Highland Fling

Itinerary Item 1

Name: DAY 1: EDINBURGH TO OBAN

Short Description: We leave Edinburgh in the morning and head north towards the stunning Kelpies. We pass Stirling and take in views of the towering Wallace Monument and its' stunning Castle. Listen to stories about the insane events which have taken place in this area throughout history. Enter into the wild Scottish Highlands, passing the medieval stronghold of Doune Castle; featured in Outlander and Game of Thrones. Our next stop is eerie Glen Coe; one of Scotland’s most iconic and dramatic landscapes. Hear the harrowing tale of the 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald, as you soak up the epic scenery. Tonight, we’ll stay in the bustling fishing town of Oban; enjoy fresh seafood and dance the night away at a traditional Scottish ceilidh – the best way to bond with your new tour buddies. (Overnight: Oban)

Description: We leave Edinburgh in the morning and head north towards the stunning Kelpies. We pass Stirling and take in views of the towering Wallace Monument and its' stunning Castle. Listen to stories about the insane events which have taken place in this area throughout history. Enter into the wild Scottish Highlands, passing the medieval stronghold of Doune Castle; featured in Outlander and Game of Thrones. Our next stop is eerie Glen Coe; one of Scotland’s most iconic and dramatic landscapes. Hear the harrowing tale of the 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald, as you soak up the epic scenery. Tonight, we’ll stay in the bustling fishing town of Oban; enjoy fresh seafood and dance the night away at a traditional Scottish ceilidh – the best way to bond with your new tour buddies. (Overnight: Oban)

Highlights

• Glen Coe(GC)
• Rannoch Moor (Rannoch)
• Oban(Oban)
• Robert the Bruce (Bruce)
• Kelpies (Kelpies)

Itinerary Item 2

Name: DAY 2: OBAN TO ISLE OF SKYE

Short Description: Look out for Ben Nevis – the tallest mountain in the UK – as we journey north past Fort William. Prepare to be awestruck by the rugged Highland scenery, and star struck by the Glenfinnan Viaduct; also known as the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’. We spend the night on the Isle of Skye, where we’ll gather in a local pub, where you can sample some local ale, whisky, and banter!

Description: Look out for Ben Nevis – the tallest mountain in the UK – as we journey north past Fort William. Prepare to be awestruck by the rugged Highland scenery, and star struck by the Glenfinnan Viaduct; also known as the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’. We spend the night on the Isle of Skye, where we’ll gather in a local pub, where you can sample some local ale, whisky, and banter!

Highlights

• Glenfinnan Viaduct(Viaduct)
• Hogwarts Express (Jacobite)
• Glen Shiel(Shiel)
• Isle of Skye(Skye)
• Portree(Portee)

Itinerary Item 3

Name: DAY 3: ISLE OF SKYE TO INVERNESS

Short Description: Today, we explore the enchanting Isle of Skye. Famous for its otherworldly scenery, clan history, and legendary myths, Skye is a big tick off your bucket list! Immerse yourself in the magic of Skye; marvel at waterfalls, ancient mountains, and jaw-dropping coastline, while listening to tales of Vikings, ancient monarchs, and mischievous faeries. Returning to the mainland on the way to Loch Ness we take in the views of the incredibly photogenic Eilean Donan Castle and visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest before winding our way along the Great Glen to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands. (Overnight: Inverness)

Description: Today, we explore the enchanting Isle of Skye. Famous for its otherworldly scenery, clan history, and legendary myths, Skye is a big tick off your bucket list! Immerse yourself in the magic of Skye; marvel at waterfalls, ancient mountains, and jaw-dropping coastline, while listening to tales of Vikings, ancient monarchs, and mischievous faeries. Returning to the mainland on the way to Loch Ness we take in the views of the incredibly photogenic Eilean Donan Castle and visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest before winding our way along the Great Glen to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands. (Overnight: Inverness)

Highlights

• Cuillin Mountains(Cuillin)
• Kilt Rock(Kilt)
• Sligachan(Sligachan)
• Old Man of Storr(Storr)
• Eilean Donan Castle(Eilean)
• Loch Ness(LN)

Itinerary Item 4

Name: DAY 4: INVERNESS

Short Description: This is your final Nessie spotting opportunity. Take a relaxed stroll by the shores of the mysterious Loch Ness before our drive takes us through the stunning beauty of the North West Highlands and onto the picturesque town of Beauly with its historic Priory dating back to 1230. Today, Beauly Priory is better known for its showcase in Outlander season two as well as burial site to members of Clan Fraser. Next, we stop at the mysterious Clava Cairns; a prehistoric burial site with standing stones which inspired the TV show Outlander. Next, we visit the eerie moor at Culloden Battlefield, to hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1746 Jacobite Rising; the story which also inspired Outlander, before returning to Inverness. (Overnight: Inverness)

Description: This is your final Nessie spotting opportunity. Take a relaxed stroll by the shores of the mysterious Loch Ness before our drive takes us through the stunning beauty of the North West Highlands and onto the picturesque town of Beauly with its historic Priory dating back to 1230. Today, Beauly Priory is better known for its showcase in Outlander season two as well as burial site to members of Clan Fraser. Next, we stop at the mysterious Clava Cairns; a prehistoric burial site with standing stones which inspired the TV show Outlander. Next, we visit the eerie moor at Culloden Battlefield, to hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1746 Jacobite Rising; the story which also inspired Outlander, before returning to Inverness. (Overnight: Inverness)

Highlights

• Outlander(Outlander)
• Beauly(Beauly)
• Loch Ness Cruise Jacobite (jacobitecruise)
• Culloden Battlefield(Culloden)

Itinerary Item 5

Name: DAY 5: INVERNESS TO EDINBURGH

Short Description: Leaving Inverness, we visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries before heading to a local whisky distillery with a chance to taste Scotland’s 'water of life'. For our final stop we visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village, on to the River Tay and make a visit to the cathedral. We return to Edinburgh early evening. Please note that the order of the route is subject to change.

Description: Leaving Inverness, we visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries before heading to a local whisky distillery with a chance to taste Scotland’s 'water of life'. For our final stop we visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village, on to the River Tay and make a visit to the cathedral. We return to Edinburgh early evening. Please note that the order of the route is subject to change.

Highlights

• Dunkeld Cathedral (Dunkeld)
• Forth Bridges (Bridge)
• Clava Cairns (CC)
• Whisky Drinking (Whisky)

Inclusions

Item 1: 4 Nights Hostel Mixed-Gender Multi-Share Accommodation

Item 2: Legendary Local Guide

Item 3: All Transport and Ferry Crossings

Item 4: Whisky Distillery Tour

Item 5: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Highlight 1

Name: Glen Coe

NameShort: Glen Coe

As far as Scottish scenery goes, you don’t get more dramatic than the mighty Glencoe. ‘Glen’ is Gaelic for valley, and this jaw-dropper was deeply carved into the landscape during the Ice Age. From the sprawling peaks to crystal-clear rivers, Glencoe is guaranteed to blow your wee socks off.

Glencoe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and it certainly lives up to its name. Waterfalls run from misty peaks through the glen’s gorges and creases, and are particularly dramatic after a downpour of “liquid sunshine”. Glencoe’s name also reflects the sad history of the clan who once lived there. In 1692, the government redcoats murdered Clan MacDonald in their beds, as punishment for their Jacobite allegiance. This bloody and brutal betrayal of Highland hospitality is remembered in history as the Massacre of Glencoe. Glencoe is dominated by majestic mountains which completely contrast the vast and flat expanse of its neighbouring Rannoch Moor. Buachaille Etive Mòr, which overlooks the moor, is a bonnie brute of a mountain, and a fond favourite with photographers. We think that Glencoe is the most photogenic when the weather is moody and atmospheric.

Image Name: Glen Coe

Image Alt: Glen Coe

Highlight 2

Name: Whisky Drinking

NameShort: Whisky Drinking

A trip to Scotland would not be complete without a wee taste of our national tipple… whisky! We take you to a local whisky tasting to sample the ‘water of life’, where you’re guaranteed to leave feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

A trip to Scotland would not be complete without a wee taste of our national tipple… whisky! We take you to a local whisky tasting to sample the ‘water of life’, where you’re guaranteed to leave feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Image Name: Whisky drinking

Image Alt: Whisky drinking

Highlight 3

Name: Glenfinnan Viaduct

NameShort: Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Glenfinnan Viaduct has shot to worldwide fame since starring in the Harry Potter films. Whether you’re a fan of the wee wizard or not, this bonnie bridge – with its 21 arches against a scenic Highland backdrop – is an insane sight to behold!

The Glenfinnan Viaduct has shot to worldwide fame since starring in the Harry Potter films. Whether you’re a fan of the wee wizard or not, this bonnie bridge – with its 21 arches against a scenic Highland backdrop – is an insane sight to behold!

Image Name: Glenfinnan Viaduct

Image Alt: Glenfinnan Viaduct

Highlight 4

Name: Hogwarts Express

NameShort: Hogwarts Express

All aboard the Hogwarts Express! The Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William and Mallaig is said to be the greatest rail journey in the world. The train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and sweeps along the west coast, offering bonnie views of distant isles and white sand beaches.

All aboard the Hogwarts Express! The Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William and Mallaig is said to be the greatest rail journey in the world. The train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and sweeps along the west coast, offering bonnie views of distant isles and white sand beaches.

Image Name: Jacobite Steam Train

Image Alt: Jacobite Steam Train

Highlight 5

Name: Glen Shiel

NameShort: Glen Shiel

Our journey through the stunning Glen Shiel takes in lochs, waterfalls, battle stories, and mountains as far as the eye can see. If you love a scenic drive, you better brace yourself for this epic Highland road.

Our journey through the stunning Glen Shiel takes in lochs, waterfalls, battle stories, and mountains as far as the eye can see. If you love a scenic drive, you better brace yourself for this epic Highland road.

Image Name: Glen Shiel

Image Alt: Glen Shiel

Highlight 6

Name: Isle of Skye

NameShort: Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is every bit as magical as it sounds. Our journey takes you around the coast and through the mists of time. In the shadow of the mighty mountains, we search for waterfalls, mischievous wee fairies, and remnants of a land long ago.

Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. The iconic Skye Bridge transports you from the mainland into a whole new world of insane geology, beguiling mythology, and picturesque settlements; the colourful facades of pretty Portree make the perfect postcard. Rainbows plunge into peaty lochs, like waterfalls from the dramatic cliff tops. The Cuillin Mountains are an epic scale of awesome, carved by ancient volcanos and glaciers; for our viewing pleasure, of course. Skye has a rich cultural heritage, with a history coloured by rival clans, Viking settlers, and a fugitive Prince. Ruined castles hold secrets of the past, while Norse place names ensure that we don’t forget it. Even dinosaurs roamed the land, leaving footprints on the beach. Try a local beer or Talisker whisky, and don’t forget to toast the faeries! Skye is where the magic happens.

Image Name: The Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Isle of Skye tour

Highlight 7

Name: Portree

NameShort: Portree

Pretty Portree is Skye’s main settlement and tourist town. The picturesque harbour with its colourful facades is where Bonnie Prince Charlie finally escaped on a French ship after the Battle of Culloden; never to return to Scotland.

Pretty Portree is Skye’s main settlement and tourist town. The picturesque harbour with its colourful facades is where Bonnie Prince Charlie finally escaped on a French ship after the Battle of Culloden; never to return to Scotland.

Image Name: Portree Skye

Image Alt: Portree Skye

Highlight 8

Name: Cuillin Mountains

NameShort: Cuillin Mountains

The Cuillin mountains are millions of years old, and they look damn fine for their age. The epic ruggedness of the red and black rock dominates the otherworldly landscape on Skye, and will be sure to block your wee socks off!

The Cuillin mountains are millions of years old, and they look damn fine for their age. The epic ruggedness of the red and black rock dominates the otherworldly landscape on Skye, and will be sure to block your wee socks off!

Image Name: Cuillin Mountains Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Cuillin Mountains Isle of Skye

Highlight 9

Name: Kilt Rock

NameShort: Kilt Rock

Absolutely nothing to see here, it’s just a crinkle-cut sea cliff and an epic waterfall. No filters are required to make Kilt Rock look cool. Learn about how this insane coastline was formed. Geology or giants? You decide!

Absolutely nothing to see here, it’s just a crinkle-cut sea cliff and an epic waterfall. No filters are required to make Kilt Rock look cool. Learn about how this insane coastline was formed. Geology or giants? You decide!

Image Name: Kilt Rock

Image Alt: Kilt Rock

Highlight 10

Name: Sligachan

NameShort: Sligachan

Sligachan may be a small settlement, but the views are absolutely epic. The Cuillin mountains strike a pose behind the rocky river and picturesque stone bridge. When it comes to bonnie backdrops, it doesn’t get much better!

Sligachan may be a small settlement, but the views are absolutely epic. The Cuillin mountains strike a pose behind the rocky river and picturesque stone bridge. When it comes to bonnie backdrops, it doesn’t get much better!

Image Name: Sligachan Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Sligachan Isle of Skye

Highlight 11

Name: Old Man of Storr

NameShort: Old Man of Storr

When it comes to cool geology, this natural wonder is the absolute pinnacle. Standing tall on Skye’s ancient landslip, the Old Man of Storr is such a poser. Sometimes hidden by mist, this is a popular hangout for mischievous fairies!

When it comes to cool geology, this natural wonder is the absolute pinnacle. Standing tall on Skye’s ancient landslip, the Old Man of Storr is such a poser. Sometimes hidden by mist, this is a popular hangout for mischievous fairies!

Image Name: Old Man of Storr

Image Alt: Old Man of Storr

Highlight 12

Name: Eilean Donan Castle

NameShort: Eilean Donan Castle

Don’t believe in love at first sight? Eilean Donan Castle will soon change that. A picturesque stone bridge winds out to the stunning structure. Set upon a wee tidal island, against a backdrop of mountains and lochs, it is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and romantic sights in Scotland.

Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. From every angle the castle boasts a bonnie backdrop, from misty or snow-sprinkled peaks, to glassy-still lochs which mirror the sun and clouds. The castle sits in a unique position, at a point where three sea lochs meet. This was a deliberate defence strategy to protect the area from Viking raids, when the castle was fortified in the 13th century. Later in history, the castle was used as a garrison for Spanish troops, who supported the Jacobite cause during the 1719 uprising. They arrived with over 300 barrels of gunpowder, which they never got the chance to use. Instead, their military opponents gained access to the castle, and used the gunpowder to blow it up from the inside-out. Oh, the irony! The castle lay as a romantic ruin until it was restored to its former glory and reopened in 1932.

Link to Highlight resource:

Eilean Donan Castle)

Image Name: Eilean Donan Castle

Image Alt: Eilean Donan Castle

Highlight 13

Name: Loch Ness

NameShort: Loch Ness

It’s time to tick Loch Ness off your Scotland bucket list, as we go in search of the infamous Loch Ness Monster. We promise you’ll get cool photos of Loch Ness and the surrounding scenery. A glimpse of ‘Nessie’ in the background is just an extra bonus!

Loch Ness is not the biggest or the deepest loch in Scotland, but it is definitely the most well-known. For this, we can thank the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. The first sighting of ‘Nessie’ was in 565AD by St Columba, when the monster reared its ugly head and launched an attack on his man servant. Much later, the ‘Surgeons Photograph’ from 1934 was considered the best and most famous capture of the beast, until it was later revealed to be a fake.! Of all Scotland’s lochs, Loch Ness has the highest volume of water. Glaciers carved the crazy-deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales. The water is so full of peat from the surrounding hills, its depths are almost pitch-black. Perfect hiding place for a monster if you ask us!

Image Name: Loch Ness

Image Alt: Loch Ness tour

Highlight 14

Name: Beauly

NameShort: Beauly

Spend some time exploring picturesque Beauly Priory; used in the filming of Outlander. Beauly Priory from the French beau lieu meaning ‘beautiful place’ and abbey church which remains today is nestled in a charming, wooded, riverside location.

Spend some time exploring picturesque Beauly Priory; used in the filming of Outlander. Beauly Priory from the French beau lieu meaning ‘beautiful place’ and abbey church which remains today is nestled in a charming, wooded, riverside location.

Image Name: Beauly Priory

Image Alt: Beauly Priory Scotland tours

Highlight 15

Name: Loch Ness Cruise Jacobite

NameShort: Loch Ness Cruise Jacobite

A cruise on the mysterious and beautiful Loch Ness is an unforgettable experience, offering you the chance to catch a glimpse of Nessie and soak up the scenery. The boat uses the very latest hi-tech colour sonar and underwater imaging systems to enhance the hunt. You can use on-board audio guides that will immerse you in the history and legends of this fascinating loch or just relax with a coffee or beer in the on-board bar. Reserve your cruise at the time of booking to guarantee your seat.

A cruise on the mysterious and beautiful Loch Ness is an unforgettable experience, offering you the chance to catch a glimpse of Nessie and soak up the scenery. The boat uses the very latest hi-tech colour sonar and underwater imaging systems to enhance the hunt. You can use on-board audio guides that will immerse you in the history and legends of this fascinating loch or just relax with a coffee or beer in the on-board bar. Reserve your cruise at the time of booking to guarantee your seat.

Image Name: Loch Ness Cruise

Image Alt: Loch Ness Cruise Scotland tours

Highlight 16

Name: Dunkeld Cathedral

NameShort: Dunkeld Cathedral

Dunkeld Cathedral is absolutely beautifully, from the peaceful, countryside setting to the impressive, arched ruins. Look inside the main building for the cursed tomb of the wicked ‘Wolf of Babenoch’, and wander down to the banks of the fast-flowing River Tay to soak up the surroundings.

Dunkeld is a pretty Perthshire town at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Rows of super-cute 18th century houses lead towards Dunkeld Cathedral, which has been a centre of religion worship for hundreds of years. Work began on the cathedral in the 13th century, and they clearly weren’t in a hurry, as it took nearly 250 years to finish. Part of the cathedral is a ruin, which we think is the most beautiful part. The setting is pretty-damn bonnie too, with a perfect view of the Dunkeld Bridge over the River Tay. Inside the main cathedral is the effigy of Alexander Stuart, Earl of Buchan, also known as the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’; a notorious and villainous character in Scottish history. His favourite hobbies were terrorising people and setting fire to things, so it’s hardly surprising his tomb is said to be cursed. You have been warned!

Image Name: Dunkeld Cathedral

Image Alt: Dunkeld Cathedral

Highlight 17

Name: Forth Bridges

NameShort: Forth Bridges

Three bonnie bridges over the Forth, each from a different century. The Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017, but the iconic railway bridge is our favourite. The Forth Bridge is an epic feat of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Three bonnie bridges over the Forth, each from a different century. The Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017, but the iconic railway bridge is our favourite. The Forth Bridge is an epic feat of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Image Name: Forth Bridges

Image Alt: Forth Bridges

Highlight 18

Name: Clava Cairns

NameShort: Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns is a mysterious and atmospheric Bronze Age burial site which is aligned with the stars. Outlander fans can attempt their own journey through the standing stones, while a wander into the well-preserved passage cairns will you imagining the people who built them, in a time so long ago.

There is something very special about Clava Cairns, from the peaceful setting to the arrangement of ancient stones. The prehistoric structures include a kerb ring cairn, two passage graves, a central ring cairn and standing stones. The exact purpose of Clava Cairns is a mystery, though it’s believed it was a place of ritual and burial. Knowing that it was used over 4000 years ago is reason alone for the mind to boggle. No complete human skeletons have been unearthed during excavations of the site, so it is thought that each cairn was used to bury just one person. Given their size, these must have been very important people! The passageways into the cairns were built in alignment with the winter solstice, illuminating the chambers as the sun sets. The free-standing stones reflect the position of the stars, and are perfect for staging your very own Outlander-inspired photo.

Image Name: Clava Cairns

Image Alt: Clava Cairns

Highlight 19

Name: Culloden Battlefield

NameShort: Culloden Battlefield

Culloden was the last battle fought on British soil, and the real-life story which inspired the hit series Outlander. Visiting the battlefield is an evocative experience, as you learn about the Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army, and the destruction of the highland clan culture in the aftermath.

On the 16th April 1746, the Jacobite and Hanoverian armies met on Culloden Moor, in what would be their final confrontation. The Jacobite forces were led by Bonnie Prince Charlie, who aimed to reclaim the British throne for his family, the House of Stuart. After decades of rebellion against the British government, the battle was over in 45 minutes, the Jacobite cause lost forever. Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series was inspired by this bloody and brutal period in Scotland’s history. Visitors now come from across to visit the battlefield, and pay tribute to the fallen clans. Outlander is a fictional tale of romance and time-travel, but the history is very real. Those who have fallen in love with the story of Jamie and Claire can visit the grave of Clan Fraser on the battlefield.

Image Name: Culloden Battlefield

Image Alt: Culloden Battlefield

Highlight 20

Name: Kelpies

NameShort: Kelpies

The Kelpies are a stunning spectacle of modern engineering, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott. Kelpies are mythological beasts in Scottish folklore, and this epic equine landmark is the largest of its kind in the world, “neighing” at a height of 30 meters and weighing a mighty 300 tonnes.

The Kelpies are a stunning spectacle of modern engineering, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott. Kelpies are mythological beasts in Scottish folklore, and this epic equine landmark is the largest of its kind in the world, “neighing” at a height of 30 meters and weighing a mighty 300 tonnes.

Image Name: Kelpies

Image Alt: Kelpies