Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands

Name: Day 1: Edinburgh to Loch Ness

Short Description: Leaving the city behind, you’ll head north into Perthshire, and onto the pretty village of Dunkeld, sitting on the banks of the River Tay. There’s time to stretch your legs and take in the peaceful setting before continuing a short distance to The Hermitage. Here, a gentle woodland walk leads you beneath towering Douglas firs to a beautiful waterfall crashing through a narrow gorge. You’ll then travel on to Pitlochry, a lively Highland town where you’ll have time for lunch and a wander. In the afternoon, the scenery becomes more rugged as you make your way north to Clava Cairns, a well-preserved prehistoric burial site surrounded by standing stones. A short drive brings you to Culloden Battlefield, where your guide will walk you through the events of the 1746 Jacobite Rising. From here, you’ll follow the shoreline of Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for any mysterious ripples on the water. You’ll have the chance to take an evening cruise on the loch – a relaxed way to end the day as the light fades over the Highlands. (Overnight: Fort Augustus)

Description: Leaving the city behind, you’ll head north into Perthshire, and onto the pretty village of Dunkeld, sitting on the banks of the River Tay. There’s time to stretch your legs and take in the peaceful setting before continuing a short distance to The Hermitage. Here, a gentle woodland walk leads you beneath towering Douglas firs to a beautiful waterfall crashing through a narrow gorge. You’ll then travel on to Pitlochry, a lively Highland town where you’ll have time for lunch and a wander. In the afternoon, the scenery becomes more rugged as you make your way north to Clava Cairns, a well-preserved prehistoric burial site surrounded by standing stones. A short drive brings you to Culloden Battlefield, where your guide will walk you through the events of the 1746 Jacobite Rising. From here, you’ll follow the shoreline of Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for any mysterious ripples on the water. You’ll have the chance to take an evening cruise on the loch – a relaxed way to end the day as the light fades over the Highlands. (Overnight: Fort Augustus)

Highlights

• Forth Bridges(Bridges)
• The Hermitage Forest(Hermitage)
• Dunkeld Cathedral (Dunkeld)
• Clava Cairns (Clava)
• Culloden Battlefield (Culloden)
• Loch Ness(LN)
• Loch Ness Boat Cruise(Cruise)

Name: Day 2: Loch Ness to Isle of Skye

Short Description: Today is all about big landscapes and iconic views as you make your way to the Isle of Skye. The journey begins with a stop at a viewpoint overlooking Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, set where three sea lochs meet. Crossing the Skye Bridge, the scenery quickly becomes more dramatic. You’ll pass beneath the peaks of the Cuillin Mountains before heading out on foot to the Fairy Pools. This walk follows a rough path alongside bright, clear pools and small waterfalls – sturdy shoes are a good idea here, as the ground can be rocky and wet. Next, you’ll head to the island’s colourful harbour town, Portree, where there’s time to grab lunch and explore at your own pace. The afternoon brings more classic Skye scenery. You’ll visit the striking rock formation of the Old Man of Storr, rising above the surrounding cliffs, followed by a stop at Kilt Rock, where basalt columns drop sharply into the sea below. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: Today is all about big landscapes and iconic views as you make your way to the Isle of Skye. The journey begins with a stop at a viewpoint overlooking Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, set where three sea lochs meet. Crossing the Skye Bridge, the scenery quickly becomes more dramatic. You’ll pass beneath the peaks of the Cuillin Mountains before heading out on foot to the Fairy Pools. This walk follows a rough path alongside bright, clear pools and small waterfalls – sturdy shoes are a good idea here, as the ground can be rocky and wet. Next, you’ll head to the island’s colourful harbour town, Portree, where there’s time to grab lunch and explore at your own pace. The afternoon brings more classic Skye scenery. You’ll visit the striking rock formation of the Old Man of Storr, rising above the surrounding cliffs, followed by a stop at Kilt Rock, where basalt columns drop sharply into the sea below. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• The Fairy Pools(Fairy)
• Eilean Donan Castle(Eilean)
• Cuillins(Cuillins)
• Portree(Portree)
• Kilt Rock(Kilt)
• Old Man of Storr(Storr)

Name: Day 3: Isle of Skye to Edinburgh

Short Description: Leaving Skye behind, you’ll travel through the Great Glen, stopping at the Commando Memorial, which looks out towards the mountains and honours the soldiers who trained here during the Second World War. On a clear day, you may catch sight of Ben Nevis in the distance, the UK’s highest peak. The journey continues south into Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most atmospheric landscapes. Steep sides, winding roads, and a powerful history make this a highlight of the trip, with time for a photo stop along the way. From here, you’ll cross the wide, open expanse of Rannoch Moor before passing through the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Your final stop of the day is at The Kelpies – towering steel sculptures that offer a memorable end to your Highland adventure.

Description: Leaving Skye behind, you’ll travel through the Great Glen, stopping at the Commando Memorial, which looks out towards the mountains and honours the soldiers who trained here during the Second World War. On a clear day, you may catch sight of Ben Nevis in the distance, the UK’s highest peak. The journey continues south into Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most atmospheric landscapes. Steep sides, winding roads, and a powerful history make this a highlight of the trip, with time for a photo stop along the way. From here, you’ll cross the wide, open expanse of Rannoch Moor before passing through the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Your final stop of the day is at The Kelpies – towering steel sculptures that offer a memorable end to your Highland adventure.

Highlights

• Views of Ben Nevis(Nevis)
• Glen Coe(Glencoe)
• Rannoch Moor(RannochM)
• Kelpies (Kelpies)

Inclusions

Item 1: Passionate Local Guide

Item 2: Small Group Tour

Item 3: Live Commentary & Storytelling in English

Item 4: 2 Nights B&B Accommodation in Private Ensuite Room

Item 5: Foreign Language Audio Guide

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: Loch Ness Boat Cruise

NameShort: Loch Ness Boat Cruise

Look out for ‘Nessie’ as you explore the southern tip of Loch Ness by boat. Soak up the scenic surroundings and learn about the history of the area, as well as the famous legends of the Loch Ness Monster.

Look out for ‘Nessie’ as you explore the southern tip of Loch Ness by boat. Soak up the scenic surroundings and learn about the history of the area, as well as the famous legends of the Loch Ness Monster.

Image Name: Loch Ness Boat Cruise

Image Alt: Loch Ness Boat Cruise

Name: Small Group Tour

NameShort: Small Group Tour

Small groups, big adventures! Our small group tours offer an intimate, relaxed way to explore while you soak up Scotland's magic. Please note that, due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour operates on a larger bus.

Small groups, big adventures! Our small group tours offer an intimate, relaxed way to explore while you soak up Scotland's magic. Please note that, due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour operates on a larger bus.

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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: 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: The Fairy Pools

NameShort: The Fairy Pools

The Fairy Pools are a series of small waterfalls and turquoise pools, famed for their natural beauty and magical charm. Set against the stunning Cuillin mountains, they offer a truly enchanting and unforgettable sight.

The Fairy Pools are a series of small waterfalls and turquoise pools, famed for their natural beauty and magical charm. Set against the stunning Cuillin mountains, they offer a truly enchanting and unforgettable sight.

Image Name: The Fairy Pools

Image Alt: The Fairy Pools

Name: Cuillins

NameShort: Cuillins

The Cuillin mountains are a breath-taking geological wonder, which form the centrepiece of Skye’s otherworldly landscape. The striking red and black peaks have been around for millions of years, through volcanic eruptions and glaciation. A truly captivating sight.

The Cuillin mountains are a breath-taking geological wonder, which form the centrepiece of Skye’s otherworldly landscape. The striking red and black peaks have been around for millions of years, through volcanic eruptions and glaciation. A truly captivating sight.

Image Name: Cuillin Mountains

Image Alt: Cuillin Mountains

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: 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: Clava Cairns

NameShort: Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns is a special place, from the peaceful setting to the arrangement of 4000 year old stones. The prehistoric structures include ring cairns, passage graves, and standing stones; perfect for staging your very own Outlander-inspired photo!

Clava Cairns is a special place, from the peaceful setting to the arrangement of 4000 year old stones. The prehistoric structures include ring cairns, passage graves, and standing stones; perfect for staging your very own Outlander-inspired photo!

Image Name: Clava Cairns

Image Alt: Clava Cairns

Name: Kelpies 

NameShort: Kelpies 

The Kelpies are steel sculptures of two horses’ heads; 30 meters high and weighing 300 tonnes. Kelpies are mythological creatures in Scottish folklore, and this modern attraction is the largest equine landmark in the world, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott.

The Kelpies are steel sculptures of two horses’ heads; 30 meters high and weighing 300 tonnes. Kelpies are mythological creatures in Scottish folklore, and this modern attraction is the largest equine landmark in the world, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott.

Image Name: The Kelpies 

Image Alt: The Kelpies

Name: Culloden Battlefield

NameShort: Culloden Battlefield

Culloden was the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. The Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army inspired the Outlander story, and was a pivotal point in Scottish history. Learn about the conflict, and visit the graves of the fallen clan.

Culloden was the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. The Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army inspired the Outlander story, and was a pivotal point in Scottish history. Learn about the conflict, and visit the graves of the fallen clan.

Image Name: Culloden Battlefield

Image Alt: Culloden Battlefield

Name: Cairngorms National Park

NameShort: Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is an area of vast natural beauty, and is the largest national park in Britain. Scotland’s wild scenery can be found in abundance, with lochs, glens, rivers and mountains as far as the eye can see.

The Cairngorms National Park is an area of vast natural beauty, and is the largest national park in Britain. Scotland’s wild scenery can be found in abundance, with lochs, glens, rivers and mountains as far as the eye can see.

Image Name: Cairngorms

Image Alt: Cairngorms National Park

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: 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