East of Scotland Self Drive

Arrive at Edinburgh airport and collect your rental car. Spend the evening at leisure, settling in after your journey and enjoying the vibrant surroundings of Scotland’s capital. Check in to your Edinburgh hotel where you will spend the next two nights.

Start with a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city and home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Wander down the Royal Mile, lined with historic closes, shops, and eateries, passing St Giles’ Cathedral and ending at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Dive into the National Museum of Scotland, a treasure trove of art, science, and design, before heading to Calton Hill for sweeping views of the city. In the evening, explore the trendy Leith neighbourhood for dinner or stroll along Princes Street. For a final touch of intrigue, take a tour of The Real Mary King’s Close, uncovering Edinburgh’s hidden underground past.

Leave Edinburgh behind and cross the Queensferry Crossing into the Kingdom of Fife, admiring the engineering marvel of the Forth Bridge. Follow the Fife Coastal Route to explore the charming fishing villages of the East Neuk, such as Pittenweem, Anstruther, and Crail, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and coastal views. Continue to St Andrews, a town rich in history and home to Scotland’s oldest university and the world-famous Old Course. Walk along West Sands Beach, visit St Andrews Cathedral and Castle, and enjoy boutique shopping and local dining. Continue to Blairgowrie, where you will spend two nights.

Today, discover Dundee, a city of innovation and design. Visit the striking V&A Dundee, explore the maritime history at RRS Discovery, the vessel used by Captain Scott to reach the then undiscovered polar region of Antarctica in the early 1900s. Learn about the city’s industrial past at the Verdant Works. Enjoy the revitalised waterfront and vibrant cultural scene before heading north.

Travel north to Aberdeen, stopping at the majestic Glamis Castle which is steeped in over 650 years of royal history. Next stop at Arbroath Abbey, spend time exploring the ruins of this 12th century estate. Once in Aberdeen, explore its granite architecture, coastal charm, and cultural attractions, including museums and gardens. Spend the night in Aberdeen.

Travel from Aberdeen to Elgin, passing through scenic countryside. Visit the hauntingly beautiful Elgin Cathedral and explore Johnstons of Elgin, a historic woollen mill. Whisky lovers can enjoy a tasting at one of the nearby Speyside distilleries. Overnight in Forres.

Journey through Royal Deeside, with a possible visit to Balmoral Castle, and continue through the Cairngorms National Park to Pitlochry. This Highland town offers charming scenery and riverside walks. Visit the Blair Athol Distillery, which produces an ancient Highland malt dating from 1798. Spend the night in Pitlochry.

Travel south through Highland Perthshire, stopping at sites like Dunkeld Cathedral, The Hermitage, or Scone Palace, before returning to Edinburgh for a final overnight stay.

Your adventure ends following breakfast, hotel check out and the return of your rental car.