8 Days | Discover the highlights of the Highlands 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 been transported back in time. With an eight-day exploration of Scotland’s Highlands, lochs and villages, you’ll experience the finest nature with the warmest hospitality. Discover the untouched Isle of Skye and expansive landscapes of Cairngorms National Park and hit both Scottish hubs – Glasgow and Edinburgh to start and end your trip. With the right balance of small-group adventure, local knowledge and stunning natural scenery, this Scottish Highlands trip will enchant you.
Trip overview

- Start
- Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Finish
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Theme
- Explorer
- 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
- Take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys as you travel to the Highlands on the world-famous West Highland Railway, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame.
- Nothing beats getting to know a place on your own two feet, so get your walking shoes on for explorations of Portree Bay and Fort William with views of the UK’s highest peak – Ben Nevis – in all its glory.
- Take a ferry over the sea to the Isle of Skye, soak up the fresh sea air and mountain views and taste your way to an understanding of the local whisky.
- Learn the legends of Loch Ness firsthand, then hike through the purple heather in Cairngorms National Park – smack bang in the Scottish Highlands.
- On a walking tour of Edinburgh, you’ll not only get the insider insight of a specialist local guide, you’ll also help support a social enterprise that helps locals who have experienced homelessness become guides.
- As this trip doesn’t spend much time in Glasgow or Edinburgh, we recommend you arrive a day early and stay an additional night in either city before or after the trip. Just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation, subject to availability.
- This trip includes a moderate hike on the Isle of Skye. This activity can be opted out of should you wish to refrain from participating.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2025
Inclusions
7 breakfasts
Train, Private vehicle, Ferry, On foot
Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)
- Fort William - Old Inverlochy Castle
- Fort William - West Highland Railway Line train journey
- Isle of Skye - Leader-led Whisky Tasting
- Glenfinnan - Railway Viaduct Crossing
- Isle of Skye - Guided hike
- Fort Augustus - Loch Ness Boat Cruise
- Eilean Donan - Castle Photo Stop
- Inverness - Culloden Battlefield visit
- Inverness - River Ness walk
- Edinburgh - Invisible Cities guided walking tour
- 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
- Isle of Skye - Sound of Raasay Boat Trip - GBP25
- Isle of Skye - Portree Bay Boat Trip - GBP20
- Isle of Skye - Dunvegan Castle & Gardens - GBP14
- 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
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. Many travellers book optional activities on Isle of Skye and we strongly recommend booking these in advance. Many of these popular activities get fully booked weeks ahead and to avoid disappointment a pre-booking in advance of travel date is essential. Please see Special information box on Day 4 for more information.
3. 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.
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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