Highland Experience's Scottish Choice

Day 1

Through the Trossachs to Oban…

Our wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond is one of the top nature attractions in Scotland, surrounded by beautiful villages and stunning landscapes, it’s an absolute paradise for those who want to experience Scottish nature. Your guide will also be able to provide the history of the area and the story behind the song named after the Loch itself.

 

Next, we will stop at Kilmartin Glen, famous for its rich archaeological legacy. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before us, we will walk in the footsteps of the first Scots and decipher the mysteries of an area soaked in history. Take a big step back in time and stroll through Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle or uncover some extraordinary Neolithic rock art at Achnabreck.

 

Then, we will have a scenic journey to the picturesque seaside town of Oban, where you can try some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever try! As we drive through it, your guide will provide you with an overview of the history of the town and its most famous sights. On our first evening, you have the opportunity to take part in a traditional Scottish Ceilidh!

 

Overnight: Oban

 

Day 2

Explore the Gruesome history of our Glens…

Day two takes you over the Connel Bridge through Appin to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe where you will learn the harrowing story of the Glen Coe massacre. We’ll then go on to stop in Fort William; a town well known for being the location of Ben Nevis—the UK’s tallest peak.

 

On departures from May to September the next part of your journey will be by train. You will board the Jacobite Express in Fort William and travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct out to Mallaig, enjoying a really unique experience as well as some fantastic scenery.

For departures in April & October we will drive part of the route of one of the most fantastic train journeys in the entire world. We will stop to view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, and hopefully, get a chance to see the steam train cross it. We will also be able to see Glenfinnan Monument – and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds it!

 

Overnight: Isle of Skye

 

Day 3

A whole day to explore Skye…

You’ll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye’s mysteries and landscape with your knowledgeable driver-guide, who will ensure you get the most out of your time on the island even if the weather may not be in our favour! Stops often include the likes of Cuillin Mountains, Dun Beag Broch, the Black Houses, the Kilt Rock Waterfall, The Old Man of Storr and the Trotternish Peninsula, and of course the capital of the island, Portree. It’s the perfect Scottish experience giving you a chance to visit waterfalls, springs, historic sights and walk through some of the most beautiful landscapes.

 

Overnight: Isle of Skye

 

Day 4

Beautiful Castles, Mysterious Lochs, and Monster Hunting…

We’ll leave Skye and head straight to one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, Eilean Donan* which you’ll have ample time to explore. Eilean Donan is one of the greatest medieval castles in Scotland. With a history that dates back to the 13th century, this fortress will take you back in time to the bloodiest times of our past.

 

Our route then takes you over to the pretty Lochside village of Drumnadrochit for lunch. Here, you can choose between navigating the world-famous Loch Ness or enjoying some time to explore the surroundings. For those who want to cruise* on Loch Ness, the boat trip also includes a visit to Urquhart Castle*. An opportunity to catch a glimpse of our famous Loch Ness monster, and immerse yourself in the history of the area. We’ll then head to the south end of the Loch for our overnight stop in Inverness.

 

Overnight: Inverness

 

Day 5

Historic Battlefields and the Journey Home…

Today you’ll head to visit the battlefield of Culloden* the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. We’ll also have time to explore the nearby Clava Cairns, a group of Prehistoric Burial Cairns – fans of Outlander will love this location due to its similarity to the fictitious stone circle, Craigh na Dun. Then you’ll pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains. On your way south you can choose to enjoy a wee dram at a local whisky distillery* or explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry before arriving back in Edinburgh.

*Extra charge applies

Departure days:
Every Monday (April - October)

Every Thursday (May - September)

Departs/Returns:
Edinburgh: Check-in 8:15/ Departs 8:30am/ Returns 19:00pm
Glasgow: Check-in 9:30am/ Departs 9:45am/ Return via train

Meeting point:
1 Parliament Square, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE
or
266 George Street, Glasgow