tower, a striking Roman-inspired structure with breathtaking panoramic views over Oban, Mull, and the surrounding islands. Capture the best views of Oban’s harbour and coastline. Drive to Callander.
McCaig's Tower, also known as McCaig's Folly, is your next stop. This striking landmark is situated on a hill overlooking the town. The tower offers panoramic views of Oban, the surrounding area and the nearby islands, making it a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. Designed to resemble a Roman Colosseum, McCaig's Tower is both an architectural curiosity and a historic monument.
AFTERNOON
After lunch you’ll stop into Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest castles, rich with stories of Mary, Queen of Scots and Robert the Bruce. You can walk to the Wallace Monument – a hilltop tower honouring Scotland’s national hero, William Wallace.
You’ll stop by The Kelpies on your way back to Edinburgh, a 30-metres tall tribute to Scotland’s industrial heritage, the steel horse head sculptures that celebrate the nation’s deep connection with working horses. Take a guided tour to learn about the sculptures' creation, or simply stroll around the park and enjoy the serene setting by the Forth and Clyde Canal.
EVENING
Dinner is at Michelin-starred Restaurant Martin Wishart in Edinburgh, where you’ll have your final taste of luxury with classical French techniques & the finest Scottish ingredients.
After which we’ll check in to The Caledonian for your final evening, where you can head straight to bed for an evening or relaxation or enjoy a final dram by candlelight in the hotel bar.
DAY 6
FAREWELL – PICK UP &
DROP OFF
MORNING
After what we hope has been a memorable trip, visiting dramatic castles and enjoying our
wonderful scenery you will say a fond farewell to Scotland. Your private driver will escort you to Edinburgh Airport, help you with your bags, and wish you safe travels.
From all at DFH Scotland Tours,
Haste ye Back