35th Anniversary -- 8 day trip to Scotland

Dalhousie Castle maybe

Please don't hire a car jetlagged on arrival in Edinburgh. Far better to have a few days in the city first.

Note that many schools take the third or last week in October as holidays and places may therefore be busier.

Which parts of the highlands do you want to see? With only 4-5 days, you won't see the entire highland region unless you just want to drive, drive, drive nonstop.

When you say "really romantic country inn or place to stay in Edinburgh," what qualifies as romantic for you? Do you like historic buildings or maybe a castle? Or a small, charming B&B with a personal touch? Or a modern luxury hotel perhaps with spa treatments available? And what is your price range?

thank you all for your responses. I checked out the castle on line and it looks terrific. we will be flying in from Berlin, so no real jet lag, but I'm leaning towards staying in Edinburgh for 3 nights and then touring a bit. With so much to see, we will just have to pick a few places and have to skip the rest.

As far as hotels - we are more into smaller, older, interesting places - B&B's, small boutique hotels, castles, etc.

Any recommendations of places you have stayed and really enjoyed (beautiful gardens, lovely views, quaint villages, etc.) are much appreciated.

H

also, thank you for the tip on school vacations! Very useful info to know.

also, thank you for the tip on school vacations! Very useful info to know.

also, thank you for the tip on school vacations! Very useful info to know.

also, thank you for the tip on school vacations! Very useful info to know.

Your trip through the highlands could take you to Nairn, just east of Inverness (and prettier, IMO). I can recommend Tali Ayer B&B. It is a beautifully renovated stone house with modern ensuite bathrooms. I think the house dates from ca. 1900 -- not terribly old, but with plenty of charm. It is right in town, walking distance to a nice restaurant called The Classroom, and a 10-15 minute walk to the marina and beach. The hosts, David and Rowena Cameron, are amazing.

Nairn is right near Cawdor Castle, and just to the west of that is Culloden Battlefield. Also not far from Clava Cairns, if you're interested in neolithic sites. It is also near enough to Loch Ness to do a day trip to Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition.

I can suggest some b&b's in/near Glen Affric/loch ness and Inverness.
They are both bed and breakfast locations

One near Glen Affric is called Kerrow house. They have B&B accomodations as well as some self catering accommodations I think.
Really beautiful house, huge rooms, good breakfast and beautiful views.

I stayed in another right in Inverness called Roseneath Guest house. The room was nice and they did a fantastic breakfast. I think one of the owners is a chef. He was cooking to order...I had a wonderful omelet and the best black pudding on the trip

thanks for a couple of great suggestions! Really appreciate all that we have received. Have decided to drive to Oban on day one, may stay a second day there, then up towards Inverness for a couple of days, then down to St. Andrews for a night before flying out of Scotland then final day.

If you are staying in Oban the Glenburnie House is charmingly romantic. Get a room with a water view. We were on the top floor with a huge king bed and lovely views of the water.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g186501-d253403-Reviews-Glenburnie_House-Oban_Argyll_and_Bute_Scotland.html#REVIEWS

We celebrated our 30th in the UK this past summer. My most favorite place to stay was here:
http://www.bellsbraehouse.co.uk/

Bells Brae House, located in Dean Village was incredibly romantic and the location transports you to another time. Stephanie took great care of us and breakfasts were wonderful. If you are interested I would check on availbility now. Europcar delivered a rental car to Bell's Brae when we left for the highlands. You won't need a car while you are in Edinburgh.

I loved Scotland, truly.