Highlights of Scotland

8 Days | Discover the highlights of the Highlands on this Scottish adventure

4.3 out of 5 based on 48 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
EUR €2,682
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Picture yourself standing before ancient castles that guard misty lochs and on stunning cliffs with waterfalls cascading down — this is Scotland. From the brightly coloured murals on the bustling streets of Glasgow, to Fort William, an adventurer's playground, you’ll spend eight days exploring cobblestone streets and grassy landscapes. Explore the mystical Isle of Skye and mythological Loch Ness, where the murky depths hide a Scottish legend. See Inverness, vibrant and historic and learn tales of battles and folklore. End your journey in Edinburgh, a city of contrasts, where the old and new coexist, where nature and culture and where every corner holds a piece of history. With the right balance of small-group adventure and free time to explore, this trip will allow Scotland's unique magic to captivate your heart.

Trip overview

Map of Highlights Of Scotland including United Kingdom
Start
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Finish
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Theme
Explorer, Rail
Destinations
United Kingdom
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
BWSS
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Embark on a world-famous train journey through the Highlands via the renowned West Highland Railway, including a crossing of the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct.
  • Discover Fort William, where you'll relish breath-taking views of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak.
  • Take a private bus tour of the captivating Trotternish Peninsula on Skye.
  • Set out on a scenic boat excursion across the mystical waters of Loch Ness, with the possibility of a lucky sighting of its famous inhabitant.
  • Join a walking tour of Edinburgh guided by a local specialist, and support a social enterprise that empowers locals who've experienced homelessness to become guides.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip does require some level of fitness, we utilize public transport where possible so between hotels and bus/train stops, walking with luggage is required. If you feel you would prefer a taxi, please speak with your group leader. Taxis are not included in the cost. Also please be mindful of the remoteness of the locations for availability and any wait times.
  • The hike on the Isle of Skye is moderate with stops, however there may be uneven or wet terrain underfoot. This activity can be opted out should you wish to refrain from participating. Distance approx 3-5 km / 1-2 hours.
  • There is a walking tour in Edinburgh, circa 3 hours (with stops). Edinburgh is a hilly city with narrow cobbled streets and steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • Should you have any reason to feel that you may not be able to partake in any of the activities, or need additional assistance/ support, please let us know as soon as possible so we can help.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Highlights Of Scotland including United Kingdom

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Private vehicle, Ferry, On foot

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)

Activities
  • Fort William - West Highland Railway Line train journey
  • Isle of Skye - Leader-led Whisky Tasting
  • Glenfinnan - Railway Viaduct Crossing
  • Isle of Skye - Guided hike
  • Isle of Skye - Guided private bus tour of Trotternish Peninsula
  • Fort Augustus - Loch Ness Boat Cruise
  • Inverness - Culloden Battlefield visit
  • Inverness - River Ness walk
  • Edinburgh - Invisible Cities guided walking tour
Add on activities
  • Glasgow - Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - Free
  • Glasgow - City Centre Mural Trail - Free
  • Glasgow - Tennent's Brewery Tour - GBP17
  • Glasgow - Royal Botanic Gardens - GBP3
  • Glasgow - Britannia Panopticon - Free
  • Glasgow - Cathedral and Necropolis - Free
  • Glasgow - Hunterian Art Gallery - Free
  • Glasgow - Pollok Country Park & The Burrell Collection - GBP8
  • Glasgow - Afternoon Tea at the Willow Tea Rooms (from) - GBP13
  • Fort William - Nevis Range Gondola - GBP26
  • Edinburgh - Castle Visit - GBP20
  • Edinburgh - National Museum of Scotland - Free
  • Edinburgh - The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour - GBP16
  • Edinburgh - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - GBP7
  • Edinburgh - The Queen’s Gallery at Holyroodhouse - GBP13

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1.A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip involves frequent public transport (train and local bus). You will be expected to carry your luggage from the transport terminal to the accommodation, up to 1km/0.7miles (approx. 10-15 mins) walk so we advise packing light for this trip.
3. If you’d like extending your exploration of Scotland, consider joining one of our other adventures on Orkney or Shetland Islands. Just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 based on 48 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Mariel · Traveled August 2024
My second Intrepid trip. I mostly signed on for this one for nature and scenery vs. history, but enjoyed that both were included. I also appreciated a bit of time in the cities, but I booked extra days separately at either end to actually see Glasgow and Edinburgh for myself (I'd consider this a must-do for anyone traveling to Scotland for the first time). Our tour leader, Lara, was excellent, and extremely adept at dealing with some of the impromptu scheduling difficulties due to our itinerary operating at a different schedule than the typical one (read: different starting day of the week = some train/taxi issues). She also gave us our space, and we did indeed have many free afternoons and evenings as the itinerary suggests. I like not being hand-held through every single element of every day-- the balance of scheduled activities and free time was very nice. Also- please pack rain gear. Why would you not pack rain gear for Scotland? It's going to rain.
Review submitted 02 Sep 2024

Joanna · Traveled August 2024
Excellent trip which allowed us to see some beautiful places. Rhys did an amazing job leading and was friendly and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend this tour!
Review submitted 15 Aug 2024

Ruth · Traveled July 2024
Would highly recommend undertaking this trip. Amazing scenery, local knowledge and a well planned itinery.
Review submitted 31 Jul 2024

peter · Traveled June 2024
We didn't receive the trip we had envisaged, for the exorbitant costs we expected more. We had toured with Intrepid over the years on 4 overseas trips, I feel intrepid have dropped the ball and need to revisit their philosophy of value for money, exciting holidays.
Review submitted 11 Aug 2024

Mark · Traveled June 2024
The Highlights of Scotland was an enthralling and delightful adventure. There were many dramatic landscapes and ocean views to be had. The rail journeys were particularly interesting. Many picturesque short walks were most enjoyable. Highly recommend.
Review submitted 03 Jul 2024
Highlights of Scotland
From
EUR €2,682