Scottish Highlights Itinerary (Edinburgh, Glencoe, Skye & Inverness)

Jonathan Flack

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

Get under the skin of the real Scotland exploring historic cities and Highland glens. Feel the stories of the past come alive as you travel through this vibrant and unique landscape. Discover the wild beauty of the remote glens and enjoy the contrast of the sociable culture in our welcoming towns. Your expert private guide will not just take care of all the logistics, but will add their expertise and local knowledge to share their favourite insiders secrets with you. You are sure to be smiling about times on this trip for years to come.

Highlights

  • Explore beautiful corners of Scotland’s landscape hiking with an expert guide
  • Ride the Jacobite Steam Train on the Classic Rail Journey to the West Coast
  • Hear the tales and legends of Scotland come alive with a storyteller
  • Discover the beauty of the magical Isle of Skye

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome To Scotland

Arrive into Edinburgh Airport where you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you may wish to head out and explore the city a little or you can choose to relax in your welcoming hotel.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Private Morning Walking Tour of Historic Old Town & Free Afternoon

Spend the morning exploring the tales of the cobbled streets and alleyways of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town with an expert local city guide. You will visit some of the famous sights as well as discovering some lesser known gems.

This afternoon you are free to relax or to explore the popular sights of Edinburgh independently with some tips and recommendations picked up from your guide this morning.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Discovering Edinburgh's Undergrounds

Take a trip back in time and wander the dark streets of Edinburgh to visit the eerie dwellings of the Real Mary King’s close. Experience a private tour and learn how the locals used to live and work in these underground alleyways. Later, enjoy free time exploring the city, perhaps take a walk up Calton Hill or a stroll through Prices Street Gardens.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Meet Your Guide & Head North via Glencoe

Your main guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and together you head north. Stop to explore the stunning scenery of Glencoe. These dramatic mountains and ridges have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why! Today you will explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge.

After your hike settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub and listen to local legends and fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe told by a local storyteller. Then carry on to Fort William and settle into your welcoming hotel.

Overnight: Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Jacobite Steam Train & Over The Sea To Skye

Enjoy a magical world renowned Classic Rail Journey on the Jacobite Steam Train this morning. The ‘Harry Potter Train’ will puff its way through beautiful scenery all the way to the West Coast. Here you will alight at the small fishing town of Mallaig and be met by your guide. This afternoon you take the short ferry ride over the sea to Skye. Depending on ferry times there may be time for some exploration with your guide on the way to your hotel.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | The Cuillin Hills
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Explore The Isle Of Skye

Today you have a full day to explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscape on offer, with unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations and sweeping coast and mountain views to enjoy in almost every direction. This ‘misty isle’ is also home to so many curious stories and legends of fairies and islander culture, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | The Cuillin Hills
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Return To The Mainland, Eilean Donan Castle & Loch Ness

Returning to the mainland this morning, by way of the graceful Skye bridge, it is not long before you see one of the prettiest castles in Scotland. Eilean Donan occupies an island at the confluence of three sea lochs and stands in defiance of the towering peaks surrounding it. Take your time here to explore and enjoy the iconic view before continuing onwards through mountain glens. On arrival at Loch Ness set out onto the deep secretive waters and enjoy a scenic but thrilling zodiac ride, keeping your eyes open for ‘Nessie’ herself. Then continue to a warm welcome at your accommodation in Inverness.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the Airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 7 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 3 to Day 7
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, including Meet & Greet
  • Airport Transfer on Departure day
  • All Ferry Travel mentioned in the itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Morning Walking Tour with Expert Local Guide
    • Edinburgh Castle
    • Mary Kings Close Tour
    • Private Storytelling Session in Public Traditional Pub
      • Includes beverage
    • Journey on Jacobite Steam Train
      • Fort William to Mallaig, First Class
    • Entry to Eilean Donan Castle
    • Boat Trip on Loch Ness
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support form the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.