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Let the highlands provide you highlights on this Scottish adventure.

You only have to look around to see why Scotland is praised for its natural landscapes and historic buildings. Rolling hills, rocky cliffs and undulating valleys speckled in myriad colours, pristine lochs shimmering even on the coldest of days, and castles dotted throughout the countryside as if you’ve transported back in time. With a 10-day exploration of Scotland’s highlands, lochs and villages, you’ll experience the finest of nature with the warmest of hospitality. Discover the untouched Isle of Skye, the charming Pitlochry, and hit both Scottish hubs of Glasgow and Edinburgh on your way through. With the right amount of small-group adventure, local knowledge and stunning scenery, let the Scottish Highlands enchant you.

Start
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Finish
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Destination
United Kingdom
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
BMSS
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • After a leader-led orientation walk of Glasgow, you’ll be free to explore this happening city, full of interesting neighbourhoods, free museums and cultural flair.

  • Stop by famed locations around Scotland, including the Glenfinnan viaduct – famous as part of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express train journey through the countryside.

  • You would’ve heard of Loch Ness, but discover the other lochs and waterways around Scotland, plus an optional visit to the mystical Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye.

  • Get your walking shoes on for an easy hike up the Ben Vrackie mountainside, and afterwards, learn the ropes of traditional Scottish whisky making at Blair Athol distillery.

  • Let a local show your small group around the compact capital of Edinburgh on a walking tour, best enjoyed with a cup of tea and a scone, of course.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Scotland can be cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof clothes/umbrella and anything else that you think may be applicable.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. However, if you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge (some exceptions may apply). Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe can seem small by Australian or American standards, and often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart.

  • This trip is quite fast paced to make the most of your time in Scotland. We will take you on regular orientation walks, so you'll be on your feet quite a lot. While this may be tiring for some, it’s the best way to get your head around a place and to set yourself up for further discoveries.

  • While we have thoroughly researched this area of the world to put together this adventure, please be advised that this is a new trip for Intrepid. To be frank, things may not always go to plan. When we head to new destinations, we usually find there are more pleasant surprises in store than unpleasant ones, but the warning is sincere. If this concerns you, we recommend you wait a year until the trip has been ironed out.

Map of Highlights of Scotland including United Kingdom
The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye in the Scotland
Fish and chips in Scotland
A group of hikers crossing a stream on the isle of Skye
The Glenfinnan Viaduct features as the railway for the Howgarts Express in the Harry Potter series
The lobby of your Hotel in Glasgow, Scotland
The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland

Itinerary
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Glasgow is a city full of character, history and flair; a great start to a Scottish highlights tour. Meet with your group leader and fellow travellers at an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you do happen to arrive early, why not check out the Riverside Museum and get your hands on their interactive displays – these exhibitions highlight Glasgow’s transport history as being a major port city in the 18th and 19th centuries. Otherwise, have a stroll along the banks of the river Clyde and hang out at the Glasgow Green. After your important meeting, you could get your group together and become acquainted over dinner – Merchant City is a pretty cool area to check out at night, if you ask us.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you wish to spend more time in Glasgow, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Take a leader-led orientation walk around Glasgow with your group to get your bearings, and afterwards, you’ve got the day to do as you please. There are plenty of free things around the city to take a look at, including the Riverside Museum, as well as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art. Otherwise, head out to the grand University of Glasgow – founded in 1451, it is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world (behind Oxford, Cambridge and St Andrews) and has some spectacular buildings to suit. Spend the night in Glasgow, before beginning your countryside travels tomorrow morning.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Glasgow - Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - Free
  • Glasgow - City Centre Mural Trail - Free
  • Glasgow - Tennent's Brewery Tour - GBP12
  • Glasgow - Tenement House - GBP8
  • Glasgow - Britannia Panopticon - Free
  • Glasgow - Cathedral and Necropolis - Free
  • Glasgow - Hunterian Art Gallery - Free
  • Glasgow - Pollok House & Country Park - GBP8
  • Glasgow - Afternoon Tea at the Willow Tea Rooms (from) - GBP13
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Head away from Glasgow and into the Scottish countryside, travelling by private transport to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The views out here are stunning – rolling green hills falling into the dark waters of the loch. Depending on the time of year you choose to travel, you’ll see the hills stained with hues of green, orange and brown, and the clouds gathering over Conic Hill and the Trossachs, sitting perfectly for a panoramic shot. You'll visit a variety of sights today, such as Balloch Country Park on Loch Lomond, the pretty village of Luss and the dramatic viewing platform at An Ceann Mor. The exact itinerary will be determined on the day, depending on time of year, weather conditions and general timing. Spend the night in Glencoe, a small village on the shores of Loch Leven.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park - Sightseeing Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, travel to Mallaig by private transport, and on the way, stop at the famous Glenfinnan viaduct. This viaduct is the one most well-known in Scotland, due to it being part of the train route that Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express takes. Stick around to see when the Jacobite steam train crosses the same bridge (depending on train schedule). Afterwards, head on a ferry to the Isle of Skye. Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, and this evening, you’ll be staying in Portree, the capital of Skye, which sits on the loch of the same name.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Glenfinnan - Viaduct Viewpoint
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, it’s time to get exploring around the Isle of Skye. Included for today is a visit to Neist Point Lighthouse via Milovaig (one of the best places to see otters on the island) and to the mystical Fairy Pools. Skye is perfect for those who are searching for rugged mountainous landscapes and some unique wildlife. This afternoon, feel free to discover the countryside at your own pace, perhaps heading to the striking Old Man of Storr rock formation. Wherever you go, expect to feel like you’re heading into medieval battle – it’s got that feel about it.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Isle of Skye - Neist Point Lighthouse & Fairy Pools
Optional Activities
  • Isle of Skye - Scorrybreac Trail - Free
  • Isle of Skye - Sound of Raasay Boat Trip - GBP25
  • Isle of Skye - Portree Bay Boat Trip - GBP20
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, travel from Portree to the famous Loch Ness, passing by Eilean Donan Castle for a quick photo stop along the way. This castle, first inhabited in the 6th century, is perched on an island where the three great sea lochs meet and is an iconic image of Scotland. You’ll also have time to stop in Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness to check out the fantastic valley, and head on an optional boat cruise, if you’d like. Head on to Pitlochry, deep in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Pitlochry is full of Victorian history and provides an ideal base for the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Fort Augustus - Loch Ness Boat Cruise - GBP15
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Get your walking shoes on, because it’s time for a hike! Today, you and your group will embark on a walk to Ben Vrackie: a mountain nearby Pitlochry town. The ascent will take you through woodlands, open moorlands, and past the beautiful Loch a’Choire. Once on the summit you’ll get sweeping views of the surrounding highlands, all the way down to Pitlochry. In the afternoon, visit the Blair Athol distillery, where you’ll learn about the whisky process, and how Blair Athol’s source of water – the Allt Dour – passes through the Ben Vrackie slopes, and contributes to the mellow quality and smooth finish of their malts. After your hike and dram, head back into town and relax into the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pitlochry - Blair Athol Distillery Visit & Whisky Tasting
  • Pitlochry - Hike to Ben Vrackie
Optional Activities
  • Pitlochry - Edradour Distillery Visit & Whisky Tasting - GBP12
  • Pitlochry - Atholl Palace Museum - GBP3
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's hike to Ben Vrackie will take the group around 5 hours (approx 10km/6.25mi return). You’ll walk on a well-made path with some steep sections on the ascent and descent. Please note that the activity is weather dependent and in adverse conditions it will be replaced with a shorter walk closer to Pitlochry.

Today, you’ll board a local train to head from Pitlochry to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. The journey will take around 2 hours. Edinburgh is a compact hilly city full of charm and character, with the imposing Castle guarding from above. The afternoon is at your leisure, so perhaps stroll around the Old Town, get acquainted with the fairy-tale Dean Village neighbourhood, or head out to portside Leith for eclectic shopping and some great restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

The morning is free for you to explore Edinburgh, and with a history of over 10,000 years, there’s so much to see and do. If you want more recommendations, be sure to ask your group leader. This afternoon, set off on an Urban Adventures tour with an Edinburgh local, who’ll take you around some of the top sights, including the Scottish Parliament buildings, the Royal Mile and Canongate Cemetery. Wind up in a local community café for a cup of tea and a scone – how British of you. In the evening, why not get your group together for some dinner and spend the night sharing stories and memories of your adventures. Edinburgh knows how to have a good time, and a fun thing to do is begin in the Old Town, then cross North Bridge to party in the New Town.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Edinburgh - Sightseeing & Scones with a Local Urban Adventure
Optional Activities
  • Edinburgh - Castle Visit - GBP20
  • Edinburgh - National Museum of Scotland - Free
  • Edinburgh - The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour - GBP16
  • Edinburgh - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - GBP7
  • Edinburgh - Palace of Holyroodhouse - GBP15
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave any time after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don’t blame you! We’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

9 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Private vehicle, Ferry, On foot

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park - Sightseeing Walk
  • Glenfinnan - Viaduct Viewpoint
  • Isle of Skye - Neist Point Lighthouse & Fairy Pools
  • Pitlochry - Blair Athol Distillery Visit & Whisky Tasting
  • Pitlochry - Hike to Ben Vrackie
  • Edinburgh - Sightseeing & Scones with a Local Urban Adventure

Dates & availability

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The price of the single supplement does not include the following nights, where a single room does not form part of the package. In this case you will be matched up with another traveller of the same gender. If a single room becomes available at check-in for these nights, there may be the option for you to upgrade to a single room and pay the surcharge locally for that night:
- Days 4 and 5 Isle of Skye
Please also note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

NEW TRIP
While we have thoroughly researched this area of the world to put together this adventure, please be advised that this is a new trip for Intrepid. To be frank, things may not always go to plan. When we head to new destinations, we usually find there are more pleasant surprises in store than unpleasant ones, but the warning is sincere. If this concerns you, we recommend you wait a year until the trip has been ironed out.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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