Scotland in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2026
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Scotland with the "Scotland in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2026" tour. This adventure begins in the historic city of Edinburgh, where you can explore the iconic Royal Mile and the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Travel through the picturesque Scottish Highlands, stopping at St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, and enjoy a scenic cruise on the legendary Loch Ness. Discover the vibrant city life of Glasgow, with its lively music scene and cultural landmarks. Along the way, visit Stirling, known for its historic battles and stunning castle, and learn about the reintroduction of native species in the Highlands. With comfortable coach transfers and accommodations in charming hotels, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy included meals and optional activities, making this a truly immersive Scottish experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
Royal Mile, old Castle, home of the brave, Edinburgh is going to turn it on from start to end. With days of adventure up ahead, we'll kick off the evening with the option to indulge in a whisky tasting where you can get to know your new Scottish Contiki family.
Day 2: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to roam free - but if you want to get the low down on the history of this city why not join our local guide for an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle (which is resting on an extinct volcano!!) to kickstart your love affair with this city. Or maybe you'll do a spot of tartan shopping on Princes Street.
Day 3: Edinburgh To Scottish Highlands
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, St. Andrews, Scotland, Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Accommodation Name: Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's time to blaze a trail out of Edinburgh & head for the Scottish Highlands. On the way to the main affair of the day we'll stop by St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, would you believe? As well as Scotland’s oldest university town. Already blown away by the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route, we'll arrive in the Scottish Highlands amped up for mystical tales and a chance to compete in some optional traditional Highland games.
Day 4: Scottish Highlands To Glasgow Via Loch Ness And Dundreggan
Location: Loch Ness, Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We might be coming down from a high (geographically speaking) this morning, but as we seek out the stunning Loch Ness, the mood will only be rising. We'll stop to see lovely Loch Ness and hop on board for a cruise of the most voluminous lake in the UK - containing more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined! It's also rumoured to contain something else, something far more legendary which you're sure to have heard of... Small pitstop! We'll check out the lush, hilly rewilding centre here to learn about how Scotland's native animal species are reintroduced into the wild. Plus, you have the option afterwards to canoe across the stunning southern end of Scotland's most famous lake and see even more wildlife along the way. We'll arrive into Glasgow tonight, grab a bite to eat and then hit the hay ready for some more exploration in the am!
Day 5: Glasgow
Location: Stirling, Helix Park, Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wakey wakey everyone. We're up bright and early this morning. Next stop, Stirling! We'll make a stop in Stirling, the town where William Wallace took on the English and yelled "Freeedom!" (and also known for its famous hill-top Castle). Today, we'll also check out the epic engineering feat called the 'The Kelpies' in Helix Park. Get involved with everything great about Glasgow. Live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & plenty of quirky characters make this city unique. Plus, you've got the option to celebrate our final night in Scotland with a local meal accompanied by a live, traditional music.
Day 6: End Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip ends this morning after breakfast. Say goodbye to your travel squad, and get started on planning the next big travel adventure.
What's Included
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Cruise
A cruise along Loch Ness is included.
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Visits and Sightseeing
Visits to St. Andrews, Fort William, Loch Ness, Stirling, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct are included.
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Transport
Travel through Scotland in style with comfortable coach transfers between Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, and Glasgow.
What's Not Included
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Optional Tours
Optional tour of Edinburgh Castle is not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Transport to Start Location
Transport to the start location in Edinburgh is not included.
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Transport from End Location
Transport from the end location in Glasgow is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Scotland in style with comfortable coach transfers between Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, and Glasgow, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey as you explore the country's breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit, and Ibis Budget Glasgow, or similar accommodations, offering a blend of modern amenities and convenient locations for exploring Scotland's iconic sites.
Dining Summary
- 5 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Dinner (D)
Included Experience
- St. Andrews: If you like golf, you’ll love St Andrews. But if you think it spoils a nice walk in the park, there’s also Swilcan Bridge.
- Stirling: Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.
- Mallaig: We'll visit Helix Park, home to The Kelpies (horse statues, standing at 100ft tall & weighing more than 300 tonnes each). It's a wonder to behold. Plus, there's also an adventure play park with woodlands and boardwalks for some added fun.
- Loch Ness: Sit back, relax and cruise along the loch with your Contiki crew. But keep your eyes peeled and camera ready for mythical ‘Nessie’.
- Scottish Highlands: Ever wondered how native animal species - like the Scottish Red Squirrel, Lynx and Beavers - are reintroduced into the wild? Come learn about it all from an expert (who'll also tell you how the Caledonian pine forest is being reforested too!). Every penny you spend here will directly support Trees for Life, a TreadRight supported project.
FAQs
- London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From?January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through border control in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an?Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
- London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes accommodation at Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit, and Ibis Budget Glasgow or similar.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 5 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
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Is there a cruise included in the tour?
Yes, a cruise along Loch Ness is included in the tour.
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What are some of the key locations visited during the tour?
The tour visits several key locations including St. Andrews, Fort William, Loch Ness, Stirling, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
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What kind of transport is used during the tour?
The tour provides comfortable coach transfers between Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, and Glasgow.
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Is the tour suitable for someone interested in wildlife?
Yes, the tour includes learning about the reintroduction of native species in the Scottish Highlands and supports the Trees for Life project.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include a tour of Edinburgh Castle and canoeing across the southern end of Loch Ness.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Scotland in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2026
6 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Glasgow, Scotland
Visiting: Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, St. Andrews, Scotland, Scottish Highlands, Scotland, Loch Ness, Glasgow, Stirling, Helix Park ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBSCMA26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians