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Winter in Edinburgh

Scotland Winter World

(8 days / 7 nights)

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Frosty landscapes, winter activities, warm hospitality

The days are shorter, but Scotland’s majestic winter atmosphere more than makes up for it. Surround yourself with scenes of rust-coloured valleys, castle ruins shrouded in mist, snowy Highland peaks and colourful towns aglow in festive lights. On this winter self-drive journey you’ll experience famous places including the Cairngorm National Park, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Glenfinnan and Trossachs National Park, along with the cities of Edinburgh and Inverness.

Please note that certain dates have limited availability due to major events and festivals in Edinburgh. If you are unable to book your preferred arrival date, please contact us for assistance.

8 days / 7 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 1315 GBP

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Flexible & customisable tour options
  • Quality & value for your money
  • Trusted local experts in Scotland
  • Great customer reviews

Read more

— Book With Confidence

  • Optional cancellation insurance
  • Affordable deposits from 10%

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Explore some of Scotland’s top sights on the famous and breathtaking Isle of Skye
  • Walk along the mysterious Loch Ness and visit the castle on its shores
  • Discover Scotland's historic capital Edinburgh and stroll up the Royal Mile
  • See the striking natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands
  • Enjoy some quiet time in nature at the Trossachs National Park
  • Explore the stunning Cairngorms National Park
  • Photograph the iconic Eilean Donan Castle
  • Take in the breathtaking beauty of Glen Coe
  • Discover the historic Edinburgh and Stirling Castles
  • Enjoy a road trip with peace of mind with your personal itinerary from a local travel expert

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Best Seller i, Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Culture and History i

Season

Nov - Mar

Departure

Daily

Interest

Best Seller i, Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Culture and History i

Driving distance

940/584 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Edinburgh

    Welcome to Edinburgh. For an easy and comfortable way to get from Edinburgh Airport to your hotel in the city centre, we are happy to arrange a private transfer for you (at additional cost). After settling in, go out and explore. Edinburgh has a long and storied history, so there’s no shortage of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, museums and landmarks to visit, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle. And of course there are plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy some warm Scottish hospitality—not to mention a taste of the local whisky.

    Spend the night in Edinburgh.

    Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 2: Into the Highlands

    Head towards the majestic Highlands today. There are many notable highlights on your way, including the lovely village of Dunkeld, perched on the banks of the River Tay and The Hermitage. Here you can see the beautiful cathedral ruins, or take a winter walk through the Hermitage Forest to view the romantic Black Linn Falls
    and Ossian´s Hall of Mirrors. Continue to Pitlochry, from where a 20 minute detour along Loch Tummel takes you to the stunning Queen’s View, one of Scotland’s best known lookouts. Spend some time in Pitlochry itself where you can find plenty of pubs and cafes, you might be tempted to enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea!

    Another option is to take part in a 2.5-hour jeep safari, guided by a local ranger, through forests, mountains and moors on private hill tracks with chances to see Scottish wildlife like red deer, grouse, mountain hares or golden eagles. 

    Travelling north into the Cairngorms National Park, if time allows you might wish to stop at Scotland’s highest whisky distillery, Dalwhinnie, where you can take a tour and sample a wee dram.

    Spend the night in the Aviemore area. 

    Driving distance: 127 miles / 204 km

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 3: Cairngorms National Park

    Today you have a full day to explore the area surrounding Aviemore. There is no shortage of activities: you can opt for a long walk around the tranquil and crystal clear Loch an Eilein, take the funicular railway up to the top of Cairngorm Mountain for grand vistas over the Highlands or visit the Reindeer Centre where you can feed and pet the friendly reindeers that are free-roaming on the mountainside. If you are fortunate to experience a good snowfall you can go snow-boarding or skiing on the slopes of the Cairngorms. If you want to take things at a more relaxed pace, you can sample the wares of the award-winning Cairngorm Brewery. Beautiful nature abounds in this popular winter destination of Scotland!

    Spend another night in the Aviemore area.

    Driving Distance: 24 miles / 40 km

    Attractions
  • Day 4: Loch Ness & Eilean Donan Castle

    Experience some of Scotland’s most famous attractions today. Make your way to the shores of Loch Ness via the capital of the highlands, Inverness. En route, you have the option to explore the nearby Urquhart Castle ruins on the shores of the loch. Further along the drive, make a stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, a sight you will surely recognize from many photographs, films and TV shows. 

    If you’re a keen photographer, winter is an especially great time for visiting the castles as the crowds are much lighter. Then head for the picturesque Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, where you can enjoy the bright frosty mornings and stunning winter sunsets.

    Spend the night on the Isle of Skye. 

    Driving Distance: 144 miles / 232 km

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 5: Winter Tranquillity on Skye

    Today you have a full day to immerse yourself in the magic of Skye, a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Take some time to wander around the scenic village of Portree with its colourful buildings and boutiques, and drive around the northern part of the island via the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula. Here you can enjoy a walk up to “The Old Man of Storr” rock pinnacle for stunning views and view the beautiful Kilt Rock waterfall.

    Other suggested highlights include the An Corran Beach at Staffin, where you may spot dinosaur footprints dating back 165 million years, and the sweeping vistas from the Quiraing landslip.

    Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby vicinity. 

    Driving distance: 41 miles / 66 km

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 6: MINGINISH PENINSULA AND LOCHABER

    Today head to the beautiful south of Skye and take in some gorgeous scenery characterised by dramatic coastlines, and the mighty Cuillin Mountains. You may wish to visit the Talisker Distillery to sample some Whisky, or enjoy a walk to the beautiful crystal clear fairy pools at the foot of the Black Cuillin Hils.
     
    In the afternoon return over the Skye Bridge and make your way through Lochalsh and the Great Glen.  Make a stop at the Commando Memorial, the statue is in a stunning location to admire the views of Ben Nevis and Mamore Mountains.
     
    Spend the night in the Fort William area.

    Driving distance: 132 miles / 212 km

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 7: Famous Glens, Loch Lomond & Stirling

    Head to Rob Roy country, the Trossachs and Loch Lomond area today. This journey takes you past Scotland’s most famous valley, the magical Glen Coe, combining world-famous scenery and history. For a fun photo opportunity, don't miss the Doune Castle, featured in the classic film Monty Python & the Holy Grail and the Outlander TV series as "Castle Leoch." Another ideal place to visit is Stirling Castle and the monument dedicated to William Wallace, the rebellious Scottish knight and subject of the film Braveheart.

    Back in Edinburgh, return your rental car and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps with a fine dinner to top off your amazing journey.

    Spend the night in Edinburgh. 

    Driving distance: 162 miles / 261 km

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 8: Departure

    To get to Edinburgh Airport, you can take the Airport Express bus from Waverley Bridge or a taxi directly from your hotel. If your flight is in the afternoon, use the morning to enjoy some last-minute shopping, visit one of Edinburgh’s museums or simply relax and take in the old world atmosphere of the city.

    We can also extend your trip with other destinations in the Nordic region such as Iceland or Norway. Contact us for details about customizing your itinerary.

    Attractions See Activities for this day

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

Reviews

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Amazing

We went on the Scotland Winter World tour for 8 days, and overall it was great. We experienced so much and travelled all over Scotland. The detailed information that was provided upon arrival was amazing. Magda was wonderful and knowledgeable and responded quickly to emails and phone calls.

Absolutely wonderful!

Our trip was absolutely wonderful! Magda was great to work with and helped us through the whole process. Everyone we worked with from the beginning through the end of the trip was absolutely marvellous.

Excellent service from Nordic Visitor

I want to thank everyone that helped with the trip because it was an excellent service. I will recommend you to people I know, because all of Nordic Visitor's recommendations were great and the hotels and B&Bs were amazing. I will probably do another trip with you guys. I hope you expand your services to more countries.

Beyond our expectations

Everything was beyond our expectations. We had no worries, Nordic Visitor took care of all the small details I didn't even begin to think about.

So convenient

It was so convenient to have the logistics already planned for us. The accommodation was all nice and the suggested outings were perfect.

Peace of mind for our first visit to Scotland

For a first visit in Scotland, it was peace of mind to have guidance for planning our days, as well as accommodation arranged in different places and additional services like the car rental.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels in combination with well-appointed guesthouses or country hotels.

View

Superior

Standard rooms in four-star hotels or boutique guesthouses in combination with Superior rooms in premium three-star hotels.

View

Rental car

Enjoy your road trip with 2 authorised drivers and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce liability.

Toyota Yaris (manual)
or similar

  • x4
  • x3
  • x1
  • M

Toyota Yaris (manual)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 4
  • Luggage: 1
  • Doors: 3
  • Transmission: Manual

Vauxhall Astra (manual)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x2
  • M

Vauxhall Astra (manual)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Manual

Toyota Auris (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A

Toyota Auris (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 3
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

Ford Mondeo (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A

Ford Mondeo (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Standard
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

BMW 520 (automatic)
or similar
limited availability

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A

BMW 520 (automatic)
or similar
limited availability

  • Description: Premium
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

Vauxhall Grandland (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x3
  • A

Vauxhall Grandland (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Intermediate SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 3
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar
limited availability

  • x8
  • x3
  • x5
  • A

Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar
limited availability

  • Not available between 28 April - 2 May
  • and 12 May - 12 August
  • Description: Premium Passenger Van
  • Passengers: 8
  • Luggage: 5
  • Doors: 3
  • Transmission: Automatic*
  • *manual option available upon request

Price per person from

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 1315 GBP

Monthly price comparison

Our best price per person when booking for two.

2024

Tour Information

We recommend that all our travellers read through the following information about driving in Scotland, what the tour includes, the itinerary, accommodation, and other useful information for your travels.

ABOUT OUR SELF-DRIVE TOURS
This is a self-drive tour, which means you will follow a detailed and personalised itinerary during your road trip in Scotland. No dedicated driver or tour guide is included. All accommodation, rental vehicle, and other planned activities or added services will be pre-booked by Nordic Visitor (as specified in the itinerary). As this is a self-drive tour, you are welcome to stop when and where you wish on your drive. Except for accommodation and booked activities, other highlights we’ve listed in the itinerary are suggestions based on Nordic Visitor favourites.

ACCOMMODATION
Our team of local travel experts carefully selects hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses around the country based on excellent ratings, personal experience and comfort. Generally, in Scotland, whilst room sizes may vary, our room types are based on European standard sizes. Please note that twin rooms, triple and family rooms are not commonly available in Scotland, so please contact us for booking assistance if that is something you would like. Please also be aware that, due to the historic nature of the properties we usually select, most of the rooms are only accessible by going up stairs, as there are often no lifts available. Please contact us if you are not able to walk up stairs.

DRIVING IN SCOTLAND
The roads in Scotland are usually in good conditions, even in winter, and are renowned for their road trip worthiness. Please be aware that in the UK motorists drive on the left side of the road (and on the right side of the car). If you are not used to driving on the left, we highly recommend choosing a vehicle with automatic transmission for your self-drive tour. If you want a manual transmission vehicle, keep in mind that you will need to shift gears with your left hand (floor pedals are the same). Drivers will also have to get used to the narrower roads of the UK as well as the rural single-track roads with passing places and be careful of animals on the road.

For inexperienced drivers who still want to explore and discover Scotland, we recommend one of our privately guided tours, where you will have a local, experienced guide at the wheel.

ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE FROM GLASGOW
If you are planning on arriving in Glasgow, you could book a private transfer from Glasgow Airport to your accommodation in Edinburgh to start the journey in a comfortable way. During certain tours, you will have the options to end your trip in Glasgow, rather than Edinburgh, as well if that is more convenient for you.

SAFETY & WEATHER CONDITIONS
As you will be travelling over the winter season, please note that sightseeing and transport is dependent on weather and road conditions and might need to be altered if conditions are not favourable. This includes ferries and drives. We recommend being particularly careful when driving during the winter months, especially in the Highlands where it snows more often, and always checking the weather and road conditions before leaving your accommodation in the morning. If something unexpected occurs, you can call our 24-hour helpline to speak directly with a Nordic Visitor staff member.

CURRENCY RATE
All bookings are charged in British Pounds (£, GBP). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. Therefore, conversions from GBP to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

AFTER BOOKING WITH NORDIC VISITOR
After booking your package with Nordic Visitor, you will be contacted within two business days by one of our travel consultants who will serve as your dedicated contact person for all your travel needs before, during and even after your holiday. Your travel consultant will provide you with details about your booking and your remaining payment (if not paid in full). You will also receive more information about what to expect during your holiday.

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