Compare Highlands, Skye and Northwest Scotland by Great Value Vacations vs Highlights of Scotland by Intrepid Travel

Day 1 Welcome to Edinburgh!

Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and enjoy a private transfer to your Edinburgh accommodation. Spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure!

Start your Scotland adventure by hiking up to Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an ancient volcano; from here you can enjoy panoramic views of Scotland's capital city.

Day 2 Edinburgh - Ullapool

Leaving Edinburgh with your guide, the tour begins by taking you north over the Forth Road Bridge to the charming highland village of Dunkeld on the banks of the River Tay.

From here you head into the Cairngorm National Park and the ancient pine forests of the Rothiemurchus Estate. If time allows, you'll take a short walk after lunch where you'll explore the ruins of Lach an Eilein Castle. Panoramic views of Loch Ness follow as you travel down to the banks of the famous loch and the village of Dores, where you can do some “Nessie” spotting!

Then it’s on to the shores of Loch Broom where you spend two nights at Ullapool. 

Day 3 Ullapool

Today starts with a visit to the far northwest highlands and the grandeur, expanse and wildness of the mountains of Assynt, with its abundance of wildlife. This area is historically famous as being the first crofting area to be bought by the local crofters, the Assynt Crofters’ Trust.

You will be immersed in the history of the area and visit the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once the stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt. The day is full of amazing views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, from the stunning white sand beach at Achmelvich Bay to the traditional fishing village of Lochinver.

Day 4 Ullapool - Isle of Skye

This morning leave Ullapool, heading south to take in the drama of the River Droma as it plunges almost 200 feet down into the Corrieshalloch Gorge. From here you travel past the mountains of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, and along the picturesque coastline of Loch Torridon.

The tranquil setting of Applecross is your destination for lunch before taking one of the highest roads in Scotland, Bealach na Bo (meaning the Cattle Pass), with its jaw-dropping views, hairpin bends and precipitous cliffs. In the afternoon you stop in “tropical” Plockton where you can see palm trees growing alongside Loch Carron, and take time to enjoy its sheltered serenity. Then it’s over the sea to Skye and the delightful harbor town of Portree, with its friendly welcome.

Day 5 Portree

Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather, and your driver/guide’s knowledge will come to the fore in planning the best day for you.

For example you might travel north to the stunning Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk through some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery, or visit the Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns (reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt) with its waterfall cascading over the cliffs and down into the sea below.

After lunch you can travel to Neist Point for a walk out to the lighthouse at the most westerly point on Skye. Alternatively a visit to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the Clan McLeod, may be possible. 

Return to the hotel in Portree in the late afternoon and enjoy a free evening in the village.

Day 6 Portree - Edinburgh

Leaving Portree, we’ll travel south from Skye stopping first at the famous stronghold Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film “Highlander,” set at the head of three lochs as protection against Viking raiders.

Continuing east through the rugged mountains of Kintail, you drive down through Glen Garry past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, then onto Fort William for lunch.

In the afternoon you will explore spectacular Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Your tour comes to an end as you arrive in Edinburgh, at approximately 7:00 pm. 

Day 7 Depart Scotland

In accordance with your departure flight, enjoy one more private airport transfer to Edinburgh Airport. 

Day 1 Glasgow

Welcome to Scotland! Glasgow is one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities and this is where your adventure begins. It boasts world famous art collections, and is famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture. The city has some of the best shopping in the UK outside of London, first-class sports and leisure facilities, as well as a vast array of restaurants, bars and exciting nightlife. You’ll have a welcome meeting att 6 pm to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a stroll along the River Clyde, once at the heart of the city’s ship building industry. After the meeting, become acquainted at a nearby restaurant or grab a ‘fish supper’ in the lively Merchant City. Known for its pedestrianised areas, outdoor eating, trendy designer shops and ever-changing developments, the Merchant City is Glasgow with style, and one of the most popular areas to visit for tourists and locals alike.

Day 2 Fort William

After a short walk to the train station this morning, catch the early morning train, the world-famous West Highland Line, where your adventure really begins. The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William is a captivating railway journey that takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Arriving in Fort William early afternoon gives the group time to explore this famous town. Fort William is world famous for the huge variety of outdoor activities available and of course is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. The afternoon is free, so why not take a short walk into the countryside with your new friends or do some shopping in the town. Maybe jump in a taxi to the Nevis Range Gondola, which offers incredible elevated views of this wild region.

Day 3 Glenfinnan / Isle of Skye

This morning, complete your train journey on the West Highland Line, as the train departs from Fort William, passengers are immediately greeted by the imposing beauty of Ben Nevis, standing tall against the sky. The route then winds through the enchanting Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, and clings to the coastline before reaching the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Here, hop off the train and onto a ferry, which takes you over the sea to Skye. The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost of the major islands is the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The landscape of Skye is a captivating mix of dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and undulating moorland. It's a place where the elements have shaped the terrain into awe-inspiring natural wonders, some of which you’ll explore tomorrow. When you arrive, you’ll hop in a private transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy some free time to relax and take in the surroundings. Later in the evening you can join the group leader to maybe even sample a dram or two!

Day 4 Isle of Skye

Join your guide for a short morning hike and take in the beautiful scenery. If luck is on your side, you might even have the opportunity to catch sight of some of Skye's native wildlife, such as otters or seals. After the hike, you’ll take a private bus tour to explore some of Skye’s most famous and most recognisable landscapes as you circumnavigate the Trotternish Peninsula. The Trotternish Peninsula is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Quiraing with its unique geological formations, that will leave you in awe. The towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, a dramatic sea cliff with a cascade of spectacular waterfalls. Your bus tour will take you along winding coastal roads and offer stops at these remarkable sights, as well as time to explore a local gallery or museum along the way. If time permits, you may visit Dunvegan Castle (entrance fees not included) before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.

Day 5 Loch Ness / Highlands / Inverness

This morning, bid farewell to the enchanting Isle of Skye on a private bus, travelling over the iconic Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. Your journey continues through picturesque landscapes, until you reach the charming village of Fort Augustus, cradled at the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness. Here, you'll be treated to a scenic boat cruise on these mysterious waters (see if you can spot the elusive monster deep below the tranquil waters!). After your boat excursion, head north to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, known for its rich history and lively local culture. This is where you'll stay for the next two nights.

Day 6 Inverness

Start the day by hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here, in April 1746, that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end. The battlefield is fascinating to walk around, and exudes a sombreness even today. Back in the city centre, take a walk alongside the River Ness. This local’s favorite follows a trail which weaves over some small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful pedestrian suspension bridge to complete the loop, finishing close to a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore. Maybe visit the castle or a local whisky store, catch a gig, do some souvenir shopping, or if you are looking for a hidden delight,, then Leakey’s bookshop in Inverness is a must-see.

Day 7 Edinburgh

A morning train from Inverness takes you to Edinburgh today. Edinburgh is famous for its literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995, in recognition of the striking quality and contrast in architecture and streetscape between the Medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Want to know more about ‘Auld Reekie’, the capital city of Scotland? After dropping bags at the accommodation, you’ll take an insightful tour of the city, led by someone who has previously been homeless. The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding streets and bars, visit some of the famous attractions or hit the designer stores of the city centre.

Day 8 Edinburgh

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave any time after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don’t blame you – there’s so much to see and do – just speak to your booking agent.