If you have three/four days only, plan a short itinerary including Edinburgh and an insight of the Highlands with Loch Lomond. If you have more than a week, have a look at the itinerary below:

First step: Edinburgh

Necessary time: 2 days

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, the city reveals much curiosity: between its cobbled streets, its neo classical and neo gothic architecture, its legends and undergrounds you cannot be bored! You cannot miss Edinburgh castle as it dominates the town, perched high up on Castle Rock hill. Then, visit the Mary King’s Close, a maze of streets and undergrounds built by the inhabitants in the 17^th century, the Mary King’s Close is well-known for its scary legends and myths.

Afterwards, have a stroll in the city centre, the Royal Mile is the main road and the heart of the old town, admire its cobbled streets, listen to the bagpipes’ players in the street and why not have a haggis tasting?

Keep in mind that the National Museum of Scotland is free, its internal architecture is beautiful and its collection very varied. If the sun is up, plan a walk to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano located very close to the city and offering a spectacular view over Edinburgh!

Step 2: Glasgow

Necessary time: 1 day

Although Edinburgh is the Scottish capital, Glasgow is the biggest city of Scotland and the third city of the United Kingdom. It hosts many free museums such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum! To know more about the Bagpiping let’s go to the National Piping Centre! Then, have your lunch break in the Botanical Gardens of Glasgow.

Step 3: Loch Lomond

Necessary time: 1 day

This lake (or loch) is located in the south of the Scottish Highlands, it’s the biggest of the United Kingdom’s lochs, its surface area is 27.5 square miles. Stop for a walk and a picnic at the edge of the loch before embarking on a mini cruise of approximately one hour (to book it’s this way). Bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket 😉

Step 4: Fort William & Glenfinnan viaduct

Necessary time: 1 day

Fort William is the second biggest town of the Highlands after Inverness. Fort William is located at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest summit in the United Kingdom (4,411 ft high). There is also a train station from which the Jacobite Train departs to reach Mallaig, via the Glenfinnan viaduct (famous scene in the Harry Potter saga). The cult films Braveheart and Highlander were shot not far from Fort William.

Step 5: Ile of Skye

Necessary time: 1 or 2 days

The Isle of Skye is the widest of the Inner Hebrides’ archipelago. It is famous for its wild atypical landscapes. We can find the Storr, a series of sharp rock pinnacles located at the top of a ridge, the Fairy Pools, which is a fall of crystal-clear water and the Kilt Rocks and Mealt Falls, a cliff from which a waterfall cascades into the sea! So, still not convinced?

Step 6: Loch Ness & Inverness

Necessary time: 1 day

The Loch Ness? You have surely heard about this mysterious Scottish lake where would live a marine monster most commonly known as the Loch Ness Monster or Nessie. This legend has made the lake famous, indeed, since the so-called monster was spotted in the 30’s many underwater expeditions and researches have been conducted without any result. The creature is fictional but the lake still rouses the public’s interest and tourists are still coming to unravel the mystery! On the edge of the lake we can find the ruins of Urquhart’s castle where the Visitor Centre and a café stand.

Step 7: Crieff & the Glenturret Distillery

Necessary time: Half a day

Crieff is a market town mainly known for its whisky which is produced in Glenturret distillery. If you are interested in the preparation method of this typical Scottish drink (or Irish, the debate is still open) then come visit Glenturret’s distillery!

Step 8: St Andrews

Necessary time: Half a day

St Andrews is a small seaside town hosting the third oldest university in the UK after Oxford and Cambridge. It is a very famous university, Prince William and the Duchess of de Cambridge used to study there! St Andrews is considered as the cradle of golf, the Golf legislative authority was founded there in 1754. The town now counts 5 golf courses; so, are you tempted by an introduction to this typical sport?

Step 9: Stirling

Necessary time: 1 day

Stirling was once the capital of the Scottish kingdom and a medieval town, it hosts an impressive castle and Wallace Monument, a tower elevating to 67 metres, built to commemorate Sir William Wallace, one of the main leaders during the First War for Scottish Independence.

Step 10: The Kelpies

Necessary time: 1 hour

On your way back to Edinburgh stop at the Kelpies, 30-metre-high sculptures representing horses. According to the legends, kelpies are mythological creatures living in running waters, they often take the form of a horse but they can also take a human form.

Return to Edinburgh

Here you are, it’s the end of this itinerary, have a last stop at the Elephant House Café which is now famous for often hosting J.K. Rowling when she started to think about the Harry Potter story.

Feel free to adapt timings of each step of this itinerary according to your wishes! You can also combine Scotland and a bit of England!  As for nature, don’t forget Wales which has not been invaded by tourists yet 😉

We can organise your accommodation, transport, itinerary and attractions from A to Z, contact us here for further information.

1- Highland Games

If you are travelling to Scotland you must participate or at least attend the Highland Games, a famous competition celebrating the Scottish Celtic culture. During the games, opponents go up against each other around trials such as the caber toss, weight throw etc. The event is a unique symbol of gathering, especially around Celtic music (bagpipes, harp…) and Scottish dance.

2- Surf

Who says you only surf in Australia?! The United Kingdom offers numerous surfing spots such as Watergate Bay in Corwall, Llangennith and Freshwater in Wales, and for the most experienced Thurso East in Scotland. Don’t worry if you don’t like surfing  – get your cameras ready to shoot some amazing landscapes!

3- Curling

Curling is a sport played on ice. It originates from Flanders but it became a “proper” sport in Scotland. The aim of the game is to slide stones closer to the target area marked on the skating rink. A game lasts 10 rounds, when each team has tossed eight times the team whose stone is the nearest to the target area wins a point. Only stones tossed inside the house (black circle) earn a point. Of course the team who wins the more points wins. Why not give it a try?

4- Haggis’ tasting

Haggis is a Scottish traditional dish composed of sheep’s stomach, minced with onion, oatmeal, spices and salt. Traditionally the haggis is placed in the sheep’s stomach and cooked for a few hours. Preparation can now vary; it can be cooked with beef/pork or can even be vegetarian. If this dish is not the most attractive it’s however very savoury and deserves a tasting.

5- Horse racing

Horse races are huge events in the United Kingdom, whether for people who love the sport, animal lovers, the gambling or simply to wear your most beautiful hat. It’s a one-time must-see event. Amongst the most famous races we can mention Ascot, Cheltenham and York.

Start booking your accommodation (in host families or hostel) from now on and come experience one of these surprising activities, we can of course take care of the attractions’ booking. For more information, contact us.

1- Les Highland Games

Si vous séjournez en Ecosse vous devez assister aux Highland Games (image ci-dessus représentant la danse écossaise), cette fameuse compétition célébrant la culture celtique écossaise. Pendant ces jeux, des adversaires s’affrontent autour d’épreuves telles que le lancer de tronc d’arbre, le lancer de poids etc. L’évènement reste un symbole de rassemblement, notamment autour de musique celtique (la cornemuse, la harpe…) et de danse écossaise.

2- Le Surf

Et oui, on ne surfe pas qu’en Australie ! Le Royaume-Uni  possède de nombreux spots pour surfer, on peut notamment citer Watergate Bay (dans les Cornouailles), Llangennith, Freshwater au Pays de Galles et pour les plus expérimentés Thurso East en Ecosse. Et si jamais vous n’aimez pas le surf et bien préparez vos appareils photos pour prendre de magnifiques clichés !

3- Le Curling

Le curling est un sport qui se joue sur la glace, il est originaire des Flandres mais est devenu un sport « officiel » en Ecosse. Le but du jeu est de faire glisser les pierres de Curling pour les faire arriver le plus proche possible de la cible dessinée sur la patinoire.

Un match compte dix manches, quand chaque équipe a lancé huit fois l’équipe dont la pierre est la plus proche du centre de la cible gagne un point. Seules les pierres à l’intérieur de la maison (la maison est le cercle délimité par la bande noire) rapportent un point. Bien sûr, l’équipe remportant le plus de points gagne. Pourquoi ne pas essayer ?

4- La dégustation de Haggis

Le Haggis est un plat traditionnel écossais composé d’abats de moutons, d’oignon, avoine, épices et sel. Traditionnellement la préparation du haggis est placée dans une panse de mouton et cuite pendant plusieurs heures. Désormais il existe des variantes du haggis qui peut être cuisiné avec du bœuf/porc ou même végétarien. S’il n’est pas forcément attrayant au premier aspect, ce plat est plein de saveur et mérite une dégustation.

5- Les courses de chevaux

La course de chevaux est un évènement très prisé par les Anglais. Que ce soit pour les passionnés du sport, de l’animal, pour parier ou pour simplement sortir son plus beau chapeau, c’est un évènement à voir au moins une fois dans sa vie. Parmi les courses les plus connues nous pouvons citer Ascot, Cheltenham, York.

Commencez dès à présent à réserver votre logement (en famille ou en auberge) et venez expérimenter une de ces étonnantes activités, nous pouvons bien sûr nous occuper de la réservation de vos attractions. Pour plus d’informations, contactez-nous.

The Isle of Skye is located in the Highlands of Scotland; it is famous for its stunning landscapes and wildlife: you can easily see otters, seals, whales and dolphins around the island. Besides it is a paradise for hiking and climbing lovers. Don’t miss the Old Man of Storr (look at the picture above), the most famous walk on the island; bring your cameras for amazing Instagram pics!

2- Isle of Wight, England

The Isle of Wight is probably the easiest island to access as it is not too far from London. It is located just below Portsmouth, South of England (45 minutes in the ferry). The Isle of Wight is the perfect location for a day trip off the beaten track: you can do a bike tour, visit Osborne House (Queen Victoria’ favourite summer home) and even do surf initiation!

3- Inishmore, Aran Islands, Ireland

Inishmore is the biggest of the Aran Islands, a group of three islands located on Ireland West Coast, in Galway Bay. Inishmore Island is quite atypical, inhabitants primarily speak Irish, and there are many mysterious places such as Dun Aengus fort, which is a series of concentric walls located on the edge of a 100 meters cliff. Please watch out, it’s slippery! You will also see a striking natural rock formation with the shape of a swimming pool called Poll Na Bpeist, every year a cliff diving competition is held by Red Bull, how scary!

So, are you interested in visiting one of these islands? We can book accommodation for your group in one of our closest homestay centres or a hostel. We can even book the trip to the island!

For further information, please send us an email here.