Europe

Edinburgh, Tattoo, Fringe Festival, and the Scottish Highlands

10 Days

Come join us in Scotland!

Overview

Let’s visit Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands during August, a favorite trip, and one we just took last summer. During the month of August, Scotland and the city of Edinburgh present the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, perhaps the most impressive display of hundreds of bagpipes and Scottish dancers you’ll see, all in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Check out the video below.

We’ll also enjoy the Edinburgh Fringe Festival also going on during August. This national party billed as the world’s largest arts festival. Last year there were over 6,000 (that’s not a typo) entries including one-act plays, musical performances in all genres, street performers, and just about every other kind of performance art one can imagine. The fun starts mid-morning and goes until 2 AM the next morning.

Next we’ll head to Inverness by train. From there we’ll journey to Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye seeing castles and national parks along the way.

Highlights

  • Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, and Holyrood House Palace
  • Edinburgh Military Tattoo
  • Edinburgh Fringe Festival
  • Inverness and the north coast of Scotland
  • Loch Ness
  • Cairngorms National Park
  • Isle of Skye

Itinerary

Depart for overnight flight, arriving in Edinburgh the next morning.

Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to our hotel, Aparthotel Adagio Royal Mile, directly on the Royal Mile, the center of old Edinburgh. Our hotel is within easy walking distance of both Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Palace of Holyrood House, the queen’s and now the king’s summer residence. Once we unpack, the rest of the day is open for us to explore this fascinating city. In the evening we’ll have a welcome reception followed by a group dinner. Overnight: Edinburgh. Included: welcome reception and dinner.

Dinner

After breakfast we’ll have a half-day private guided tour of Old Edinburgh including Holyrood House and Roslyn Chapel. After lunch the balance of the day and evening is time for us to enjoy the Fringe Festival. We may collectively select some acts or venues to enjoy, or travelers are free to pick acts catering specifically to their likes or interests. As we may be separated in different venues, dinner will be on your own. Hundreds of street vendors, popup food spots, and in-venue restaurants will be available. Overnight: Edinburgh. Included: breakfast and lunch.

Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning we’ll continue our private tour of Edinburgh Castle, with time to explore the castle on our own after the tour. That evening we will enjoy the Edinburgh Military Tattoo together, one of the most impressive shows I’ve ever seen. Overnight: Edinburgh. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we take the train from Edinburgh to Inverness through some of the most picturesque landscapes on earth. We’ll check into our luxurious private vacation home, The Bearnock House in Drumnadrochit. The rest of the day is ours to explore together or on your own. That evening we’ll meet for dinner and music at a local restaurant. Overnight: Inverness. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we visit the magnificent Dunrobin Castle, the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland and the Clan Sutherland. The castle has a fascinating interior, heavenly gardens, and a fabulous falconry display. We will travel to the Glenmorangie Distillery for a tour of one of the world’s most well known malts, perfected by the “Sixteen Men of Tain,” situated on the coast. A visit to the delightful village of Dornoch is next, with its 13th Century cathedral, historic castle hotel, and jailhouse shop; we will even have a chance to learn where the last witch in Scotland was burned to death. Then a drive along bonny Loch Fleet, maybe spotting some of the seals. Overnight: Inverness. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A stunning and picturesque day awaits as we drive towards the World Famous Loch Ness for a visit and discussion with our private tour guide. Then on through the Mountain pass of the 5 Sisters of Kintail with its fantastic Glens and high peaks, and onward to the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle. This is one of Scotland’s most picturesque castles and is perched on its own island at the head of Loch Duich. After our guided visit we’ll take the ferry to Isle of Skye where we will stay for two nights at the Hillview Portree House. In the evening we’ll have dinner at The Lower Deck Seafood Restaurant overlooking the harbor full of fishing boats. Overnight: Isle of Skye. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we will once again meet our guide and travel to the first stop of the day, Neist Point, with its dramatic views and isolated lighthouse. From there we will travel the Jurassic coastline of Trotternish, then onto the Quiraing, known for its wonderful rock formations and stunning coastal views. We’ll take a short drive down the mountain to Kilt Rock and then on to one of the most Iconic natural features of Scotland, the Old Man of Storr. From there its a lazy drive back to Portree where we’ll overnight again. Overnight: Isle of Skye. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we leave Skye behind and travel over the ferry to the mainland, past the Glenfinnan Viaduct, through the Cairngorms visiting Dunkeld before we reach Edinburgh. That evening we’ll have a farewell dinner at one of Edinburgh’s finest restaurants. Overnight: Edinburgh. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We transfer to the airport for our flight home, arriving the same day.

Breakfast
Is a passport required for U.S. citizens to travel to Scotland?

Yes, all U.S. citizens are required to provide a current passport and also confirmed reservations for leaving Scotland upon arrival.

What is the currency used in Scotland?

The British Pound Sterling is the official currency in Scotland. We recommend getting local currency from an ATM upon arrival.

Is tipping expected?

Tipping is recommended for exceptional service in Great Britain, including Scotland. It is not expected, but always appreciated. Locals typically round up to the next Pound when paying in cash. Note that tips are not included on credit cards and must be paid in cash.

Are there COVID travel restrictions to enter Scotland??

No, all COVID travel restrictions have been removed. You may enter the country with no test or need to show a vaccination certificate. American citizens do not need to test or show documentation to reenter the country.

What are the electrical outlets in Scotland?

Scotland uses the standard round two-prong outlet in use throughout the European Union.

What will the weather be like in Northern Scotland?

The average temperature in Edinburgh for August is high of 65, with a low of 51 at night..

What is Scotland’s time zone?

Edinburgh is on Greenwich Mean time, or 5 hours ahead of Eastern time, and 6 hours ahead of Central time.

Accommodations

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Located in Edinburgh, Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile is conveniently located, with Edinburgh Festival Theater, Waverley Station, Edinburgh Playhouse, Military Tattoo, and Edinburgh Castle all less than a mile away. There is free Wi-Fi, and each apartment includes a kitchenette with a coffee maker, kettle, crockery and kitchen utensils. There is a private bathroom and some apartments have a seating area for guests to relax in. A Continental   breakfast and 24-hour reception are available.

Gallery image of this property

Gallery image of this property Gallery image of this property

 

Inverness, Bearnock House in Drumnadrochit

Holiday Home Bearnock House offers accommodations in Drumnadrochit, 10 miles from Urquhart Castle, 21 miles from Inverness Castle and Inverness Train Station, and 29 miles from Castle Stuart Golf Links. Private parking is available on site at this sustainable property.  The vacation home features 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a washing machine, and a TV.

 

Gallery image of this property

Gallery image of this property Gallery image of this property

Isle of Skye – Hillview Portree House

Featuring a garden and terrace, Hillview Portree Isle of Skye Self Catering House provides accommodations in Portree. The vacation home is 23 miles from Dunvegan Castle. Providing a balcony with mountain views, this vacation home also includes a cable flat-screen TV, a well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven, and a microwave, as well as 4 bathrooms with a bath and a hair dryer.

Gallery image of this property Gallery image of this property

Gallery image of this property Gallery image of this property

 

 

 

Pre-Trip to London

Pre-trip to London

London

London Tower Bridge

We are offering a 3-day stay in London prior to the start of the Edinburgh/Scotland tour, ending with a train ride across the British heartland from London to Edinburgh.

Day 1: Departure
We take an overnight flight from the US to London.

Day 2: Arrival
We arrive late morning and take a private transfer to our hotel in downtown London at the foot of Tower Bridge. After some time to relax we’ll meet as a group for drinks on the patio followed by a welcome dinner around the corner. (D)

Day 3: London City Tour
Today we take a fully guided tour to see the major sights of this historic city: Windsor Castle, Changing of the Guard, Westminster Cathedral and Parliament, and The Tower of London. If time permits we’ll take a boat ride down the Thames. (B, L)

Day 4: Windsor and Stonehenge
After breakfast we’ll take a road trip with guide and van to see Windsor Castle and Stonehenge, with a history lesson along the way! This will be a long day and we’ll return to our hotel just in time for a celebratory dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Train to Edinburgh
We wake early to take a 5-hour train ride through some of the most picturesque landscapes in all of Europe to Edinburgh to meet up with the rest of our Scotland group. (B, D)

Cost, including all excursions and tours, 3-nights luxury accommodations, transportation, and food as shown: $1,060

Places You'll See

 

 

Edinburgh City View

Inverness Bridge

Loch Ness – Urquhart Castle

Isle of Skye

Castle in Edinburgh

Old Town in Edinburgh

Highland Cattle

From $3,975 USD
/ Shared Room (Double Occupancy)
From $4,775 USD
/ Private Room (Single Occupancy)
  • Small Groups of 8 - 15 people
  • Flexible Payments
  • Pre-trip Educational/Preparation Meetings
  • TravelAvidly Trip Leader
  • Immersive Experiences

Trip Information

Activity Level: Moderate (see all ratings)

Curator: Jim Peacock

Trip Leader/CSR: TBD