Loch Ness, The Fairy Pools & Isle of Skye

Name: Day 1: Edinburgh to Loch Ness

Short Description: We depart Edinburgh in the morning and cross the Forth Road Bridge on our way to picturesque Dunkeld with its historic cathedral. We’ll make time for a walk through a stretch of magical Perthshire forest at The Hermitage before heading to the Highland village of Pitlochry for lunch. Next, you’ll learn the fascinating story that inspired Outlander at Culloden Battlefield and embark on your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns. Continuing through Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, we follow the entire length of Loch Ness before arriving at Morag’s Lodge in Fort Augustus, our home for the next two nights. In the evening, you have the option of exploring the loch with an evening cruise, relax by the shores, or visit a local pub for a hot drink or something stronger. (Overnight: Fort Augustus)

Description: We depart Edinburgh in the morning and cross the Forth Road Bridge on our way to picturesque Dunkeld with its historic cathedral. We’ll make time for a walk through a stretch of magical Perthshire forest at The Hermitage before heading to the Highland village of Pitlochry for lunch. Next, you’ll learn the fascinating story that inspired Outlander at Culloden Battlefield and embark on your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns. Continuing through Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, we follow the entire length of Loch Ness before arriving at Morag’s Lodge in Fort Augustus, our home for the next two nights. In the evening, you have the option of exploring the loch with an evening cruise, relax by the shores, or visit a local pub for a hot drink or something stronger. (Overnight: Fort Augustus)

Highlights

• Forth Bridges(Bridges)
• Dunkeld Cathedral (Dunkeld)
• Clava Cairns (Clava)
• Culloden Battlefield (Culloden)
• Cairngorms National Park(Cairngorms)
• Loch Ness (Ness)

Name: Day 2: Isle of Skye

Short Description: We start our day winding through misty glens and peaks as we make our way to Scotland’s west coast. After a photo stop at the Eilean Donan Castle – easily one of the most photographed castles in the country – we head onwards to the Isle of Skye. Skye has earned its place on countless travel wish lists and it’s easy to see why. Home to castles, cliffs, and landscapes straight out of a fairytale, the island is steeped in fascinating stories ranging from ancient Celtic myths to Viking sagas – which your guide will bring to life as you explore. We’ll take in jaw-dropping sights like the jagged Cuillin Mountains as we venture further to visit the Fairy Pools, a famous series of pools filled with turquoise water. After a full day of exploring Skye’s scenery and history, we make our way back to Loch Ness for the night. (Overnight: Fort Augustus)

Description: We start our day winding through misty glens and peaks as we make our way to Scotland’s west coast. After a photo stop at the Eilean Donan Castle – easily one of the most photographed castles in the country – we head onwards to the Isle of Skye. Skye has earned its place on countless travel wish lists and it’s easy to see why. Home to castles, cliffs, and landscapes straight out of a fairytale, the island is steeped in fascinating stories ranging from ancient Celtic myths to Viking sagas – which your guide will bring to life as you explore. We’ll take in jaw-dropping sights like the jagged Cuillin Mountains as we venture further to visit the Fairy Pools, a famous series of pools filled with turquoise water. After a full day of exploring Skye’s scenery and history, we make our way back to Loch Ness for the night. (Overnight: Fort Augustus)

Highlights

• Eilean Donan Castle(Eilean)
• Isle of Skye (Skye)
• Cuillins(Cuillins)
• Portree(Portree)

Name: Day 3: Loch Ness to Edinburgh

Short Description: We bid farewell to Loch Ness and travel through the Great Glen, pausing at the Commando Memorial beneath the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Our journey takes us south through the awe-inspiring valley of Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s iconic landmarks of history, wildlife, and myth. Drive through one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe when we cross the Rannoch Moor, a vast stretch of land that will reveal a little more of Scotland’s diverse terrain. We make time for a comfort break in the small village of Tyndrum before we travel further south for a final stop at the majestic Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott. After a fabulous three-day Isle of Skye tour, we arrive back to Edinburgh in the early evening.

Description: We bid farewell to Loch Ness and travel through the Great Glen, pausing at the Commando Memorial beneath the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Our journey takes us south through the awe-inspiring valley of Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s iconic landmarks of history, wildlife, and myth. Drive through one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe when we cross the Rannoch Moor, a vast stretch of land that will reveal a little more of Scotland’s diverse terrain. We make time for a comfort break in the small village of Tyndrum before we travel further south for a final stop at the majestic Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott. After a fabulous three-day Isle of Skye tour, we arrive back to Edinburgh in the early evening.

Highlights

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

Inclusions

Item 1: Small Group Tour

Item 2: Passionate Local Guide

Item 3: Live Commentary & Storytelling in English

Item 4: Two-Night B&B Stay in a Private En Suite Room

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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