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The Northern Highlands<br />
Home to some of Scotland’s most impressive<br />
wilderness and hospitable towns. This itinerary will<br />
take you through Cairngorm National Park, towards<br />
the least explored areas of the north east and north<br />
westerly tip of the country.<br />
Dunrobin Castle © VisitScotland & Paul Tomkins<br />
8 days/7 nights Suggested Self-Drive<br />
Day 1: Edinburgh<br />
Visit some of Edinburgh’s famous attractions including the Royal Mile<br />
and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.<br />
Day 2: Edinburgh – Perth – Aviemore (204km)<br />
Travel north over the Firth of Forth to reach Perthshire’s stunning<br />
scenery. In the picturesque Victorian town of Pitlochry visit Edradour,<br />
the smallest whisky distillery in Scotland. Explore the Cairngorm<br />
National Park on your way up to Aviemore.<br />
Day 3: Aviemore – Inverness – Thurso (221km)<br />
Journey through one of the least explored areas of Scotland, up to<br />
Inverness and along the north eastern coast. As the road snakes towards<br />
Thurso, be sure to stop at the magnificent Dunrobin Castle.<br />
Day 4: Orkney Islands<br />
Take the ferry to the Orkney Islands to see Skara Brae and Maeshowe,<br />
the prehistoric sites that predate the Pyramids.<br />
Day 5: Thurso – Tongue – Lairg (130km)<br />
Travel on the single track coastal road to Tongue. The road will take you<br />
south by the mountains of Ben Loyal and Ben Klibeck to the village of Lairg.<br />
Day 6: Lairg – Fort Augustus (128km)<br />
Loch Ness stretches its bitterly cold waters for 38km between Inverness<br />
and Fort Augustus and the shores makes for a beautiful scenic journey.<br />
Day 7: Fort Augustus – Loch Lomond (172km)<br />
Follow the famous Caledonian Canal to Fort William as you head towards<br />
Loch Lomond, the largest loch in the whole of Great Britain.<br />
Day 8: Loch Lomond – Glasgow (53km)<br />
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Loch’s wooded shores and island vistas<br />
before a scenic drive to the energetic city of Glasgow.<br />
Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $39 per day<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Royal Hotel, Thurso<br />
• The Lovat Loch Ness, Fort Augustus<br />
• Cameron House, Loch Lomond<br />
Urquhart Castle<br />
Loch<br />
Ness<br />
Fort Augustus<br />
Fort William<br />
Glencoe<br />
Loch Lomond<br />
Orkney<br />
Skara Brae Islands<br />
Stormness<br />
Maeshowe<br />
Tongue<br />
Thurso<br />
Lairg Dunrobin Castle<br />
Inverness<br />
Aviemore<br />
SCOTLAND<br />
Pitlochry<br />
Dunkeld Scone Palace<br />
Perth<br />
Glasgow<br />
Highlights worth seeing along the way<br />
EDINBURGH<br />
Climb the r<strong>amp</strong>arts of Edinburgh Castle – The castle dominates the<br />
city centre skyline and from the r<strong>amp</strong>arts you can look down on medieval<br />
lanes and sweeping terraces that hold over a thousand year of history,<br />
mystery and tradition.<br />
Admire the treasures inside Scone Palace – This superb Gothic<br />
building is the ancient crowning place of the Kings of Scotland and holds<br />
many historical treasures.<br />
Dunkeld – Medieval cathedral on the banks of Loch Tay.<br />
See a falconry display at Dunrobin Castle – The gardens, inspired by<br />
the Palais de Versailles are a beautiful backdrop to this exciting display.<br />
Admire the Italian Chapel – Built by Italian prisoners of war on the tiny<br />
island of Lamb Holm, Orkney.<br />
Discover history in Glencoe – One of Scotland’s most dramatic glens<br />
and the scene of the cruel massacre of the Clan Macdonald by Clan<br />
C<strong>amp</strong>bell.<br />
Wander through Urquhart Castle – Sitting magnificently on the banks<br />
of the famous Loch Ness.<br />
Stroll through Luss – Stop at this picturesque village to admire the cute<br />
cottages.<br />
Kelvingrove Art Gallery – View this amazing collection of exhibits.<br />
Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm © VisitScotland & Paul Tomkins<br />
Skara Brae © VisitScotland<br />
Loch Lomond © VisitScotland<br />
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 7+ day hire rate. Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date<br />
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