Highlights of Scotland

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

4.1 out of 5 based on 37 reviews submitted.
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ZAR  56,288
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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

Map of Highlights Of Scotland including United Kingdom
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
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
  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?
  • 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

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2025

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 - 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
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
  • 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

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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. 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.

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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Reviews

4.1 out of 5 based on 37 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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Declan · Traveled November 2023
This tour was fantastic in all regards. I would highly recommend it. Our tour guide Craig was exceptional, second to none.
Review submitted 10 Nov 2023

Millicent · Traveled November 2023
The Highlights of Scotland trip was absolutely amazing and the scenery was breathtaking.This was my first intrepid trip and I had an incredible experience. Our guide Craig did an awesome job at providing the historical context of what shaped Scotland into what it is today. I gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the land and the people.
Review submitted 14 Nov 2023

Heidi · Traveled October 2023
Wonderful trip and really great itinerary. Isle of Skye is such a great highlight and having extra time to explore on our own was great. Also, Aidan was the best guide!
Review submitted 25 Oct 2023

Georgina · Traveled October 2023
A great itinerary, great group and great guide Aiden! The places visited were excellent especially the Isle of Skye! Highly recommend!
Review submitted 24 Oct 2023

Paula · Traveled September 2023
This tour truly captures the highlights of beloved Scotland. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the area, the rich history and what makes Scotland the breathtaking place it is today. I highly suggest researching the locations and booking activities in advance, especially on Isle of Skye and in Edinburgh. Note that as tours head into the fall, there was some significant weather to navigate but it was manageable nonetheless.
Review submitted 11 Oct 2023
Highlights of Scotland
From
ZAR  56,288