Compare Scottish B&B Vacation with Edinburgh by Great Value Vacations vs Classic Walks of Scotland by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 1,943 | $ 1,740 |
| Price Per Day | $ 278 | $ 290 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Flights & Transport | NA | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Spend 6 nights exploring the cultural, historical, and scenic highlights of Scotland! You'll start in the capital city of Edinburgh, where you can walk through medieval alleyways, ascend castles that live atop ancient volcanoes, and even wind down with a glass of world-famous scotch whisky at a local pub! You'll have a Royal Edinburgh ticket, which gives you access to four different tourist bus routes as well as fast-track access to three of Edinburgh's most popular attractions - Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia. You'll then pick up your rental car and make your way across the stunning Scottish countryside, where you'll stay in the Scottish bed and breakfasts of your choosing! |
Sample some of Scotland’s most iconic walks like the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way and conquer Ben Nevis - the highest peak in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom – with two expert guides by your side. Fort William, a charming town located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, is famous for being the gateway to Ben Nevis and will be your home away from home on this trip which takes you through an ever changing landscape that is famous for its Scottish culture, dramatic landscapes, and breathtaking natural scenery. Add a charming Scottish town and atmospheric pubs to enjoy at the end of each day and this walking trip has it all. |
Day 1 Welcome to Edinburgh!
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport and enjoy a private airport transfer to your Edinburgh hotel. Spend the rest of the day or night at your leisure! You can begin using your Royal Edinburgh Ticket whenever you'd like, since it's valid for 48-hours!
Day 2 Edinburgh
Start taking advantage of your included 48-hour Royal Edinburgh Ticket! Choose from three available sightseeing tours and explore the city on your terms. Hop off at Edinburgh Castle and explore the opulence inside and out. This stunning structure sits atop an ancient volcano and offers idyllic views of the city. You'll also want to pay a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King's official residence in Scotland.
Day 3 Edinburgh - Scotland B&B
Continue using your Royal Tour Pass. Consider hopping on the Majestic Tour, which will bring you to the Royal Yacht Brittania, the Royal Botanic Garden, Old Town, and the Scottish Parliament building. Once you've seen all the sights, pick up your rental car and make your way to the first Scottish bed and breakfast of your choosing!
Day 4 Scotland B&B
Explore the stupendous Scottish highlights you've always dreamed of! Make your way northwest so you can discover all the historic sites in this area. On your way, make a stop at Stirling Castle, one of the best-preserved Renaissance buildings in all of the U.K.!
Day 5 Scotland B&B
In the northwest, you'll have an abundance of historic sights to choose from! Visit the ruins at Elgin Cathedral or take in scenic views from the Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse and Museum. Or perhaps you'd like to take a step back in time and visit the Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery, where you can see and hear how whisky was made in the 1900s!
Day 6 Scotland B&B
You may want to book a stay near the Loch Ness Area; nearby you can visit the famous Urquhart Castle as well as the Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland's most photographed castle. Alternatively, consider staying near the city of Glasgow so you can explore the cultural hub of Scotland, while also being a reasonable driving distance from Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
Day 7 Depart Scotland
In accordance with your departure flight, make your way to Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Drop off your rental car before proceeding to check-in.
Day 1 Fort William
Welcome to the Highlands! Your adventure begins in Fort William, cradled amidst the captivating landscapes of the Scottish West Highlands. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering exceptional hiking, climbing, winter and water sports opportunities. The imposing presence of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, looms large, making this town a mecca for those seeking Highland mountain adventures. With a rich history and friendly community, Fort William will be your home for the next five nights. After you’ve settled into your accommodation, meet your leader and the rest of your group at a welcome meeting, then enjoy an easy hike to stretch the legs, maybe to a ruined castle on a historic battle site.
Day 2 Devil's Staircase
This morning, you’ll catch the local bus to nearby Glencoe, where you’ll hike the West Highland Way from Glencoe to Kinlochleven, over the famous Devil’s Staircase. As you ascend, you'll quickly understand why it's called the Devil's Staircase. The path climbs steeply, zigzagging its way up the mountainside. This section can be challenging but immensely rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the vast expanse of the region. Keep an eye out for deer as you take in the tranquil views on this occasionally challenging but rewarding hike. There’s no need to walk back to where you started on this point-to point walk as a short transfer will take you back to Fort William for a relaxing night.
Day 3 West Highland Way
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll take a public bus to the start of the hike in Kinlochleven, a scenic village located at the eastern end of Loch Leven. From here, hike the final stage of the West Highland Way, which will take you over the mountain pass and through the picturesque valley, on your way back to Fort William. This leg of the West Highland Way marks the official end of the famous trail, and serves as the starting point for the Great Glen Way, which you'll explore tomorrow. In the evening, there is the option to join your fellow travelers for dinner, to reflect on the day’s’ adventure.
Day 4 Great Glen Way
Today is a bit of an easier day today, which could be considered as a rest day for tired legs! The Great Glen Way is a long-distance walking route that spans from Fort William to Inverness, following the picturesque Great Glen, which cuts through the Scottish Highlands. Today, you’ll hike the opening stage. Starting from the accommodation, the hike takes you from Fort William and follows the banks of the Caledonian Canal. Built in the 19th century, the Caledonian Canal is a man-made waterway that links east to west Scotland. Your route continues onto the small highland settlement of Gairloch. Follow a country lane to the nearby Commando Memorial which has amazing views across the Ben Nevis mountain range, before finishing in Spean Bridge.
Day 5 Ben Nevis
Today marks the pinnacle of your Scottish walking adventure with the challenging ascent of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland (and in fact, the entire United Kingdom). The name Ben Nevis means 'mountain with its head in the clouds' in ancient Gaelic. This walk is considered a must do by hikers around the world. Starting at sea level, follow a rough trail to the summit at 1345 m. This is a challenging full day in the mountains, so you’ll need excellent physical preparation and determination to reach the summit. To assist on your ascent, the group will be accompanied by two seasoned guides who will provide expertise, support and motivation for a successful climb and descent. When you’ve accomplished this feat, a private transfer will take you back to the accommodation where you can unwind and relax with a sense of achievement.
Day 6 Cow Hill
After breakfast, head out for a final hike with great views across Ben Nevis and the surrounding area, a celebratory victory walk after conquering the mighty peak. Starting directly from your accommodation, hike into Glen Nevis and head uphill to reach the summit of Cow Hill. Your efforts are rewarded with fantastic views of Glen Nevis and the many peaks which surround it, as well as across Fort William to Loch Linnhe and beyond. It’s a memorable place to finish the trip and reflect on an amazing week of hiking in Scotland. A short steep descent completes the circuit and takes you back into Fort William by lunchtime, giving you time to catch a bus to Inverness, or a train south to Glasgow.
