Scottish Highlands & NC500 - 7 Days

The Scottish Highlands & NC500 Driving Tour

If you are dreaming of discovering one of the most beautiful countries in the world, then this tour is for you.

Over 5 unique scenic drives, we have planned out an incredible driving loop that starts and ends in the beautiful, cultural and historical city of Edinburgh. For the cinephiles, the route also hits famous film locations from Harry Potter, James Bond, Game of Thrones, Macbeth, and more. Featuring all the best lochs, castles, roads, distilleries history, and hotels of this rugged land, be ready for an adventure you'll never forget.

We recommend this tour with our optional extra night on the Isle of Skye which includes a driving loop around the island to take in its dramatic scenery and history.

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Edinburgh & The Highlands Driving Tour

Day 1 - Arrival in Edinburgh / Day at Leisure

Transfer from the Edinburgh airport to downtown and head out into Edinburgh for some sightseeing and shopping. In the evening, your car will be delivered to your hotel.

Overnight Hotel: 5-Star Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh

Day 2 - Queen Elizabeth Forest and Loch Lomond

The first drive of your Scotland road trip starts by heading west into the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and climbs the beautiful Dukes Pass. After a coffee stop at the tranquil Lake of Menteith, the route continues through the forest to Loch Lomond. After lunch overlooking the loch, follow the western coastline heading north, and then past castles, waterfalls, beaches, and two more lochs before arriving on your private island for the night.

Overnight Hotel: 5-Star Island of Eriska Hotel

Day 3 - The Highlands & The Isle of Skye

Your second drive will continue further north into the highlands to Glencoe and Fort William before turning west and cruising out to the Isle of Skye. Along the way we recommend diversions to the 007 Skyfall movie set and the Harry Potter Glenfinnan Viaduct, as well as a loop of "Scotland's most beautiful loch" - Loch Leven.

Overnight Hotel: 4-Star Superior Cullin Hills Hotel

Optional Extension - Extra Night and Loop of Isle of Skye - The Isle of Skye is famed for its rugged landscape, waterfalls, castles, and quaint fishing villages. Particularly outdoors-focused, any adventure seeker could fill a week or even two taking in the hikes, views, history, and more all contained here. This is why we recommend spending at least one extra day on the Isle, to take in as much as possible while on your driving tour.  If you took this extension, you would spend a second evening at the 4-Star culling Hills Hotel

Day 4 - Bealach na Ba and Eilean Donan Castle

From the Isle of Skye, cross the bridge back to the mainland and visit the Eilean Donan Castle - the most universally recognized location in this country. Next, join up with one of the most famous roads in the world - the North Coast 500 - which starts with a drive over the highest mountain pass in the UK, Bealach na Ba. To end the day, cruise the shoreline of Loch Maree to your hotel.

Overnight Hotel: 4-Star Superior Shieldaig Lodge Hotel

Day 5 - NC500, Loch Ness & Whiskey Country

While the driving and scenery of the previous days have been amazing, the Northern Coast of the country takes it up another notch. Hug the coastline through the small fishing villages as you follow a popular portion of this route in the morning. Visit Loch Ness and look for the mythical monster before following the River Spey into Whiskey country where the likes of Macallan and Glenfiddich are distilled. 

Overnight Hotel: 4-Star Craigellachie

Day 6 - The Whiskey Trail & Cairngorms National Park

Your final drive is broken into two main parts. The first part follows the whiskey trail past some of the most prestigious whiskey producers in the land. The second part is on the stunning Old Military Road which sweeps south through the Cairngorms National Park past deserted ski resorts and across lower mountain passes. The drive is completed with a run down into Edinburgh.

Overnight Hotel: 5-Star Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh

Day 7 - Day at Leisure in Edinburgh

Spend a final day at your leisure in the cultural city of Edinburgh before continuing your own onward plans.

For even more details, choose your desired car and click "Continue" to fill out our inquiry form, or, send us an email at info@ultimatedrives.net

Images of your journey 

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