The Manor Houses of Scotland Self-Drive By World Journeys
The Manor Houses of Scotland Self-Drive By World Journeys
9 Days / 8 Nights from $5,900 Price Per Person
Sales from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025
**Day 1: Edinburgh > Scottish Borders**
Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, collect your rental car and begin your scenic drive to the Scottish Borders. The journey to Peebles takes around 1.5 hours. En route, take a short detour to visit Rosslyn Chapel, the ornately carved 15th-century chapel steeped in mystery and legend (famously featured in The Da Vinci Code). Continue on to Peebles and check into the elegant Cringletie House Hotel (4-star) or the Schloss Roxburghe Hotel (5-star). Enjoy a relaxed evening at the hotel, perhaps exploring the grounds or enjoying a fine dinner on-site.
**Day 2: Scottish Borders**
Start your day with a full Scottish breakfast. Then, set out to visit Traquair House, Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited house, with rich royal history and a working brewery. Take time to explore the house, grounds, and maze. In the afternoon, head east to visit Abbotsford House, the stunning home of Sir Walter Scott. If time permits, enjoy a scenic riverside walk near Melrose Abbey. Return to your hotel in the evening for a relaxing night and dinner.
**Day 3: Scottish Borders > Glasgow**
Depart Peebles after breakfast and make your way to Glasgow (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, check in to Sherbrooke Castle Hotel, a baronial-style hotel in the leafy south side (4-star) or the Mar Hall Hotel (5-star). Spend the afternoon exploring Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Riverside Museum, or the Botanic Gardens. Take a walk through the vibrant West End before enjoying dinner at a top local restaurant.
**Day 4: Glasgow > Glencoe > Loch Ness > Inverness**
After breakfast, begin your drive north through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, then on to the majestic Glencoe Valley. Stop in Fort William for lunch before continuing along Loch Ness. Be sure to visit Urquhart Castle, perched dramatically on the loch’s edge. Arrive at Coul House Hotel (4-star) or Ness Walk Hotel (5-star) near Inverness in the late afternoon. Enjoy dinner and a quiet evening in the Highlands.
**Day 5: Inverness**
Today you can explore Inverness — walk along the River Ness, visit the castle viewpoint, and enjoy the relaxed pace of the city. Then, drive to the historic Culloden Battlefield, followed by a visit to the Clava Cairns — mystical Bronze Age burial chambers. Optionally, take a scenic drive through the Black Isle, known for its coastal charm and dolphin spotting. Return to your hotel for your second night.
**Day 6: Inverness > Cairngorms > Perthshire**
Depart Inverness and journey south through the Cairngorms National Park, a route filled with natural beauty. Visit Rothiemurcas for a chance to meet some highland cows with the local ranger. Stop in Aviemore or Pitlochry for lunch and a short walk. Arrive at Ballathie House Hotel, an elegant manor nestled by the River Tay (4-star) or Fonab Castle Hotel (5-star). Relax with riverside strolls, drinks in the drawing room, and a refined dinner on-site.
**Day 7: Perthshire > Edinburgh**
After breakfast, drive to Edinburgh (approx. 1.5 hrs) and return your rental car (timing dependent on the time at which you picked up your car on Day 1). Check in to The Bonham Hotel, a stylish hotel in the West End (4-star) or the Virgin Hotel (5-star) in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Spend the afternoon exploring the Princes Street Gardens, Scottish National Gallery, and boutique shops of George Street. Enjoy an elegant dinner at one of Edinburgh’s acclaimed restaurants or a cozy bistro in Stockbridge.
**Day 8: Edinburgh**
Your final full day is dedicated to the Scottish capital. Start with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, then walk the historic Royal Mile, stopping at St Giles’ Cathedral and the Museum of Edinburgh. In the afternoon, enjoy a wonderful food tour in the city. Explore Dean Village or the Botanic Gardens before celebrating your last night with dinner and perhaps a traditional whisky tasting.
**Day 9: Edinburgh**
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Edinburgh Airport for your departure. Alternatively, continue with your onward travels in the UK.
Type of Journey: Self-drive journey: Enjoy driving at your own pace along a planned itinerary with hand-picked accommodation and sightseeing en route. This itinerary can be tailored to suit you.
Inclusions
- 8 nights’ accommodation in your category of choice
- 8 breakfasts
- 7-day Ford Focus or similar automatic rental (based on 24-hour periods)
- Collision damage waiver and local taxes
- Shared Loch Ness cruise with Urquhart Castle
- Shared Highland cow experience in Cairngorms
- Shared foodie walking tour in Edinburgh
- Admissions as per the itinerary
- Private departure transfer from Edinburgh hotel to airport
