Highland Fling

Itinerary Item 1

Name: DAY 1: EDINBURGH TO OBAN

Short Description: Our 5-day Scotland tour kicks off in Edinburgh as we head west to visit the stunning Kelpies. We pass Stirling and take in views of the towering Wallace Monument and its' stunning castle. Listen to stories about the incredible events which have taken place in this area throughout history. Our next stop is Killin, with its dramatic waterfalls, then on to stunning Glen Coe. Tonight, we’ll stay in the bustling fishing town of Oban; enjoy fresh seafood and check out the local traditional music scene – the best way to bond with your new tour buddies. (Overnight: Oban)

Description: Our 5-day Scotland tour kicks off in Edinburgh as we head west to visit the stunning Kelpies. We pass Stirling and take in views of the towering Wallace Monument and its' stunning castle. Listen to stories about the incredible events which have taken place in this area throughout history. Our next stop is Killin, with its dramatic waterfalls, then on to stunning Glen Coe. Tonight, we’ll stay in the bustling fishing town of Oban; enjoy fresh seafood and check out the local traditional music scene – 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: 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) *Please note there won't be a train experience on the 8 Jun, 25 Jun, 6 Jul & 24 Aug 2026. Instead, we'll follow along the famous Road to the Isles by coach.

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) *Please note there won't be a train experience on the 8 Jun, 25 Jun, 6 Jul & 24 Aug 2026. Instead, we'll follow along the famous Road to the Isles by coach.

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: 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

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

Itinerary Item 4

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

• Beauly(Beauly)
• Loch Ness Cruise Jacobite (jacobitecruise)
• Culloden Battlefield(Culloden)
• Clava Cairns (CC)

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 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

• Picturesque Dunkeld(Dunkeld)
• Whisky Drinking (Whisky)

Inclusions

Item 1: Your Legendary Local HAGGiS guide

Item 2: 4 Nights Hostel Mixed-Gender Multi-Share Accommodation

Item 3: Whisky Distillery Tour

Item 4: Train Journey Over Glenfinnan Viaduct (Except 8 Jun, 25 Jun, 6 Jul & 24 Aug)

Item 5: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre (Make Travel Matter® Experience)

Item 6: All Transport and Ferry Crossings

Highlight 1

Name: West Highland Line

NameShort: West Highland Line

Often called one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys – and for once, the hype actually holds up – the West Highland Line serves up lochs, mountains, and wild Highland views the whole way along. Jump on between Mallaig and Fort William and you’ll rumble across the Glenfinnan Viaduct – the Harry Potter Bridge from the movies. Keep your camera ready, it’s a goodie.

Often called one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys – and for once, the hype actually holds up – the West Highland Line serves up lochs, mountains, and wild Highland views the whole way along. Jump on between Mallaig and Fort William and you’ll rumble across the Glenfinnan Viaduct – the Harry Potter Bridge from the movies. Keep your camera ready, it’s a goodie.

Image Name: West Highland Line

Image Alt: West Highland Line

Highlight 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 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: Picturesque Dunkeld

NameShort: Picturesque Dunkeld

Dunkeld is a wee charmer! This pretty Perthshire town sits on the River Tay at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Rows of quaint 18th century houses lead towards Dunkeld Cathedral; a striking partial ruin with a history spanning hundreds of years.

Dunkeld is a wee charmer! This pretty Perthshire town sits on the River Tay at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Rows of quaint 18th century houses lead towards Dunkeld Cathedral; a striking partial ruin with a history spanning hundreds of years.

Image Name: Dunkeld

Image Alt: Dunkeld

Highlight 17

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 18

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 19

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

Highlight 20

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 thrilling 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 lovely woodland walk.

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 thrilling 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 lovely woodland walk.

Image Name: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Image Alt: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre