Isle of Skye & The Highlands

Name: Day 1: Edinburgh to Portree

Short Description: As we leave Edinburgh, we're treated to an awe-inspiring sight: the historic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Heading further north, we explore the charming village of Dunkeld and its historic cathedral on the banks of the River Tay. It’s time to go monster spotting! Our destination is Loch Ness, where we take a break and attempt to catch a glimpse of the legendary Nessie while enjoying the shores of Fort Augustus. Our journey then leads us to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, nestled within the heart of the Highlands. Here, we delve into the admirable work of Trees for Life, a charity committed to the revival of Scotland's ancient Caledonian Pine Forest. On our way east, castle enthusiasts will fall in love with Eilean Donan Castle, arguably one of Scotland’s most romantic photo spots. Later we cross the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, arriving in colourful Portree for the evening. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: As we leave Edinburgh, we're treated to an awe-inspiring sight: the historic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Heading further north, we explore the charming village of Dunkeld and its historic cathedral on the banks of the River Tay. It’s time to go monster spotting! Our destination is Loch Ness, where we take a break and attempt to catch a glimpse of the legendary Nessie while enjoying the shores of Fort Augustus. Our journey then leads us to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, nestled within the heart of the Highlands. Here, we delve into the admirable work of Trees for Life, a charity committed to the revival of Scotland's ancient Caledonian Pine Forest. On our way east, castle enthusiasts will fall in love with Eilean Donan Castle, arguably one of Scotland’s most romantic photo spots. Later we cross the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, arriving in colourful Portree for the evening. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Eilean Donan Castle(Eilean)
• Dundreggan Rewilding Centre(DundregganHEX)
• Loch Ness (Ness)
• Commando Memorial (Commando)
• Dunkeld Cathedral (Dunkeld)
• Forth Bridges(Bridges)

Name: Day 2: Isle of Skye

Short Description: We spend the day exploring the dramatic Isle of Skye with its amazing scenery, myths and legends. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the mainland against the backdrop of the jagged Cuillin Mountains. Highlights include the mysterious rock formation of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall. In the afternoon you have time to explore Dunvegan Castle, stronghold and ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for the past 800 years. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: We spend the day exploring the dramatic Isle of Skye with its amazing scenery, myths and legends. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the mainland against the backdrop of the jagged Cuillin Mountains. Highlights include the mysterious rock formation of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall. In the afternoon you have time to explore Dunvegan Castle, stronghold and ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for the past 800 years. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Isle of Skye (Skye)
• Old Man of Storr(Storr)
• Sligachan (Sligachan)
• Kilt Rock(Kilt)
• Lealt Falls(Lealt)
• Dunvegan Castle (Dunvegan)

Name: Day 3: Portree to Edinburgh

Short Description: Leaving Portree in the morning, we take the ferry to Mallaig, where those who have secured tickets at the time of booking will board the iconic Jacobite Steam Train for a magical 2-hour journey along the route made famous by the Hogwarts Express*. Crossing the striking arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, it’s easy to see why the West Highland Line is often called one of the world’s greatest rail journeys. If you’re not travelling on the train, you’ll continue with your guide by coach, following the same scenic route and enjoying the landscapes from a different perspective, before meeting the train group again in Fort William. From here, everyone continues the journey together. We then venture into the wild landscapes of Rannoch Moor, one of the last great wilderness areas in Britain. Feast your eyes on the dramatic scenery of Glen Coe, where towering mountains rise steeply around the glen. Later, we take a break in Tyndrum, before passing views of Stirling Castle, perched high on a rocky outcrop, as we make our way back to Edinburgh in the evening. *We’ve now reached capacity for the Jacobite Steam Train this season, so it won’t appear as an add-on when making a new booking. If you’d still like to experience the route of the Hogwarts Express, take a look at the 3-Day Isle of Skye & the West Highland Line tour, which follows the same railway using Scotland’s national train.

Description: Leaving Portree in the morning, we take the ferry to Mallaig, where those who have secured tickets at the time of booking will board the iconic Jacobite Steam Train for a magical 2-hour journey along the route made famous by the Hogwarts Express*. Crossing the striking arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, it’s easy to see why the West Highland Line is often called one of the world’s greatest rail journeys. If you’re not travelling on the train, you’ll continue with your guide by coach, following the same scenic route and enjoying the landscapes from a different perspective, before meeting the train group again in Fort William. From here, everyone continues the journey together. We then venture into the wild landscapes of Rannoch Moor, one of the last great wilderness areas in Britain. Feast your eyes on the dramatic scenery of Glen Coe, where towering mountains rise steeply around the glen. Later, we take a break in Tyndrum, before passing views of Stirling Castle, perched high on a rocky outcrop, as we make our way back to Edinburgh in the evening. *We’ve now reached capacity for the Jacobite Steam Train this season, so it won’t appear as an add-on when making a new booking. If you’d still like to experience the route of the Hogwarts Express, take a look at the 3-Day Isle of Skye & the West Highland Line tour, which follows the same railway using Scotland’s national train.

Highlights

• Rannoch Moor(RannochM)
• Glen Coe(Glencoe)
• Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)(Jacobite)
• Glenfinnan Viaduct(Glenfinnan)

Inclusions

Item 1: Passionate Local Guide

Item 2: Live Commentary & Storytelling in English

Item 3: Two-Night Stay at The Skye Inn (Shared Hostel Option Available)

Item 4: Complimentary Breakfast on Day 2 and 3 (B&B Only)

Item 5: Visit at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Name: Isle of Skye

NameShort: Isle of Skye

Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. Skye exudes magic from every mountain, waterfall and rainbow, while its unique geology and beguiling mythology are unlike anywhere else in Scotland. Skye is an ancient and truly enchanting island.

Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. Skye exudes magic from every mountain, waterfall and rainbow, while its unique geology and beguiling mythology are unlike anywhere else in Scotland. Skye is an ancient and truly enchanting island.

Image Name: Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Isle of Skye

Name: Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)

NameShort: Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)

The Jacobite Steam Train shot to worldwide fame as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. The route between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Line has been voted the most scenic rail journey in the world.

The Jacobite Steam Train shot to worldwide fame as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. The route between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Line has been voted the most scenic rail journey in the world.

Image Name: Jacobite Steam Train

Image Alt: Jacobite Steam Train

Name: Glen Coe

NameShort: Glen Coe

This jaw-dropping landscape is the most atmospheric and evocative place in Scotland. Glen Coe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and the name reflects the sad history of the area, as well as the many waterfalls which cascade from misty peaks.

This jaw-dropping landscape is the most atmospheric and evocative place in Scotland. Glen Coe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and the name reflects the sad history of the area, as well as the many waterfalls which cascade from misty peaks.

Image Name: Glen Coe

Image Alt: Glen Coe

Name: Loch Ness

NameShort: Loch Ness

Loch Ness is the most well-known loch in Scotland, thanks to tales of the Loch Ness Monster. Glaciers carved the deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales.

Loch Ness is the most well-known loch in Scotland, thanks to tales of the Loch Ness Monster. Glaciers carved the deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales...

Image Name: Loch Ness

Image Alt: Loch Ness

Name: Eilean Donan Castle

NameShort: Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. A charming stone bridge leads out to the island, which is surrounded by three lochs and a backdrop of mountains. The castle is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.

Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. A charming stone bridge leads out to the island, which is surrounded by three lochs and a backdrop of mountains. The castle is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.

Image Name: Eilean Donan Castle

Image Alt: Eilean Donan Castle

Name: Glenfinnan Viaduct

NameShort: Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is known to many as the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’ after featuring in two of the famous films. The iconic bridge has twenty-one arches which curve around the dramatic Highland landscape, with views over the stunning Loch Shiel.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is known to many as the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’ after featuring in two of the famous films. The iconic bridge has twenty-one arches which curve around the dramatic Highland landscape, with views over the stunning Loch Shiel.

Image Name: Glenfinnan Viaduct

Image Alt: Glenfinnan Viaduct

Name: Old Man of Storr

NameShort: Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is a striking pinnacle of rock, perched high upon Skye’s otherworldly landscape. This geological wonder is one of the island’s most iconic sights - it looks even more impressive on a misty day.

The Old Man of Storr is a striking pinnacle of rock, perched high upon Skye’s otherworldly landscape. This geological wonder is one of the island’s most iconic sights - it looks even more impressive on a misty day.

Image Name: Old Man of Storr

Image Alt: Old Man of Storr

Name: Kilt Rock

NameShort: Kilt Rock

Kilt Rock is a breath-taking sight on Skye’s dramatic coastline. Marvel at the magic of Mealt Falls, as it cascades down the striking cliff face - which is said to be shaped by a mythical giant’s kilt.

Kilt Rock is a breath-taking sight on Skye’s dramatic coastline. Marvel at the magic of Mealt Falls, as it cascades down the striking cliff face - which is said to be shaped by a mythical giant’s kilt.

Image Name: Kilt Rock

Image Alt: Kilt Rock

Name: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

NameShort: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Did you know that today, only 1% of Scotland's native forests remain? At Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, you'll learn about Trees for Life's inspiring mission to rewild the Scottish Highlands. You'll not only meet lively experts who talk you through the secrets of the forest, but also witness their rewilding success during a scenic woodland walk. (© Ashley Coombes)

Did you know that today, only 1% of Scotland's native forests remain? At Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, you'll learn about Trees for Life's inspiring mission to rewild the Scottish Highlands. You'll not only meet lively experts who talk you through the secrets of the forest, but also witness their rewilding success during a scenic woodland walk. (© Ashley Coombes)

Image Name: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Image Alt: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Name: Sligachan

NameShort: Sligachan

Sligachan is a tiny settlement in a breath-taking location. The views are truly stunning, from the beautiful old bridge and enchanting river, to the dramatic backdrop of red and black Cuillin mountains.

Sligachan is a tiny settlement in a breath-taking location. The views are truly stunning, from the beautiful old bridge and enchanting river, to the dramatic backdrop of red and black Cuillin mountains.

Image Name: Sligachan Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Sligachan Isle of Skye

Name: Lealt Falls

NameShort: Lealt Falls

Lealt Falls runs through a deep gorge, past the ruins of an old diatomite mine, and out to the sea. Soak up scenic views of the waterfall and rocky shoreline from the elevated viewing platforms.

Lealt Falls runs through a deep gorge, past the ruins of an old diatomite mine, and out to the sea. Soak up scenic views of the waterfall and rocky shoreline from the elevated viewing platforms.

Image Name: Lealt Falls

Image Alt: Lealt Falls

Name: Portree

NameShort: Portree

Portree is Skye’s central hub and most populated town, with numerous shops and places to eat. The main square is a hive of activity, while the quaint harbour with its brightly coloured facades is lifted straight from a postcard.

Portree is Skye’s central hub and most populated town, with numerous shops and places to eat. The main square is a hive of activity, while the quaint harbour with its brightly coloured facades is lifted straight from a postcard.

Image Name: Portree

Image Alt: Portree

Name: Dunvegan Castle

NameShort: Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle is the seat of Clan Macleod, who have lived in the castle for over 800 years. Soak up the stunning loch side scenery, and discover fascinating treasures inside, including the Fairy Flag and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s waistcoat.

Dunvegan Castle is the seat of Clan Macleod, who have lived in the castle for over 800 years. Soak up the stunning loch side scenery, and discover fascinating treasures inside, including the Fairy Flag and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s waistcoat.

Image Name: Dunvegan Castle

Image Alt: Dunvegan Castle

Name: Dunkeld Cathedral

NameShort: Dunkeld Cathedral

Dunkeld Cathedral is a beautiful, partly ruined structure, which sits in a peaceful location overlooking the River Tay. Look out for the cursed effigy of the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’ inside, and read about the cathedral’s history spanning hundreds of years.

Dunkeld Cathedral is a beautiful, partly ruined structure, which sits in a peaceful location overlooking the River Tay. Look out for the cursed effigy of the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’ inside, and read about the cathedral’s history spanning hundreds of years.

Image Name: Dunkeld Cathedral

Image Alt: Dunkeld Cathedral

Name: Views of Ben Nevis

NameShort: Views of Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest peak. This majestic mountain rises up from the landscape at 1345 meters above sea level. On a clear day the summit can be seen from the area around Fort William.

Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest peak. This majestic mountain rises up from the landscape at 1345 meters above sea level. On a clear day the summit can be seen from the area around Fort William.

Image Name: Views of Ben Nevis

Image Alt: Views of Ben Nevis

Name: Commando Memorial

NameShort: Commando Memorial

The Commando Memorial pays tribute to the elite Commando unit who bravely fought in World War II. The statue looks out across the stunning Nevis Range, and the area where the Commandos trained with live ammunition.

The Commando Memorial pays tribute to the elite Commando unit who bravely fought in World War II. The statue looks out across the stunning Nevis Range, and the area where the Commandos trained with live ammunition.

Image Name: Commando Memorial

Image Alt: Commando Memorial

Name: Forth Bridges

NameShort: Forth Bridges

The Firth of Forth has a trio of iconic bridges. The 1890 Forth Bridge is a masterpiece in engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964, followed by the striking Queensferry Crossing in 2017.

The Firth of Forth has a trio of iconic bridges. The 1890 Forth Bridge is a masterpiece in engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964, followed by the striking Queensferry Crossing in 2017.

Image Name: Forth Bridges

Image Alt: Forth Bridges

Name: Rannoch Moor

NameShort: Rannoch Moor

The Rannoch Moor in the Scottish Highlands is a vast and rugged expanse of wilderness characterised by its sweeping moorland, lochs, and rocky landscapes. A true dive into Scotland's untamed natural beauty!

The Rannoch Moor in the Scottish Highlands is a vast and rugged expanse of wilderness characterised by its sweeping moorland, lochs, and rocky landscapes. A true dive into Scotland's untamed natural beauty!

Image Name: Rannoch Moor

Image Alt: Rannoch Moor