The Scottish Highlands Explorer
Tour Overview
An epic 7-day road trip through Scotland's most dramatic landscapes. Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh, explore the Royal Mile. Day 2: Edinburgh Castle tour, then travel north towards the Highlands, stopping at Stirling Castle. Day 3: Journey through Glencoe, the site of the infamous massacre, and continue to Fort William. Day 4: Ride the Jacobite Steam Train (the "Hogwarts Express") over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Day 5: Search for the monster with a cruise on Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle. Day 6: Explore the stunning Isle of Skye, visiting the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. Day 7: Return journey to Edinburgh via the Cairngorms National Park for departure.
Duration: 7 days
Region: United Kingdom
Full Itinerary
| Day 1 | On arrival in Edinburgh, your guide welcomes you and settles you into your hotel before an orientation walk down the Royal Mile, the cobbled thread connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You'll pass closes, kirks and street performers as the guide points out the Old Town's medieval layout, finishing at a traditional pub for an optional dinner of Scottish classics. |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | A morning tour of Edinburgh Castle, perched on its volcanic rock above the city, reveals the Honours of Scotland and the tiny St Margaret's Chapel. After lunch, you'll head north, breaking the journey at Stirling Castle, once the favoured residence of Scottish monarchs, before continuing towards the Highlands as the scenery turns increasingly dramatic. |
| Day 3 | Today's drive takes you through Glencoe, one of Scotland's most hauntingly beautiful glens and the site of the infamous 1692 massacre — your guide shares the story as you stop for photos among the steep, mist-wrapped peaks. You'll continue on to Fort William, the outdoor capital of the UK, nestled beneath Ben Nevis. |
| Day 4 | A bucket-list day: you'll board the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous on the big screen as the "Hogwarts Express," for an unforgettable ride across the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct with views over Loch Shiel. The afternoon is free to explore Fort William at your own pace. |
| Day 5 | Heading north along the Great Glen, you'll take a cruise on the famously deep, dark waters of Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for Scotland's most elusive resident. Afterwards, explore the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle on the loch's shore before continuing towards the Isle of Skye. |
| Day 6 | A full day exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye, including the jagged rock pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and the otherworldly rippled ridgeline of the Quiraing. Short, guided walks let you soak in views that feel like another planet, with plenty of stops for photographs. |
| Day 7 | On the journey back to Edinburgh, you'll pass through the Cairngorms National Park, the UK's largest national park, with a final stop for coffee and views before arriving back in the city in time for your onward departure. |
- 6 nights in charming local B&Bs and hotels
- Daily Scottish breakfast
- Jacobite Steam Train ticket
- Loch Ness cruise
- All castle entrance fees
- Transport in a comfortable mini-coach
- Expert driver-guide
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners
- Optional activities
Gallery
Ready to Book The Scottish Highlands Explorer?
Get in touch and we'll help you plan every detail.
Contact Us