Ben Nevis Loch ness Eilean Donan isle of Skye Inverness Culloden Moor
Embark on a captivating tour through the stunning Scottish Highlands and experience a perfect blend of majestic landscapes and rich history. This tour will take you on an unforgettable journey, visiting iconic landmarks such as Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, the mysterious and legendary Loch Ness, the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle, the enchanting Isle of Skye, the historic Urquhart Castle, the charming city of Inverness, the poignant site of Culloden Moor, and the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Localised custom tours
Explore the mysteries of Loch Ness
Learn about Bonnie Prince Charlie
Visit the majestic Isle of Skye
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
04
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Glasgow
Day 1
journey to Fort William
After arriving in Glasgow, you are met and driven to your hotel near Fort William, a popular destination on the southern end of the Caledonian Canal. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2
Road to the Isles
Set out on a full-day excursion that unveils some of the Scottish Highlands’ most iconic places and best-loved landscapes. Leaving Fort William behind, begin your journey with a drive along the ‘Road to the Isles’, which leads to the West Coast port of Mallaig. En route, you pass the Glenfinnan Monument, which stands at the head of picturesque Loch Shiel in commemorating the highlanders; learn how they rose in support of Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 1745 Jacobite uprising.
From Mallaig, take the ferry over to the stunning Isle of Skye, the second largest of Scotland’s islands, where you can still spot road signs in the Gaelic language. Pause to obtain a flavour of the island’s Gaelic heritage at the Clan Donald Centre. During the day, you have time to explore the island, including Portree, its largest town.
Weather permitting, take in the idyllic views of the isle with its immense sea cliffs and the distinct peaks of the Cullin Hills, which rise sharply from the surrounding terrain.
Day 3
Isle of Skye
Spend a full day exploring Scotland’s second-largest and most majestic island. You may wish to drive down to Elgol, where the best-loved of these mountains’ views can be obtained. Afterwards, drive to the north of the island, where you can stop in Portree, the island’s capital. Over on the west coast, overlooking the Minch and the Outer Hebrides, is Dunvegan Castle, the home of the chief of the Clan McLeod. It is the only castle in the Hebrides to remain occupied; explore the property and its impressive water gardens independently.
Day 4
Scottish Highlands
Returning to the mainland, travel to Loch Duich with inspiring views of the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, used as a setting in the James Bond film The World is Not Enough, for a picturesque photograph. Continue to the ‘Great Glen’ valley that bisects the Scottish Highlands, running from Fort William to Inverness. Caused by a geological fault, it is one of the most noted topographical features in Scotland. Follow the glen from Fort William, which is overshadowed by the rounded slopes of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain. Stop for a photo opportunity at the impressive Commando Memorial which stands in tribute to the Commandos of World War II who trained in the area. Pass by Loch Lochy – one of the four beautiful lochs of the Great Glen and, notably, the hiding spot for Bonnie Prince Charlie after the Battle of Culloden.
Travel onward to the banks of Loch Ness, Scotland’s most famous loch, which has been long associated with ‘Nessie’, the fabled monster said to inhabit the deeps. Try looking out for her as you walk around the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which dominates the central part of the loch.
Following the river that drains Loch Ness in the north, you arrive in Inverness, a small but charming city that is considered the Capital of the Highlands. One of the most important historic sites in Scotland is located near Inverness, the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746 by government troops when his attempt to regain the throne for the Stuarts ended. At this poignant spot, learn how these events dramatically changed Scotland’s way of life.
Time permitting, discover Clava Cairns, an atmospheric Neolithic burial site in a beautiful setting and believed to be the inspiration for the Craig na Dun stone circles in the popular television series Outlander. The return journey to Fort William takes you past either the Cairngorms National Park or the quieter east shore of Loch Ness.
Day 5
Depart Glasgow
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
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Scotland has a temperate maritime climate, which means that the weather can be quite unpredictable. The average temperature in summer (June to August) is around 15°C, while in winter (December to February) it can drop down to 5°C. The best time to visit Scotland is during the summer months when the weather is relatively mild and the days are longer. However, if you’re looking to experience Scotland’s winter sports or the magical Northern Lights, then planning a trip during the winter months might be your best bet.
Scotland experiences cold and wet weather during January. The average temperature in Scotland during this time of the year is around 4°C, with lows dropping down to 1°C. It is also quite windy during this month, which makes the temperature feel even colder. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in January, make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable and dry during your visit.
February is still considered as winter in Scotland, and the weather can be quite cold and wet during this month. The average temperature in Scotland during February is around 5°C, with lows dropping down to 2°C. It is also quite windy during this month, which can make the temperature feel even colder. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in February, make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable and dry during your visit.
Scotland starts to see some improvements in the weather during March, although it is still considered as a winter month. The average temperature in Scotland during March is around 7°C, with lows dropping down to 3°C. It is still quite windy during this month, but there is also a chance of sunny and mild days. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in March, make sure to pack a variety of clothing to be prepared for both cold and mild weather conditions.
Scotland starts to see a significant improvement in the weather during April, with the arrival of spring season. The average temperature in Scotland during April is around 9°C, with lows dropping down to 4°C. It is still quite windy during this month, but there is also a chance of sunny and mild days. April is a great time to visit Scotland if you're looking to experience the beauty of spring, with blooming flowers and green landscapes. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in April, make sure to pack a variety of clothing to be prepared for both cold and mild weather conditions.
May is a great time to visit Scotland as the weather becomes considerably milder and more pleasant. The average temperature in Scotland during May is around 12°C, with lows dropping down to 6°C. It is still quite windy during this month, but there is a good chance of sunny and warm days. May is a great time to explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, gardens, and beaches. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in May, make sure to pack a variety of clothing to be prepared for both warm and cooler weather conditions.
June marks the start of summer season in Scotland, and the weather becomes considerably milder and more pleasant. The average temperature in Scotland during June is around 15°C, with lows dropping down to 9°C. It is also less windy during this month, and there is a good chance of sunny and warm days. June is a great time to explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, visit its castles and museums, and attend various outdoor festivals and events. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in June, make sure to pack a variety of clothing to be prepared for both warm and cooler weather conditions.
July is one of the warmest months in Scotland, and it is a great time to visit the country. The average temperature in Scotland during July is around 17°C, with lows dropping down to 11°C. It is also less windy during this month, and there is a good chance of sunny and warm days. July is a great time to explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, visit its beaches, and attend various outdoor festivals and events. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in July, make sure to pack light and comfortable clothing to enjoy the warm weather.
August is also a great time to visit Scotland as the weather remains mild and pleasant throughout the month. The average temperature in Scotland during August is around 17°C, with lows dropping down to 11°C. It is also less windy during this month, and there is a good chance of sunny and warm days. August is a great time to explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, visit its beaches, and attend various outdoor festivals and events. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in August, make sure to pack light and comfortable clothing to enjoy the warm weather.
September marks the start of autumn season in Scotland, and the weather starts to cool down gradually. The average temperature in Scotland during September is around 14°C, with lows dropping down to 8°C. It is also slightly windier during this month, and there is a chance of rain. September is a great time to explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, visit its museums and galleries, and attend various cultural events. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in September, make sure to pack a variety of clothing to be prepared for both warm and cooler weather conditions.
October is a transitional month in Scotland as the weather starts to become cooler and wetter. The average temperature in Scotland during October is around 11°C, with lows dropping down to 6°C. It is also windier and rainier during this month, but there can still be some sunny and mild days. October is a great time to explore Scotland's beautiful countryside, visit its castles and historic sites, and attend various autumn festivals and events. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in October, make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable and dry during your visit.
November is one of the coldest and wettest months in Scotland, and the weather can be quite unpredictable. The average temperature in Scotland during November is around 8°C, with lows dropping down to 3°C. It is also quite windy and rainy during this month, which can make the temperature feel even colder. November is a great time to explore Scotland's cities, visit its museums and galleries, and attend various cultural events. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in November, make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable and dry during your visit.
December is one of the coldest and darkest months in Scotland, and the weather can be quite harsh. The average temperature in Scotland during December is around 6°C, with lows dropping down to 1°C. It is also quite windy and rainy during this month, with occasional snowfall. December is a great time to explore Scotland's festive markets and events, visit its historic sites, and enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in December, make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable and dry during your visit.
Add on’s
After exploring the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, there are plenty of other fantastic European countries to visit. For a change of scenery, you might consider heading to the stunning landscapes of Norway, with its majestic fjords and vibrant cities like Oslo and Bergen. Alternatively, you could venture to Ireland to experience the charming countryside, vibrant culture, and historic castles. For a more Mediterranean experience, consider visiting Italy, with its rich history, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking coastline.
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