Scottish Highlands Uncovered - 5 Days

We’ll collect you from Edinburgh’s High Street before travelling to Glasgow – Scotland’s largest city and historic industrial hub – to meet the rest of your group. From there, we begin our journey west through the stunning landscapes of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most cherished natural attractions, is surrounded by charming villages and scenic beauty – a perfect introduction to the Highlands.

We continue to Kilmartin Glen, a region rich in archaeological significance. With over 5,000 years of human history on display, we’ll explore sites such as Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle, and view remarkable Neolithic rock art at Achnabreck.

Our route then leads us to the coastal town of Oban, known for its superb seafood and vibrant harbour. As we drive in, your guide will share insights into the town’s history and key landmarks. In the evening, you have the option to join a traditional Scottish Ceilidh.

Meeting Point: Caffe Nero, 1 Parliament Sq, Royal Mile, EH1 1RE, besides St Giles Cathedral at 08:15

We depart Oban, crossing the Connel Bridge and passing through Appin en route to Glen Coe – a place of striking natural beauty and the sombre site of the 1692 MacDonald Clan massacre.

Next, we pause in Fort William, nestled beneath Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. From here, we follow the scenic path of the Jacobite Steam Train, with photo stops at the Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct – both iconic filming locations.

Our day continues to Mallaig, a lively fishing village with time to explore before we board a short ferry to the Isle of Skye, where we’ll spend the night.

Today is dedicated to exploring the Isle of Skye. Your knowledgeable driver-guide will tailor the day’s route based on weather and group preferences. Typical highlights include the Cuillin Mountains, Dun Beag Broch, the traditional Black Houses, Kilt Rock Waterfall, the Old Man of Storr and the dramatic Trotternish Peninsula. You’ll also have time in Portree, Skye’s colourful capital.

This is a day for waterfalls, springs, ancient sites and some of Scotland’s most unforgettable scenery.

We depart Skye and visit the photogenic Eilean Donan Castle (entrance not included), a 13th-century stronghold steeped in Scottish history and one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. Next, we travel to the lochside village of Drumnadrochit for lunch. From here, you can choose to explore locally or opt for a visit to Urquhart Castle and a cruise on Loch Ness – a chance to hunt for the elusive Nessie and discover the myths and history of this famous waterway.

Later, we head north to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

We begin with a visit to the battlefield of Culloden (visitor centre not included), site of the final Jacobite uprising in 1746. Nearby, we explore Clava Cairns, a prehistoric burial site that may look familiar to fans of Outlander.

As we head south, we pass through the Cairngorm Mountains. Depending on timing, there may be an opportunity to enjoy a dram at a local whisky distillery or to explore the charming town of Pitlochry before returning to Edinburgh.

Drop Off Point: Caffe Nero, 1 Parliament Sq, Royal Mile, EH1 1RE, besides St Giles Cathedral at 18:00 - 19:00.