The Best of Scotland Tour
'The Most Exquisite Hotels in Scotland meets the Best Tour Designers in Scotland'. From initial tour design to our expert chauffeuring, we handle it all, allowing you to sit back and enjoy your vacation.
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Cromlix Hotel (1 Night)
Rocpool Reserve Hotel (2 Nights)
Inverlochy Castle Hotel (1 Night)
Isle of Eriska Hotel (1 Night)
Greywalls Hotel (2 Nights)
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All of our tours are fully customisable to suit your tastes and requirements.
The Best of Scotland Tour
In order to bring you this exclusive package, we have partnered with leading luxury hotel group ‘Inverlochy Castle Management International’ (ICMI). With the very best in luxury private tour design (Thistledown Estate) and the very best hotels in Scotland courtesy of ICMI, get set to experience a luxury travel experience like no other.
Think 5 Star castle, Private Island, Fine Dining Restaurants, Executive Chauffeur Guide, Meticulous planning and attention to detail.
From the moment you arrive in to Scotland you will enjoy the harmony of our 5 star service and the local charm we are famed for.
Tour Route
Day One – The Heart of Scotland
Pick Up – Cromlix
Accommodation: Cromlix Hotel (1 Night)
Upon arrival at Edinburgh airport, you will be met by your Thistledown Estate chauffeur. Greeted with a friendly smile, your bags will be taken care of, and your Scottish adventure is underway. You will depart the Scottish capital, routing north until you reach Stirlingshire. You will pass through the quaint town of Bridge of Allan before arriving in the historic town of Stirling. Passing by the Wallace Monument which eloquently commands the Stirling skyline and celebrates the legacy of Sir William Wallace, a famous Scottish patriot and martyr.
Upon arrival at Edinburgh airport, you will be met by your Thistledown Estate chauffeur. Greeted with a friendly smile, your bags will be taken care of, and your Scottish adventure is underway. You will depart the Scottish capital, routing north until you reach Stirlingshire. You will pass through the quaint town of Bridge of Allan before arriving in the historic town of Stirling. Passing by the Wallace Monument which eloquently commands the Stirling skyline and celebrates the legacy of Sir William Wallace, a famous Scottish patriot and martyr.
Stay & Dine: Cromlix Hotel
From there you will make the journey to your accommodation for the evening, the Cromlix Hotel in Dunblane. The Cromlix is owned by none other than Scottish tennis sensation Andy Murray and is a refurbished Victorian mansion sitting in glorious countryside and woodlands.
You will also dine in the Cromlix’s highly respected Chez Roux Restaurant, which is run by Michel Roux Jr. and head chef Darin Campbell who, if you’re not familiar with the world of top chefs, are huge names in the business. These two will ensure you have a delightful meal.
From there you will make the journey to your accommodation for the evening, the Cromlix Hotel in Dunblane. The Cromlix is owned by none other than Scottish tennis sensation Andy Murray and is a refurbished Victorian mansion sitting in glorious countryside and woodlands.
You will also dine in the Cromlix’s highly respected Chez Roux Restaurant, which is run by Michel Roux Jr. and head chef Darin Campbell who, if you’re not familiar with the world of top chefs, are huge names in the business. These two will ensure you have a delightful meal.
Day Two – A Taste Discovery
Scone Palace – Highland Chocolate – House of Bruar – Dalwhinnie Distillery – Cairngorms – Inverness
Accommodation: Rocpool Reserve Hotel (2 Nights)
After a hearty breakfast, your driver will be waiting to weave through the countryside where the scenery is truly beautiful. Your first stop of the day will be Scone Palace, an elegant, Gothic castle which used to be the crowning place for Scottish Kings and Queens.
You can also explore the gardens which are home to some of the biggest and most beautiful oak trees in the UK, as well as the Murray Star Maze and a kitchen garden.
After a hearty breakfast, your driver will be waiting to weave through the countryside where the scenery is truly beautiful. Your first stop of the day will be Scone Palace, an elegant, Gothic castle which used to be the crowning place for Scottish Kings and Queens.
You can also explore the gardens which are home to some of the biggest and most beautiful oak trees in the UK, as well as the Murray Star Maze and a kitchen garden.
After an eventful morning you may have built up an appetite and luckily you’re in for a treat at the next stop, The Highland Chocolatier. Master Chocolatier Iain Burnett crafts premium chocolates that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Only the finest and freshest natural ingredients are used, such as the single-origin cocoa sourced from São Tomé, an island in the South Atlantic. Here you will experience a guided tasting session which will teach you all about becoming a Master Chocolatier, how such premium chocolate is made, and, of course, sample some of Iain’s world-famous velvet truffles. If you have a special someone you want to buy a gift for, this is the spot as Iain’s truffles have not once but twice been voted the best in world.
From there you will head to one of the wildest places in the UK, the Cairngorms. This notorious area of Scotland is incredibly beautiful with its vast open moorland, mountains, and plenty of wildlife to look out for.
Next, you will visit The House of Bruar where you will enjoy a spot of lunch and do some shopping. This upmarket shopping centre has a huge range of tweed clothing and outdoor wear, as well as many items for your home or perhaps a gift for friends and family.
From there you will be treated to a tour of Dalwhinnie Distillery, which first started producing whisky in 1897. While the remote and wild location, with particularly harsh winters, may provide its challenges, it also means that it is the only distillery which uses water from Lochan na Doire-uaine (loch of the green thicket) providing Dalwhinnie with a truly distinctive sweet and smoky flavour.
Stay & Dine: Rocpool Reserve Hotel
After another great day touring, you will then be dropped off at the 5 star Rocpool Reserve Hotel in Inverness. This special Georgian mansion oozes class. Admire the dramatic décor, quirky features, and unique charm of this boutique hotel which ensures a final evening to remember. Enjoy a sumptuous meal at the in-house restaurant which offers duck rillette, quail, assiette, and Scottish Angus beef.
Day Three – The Historic Highlands
Cawdor Castle – Culloden Battlefield – Glen Ord Distillery – Inverness
Accommodation: Rocpool Reserve Hotel
Today you will firstly make your way to Culloden Battlefield. You will learn about the fall of the Jacobites, who were outwitted by British forces, leading to the brutal slaughter of over 1000 men.
You will venture east until you reach Cawdor Castle. The castle is famed for literary ties to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. You will tour the castle, which has stunning drawing rooms, a tapestry bedroom, and an array of ancient antiques. The castles gardens are equally as splendid as the interior and there is even a nine-hole golf course.
For your lunch stop today you will visit the Sun Dancer in Nairn. You will have no doubt worked up an appetite by now so you will be delighted to choose from seafood chowder, Isle of Barra king scallops, or opt for something from the recently launched Street Food menu.
The Glen Ord Distillery is next on the agenda. With roots stretching back hundreds of years, and the modern-day distillery founded in 1838, Glen Ord Distillery has a rich history. You can learn all about this history on a whisky tour, led by a knowledgeable tour guide. You can also sample some of the whisky and if you like what you taste there’s a gift shop to buy for yourself, or as a gift for friends and family perhaps.
Stay & Dine: Rocpool Reserve Hotel
From there you will return to the Rocpool Reserve Hotel for another fantastic dinner and relaxing night’s sleep.
Day Four – Iconic Highland Beauty
Private Loch Ness Boat Tour, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Monument, Fort William, Nevis Range Mountain Gondola
Accommodation: Inverlochy Castle Hotel (1 Night)
We recommend having a big breakfast this morning as you have an action packed day head of you. Your first stop will be to the village of Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness. Here you will join your private boat, the “Cluaran Dubh”, meet your skipper Gordon, and embark on your Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness which lasts for around an hour. You will enjoy stunning views of Loch Ness, The Great Glen, and Urquhart Castle.
Gordon, your skipper, was born, raised, and still lives on the Loch Ness shores. He will enlighten you with anecdotes such as witches casting spells to protect Nessie ‘The Loch Ness Monster’ from cryptozoologists. A charming and entertaining journey with awe-inspiring scenery throughout.
We recommend having a big breakfast this morning as you have an action packed day head of you. Your first stop will be to the village of Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness. Here you will join your private boat, the “Cluaran Dubh”, meet your skipper Gordon, and embark on your Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness which lasts for around an hour. You will enjoy stunning views of Loch Ness, The Great Glen, and Urquhart Castle.
Gordon, your skipper, was born, raised, and still lives on the Loch Ness shores. He will enlighten you with anecdotes such as witches casting spells to protect Nessie ‘The Loch Ness Monster’ from cryptozoologists. A charming and entertaining journey with awe-inspiring scenery throughout.
Returning to shore you will then head to the remarkable Glenfinnan. Harry Potter fans will be excited to get the chance to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the bridge that carries the Hogwarts Express on its way to that world-famous school of witchcraft and wizardry. You will also visit the Glenfinnan Monument, a huge tower overlooking Loch Shiel which stands in memory of those who died for the Jacobite cause.
You will then be taken to visit Fort William, a charming highland town which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. While you won’t have time to climb it on this trip, simply witnessing the majesty of this imposing mountain is enough to put a smile on your face.
For lunch today you will be tucking into some delights at Crannog, a pretty, red-roofed seafood restaurant serving fresh seafood and allowing wonderful views over Loch Linnhe.
Your next stop will be the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola. This impressive feat of engineering transports you 650 metres up the side of Aonach Mòr, the 8th highest mountain in the UK, all the while enjoying the unbeatable scenery of the Scottish Highlands. Once at the top, you can spend some time taking in the views and enjoying some of the scenic walks.
Stay & Dine: Inverlochy Castle Hotel
After a long day of touring, you will be taken to Inverlochy Castle, your accommodation for the evening. This beautiful 19th century castle is surrounded by the luscious trees and a picturesque nearby loch. Described by many as ‘the most prestigious hotel in Scotland’, you will enjoy an unrivalled service in these tranquil surroundings.
The award-winning Chez Roux Restaurant is where you will dine for the evening. After dinner you can retreat to the grandeur of your opulent suite, to finish an eventful day in relaxation.
Stay & Dine: Inverlochy Castle Hotel
After a long day of touring, you will be taken to Inverlochy Castle, your accommodation for the evening. This beautiful 19th century castle is surrounded by the luscious trees and a picturesque nearby loch. Described by many as ‘the most prestigious hotel in Scotland’, you will enjoy an unrivalled service in these tranquil surroundings.
The award-winning Chez Roux Restaurant is where you will dine for the evening. After dinner you can retreat to the grandeur of your opulent suite, to finish an eventful day in relaxation.
Day Five – West Coast Wonders
Glencoe, Oban, Seafari Adventure
Accommodation: Isle of Eriska Hotel (1 Night)
After breakfast, your driver will take you to Glencoe which really defies adequate description. Words simply cannot do justice to how impressive Glencoe is.
If you drive through it at any time of year, the car parks will always be full of locals and tourists alike soaking up the curious mix of feelings of magnificent grandeur and peaceful tranquillity that washes over you as you stand within the massive Glencoe.
After breakfast, your driver will take you to Glencoe which really defies adequate description. Words simply cannot do justice to how impressive Glencoe is.
If you drive through it at any time of year, the car parks will always be full of locals and tourists alike soaking up the curious mix of feelings of magnificent grandeur and peaceful tranquillity that washes over you as you stand within the massive Glencoe.
Onwards to the seaside town of Oban (Gaelic for ‘little bay’). As you arrive in Oban you will not be able to help but notice McCaig’s Tower, standing tall and proud on the town’s skyline. The Colosseum-like Tower takes only 10 minutes to walk to from the town centre. Drink in the spectacular views over Oban and the neighbouring islands.
For lunch today you will have the pleasure of visiting a true institution of Oban, The Oban Inn. Established in 1790, this cosy spot has been offering weary travellers food and drink for hundreds of years. Choose from Stornoway black pudding, Orkney mac and cheese, highland beef olives, and much more.
For lunch today you will have the pleasure of visiting a true institution of Oban, The Oban Inn. Established in 1790, this cosy spot has been offering weary travellers food and drink for hundreds of years. Choose from Stornoway black pudding, Orkney mac and cheese, highland beef olives, and much more.
Next up is a wildlife boat tour around the Gulf of Corryvreckan. On this two hour trip your experienced guide will be on hand to tell you all about the surrounding area and help you spot some incredible wildlife, including seals, dolphins, whales, eagles, and many other sea birds. There will also be the chance to see the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the third largest in the world.
Stay & Dine: Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa
Your driver will then take you to the Isle of Eriska Hotel which sits at the start of Loch Creran and boasts views over the Morvern Mountains.
Here you can relax for the evening, making use of the fantastic spa facilities before enjoying some fine dining in the hotel restaurant where more of Scotland’s finest fish are on offer, such as Loch Melfort Steelhead Trout.
Your driver will then take you to the Isle of Eriska Hotel which sits at the start of Loch Creran and boasts views over the Morvern Mountains.
Here you can relax for the evening, making use of the fantastic spa facilities before enjoying some fine dining in the hotel restaurant where more of Scotland’s finest fish are on offer, such as Loch Melfort Steelhead Trout.
Day Six – Coast to Coast
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park – Linlithgow Palace – Blackness Castle
Accommodation: Greywalls Hotel (2 Nights)
After breakfast, you will bid farewell to the Isle of Eriska hotel and head east. You will reach Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Your driver will take you around the loch where you can enjoy crystal clear waters and lush scenery.
For lunch you will continue to the enjoy the magnificent views as you dine in the Lodge on Loch Lomond’s Colquhouns Restaurant. The food here is delicious, with highlights such as Loch Fyne smoked salmon and mussels, butter chicken, and The Lodge Watermelon Curry, a unique dish.
After breakfast, you will bid farewell to the Isle of Eriska hotel and head east. You will reach Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Your driver will take you around the loch where you can enjoy crystal clear waters and lush scenery.
For lunch you will continue to the enjoy the magnificent views as you dine in the Lodge on Loch Lomond’s Colquhouns Restaurant. The food here is delicious, with highlights such as Loch Fyne smoked salmon and mussels, butter chicken, and The Lodge Watermelon Curry, a unique dish.
You will continue to route east until you reach West Lothian. You will stop off at the small town of Linlithgow where you will tour the famous Linlithgow Palace. Sitting proudly above Linlithgow Loch, the palace was a Stewart Family stronghold and Mary Queen of Scots was born here. This will be a very exciting visit for the history buffs.
You will then make the short journey to Blackness Castle. Built in the 15th century, Blackness Castle has had many uses over the years, including a royal home, a prison, and even a filming location for Hamlet and Outlander. The tour of the castle is fantastic, and you will enjoy majestic views over the Firth of Forth.
Stay & Dine: Greywalls Hotel
Your private driver will take you east, passing Edinburgh until you reach East Lothian and the Greywalls Hotel in Gullane. The luxurious hotel sits beside Muirfield Golf Course, an Open Championship venue. This Scottish Edwardian manor house oozes class and is renowned for high quality service and dining.
Your private driver will take you east, passing Edinburgh until you reach East Lothian and the Greywalls Hotel in Gullane. The luxurious hotel sits beside Muirfield Golf Course, an Open Championship venue. This Scottish Edwardian manor house oozes class and is renowned for high quality service and dining.
Day Seven – Exploring the Capital
Edinburgh
Accommodation: Greywalls Hotel
After a luxurious breakfast and waking up to a fresh sea breeze, you will travel to Edinburgh for a walking tour. You will be met be a friendly guide and you will explore the historic Old Town. The highlights of the tour include a visit to:
Royal Mile This quirky street is laden with Scottish culture. We recommend visiting the tartan shops and dipping into one of the traditional Scottish pubs for a quick refreshment. You will see many great sights that are worth visiting along the Royal Mile, from Mary King’s Close to St Giles Cathedral. If time permits, you can also visit the new town and buy some souvenirs. Take a stroll down George Street and explore its worthy reputation for high end shopping.
For lunch you will be dining at the glamorous Italian restaurant on George Street, Contini. The menu changes with the seasons but you can expect top quality dishes all year round, including crispy arancini with mozzarella, frutti di mare pasta, oven roasted cod, and of course some tiramisu to finish.
After a luxurious breakfast and waking up to a fresh sea breeze, you will travel to Edinburgh for a walking tour. You will be met be a friendly guide and you will explore the historic Old Town. The highlights of the tour include a visit to:
Royal Mile This quirky street is laden with Scottish culture. We recommend visiting the tartan shops and dipping into one of the traditional Scottish pubs for a quick refreshment. You will see many great sights that are worth visiting along the Royal Mile, from Mary King’s Close to St Giles Cathedral. If time permits, you can also visit the new town and buy some souvenirs. Take a stroll down George Street and explore its worthy reputation for high end shopping.
For lunch you will be dining at the glamorous Italian restaurant on George Street, Contini. The menu changes with the seasons but you can expect top quality dishes all year round, including crispy arancini with mozzarella, frutti di mare pasta, oven roasted cod, and of course some tiramisu to finish.
No visit to Edinburgh is complete without visiting the legendary Edinburgh Castle. Parts of the castle date back to the 12th century and you will tour round the great hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, see the one o’clock gun, the honours of Scotland, and the stone of destin
Stay & Dine: Greywalls
Hotel & Bonnie Badger After another wonderful day, your chauffeur will transport you back to the Greywalls Hotel where you will spend your final evening.
In the evening you will be dining at the Bonnie Badger in Gullane. This sleek and stylish restaurant with rooms is run by Tom and Michaela Kitchin, who to put it mildly know a thing or two about delivering top quality food.
The team at the Bonnie Badger honour their philosophy of From Nature to Plate by serving only the freshest Scottish produce. You can expect to choose from hand-dived Orkney scallops or ravioli of crispy ox tongue to start, pearl barley risotto or North Sea turbot for main, and poached garden rhubarb to finish, among many other delicious delights.
Hotel & Bonnie Badger After another wonderful day, your chauffeur will transport you back to the Greywalls Hotel where you will spend your final evening.
In the evening you will be dining at the Bonnie Badger in Gullane. This sleek and stylish restaurant with rooms is run by Tom and Michaela Kitchin, who to put it mildly know a thing or two about delivering top quality food.
The team at the Bonnie Badger honour their philosophy of From Nature to Plate by serving only the freshest Scottish produce. You can expect to choose from hand-dived Orkney scallops or ravioli of crispy ox tongue to start, pearl barley risotto or North Sea turbot for main, and poached garden rhubarb to finish, among many other delicious delights.
Day Eight – Farewell
Pick Up – Drop Off
fter a fabulous trip, visiting the finest hotels in the country, 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. The team at Thistledown Estate hopes to see you again soon.
“This Private Tour Package Defines Luxury & The Very Best of Scotland”.
Let us take care of every aspect of your tour from initial tour design to providing an unrivalled chauffeur service. Our experienced tour designers have an extensive knowledge of our beautiful country and we pride ourselves on creating the most enchanting tour itineraries. Including Scotland’s finest hotels, historic venues, traditional whisky distilleries, scenic driving routes, awe-inspiring landscapes and majestic golf courses.
Our Tailor-Made Luxury Scotland Tour
Experience
Our experience lies in creating bespoke itineraries which meet the your exact specifications. Our process for creating your perfect tour itinerary is simply; great communication and expert knowledge. From your initial enquiry we will acquire the key details needed to craft a beautiful tailor-made itinerary.
For example:
Number of guests, Travel Dates, Preferred Room Types, Private chauffeur driver or self-drive,
Specific Interests, Particular regions you would you like to visit.
