5-Nights Discover Edinburgh & The Countryside from $2,716

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh & Walking Food Tour of Edinburgh

Transfer: Edinburgh Airportto Edinburgh - City Centre

Hotel: Ten Hill Place Hotel, BW Premier Collection (4 Star Rating)

Ten Hill Place, BW Premier Collection was opened in November 2006. The hotel is one of Edinburgh's premier City Centre hotels. From airy public places to each of the 77 smart bedrooms, the mood of Ten Hill Place, BW Premier Collection is one of quiet sophistication, and one they believe sets them apart from other Edinburgh hotels. They have four fully equipped accessible rooms with an elevator from street level to all floors.

This innovative Edinburgh hotel is within easy walking distance of Princes Street, the historic Old Town, and the City Centres main tourist, shopping, and business districts; yet peacefully situated away from the main thoroughfares. The best of Edinburgh opens up before you right outside our front door. The Festival Theatre is across the road, the National Museums are around the corner and the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Holyrood Palace are just a stone's throw away. Whether on business or a short city break in Edinburgh, make Ten Hill Place, BW Premier Collection your first choice.

Embark on a culinary adventure through Edinburgh's historic streets, savouring the city's diverse food and drink scene. This guided walking tour takes you on a journey through the heart of Edinburgh, where you'll discover hidden gems and iconic establishments. As you stroll through the city's charming neighbourhoods, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about Edinburgh's food heritage and culinary traditions.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Sampling unique Scottish food: From Smoked Fish Chowder (Cullen Skink) to Scotch Eggs or Haggis.
2 local soft drinks
Savouring Edinburgh's vibrant modern food scene: Creative dishes by talented chefs using the
freshest and finest local ingredients.
Visiting characterful restaurants and pubs: From banking halls to wine cellars, each venue has its
charm and story.
Discovering the unexpected: Places and stories only locals know

Day 2: Secrets of Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Walking Tour & Evening Ghosts & Ghouls Tour

A light-hearted, entertaining look at our ghoulish past, and ghostly present to see the famous haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults.

The evening begins with a stroll through the dark closes and wynds of Old Town Edinburgh, before descending into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults. Finally, you'll retire to a candlelit cellar for a dram of Scotch whisky and an intimate evening of ghostly storytelling.

The air filled with cries and taunts, and a crowd of thousands baying for the blood of two men. Take your place as a member of the "Edinburgh mob", which once surged in riot past the Mercat Cross (your meeting point for the evening).

Hear grisly tales of witchcraft, torture and restless spirits as you venture down medieval closes and descend into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults of Edinburgh on this ghost tour. Your cloaked Storyteller will lead you through the dimly lit caverns, recounting stories that you would swear are too horrific to be true and yet, they all are.

A ghost tour to remember. Stories of blood, guts, and gore. And a whisky to warm the heart. As night thickens, you'll gather in Megget's cellar for a whisky or a glass of locally made lager or soft drink if you're not fond of a dram. In the warmth of candlelight, your Storyteller will conjure more tales of Edinburgh's ghoulish past, and the tortured souls that stalk the city's streets.Book this tour if you’d like…

- A unique journey round the sites, stories and secrets of the Old Town you might otherwise miss
- A tour led and loved by Mercat historians
- A wonderful introduction to Edinburgh, it’s past and people
- A guided visit to Edinburgh Castle

Our beautiful city is waiting for you…
This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. The first secret you’ll learn? That you can skip the line at Edinburgh Castle!

Discover an Edinburgh beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. A beautiful city steeped in awe-inspiring history that has been perfectly preserved to this day, in the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Take a journey through time with them, and explore the lives of Edinburgh residents from generations past and gone – from historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, to the everyday folk who never left the city’s walls their entire lives.

Hang on your tour Storyteller’s every word, as they walk you through the crime and culture to the politics and everyday events, and show you the evidence that has survived to this day, throughout the Royal Mile.

Want to visit Edinburgh Castle? Skip the line with Mercat Tours.
The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its great ancient rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it.

Visit Edinburgh Castle with your Mercat Tours Storyteller, and from the Royal Mile you’ll walk straight over the drawbridge, and straight past the ticket line – to continue your journey into Edinburgh’s history uninterrupted.

Day 3: Full Day Outlander Adventure

Time for your own Outlander adventure! You leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of film locations featured in the Outlander TV series.

First, we travel to a place that needs no introduction: Midhope Castle, known as Jamie's beloved home, Lallybroch. While the cozy interior of the house has been recreated in the film studios, visitors can't explore the castle's ruins. However, you can sit on the iconic steps of Lallybroch and imagine waiting for Jamie or Claire to walk through the beautiful archway in the courtyard.

Mid Morning
Blackness Castle, West Lothian
We then journey through the charming countryside to Blackness Castle. It's an impressive fortress that's known as the ‘ship that never sailed' because it resembles a giant stone boat. You'll have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall—just hope you don't run into him! Alternatively, you can stroll along the coast and take in the stunning views of the Firth of Forth.

Afternoon
Linlithgow for lunch, Doune and Culross
Next is Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, also known as Wentworth Prison. Here, you can have lunch, explore the town, or wander around the loch. Continuing north, we visit Doune Castle, known as Castle Leoch in Outlander, home to Colum MacKenzie. You can learn about its history and get an audio guide detailing its role in Monty Python and the Holy Grail or stroll along the river to admire the castle's setting. Finally, we head to Culross, a virtually unchanged 16th-century village that represents the fictional town of Cranesmuir. You can visit Claire's herb garden, explore the palace, or wander the ancient streets, imagining life 400 years ago.

Early Evening
Culross, Kingdom of Fife to Edinburgh
Say goodbye to the Outlander locations as we begin our return journey through the Kingdom of Fife. We'll cross the Firth of Forth via the Queensferry Crossing, enjoying views of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before arriving back in Edinburgh.

You return to Edinburgh at approximately 5.45pm.

Day 4: Edinburgh to Inverness

Departing from Edinburgh, make your way to one of Scotland's most iconic viewpoints: the Forth Bridges Viewpoint. Opened in 1890, 1964, and 2017, these three bridges-though distinct-strikingly complement each other.

Mid Morning

Journey through Fife and Perthshire to Aviemore

As you journey north through the Kingdom of Fife, the scenery shifts from the rolling farmland of the Lowlands to the forested hills and mountains that mark the Highland Fault line in Perthshire. Continue through the lush landscapes of Highland Perthshire to Pitlochry; a quintessential Scottish town nestled among the hills. Take a stroll along the High Street and imagine the Victorian visitors who once explored this charming place, seeking the tranquillity of the Highlands. Your journey north is filled with classic Highland scenery as you approach the impressive Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms National Park, heading to Aviemore.

Afternoon

Lunch in Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park

The charming resort of Aviemore, surrounded by mountains and sparkling lochs, is one of the best spots for outdoor exploration. Enjoy lunch here and some free time to discover the area before you head to Loch Morlich, a site as unique as it is bonnie. Take a leisurely walk along its sandy banks and breathe in the fresh mountain air-but be cautious! Some say a mermaid resides in the loch, luring people into its depths. The final part of the day is flexible as you continue north, with opportunities to stop at Carrbridge, Clava Cairns, or other hidden gems, depending on the interests of your group, the weather, and the time of year.

Early Evening

Free evening in Inverness

After a day filled with breathtaking landscapes and local legends, arrive in Inverness, often referred to as the Capital of the Highlands. The evening is free for you to enjoy-make sure to sample some local cuisine and take a leisurely stroll along the charming streets to the impressive Inverness Castle or the scenic River Ness islands.

Hotel: B & B with Ensuite Inverness (3 Star Rating)

We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.

Day 5: Inverness to Loch Ness & Edinburgh

After a leisurely breakfast, you're picked up from your accommodation and taken into the surrounding countryside. The journey takes us to Dochgarroch, a small settlement on the Caledonian Canal on the northern tip of Loch Ness. The greatest Scottish mystery is teasing you, as the legendary loch is just at your fingertips here.

A loch so immense it could contain all the UK's freshwater, dark, peated mysterious waters, and centuries of legends of a monster. No wonder Loch Ness inspires many stories, and it ignites people's imagination around the world. It's your moment to get as close to the legend as possible on a one-hour cruise that takes you across the loch to Urquhart Castle. This ruin perches dramatically on the shores of Loch Ness, has survived legions of battles and boasts over 1,000 years of history. Explore this scenic stronghold and imagine the tales of battles fought and lives lived within these stone walls, before we continue the journey to Fort Augustus.

We're exploring the enchanting Highlands and charming villages with a stop in Fort Augustus for lunch. Here, you can savor local specialties, stroll along peaceful paths, and watch boats glide through the Caledonian Canal locks. As we journey south, the wild heart of the Highlands beckons with stunning mountains, lochs, and wildlife. Your driver-guide will lead you to hidden gems suited to your group's interests and the weather. One unforgettable stop will be Glen Coe, a breathtaking valley rich in history and natural beauty, where towering peaks inspire awe. Perhaps your driver-guide may even share the tragic tale that has haunted this valley for over 300 years...

Further south, the expansive moors transform into the lush landscapes of Scotland's first national park: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Here, steep mountains rise alongside shimmering lochs, thick forests thrive, and the legends of Rob Roy, the famed outlaw, add to the area's charm. We'll pause to soak in the classic Highland views before continuing south into the Lowlands, passing Stirling on our journey back to Edinburgh.

You return to Edinburgh at approximately 7:00pm.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Hotel: Ten Hill Place Hotel, BW Premier Collection (4 Star Rating)

Ten Hill Place, BW Premier Collection was opened in November 2006. The hotel is one of Edinburgh's premier City Centre hotels. From airy public places to each of the 77 smart bedrooms, the mood of Ten Hill Place, BW Premier Collection is one of quiet sophistication, and one they believe sets them apart from other Edinburgh hotels. They have four fully equipped accessible rooms with an elevator from street level to all floors.

This innovative Edinburgh hotel is within easy walking distance of Princes Street, the historic Old Town, and the City Centres main tourist, shopping, and business districts; yet peacefully situated away from the main thoroughfares. The best of Edinburgh opens up before you right outside our front door. The Festival Theatre is across the road, the National Museums are around the corner and the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Holyrood Palace are just a stone's throw away. Whether on business or a short city break in Edinburgh, make Ten Hill Place, BW Premier Collection your first choice.

Day 6: Full Day Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain and the Borders Small Group Tour

Hear the echoes of the Ancient Roman Empire along Hadrian’s Wall. The Romans came, they saw, but they couldn’t quite conquer. After centuries of conflict in northern Britannia, they built a wall—not just any wall, but a remarkable feat of engineering. It reflects the power of the Roman Empire and its complex relationship with tribal Britain. This tour takes you to the most fascinating parts of this grand boundary, exploring Rome’s influence on Britain, the serene border hills, ancient abbeys, and the incredible Roman site of Vindolanda.

Day 7: Experience the Islander Handbag Workshop & The Scotch Gold Whisky Tour



Day 8: Depart from Edinburgh

Transfer: Edinburgh - City Centre to Edinburgh Airport