Essence of the Scottish Highlands: Nature and Distilleries

Like a bull's eye on a target, the landlocked region of Perthshire is nestled right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and shares a border with over 8 other counties of Scotland. Thus, your inaugural day on this spectacular tour of Scotland places you in a privileged position to explore with many opportunities for outdoor recreation to appreciate this scenic landscape. Upon your arrival to the nearby airport, a short transfer will be all that separates you from your grand country house hotel and some warm, Scottish hospitality.

As you will undoubtedly notice, there is no shortage of beauty in Perthshire, and a brief morning stroll before your delicious breakfast will reveal the verdant glens, lush woodlands, craggy mountains, and rushing rivers that keep visitors returning here year after year. The pure water that flows from the mountains has specifically attracted the attention of the distilleries. Today, you will enjoy a guided tour of Scotland's oldest Scotch whiskey distillery not far from your hotel. Here, you can sample the proud tradition of this Scottish staple.

Today, you will turn your back on the warm embrace of Perthshire and head to the rugged and breathtaking mountains of the Cairngorms National Park. After a leisurely morning, you will enjoy a final breakfast at your Perthshire accommodations before enjoying the scenic ride of your transfer into a lush landscape of peat bogs, moors, heather meadows, and dark woodlands. Upon your arrival to your conveniently located hotel, you will have the remainder of the day to explore this stunning setting at your own pace.

As the rolling hills and lush farmland are illuminated by the dawn, you will have the option to rise with the sun or hit the snooze button to sleep in on your first full day in the serene setting of the Cairngorms. After a leisurely morning, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast before plunging into the historical legacy of this region during a trip to Elgin Cathedral. Upon your arrival, you will be met by a local guide who will happily introduce you to the legacy of these 13th-century ruins.

No trip to the Scottish Highlands is complete without a visit to the Torridon Mountains in the northwest corner of Scotland, which overlook the numerous lochs that snake their way in from the Atlantic Ocean. Red stags, golden eagles, and otters are just a sample of the abundant wildlife that can be found here. After departing your inland accommodations at the Cairngorms National Park, a comfortable transfer will ensure your timely arrival into the heart of this lush landscape. Upon your arrival, you will have a chance to settle into your new hotel before spending the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure.

Some of the country's highest peaks are found in the Torridon, and it will take little time to realize the abundance of outdoor recreation that visitors enjoy while traveling through this rugged landscape. Such outdoor recreation will appear through a self-guided kayaking tour of the nearby loch that shares a name with the region. After a hearty breakfast, you will be able to make your way down to the shore to receive a brief orientation before embarking on an afternoon on the waves, during which you will enjoy some stunning vistas of the coastline.

Today, you will depart the coastal beauty of the Torridon Hills and make your way to the massive peak that looms in the distance. The Nevis Range is the crown jewel of the Scottish Highlands and home to Ben Nevis, the highest park in Britain. You will venture into this landscape after departing your accommodations in Torridon. Upon arriving at your hotel in the nearby Fort William, you can celebrate your arrival with a trek through the nearby Nevis Gorge in search of the beautiful Steall Falls.

After a leisurely morning in the shadow of the magnificent Ben Nevis, you will turn your back on this mountainous region and make your way to the best ambassador of all things Scottish: Edinburgh. As the rural charm of the highlands is replaced by the urban bustle of the Scottish capital, you will see a whole different side of the country than what you have been touring. Upon your arrival, you will embark on a guided walking tour of the city, including the famous Royal Mile.

As dawn breaks in Edinburgh, a short amble around the quiet streets will be an excellent way to see the city. From the gentle hills of Perthshire to the impressive might of Ben Nevis, this tour of Scotland will have ensured your full immersion into the beauty of the highlands. After a final breakfast, this tour will conclude, and you will make your way to the nearby international airport for your departing flight.