Scotland Road Trip 7 Days: Castles, Whisky, and Highland Roads

The Market Street Hotel is a unique oasis away from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet at the pulse of the beating heart of Edinburgh. The hotel is located on the edge of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, at 6 Market Street, next to the City Art Centre. The hotel has 98 urban boutique-style rooms and suites and offers a rooftop Champagne Residence with panoramic views, designed to leave a lasting impression on today's intrepid travelers.

The dream of every whiskey lover. An early evening tour that includes a guided tasting of 4 single malts and 1 deluxe blended Scotch whiskey.

Visit the new Scotch Whiskey Experience for a sensational journey! Take a tour of a replica distillery and become part of the whiskey making process. Along the way, you'll hear the stories behind this magical craft, and expert tour guides and whiskey consultants will accompany you through every sip. They will help you discover the aromas and flavors that appeal to your palate and guide you to your perfect single malt whiskey.

Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel & Spa is a 19th-century manor house converted into a hotel, located 5.8 miles from Deeside Golf Club and 7.9 miles from the Jacobean manor house of Drum Castle. Traditional rooms and suites feature Wi-Fi, desks, satellite TV and tea/coffee makers. Upgraded options offer modern decor, Nespresso machines and walk-in showers. Many rooms have garden views.

The hotel has an in-house restaurant serving international cuisine, as well as an informal brasserie with a fireplace and bar. Other amenities include a fitness center, a heated indoor pool and a business center. There is also a ballroom with space for 450 guests and 8 meeting rooms.

Experience a sweep of Scottish history through the eyes of the Irvine family, who lived at Drum Castle for over 650 years, starting in the 14th century. Drum is one of the oldest tower houses in Scotland and sits beside an ancient oak woodland and walled garden, home to a beautiful collection of historic roses that perfume the air. In 1323, William de Irwyn was granted the Royal Forest of Drum and the Tower of Drum by King Robert the Bruce. The Tower has undergone several improvements over the centuries, including an extension to the Jacobean manor house in 1619 and Victorian adaptations, such as the impressive library, which was converted from the lower hall.

Situated in the Scottish Highlands, Kingsmills Hotel is a great place to stay for a short break or wedding. All guest rooms are equipped with a work area, Wi-Fi, television and tea/coffee making facilities, while upgraded rooms and suites have separate living areas. The hotel has two restaurants serving Scottish and international cuisine using fresh, local produce. You can make use of the Leisure Club's fitness center and swimming pool or indulge in beauty and body treatments at the spa. The surrounding area offers attractions and activities for all visitors, such as a guided tour to Loch Ness, the Outlander Experience Tour or shopping on Inverness High Street.

Cruise Loch Ness and visit the castle on this two-hour adventure. Your trip includes a one-hour cruise on the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. Plus, you'll go ashore for a one-hour visit to explore the historic Urquhart Castle and its turbulent past. Onboard audio commentary explains fascinating facts and legends that you can tune into during the cruise. And don't forget to look out for Nessie - with the help of our onboard sonar. 

The famous Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland's most popular attractions. Situated on the north-western shore of Loch Ness, it offers you fascinating insights into its dramatic history and spectacular views of the world-famous loch. It's easy to fall in love with the atmospheric beauty of Urquhart Castle, which sits on Strone Point, a rocky peninsula on Loch Ness.

Experience the world-famous "Jacobite Express," often hailed as one of the most beautiful and scenic train rides anywhere. This 84-mile round trip, known as the most stunning rail journey in the world, takes you through a series of breathtaking landscapes. The ride begins near Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and travels to Britain's westernmost train station, Arisaig, passing Britain's deepest freshwater lake, Loch Morar, and Britain's shortest river, River Morar, before finally reaching Europe's deepest seawater lake, Loch Nevis.

The journey includes crossing the iconic 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, along with views of Loch Shiel and the Jacobite Memorial. If time allows, the train will pause on the viaduct to let you fully appreciate the magnificent views. A stop at Glenfinnan station may also be scheduled, where you can stretch your legs and visit the West Highland Railway Museum in the restored station building, if you wish. The Jacobite can stop at Arisaig upon request.

Beyond Glenfinnan, travel through the picturesque villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar, and Mallaig. You can disembark at Arisaig if arranged with the conductor. On a clear summer day, from this point, you may catch a glimpse of the "Small Islands" of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna, and the southern tip of Skye.

Located in the heart of the city center, Dakota Deluxe Glasgow is an excellent accommodation option for the leisure or business traveler. The guest rooms are equipped with TVs and tea/coffee making facilities; executive rooms and suites have fully stocked mini-fridges, while deluxe suites feature separate living rooms. The property features a restaurant offering guests breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a bar to unwind after a busy day. The surrounding area offers attractions and activities to suit all visitors’ interests such as visiting the Centre for Contemporary Arts, the Glasgow Film Theatre or the Glasgow School of Art.

Glengoyne Distillery - Tour & Tasting

Visit one of Scotland's most beautiful whisky distilleries....

Glengoyne is a distillery like no other. With its whitewashed walls and pagoda roof, it is picture-perfect and nestles at the foot of Dumgoyne Hill, the famous volcanic rock that shimmers like a mirage for the inhabitants of Glasgow. It is a happy, thriving community where tenth-generation distillers live, who make no compromises and never deviate from the methods they have adopted from their forefathers. The distillery is also at the forefront when it comes to offering entertaining and detailed tours for whisky experts and beginners alike. There is something for everyone here, and as Richard Grindall writes in The Spirit Of Whisky, "there can be no better place in the world to drink a glass of malt whisky".