Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness

Name: Day 1: Edinburgh to Oban

Short Description: We leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. We then head north past Stirling and take in views of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. We will make a stop in Callendar before entering the Highlands and stopping at the lovely village of Killin, with its famous waterfall. Later in the day we journey through famous Glen Coe, then head to the quaint fishing town of Oban. (Overnight: Oban)

Description: We leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. We then head north past Stirling and take in views of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. We will make a stop in Callendar before entering the Highlands and stopping at the lovely village of Killin, with its famous waterfall. Later in the day we journey through famous Glen Coe, then head to the quaint fishing town of Oban. (Overnight: Oban)

Highlights

• Oban (Oban)
• Glen Coe(Glencoe)

Name: Day 2: Oban to Isle of Skye

Short Description: Today we start bright and early and head north to Fort William. There we’ll take the train* on the stunning West Highland Line and crossGlenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter movies. As we cross, we’ll take in the sweeping views of the Scottish Highlands and Loch Shiel. We arrive in Mallaig and take the ferry to the Isle of Skye before driving to our overnight destination in Portree. (Overnight: Portree) *Not the Jacobite Steam Train.

Description: Today we start bright and early and head north to Fort William. There we’ll take the train* on the stunning West Highland Line and crossGlenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter movies. As we cross, we’ll take in the sweeping views of the Scottish Highlands and Loch Shiel. We arrive in Mallaig and take the ferry to the Isle of Skye before driving to our overnight destination in Portree. (Overnight: Portree) *Not the Jacobite Steam Train.

Highlights

• Isle of Skye (Skye)
• Portree(Portree)
• West Highland Line(WestHigh)
• Glenfinnan Viaduct(Glenfinnan)
• Eilean Donan Castle(Eilean)

Name: Day 3: Isle of Skye to Inverness

Short Description: We explore more of the mysterious Isle of Skye with its awe-inspiring mountains, stunning coastline, and local folklore before returning to the mainland. On the way to Loch Ness, we stop at the incredibly photogenic Eilean Donan Castle and wind our way along the Great Glen where we also visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest and then on to Inverness, home for the next two nights. (Overnight: Inverness)

Description: We explore more of the mysterious Isle of Skye with its awe-inspiring mountains, stunning coastline, and local folklore before returning to the mainland. On the way to Loch Ness, we stop at the incredibly photogenic Eilean Donan Castle and wind our way along the Great Glen where we also visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest and then on to Inverness, home for the next two nights. (Overnight: Inverness)

Highlights

• Isle of Skye (Skye)
• Eilean Donan Castle(Eilean)
• Inverness(Inverness)

Name: Day 4: Inverness

Short Description: Keep an eye out for the elusive monster, ‘Nessie’, while we take an optional cruise on Loch Ness before heading north towards the quaint town of Beauly. The ruins of Beauly Priory were used in the filming of Outlander and have a history stretching back to 1230AD. After lunch we visit the mysterious chambered cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns; followed by Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle fought on British soil; both locations provided inspiration for the hit TV series Outlander (Overnight: Inverness)

Description: Keep an eye out for the elusive monster, ‘Nessie’, while we take an optional cruise on Loch Ness before heading north towards the quaint town of Beauly. The ruins of Beauly Priory were used in the filming of Outlander and have a history stretching back to 1230AD. After lunch we visit the mysterious chambered cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns; followed by Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle fought on British soil; both locations provided inspiration for the hit TV series Outlander (Overnight: Inverness)

Highlights

• Loch Ness Boat Cruise(Cruise)
• Loch Ness (Ness)
• Beauly (Beauly)

Name: Day 5: Inverness to Edinburgh

Short Description: Leaving Inverness, we visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Scottish Highland life from the past centuries before heading to a local whisky distillery for a tour and a taste of the ‘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. Our tour returns to Edinburgh in the evening.

Description: Leaving Inverness, we visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Scottish Highland life from the past centuries before heading to a local whisky distillery for a tour and a taste of the ‘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. Our tour returns to Edinburgh in the evening.

Highlights

• Culloden Battlefield(Culloden)
• Clava Cairns (Clava)
• Highland Folk Museum(Museum)
• Whisky Distillery(Whisky)

Inclusions

Item 1: Passionate local Guide

Item 2: 3* B&B accommodation

Item 3: Ferry crossing ‘over the sea’ to the Isle of Skye

Item 4: Whisky distillery tour

Item 5:  Train Journey Over Glenfinnan Viaduct (Except 8 Jun, 25 Jun, 6 Jul & 24 Aug)

Item 6: Culloden Battlefield

Item 7: Clava Cairns

Item 8: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Item 9: Foreign language audio guides available

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: 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: 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: Whisky Distillery

NameShort: Whisky Distillery

Our national drink is enjoyed around the world, but there’s nowhere better to try whisky than in Scotland itself. Learn about whisky production, and sample the ‘water of life’ straight from the source at a whisky distillery.

Our national drink is enjoyed around the world, but there’s nowhere better to try whisky than in Scotland itself. Learn about whisky production, and sample the ‘water of life’ straight from the source at a whisky distillery.

Image Name: Whisky Distillery

Image Alt: Whisky Distillery

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: West Highland Line

NameShort: West Highland Line

Considered by many as one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys, the West Highland Line is famous for its diverse scenery and historical significance. Embark the train between Mallaig and Fort William to travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct as part of the magical route travelled by the Hogwarts Express from Harry Potter.

Considered by many as one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys, the West Highland Line is famous for its diverse scenery and historical significance. Embark the train between Mallaig and Fort William to travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct as part of the magical route travelled by the Hogwarts Express from Harry Potter.

Image Name: West Highland Line

Image Alt: West Highland Line

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: Inverness

NameShort: Inverness

Inverness is world-famous for its proximity to Loch Ness, and its connections to the Outlander story. Known as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, Inverness has numerous pubs where Highland hospitality is best served with a local drink and live music.

Inverness is world-famous for its proximity to Loch Ness, and its connections to the Outlander story. Known as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, Inverness has numerous pubs where Highland hospitality is best served with a local drink and live music.

Image Name: Inverness

Image Alt: Inverness

Name: Oban

NameShort: Oban

Oban is tourist town with a busy ferry port serving the Hebrides. Enjoy fresh seafood by the water and visit McCaig’s tower - a local landmark which resembles the Colosseum - for amazing views of Oban and its neighbouring islands.

Oban is tourist town with a busy ferry port serving the Hebrides. Enjoy fresh seafood by the water and visit McCaig’s tower - a local landmark which resembles the Colosseum - for amazing views of Oban and its neighbouring islands.

Image Name: Oban

Image Alt: Oban

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: Beauly

NameShort: Beauly

This pretty Highland village takes its name from the French for ‘beautiful place’, as described by Mary Queen of Scots during her visit. Beauly Priory, which dates back to the 13th century, was featured in Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander' book series.

This pretty Highland village takes its name from the French for ‘beautiful place’, as described by Mary Queen of Scots during her visit. Beauly Priory, which dates back to the 13th century, was featured in Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander' book series.

Image Name: Beauly Priory

Image Alt: Beauly Priory

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: 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: 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: Highland Folk Museum

NameShort: Highland Folk Museum

Highland Folk Museum is Britain’s first open air museum, which offers a glimpse into Highland life through the centuries. Attractions include an 18th century township and a working croft, as well as costumes, photographs, textiles and agricultural tools.

Highland Folk Museum is Britain’s first open air museum, which offers a glimpse into Highland life through the centuries. Attractions include an 18th century township and a working croft, as well as costumes, photographs, textiles and agricultural tools.

Image Name: Highland Folk Museum

Image Alt: Highland Folk Museum