6-Night Scotland's Secret Pockets

Day 2

Accommodation

Riverside Royal Hotel - Perth, Central Scotland

Room Type: Double / Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Daily Itinerary

Brilliant Edinburgh - Historic Doune - Breathtaking Perthshire

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll board our mini-coach and head to Doune Castle. Words cannot describe this enchanting 14th century castle, but we are welcome to explore the interior and the battlements. Next, we travel through the mesmerizing countryside of Sma’ Glen on our way to Perthshire. This is an area blessed with lochs, legendary mountains, and thick forests. We’ll stop and indulge in the unparalleled flavor of Scottish smoked salmon at Dunkeld Smokehouse. Our accommodation this evening is the ideal place to stroll through natural beauty or settle in and simply relax. This evening is yours. Breakfast is included.

Doune Trivia:
Q. Who built Doune Castle?
A. Doune Castle was built in the 13th century, and then it was damaged in the Scottish Wars of Independence. It was rebuilt in the late 14th century by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, the son of Robert II of Scotland, and Regent of Scotland from 1388 until his death. Duke Robert’s castle survived intact for quite some time. After James I returned to Scotland, it was soon used for a Jacobite prison, and later it became a hunting lodge. Doune has an exceptional history, and it is quite atmospheric.

Must-See Sites

Perthshire, Central Scotland

On The Map: The Highland Border cuts Scotland diagonally, from Dumbarton to Stonehaven. The border divides the county of Perthshire into two very unique regions. Highland Perthshire is a land filled with mountains, lochs, forests, and some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland. The ancient city of Dunkeld is on the main A9 road from Perth to Inverness.

In a time that was long ago and far away, Perth was the capital of Scotland. It was the playground for royalty, and easy to access from various parts of Scotland. Called the “Fair City” of Scotland, Perth is a must-visit. The city has stunning architecture, amazing scenery, and fascinating royal history. There are several museums and galleries that are well worth taking a look at in this city that’s also a foodie favorite.

Overnight Location

Perth, Central Scotland

On The Map: Perth is located in Central Scotland, just 43 miles north of Edinburgh, on the M90 Motorway.

Due to its central location in Scotland, Perth has always been an important trading and market town, evident in the fine Georgian facades, terraces and crescents. Heritage highlights include The Scone Palace - ancestral home of the Earls of Mansfield and the crowning place of Scottish Kings. Perth Black Watch Museum and Balhousie Castle offer insights into one of the British Army's, if not the world's most famous fighting units. 

For culture Perth Museum and Art Gallery houses a varied collection, while those with a green thumb will enjoy National Trust-owned Branklyn Gardens, which contains an outstanding collection of plants. Monuments and headstones spanning four centuries form a collection unrivaled in Scotland and can be found in Perth. The 400 year-old Greyfriars Burial Ground, on the site of a Franciscan Monastery off Tay Street - the enclosed burial ground is accessible from the city center and offers a window into Perth's past

Day 3

Accommodation

Riverside Royal Hotel - Perth, Central Scotland

Room Type: Double / Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Daily Itinerary

Breathtaking Perthshire

The Highlands are well-known for their wild nature and proud people. On this day we’ll have the opportunity to explore the Highlands with a local safari ranger. Ask him the history of his kilt—stories are everywhere! Perthshire is known for nature at its finest. Keep your eyes open for golden eagles, mountain hare, and grouse. Next, we go to the Red Deer Centre. These magnificent animals are Britain’s largest, native mammals. After a wondrous day spent in the wilds, we return to our hotel for leisure. Wander the surroundings of our hotel and be inspired. Breakfast is included.

Perthshire Trivia:
Q. What exactly is Perthshire?
A. Perthshire is a historic county in central Scotland. It borders the counties of Inverness-shire and Aberdeenshire to the north, Aberfoyle to the south, Angus to the east, and six other counties to the south and west. Perthshire is known as “big county” or “shire” because of its round shape. Being large, the landscape is highly diverse. The shire’s shield is similar to the Scottish royal arms, reflecting that it was once the House of Dunkeld, containing the Royal Capital of Scone. On the crest is pictured a Highland soldier, the famous Black Watch, and their supporters are an eagle and a warhorse.

Overnight Location

Perth, Central Scotland

On The Map: Perth is located in Central Scotland, just 43 miles north of Edinburgh, on the M90 Motorway.

Due to its central location in Scotland, Perth has always been an important trading and market town, evident in the fine Georgian facades, terraces and crescents. Heritage highlights include The Scone Palace - ancestral home of the Earls of Mansfield and the crowning place of Scottish Kings. Perth Black Watch Museum and Balhousie Castle offer insights into one of the British Army's, if not the world's most famous fighting units. 

For culture Perth Museum and Art Gallery houses a varied collection, while those with a green thumb will enjoy National Trust-owned Branklyn Gardens, which contains an outstanding collection of plants. Monuments and headstones spanning four centuries form a collection unrivaled in Scotland and can be found in Perth. The 400 year-old Greyfriars Burial Ground, on the site of a Franciscan Monastery off Tay Street - the enclosed burial ground is accessible from the city center and offers a window into Perth's past

Day 4

Accommodation

Lakefront View Hotel - Luss, Loch Lomond, Central Scotland

Room Type: Double/ Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Daily Itinerary

Breathtaking Perthshire - Amazing Scottish Crannog Centre - Lovely Luss

A crannog is a partially, or entirely, artificial island formed by building homes with stilts on Scotland’s lakes and estuaries. Crannogs were used as dwellings for five millennia, from the European Neolithic Period to the early 18th century. Today we visit the Scottish Crannog Centre and become immersed in craft, textile, and cooking demonstrations that were used by the Crannog dwellers. It’s an insider's view into part of Scotland’s unique history. From there, we go to the Glengoyne Distillery, founded in 1833, for a heavenly whisky tasting session. We’ll wrap up our day with a lovely drive along the western shore of Loch Lomond to the village of Luss, where we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner with our group. Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Luss Trivia:
Q. What does the name of “luss” mean?
A. Luss was founded in the 12th century, and its name was originally Clachan Dhu, meaning “dark village.” It has a large sandy beach on Loch Lomond and is surrounded by mountains. It is said that a saint was martyred there, and his body was wrapped in sweet herbs. When he was buried, sweet herbs of various sorts grew over his grave. “Lus” is the Gaelic word for ‘herb,” and thus the town got its pretty name.

Overnight Location

Luss, Loch Lomond, Central Scotland

On The Map: The lovely village of Luss is 10 miles south of Tarbet on the western shore of Loch Lomond. Luss is within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. It is just off the main road to the West Highlands. Luss is 80 miles west of Edinburgh and 34 miles north of Glasgow.

Luss is picture-postcard lovely. The lanes are filled with quaint cottages built by the local laird in the 19th century for his estate workers. Stop and admire the amazing views of Loch Lomond. The beach is a nice place to slow down and have a picnic.

Day 5

Accommodation

Lakefront View Hotel - Luss, Loch Lomond, Central Scotland

Room Type: Double/ Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Daily Itinerary

Lovely Luss - Natural Glencoe - Lovely Luss

After breakfast, we ramble through more astonishing scenery as we take a day trip through the Glencoe Valley. Our relaxed pace makes it easy to enjoy all the beauty this valley has to offer. Mountain ranges formed by volcanic eruptions and glacial movement, in an era long past, created this place of splendor. While there, we’ll visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre. It was here, in 1692, that the McDonald clan generously entertained 130 soldiers for ten days. The soldiers then turned on their hosts, killing and injuring most. It was a shocking breach of trust that led to years of strife. See the real story with audio-visual aids. Heading back to Luss, we appreciate the courage of the Scots who soldiered on and continued to build good lives for themselves and their families. Our afternoon is free to explore lovely Luss. Breakfast is included.

Glencoe Trivia:
Q. Is Glencoe in the Highlands?
A. This is Scotland’s most well-known glen, combining the two best qualities of the Highlands: Legendary scenery and intense history. The valley is peaceful, lush, green, and has good grazing. But terrible battles have taken place here. The glen has fine Highland walks. A favorite is a walk to the Lost Valley. This trail was used by clansmen for centuries, and you are welcome to explore it.

Overnight Location

Luss, Loch Lomond, Central Scotland

On The Map: The lovely village of Luss is 10 miles south of Tarbet on the western shore of Loch Lomond. Luss is within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. It is just off the main road to the West Highlands. Luss is 80 miles west of Edinburgh and 34 miles north of Glasgow.

Luss is picture-postcard lovely. The lanes are filled with quaint cottages built by the local laird in the 19th century for his estate workers. Stop and admire the amazing views of Loch Lomond. The beach is a nice place to slow down and have a picnic.

Day 6

Accommodation

Classic Historic Hotel - Peebles, Southern

Room Type: Double / Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 10.00am.

Daily Itinerary

Fascinating New Lanark - Dramatic Scottish Borders

This morning after breakfast, we’ll cap off our stay in Loch Lomond with a scenic cruise on the loch. We’ll let our imaginations soar, and get lost in the views of islands, mountains, forests, and the inky water of the Lomond herself. Next, we head to the Scottish Borders, stopping in New Lanark on our way. New Lanark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a peek into Scotland’s booming cotton industry in the 18th century. Two of Scotland’s 40 national scenic areas, protected from development, lie within the Scottish Borders. This area has inspired artists, poets, and authors for centuries. After spending time here, you too may feel inspired! Tonight, we gather for a final meal together. We’ll exchange joy, stories, and memories on this last night of our Scottish journey! Dinner included.

New Lanark Trivia:
Q. Why was New Lanark Created?    
A. New Lanark is just below the market town of Lanark in a pretty gorge by the River Clyde. Robert Owens, the town founder, was a pioneer in social experiments. There was a mighty cotton-spinning complex here, and Owens decided to take care of his workers. He gave them housing, a co-op store, the first nursery school in the country, adult-education classes, sick pay, and a social center. Owens was known as “an enlightened capitalist.” There is plenty to see in New Lanark, and you might also enjoy walking along the river bank. 

Must-See Sites

Scottish Borders, Southern

On the Map: In Southeastern Scotland, the Borders designates the areas of southern Scotland and northern England that create the English/Scottish border. The largest Scottish Borders towns are Galashiels, Hawick, and Peebles, each having a population of around 15,000. The Scottish Borders are 45 miles south of Edinburgh and 89 miles southeast of Glasgow. The Anglo-Scottish borderlands run for 96 miles between Meadows Bay on the east coast and the Solway Firth in the west.

The scenery is impressive. There are rolling hills and open countryside in the west. Heading east, there are gentle valleys and the dramatic Berwickshire coastline. This intriguing land of abbeys, estates, and castles inspired Sir Walter Scott. The area also offers plenty for adventure seekers, including hiking, cycling, golf, fishing, and rock climbing. It is a grand place to get away from it all and fall under nature’s spell.

Overnight Location

Peebles, Southern

On The Map: Peebles straddles the A72 Road in the Scottish Borders region of Southern Scotland. Located just 25 miles directly south of Edinburgh

The Ancient and Royal Burgh of Peebles is a genteel, handsome town on the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders. This pretty former county town is surrounded on all sides by beautiful countryside. The town pre-dates the reign of King David I (1124-53), and was often visited by Monarchs in the 15th and 16th centuries. The main street is wide and attractive with many buildings of historical interest. It boasts an old Mercat Cross and the ruined Cross Kirk, standing high above Eddleston Water, was founded in 1261. There are many fine buildings in the town, one of which is the Chambers Institute. Nowadays it is a bustling market town and holiday resort, with an excellent high street renowned for its fine selection of thriving independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

Day 7

Daily Itinerary

Dramatic Scottish Borders - Brilliant Edinburgh

We’ve two more stops to make before we end our tour in brilliant Edinburgh. First, we’ll visit Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, dating back to 1107. Continuing on, we visit the haunting Melrose Abbey. This medieval church was a miracle of its time, and its ruins seem somehow to be of a different world. It is said that the abbey holds the heart of Robert the Bruce, one of Scotland’s bravest heroes. In Edinburgh we bid Scotland, and each other, farewell but will take our memoires home with us. Breakfast is included.

Scottish Borders Trivia:
Q. Does Hadrian’s Wall mark the Scottish Borderlands?
A. It is a common error that Hadrian’s Wall marks the English-Scottish border. Hadrian’s Wall is entirely within England. In the west, at Bowness-on-Solway, it is less than ½ miles south of the border with Scotland. In the east, it is as much as 68 miles away in some places.  The wall was the boundary between the Roman province of Britannia to the south, and the Celtic lands of Caledonia. The Roman fleet did sail around Scotland to Orkney, and their garrisons reached just 30 miles south of Aberdeen.

As you'll be arriving late in the day to Edinburgh, please ask your Authentic Destination Expert about extending your stay for a night or two, so there is zero stress about arriving at the airport in time for your flight home!

Depart From

Depart from Edinburgh Airport, Central Scotland

Return to Edinburgh Airport 3 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.

Edinburgh is a small airport, but offers a surprisingly large array of shops and restaurants. If you have some time on your hands after check-in and security, you won't be bored!