Highlands and Islands

We commence in Glasgow and take the scenic route to Fort William. Cruise along cruise Loch Lomond, then drive through photogenic highland villages like Luss, and the dramatic vistas of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe. Next day we journey the road to the Isles, stopping at Glenfinnan Monument for photos of the railway bridge, famous from the Harry Potter films. We cross by ferry to the Isle of Skye and see the Clan Donald Centre and the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Northbound we journey to Ullapool and see the hamlets such as Plockton and a stop at Inverewe Gardens. Thurso is also en route with its secluded sandy beaches.

Venture by ferry and spend a day on the remote Orkney Islands. Skara Brae is a 5000-year-old village! Headed south to Inverness we see Dunrobin Castle, a fairy-tale castle. Be sure to find a local bar for traditional music! We continue our drive down the east coast via Aberdeen a great location to find whiskey distilleries and onward to Edinburgh. The perfect end with its loftily perched castle and the Royal Mile!

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Arrive at Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport and spend your first day exploring Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, on a private tour. You may also choose to include a visit to one of the many fascinating museums in the city, such as Kelvingrove or St Mungo’s, or visit a Tennent’s Brewery to sample the local beer.

Overnight: Glasgow area

We drive from Glasgow to the Fort William area. Along the way, you may choose to include a cruise on Loch Lomond, or stop in the pretty village of Luss for photos of the picturesque cottages and the loch. Continue your drive north across the dramatic Rannoch Moor and stop for photos of Glencoe, one of the most famous glens in Scotland, before arriving in your next overnight location.

Overnight: Fort William area

Travel along the scenic Road to the Isles, stopping at Glenfinnan Monument for photos of

the railway bridge, famous from the Harry Potter films, before crossing to the Isle of Skye on the ferry. Explore the island this afternoon. You may choose to go to the colourful harbour town Portree or stop at the Clan Donald Centre to learn more about the history of the clan on Skye. Return to the mainland by bridge and continue to your hotel in the Kyle of Lochalsh area. Stop along the way to take a photo of Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. 

Overnight: Kyle of Lochalsh or Skye area

Continue your drive north to Ullapool, along the beautiful west coast. The coastal scenery is spectacular, and there are opportunities to stop in some of the villages along the way, for example Plockton. You also have the option to stop at Inverewe Garden, the tropical haven on the coast of Scotland, before arriving into the bustling harbour town of Ullapool in the afternoon. 

Overnight: Ullapool area

Drive from Ullapool to Thurso along some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Britain. Stop to explore Durness with its John Lennon Memorial Garden and stop in Bettyhill to learn more about the dramatic history behind the clearances. Don’t forget to take a walk on one of the many sandy beaches along the northern coast, before arriving into Thurso for a two night stay.

Overnight: Thurso area

Take the ferry from Scrabster or Gills Bay to spend a day exploring Orkney or join an organised tour out of John O’Groats. There is much to experience today such as Skara Brae, the 5000-year-old village, the Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the town of Kirkwall with its many shops selling local produce and crafts. Drive across the Churchill Barriers and stop at the Italian Chapel for photos, before returning to the mainland.

Overnight: Thurso area

Head south from Thurso to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. Along the way you can choose to stop at Dunrobin Castle, a fairy-tale castle on the east coast. Here you can explore the castle or the Victorian Museum with its vast collection or enjoy falconry in the castle gardens. Check in to your overnight stay in Inverness, before exploring the city and its traditional music pubs on foot or on a hop on hop off sightseeing tour.

Overnight: Inverness area

Spend the day exploring the Loch Ness and Inverness area - why not visit Urquhart Castle on the shores of the loch, or take a cruise to see if you can spot Nessie? For Outlander fans, don’t miss the nearby Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield. There are also plenty of castles to explore in the area such as Brodie and Cawdor.

Overnight: Inverness area

Leave Inverness and head into the Speyside region of Scotland, an area famous for its distilleries. Stop to learn about the craft of making whisky at one of the distilleries along the way. You can also choose to stop at the Speyside Cooperage to learn about the craft of making whisky barrels. Continue to Aberdeen on the east coast, for your next overnight stay.

Overnight: Aberdeen area

On your way south, you may choose to stop to visit the stunning Glamis Castle or the new V&A Museum in Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge into the Kingdom of Fife. For golf enthusiasts, don’t miss St Andrews, a picturesque town famed for its golf courses, ancient cathedral and royal connections. Cross the Queensferry Crossing on your way to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city.

Overnight: Edinburgh area

Discover Edinburgh on a hop on hop off sightseeing tour, before visiting Edinburgh Castle. If you have developed a taste for whisky, join a tour at the Scotch Whisky Experience, or go to nearby Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. In the evening you may want to explore the spooky side of Edinburgh on an underground ghost walk or experience Scottish food and music at a Scottish Evening.

Overnight: Edinburgh area

Your epic journey around the coast of Scotland has come to an end. Fly out of Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport. As we say in Scotland – Haste Ye Back!