Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh & Secrets of Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Walking Tour
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.
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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 2: Edinburgh to InvernessAs you head north, you pass by some iconic Scottish landmarks, including the Kelpies, 30-meter-tall horse head sculptures, and the imposing Stirling Castle, perched high on a craggy hill. Crossing the ancient Fault Line that divides Scotland, you'll enter the breathtaking Highlands. Here, the flat, fertile plains of the Lowlands gradually give way to shimmering lochs, rugged mountain peaks, and forest-filled glens within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. A quick break in a quaint Highland town or by a scenic loch refreshes you for the next leg of your journey.
Continuing north, you traverse the vast, open landscapes of Rannoch Moor before arriving at Glen Coe, one of Scotland's most famous natural landmarks. Known for its dramatic, rugged slopes, this beautiful valley has been featured in films and has many stories to tell. You'll have time for photo stops or a short walk to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.
Next, you'll visit Fort William, a charming Highland town nestled at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. You've got time for lunch and exploration, so you can decide what you want to do. Sample local cuisine, wander the streets of the town center, or visit a local museum to learn more about the area's rich history. Continuing along the rugged landscapes of Great Glen, we'll stop for photos at the most scenic viewpoints. The journey takes us north to a Highland gem, Falls of Foyers, where you can go for a short walk to admire this stunning waterfall that was a favorite spot of the poet Robert Burns.
We journey along the legendary Loch Ness, whose dark, peat-stained waters hold more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Its vast depths make it the perfect hiding place for the elusive Loch Ness Monster. During our stop at Dores, a peaceful village with stunning views across Loch Ness, you might even spot the famous creature. As the day winds down, we arrive in Inverness, the vibrant 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. Overnight Inverness.
Hotel: Moderate Hotel 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.
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Day 3: Inverness to OrkneyIt's an early start as we leave behind the 'Capital of the Highlands,' cross over the Black Isle, and follow the iconic North Coast 500 route to Golspie for a brief stop. From there, it's just a short drive to Dunrobin Castle, a fairy-tale masterpiece with its soaring spires and beautiful gardens. Take a moment to capture a photo of this stately home before continuing along the coast, passing land once inhabited by the Picts and Vikings.
We follow the North Sea coastline and stop in interesting places, admiring dramatic views of cliffs, sweeping sandy beaches, and the ever-changing sea along the way. The route winds through charming villages and small harbors, while inland the scenery transitions to moorlands, gentle glens, and winding rivers, offering a true taste of the Highlands. Around noon we reach John O'Groats, the most northerly mainland village of Scotland.
We explore the most stunning sections of the coast before we get ready to board the ferry at Gills Bay. Enjoy an hour-long journey on the Pentland Firth and feel the power of the strait's famous tides, while keeping an eye out for the distant shores of Orkney, an archipelago consisting of around 70 islands, of which only 20 are inhabited. We arrive at South Ronaldsay, in St Margaret's Hope, a small village with a scenic harbor. After crossing the Churchill Barriers, built during WWII to protect the naval base at Scapa Flow, we visit the Italian Chapel, a small church with intricate frescoes, before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney.
Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, is a charming town steeped in history and culture, and your home for the next two nights. With a free evening ahead, you can choose how to spend your time. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll to admire the magnificent Viking-era St Magnus Cathedral and wander through the town's historic, winding streets as the evening sets in. Overnight Kirkwall.
Hotel: Moderate Hotel Kirkwall (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.
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Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4: Exploring Orkney's MainlandToday is your chance to explore this archipelago's fertile green pastures, fringed by shores of golden sands and washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. As you journey through Orkney, you'll also visit the sites of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses some of the most significant and well-preserved prehistoric monuments in Europe.
Step back in time to an ancient world of mystery and wonder at Maeshowe, a massive, chambered cairn and passage tomb dating back over 5,000 years. This awe-inspiring structure is aligned with the sun and something magical happens here during the winter solstice. This is also where you'll find Viking graffiti—runes carved by Norsemen who visited the site in the 12th century. Next, visit the Ring of Brodgar, an ancient stone circle steeped in local legends and set against views of hills. As you stand among these towering stones, which date back over 4,000 years, you'll feel a powerful connection to the past, imagining the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here.
We continue uncovering the secrets of the ancient past at Skara Brae. As you explore this 5,000-year-old village, complete with stone-built homes, furniture, and even a hidden chamber, you'll be transported back in time to imagine what life was like for its early inhabitants. With your appetite whetted by all this history, we head to Stromness for lunch. Enjoy fresh local seafood or other traditional dishes before strolling through its winding streets and a charming harbor. In the afternoon, your driver-guide will take you to more captivating sites, such as Kirbuster Museum, which offers a glimpse into the island's rural past, and perhaps even a tidal island to explore.
You'll return to Kirkwall in the early evening, giving you the freedom to decide how to spend your time. Will you have dinner and take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque harbor? Or will you seek out pubs and venues hosting traditional Scottish music sessions? The choice is yours Overnight Kirkwall.
Hotel: Moderate Hotel Kirkwall (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.
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Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5: Orkney to UllapoolSay farewell to Kirkwall as we travel once again through the rugged, windswept landscape and past the calm and deep waters of Scapa Flow to St Margaret's Hope and the ferry terminal.
Enjoy an hour-long journey across the Viking waters of the Pentland Firth and keep your eyes peeled for any signs of whales or dolphins during your crossing.
Back on the mainland, the northern stretch of the North Coast 500 takes us through some of Scotland's most remote and rugged landscapes, with dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and rolling hills. Your driver-guide will lead you to the most scenic spots along the way before reaching Smoo Cave, a vast sea cave shaped by sea and freshwater over millennia, with a labyrinth of chambers to explore. From here, we head into the far northwest Highlands, where the wilderness of the Assynt mountains awaits. After soaking in the stunning scenery, we stop to admire the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, perched on the shores of a loch and steeped in legends.
We conclude the day with a scenic drive past the iconic silhouettes of towering mountains, back to Ullapool, passing through untouched moorlands and peat bogs en route to the shores of Loch Broom. Enjoy a well-deserved rest among the charming, whitewashed cottages of this delightful fishing village. Overnight Ullapool.
Hotel: Moderate Hotel Ullapool (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.
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Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6: Ullapool to EdinburghToday, we continue uncovering the hidden gems of the Northwest Highlands, beginning with a journey south to witness the dramatic 60-meter plunge of the River Droma into Corrieshalloch Gorge. You can take a short walk through a picturesque forest to admire the powerful waterfall as it cascades into the depths of the gorge. Enjoy breathtaking views from one of the viewing platforms or experience the thrill of crossing the suspension bridge.
The adventure takes us past mountain ridges soaring into the sky, shimmering lochs, and vast, open vistas. We explore Highland hidden gems along the way before we arrive at Culloden Battlefield, the site of the tragic end of the Jacobite Rising. Walking around this eerie, flat landscape, you can reflect on the last battle fought on British soil, a place recognized by Outlander fans as a pivotal setting in the series.
After learning about key events in Scottish history, we head to Clava Cairns, an ancient site of ring cairns and standing stones that inspired Craigh na Dun in Outlander. Standing among these historic monuments, you'll feel the weight of centuries. Our journey south offers classic Highland scenery, with photo stops and comfort breaks as we pass Cairngorms National Park. In Newtonmore, we visit the Highland Folk Museum, where you can explore 18th-century black houses, a working croft, and a 1930s schoolroom. As we move on, the mountains soften into lush forests in Perthshire. You'll take a final break in Dunkeld, so enjoy exploring the town's cathedral and charming streets.
It's time to say goodbye to the Highlands as we continue south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife. Your last highlight is the view of the iconic UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge you can admire on your way 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.
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Day 7: Half-Day Private Edinburgh Tour with Lunch & Johnnie Walker Journey of FlavourEdinburgh is an incredibly historic city, and you will have an exciting and unique experience while in town. Appreciating that you may be short on time to see and do everything Edinburgh has to offer, this Mini Mack adventure visits a host of notable UNESCO sites and hidden gems while you snap away on your cameras and phones. Led by one of two local brothers, Rowan and Andy Mackie, you will have the opportunity to see and do more than what is listed in guide books. While Rowan and Andy may not be licensed historians, their local knowledge of Edinburgh and inside scoops on what's fun and interesting to do in the city is second-to-none, making for the perfect day out. After discovering a range of Edinburgh's top highlights including Calton Hill and Arthurs Seat - among many others - you will then settle in for a tasty meal in a charming local pub that features fresh, locally-sourced cuisine before being returned to your hotel. The perfect half-day sightseeing experience in Edinburgh, an additional treat is that your transportation between sites is in a well-maintained and comfortable Mini Cooper.This five-star experience will go beyond expectations with interactive projections, live performances and three cocktails specially made to match your flavour profile.
The Johnnie Walker Signature Experience - A Journey of Flavour is designed to be more than just a tour. It's an immersive, theatrical experience that will engage all your senses and leave you with lasting memories.
Start your journey with the Johnnie Walker flavour quiz to discover your personal flavour profile so we can tailor the tour to your tastebuds. Then, embark on a highly immersive, 90-minute sensory experience led by our Johnnie Walker experts.
Throughout the tour you’ll be served three delicious cocktails tailor made to your flavour profile, and of course you can opt for a neat whisky or a non-alcoholic mocktail if you’d prefer. Each cocktail is designed to enhance your tasting experience, offering a modern twist on classic whisky enjoyment. Whether you're a seasoned whisky enthusiast or new to the world of Scotch, our tailored approach ensures that your experience is as enjoyable and enlightening as possible. Journey of Flavour tour can be booked in Mandarin, French, German and Spanish
Day 8: Depart from EdinburghTransfer: Edinburgh - City Centre to Edinburgh Airport
