Golf Across Scotland – Air Included (BNA)!

Today we leave the US for an overnight flight to Edinburgh.

Our journey begins in the morning when we are picked up at the airport in Edinburgh (unless you have been enjoying Edinburgh with us on our pre-trip excursion). With the morning sun casting a golden hue over the city’s historic buildings, you set off towards Stirling.

Arriving in Stirling in the mid-morning, we will make our way to the majestic Stirling Castle. Perched high on a volcanic crag, this fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Inside, we will explore the rich history of this former royal residence, from its role in the Wars of Scottish Independence to its association with Mary, Queen of Scots. After our tour, we can enjoy enjoy lunch at one of the charming eateries in the area.

Continuing our journey, we will drive to St. Andrews in the mid-afternoon. Known as the ‘Home of Golf,’ this picturesque town is steeped in history and tradition. We will have time to take a leisurely walk around the cobbled streets, soaking in the atmosphere of this ancient university town. We will also visit St. Andrews Castle, a ruined fortress perched on the edge of the North Sea.

After a day of exploration, we will share a welcome dinner before checking into our hotel in the nearby village of Anstruther, ready to rest and recharge for the adventures ahead.

Today is dedicated to the sport of kings. We will tee off at the renowned St. Andrews Links, where golf has been played for over six centuries. With the wind in our hair and the sound of crashing waves in the distance, together we will navigate the challenging fairways and greens of this iconic course, following in the footsteps of golfing legends.

We have a tee time set for the Jubilee Course, and we will be following the new ballot protocol for the Old Course. Allen, our trip leader, will place the number of registered TravelAvidly golfers in the  ballot two days before it is time to play. Spots will be filled in the order that we receive tour registrations – The sooner you register, the better your chance to play on the oldest course in the world.  Whoever wins the coveted Old Course spots can choose to play both courses or only the Old Course.

Following a day of golf, we will meet for dinner at a delicious local restaurant.

Today, you test your skills on the fairways of Nairn Golf Club. Situated along the shores of the Moray Firth, this championship course offers stunning views of the Highland coastline and a challenging layout that will put your golfing prowess to the test.

One of the most spectacular seaside courses in Scotland, Nairn boasts sea views from every hole. If you are a right-hander and you’ve got a slicing problem, you could find the beach from your very first tee shot. The sea is in play on six of the first seven holes; make sure you’ve got an adequate supply of balls.

When the sun is low in the sky and the shadows are long, you cannot fail to appreciate the undulating, bunker-pitted moonscape that is Nairn. It’s a delightful links with fast, firm but narrow fairways, a number of which are framed by gorse bushes and heather, heaping further pressure onto a nervous drive. The greens are sited in the trickiest places – some are raised and others are nestled in hollows. Most are well protected, either by bunkers or natural hazards, and all of the greens are fast and true, a Nairn trademark.

Dinner will follow at the Bandstand (or comparable restaurant)

After a couple of days of golf, it is time for some history, culture, and leisure. Our first stop will be Culloden Battlefield. This solemn site marks the location of the last pitched battle fought on British soil, where the forces of the Jacobite uprising clashed with government troops in 1746. We will take a poignant walk around the battlefield, reflecting on the tragic events that unfolded here and paying your respects to the fallen.

Following our time at Culloden Battlefield, we will head to Dalwhinnie Distillery, nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Here, we will be immersed in the world of Dalwhinnie with an in-depth exploration of this iconic distillery. Their experienced guides will deftly weave science and history as you trace the journey of the Dalwhinnie Gentle Spirit with detailed review of the production process before gathering in the sanctuary of the warehouse to draw whisky straight from the cask.

Our experience will culminate in our Wallace Room with an intimate, tutored tasting of six elusive Dalwhinnie expressions each paired with handcrafted artisan chocolate from Iain Burnett as well as a complimentary souvenir with which to remember your time at the Meeting Place.

We will return to the hotel for some free time before heading to dinner at a local restaurant.

Our golfing adventure continues as we make our way to Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Nestled amidst the sand dunes overlooking the Dornoch Firth, this historic course is widely regarded as one of the finest in the world. With its undulating fairways and fast greens, it provides a true test of skill for golfers of all abilities.

Royal Dornoch is spellbinding and many golfers from all over the world make the pilgrimage to this natural links at some point in their lives. It is often quoted as one of the must-play courses.

It’s the timeless setting that makes Royal Dornoch such a pleasing place to play golf. It’s wild, isolated and, at the same time, absolutely beautiful. The pure white sandy beach divides the links from the Dornoch Firth and it all feels very humbling.

Formed in 1877, Royal Dornoch means exceptional standards and we always aim to exceed the expectations of our frequent visitors and loyal members. However, we aim to do this in a relaxed, informal environment, with an emphasis on traditional highland hospitality.

Today will end the day with dinner at the Coach House (or comparable restaurant).

Today, we embark on a journey of discovery as we visit Dunrobin Castle. This fairytale-like fortress, with its turrets and towers, is the ancestral home of the Clan Sutherland and dates back to the 13th century. You take a guided tour of the castle, marveling at its opulent interiors and beautiful gardens, before enjoying a leisurely lunch in the castle’s elegant dining room.

Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland.

The Castle, which resembles a French chateâu with its towering conical spires, has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry, who designed London’s Houses of Parliament, and Scotland’s own Sir Robert Lorimer. The Castle was used as a naval hospital during the First World War and as a boys’ boarding school from 1965 to 1972.

After lunch, we will make our way to Loch Fleet, a tranquil tidal basin teeming with birdlife and marine mammals. Here, you embark on a guided wildlife cruise, gliding through the calm waters as you keep an eye out for seals, otters, and a variety of seabirds. It’s a serene and immersive experience that allows you to connect with the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

After an afternoon of nature, we will freshen up and meet for dinner at The Greens (or comparable restaurant).

Our golfing odyssey continues at Inverness Golf Club, nestled amidst the rolling hills overlooking the Moray Firth. With its challenging layout and stunning views, this course offers a memorable golfing experience that will leave you feeling invigorated and inspired.

Today, we will set sail on the legendary waters of Loch Ness. Boarding a small cruise boat, we glide across the dark, mysterious depths of Scotland’s most famous loch, keeping a lookout for the elusive creature known as Nessie. As you soak in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and forests, you can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and awe.

After our cruise, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at The Clansman, a traditional Scottish pub overlooking the shores of Loch Ness. Here, you savor hearty dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by a dram of fine Scotch whisky.

Your final stop of the day is at Beauly Priory, a ruined medieval monastery located near the village of Beauly. Founded in the 13th century by monks of the Valliscaulian order, this historic site offers a glimpse into Scotland’s religious heritage. You take a leisurely stroll around the atmospheric ruins, marveling at the intricate stonework and tranquil surroundings.

We will wind down the day at a local restaurant.

Located on the Chanonry Peninsula in the ‘Black Isle,’ Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Course enjoys breathtaking views over the Moray Firth, very close to the City of Inverness (ony 15 minutes away from the city centre). This Scottish Links Golf Course is the 15th Oldest Recorded Club in the World (1793).  It was later re-designed by the five time Open Champion James Braid in (1932).  The course has received accolades such as ‘a gem of a course by the sea,’ ‘perhaps the best jewel in the highland golfing crown,’ and ‘a unique course with special character to be found nowhere else.’

The greens are not just fast but also deceptive, with tight fairways and strategically placed bunkers throughout the course – the trademark of the all-time master of bunkering, James Braid.

Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Setting off from our hotel in Inverness, we will begin our journey southwards towards Edinburgh. Our first stop is at Pitlochry, a charming Victorian town nestled amidst the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire. Here, we can take a short stroll along the banks of the River Tummel, admiring the quaint shops and cafes that line the streets.

Continuing our journey, we will arrive at Blair Castle, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl. With its fairytale-like turrets and towers, this historic fortress is steeped in centuries of Scottish history and folklore. We will take a guided tour of the castle, exploring its opulent interiors and beautiful gardens, before enjoying a leisurely lunch in the castle’s elegant tearoom.

As the sun begins to set over the Scottish countryside, we arrive at our hotel near the airport in Edinburgh, bringing your unforgettable golfing and cultural journey through Scotland to a close. With memories of castles, golf courses, and breathtaking landscapes dancing in your mind, you bid farewell to this enchanting land, knowing that you will carry a piece of it with you wherever you go.

Our hotel for the evening offers an award winning dining experience, so we will celebrate out farewell dinner there.

After a hearty breakfast, we will take a shuttle to the airport for our flights home.