Please note that Monday departures run in reverse up to end of September 2023.

DAY 1: Edinburgh to Portree

Leaving Edinburgh at 8.00 am, we travel past the stunning views of the Forth Bridge and enter the Highlands through Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains. We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay. It’s then further north into the Highlands before we enter the Great Glen. At Fort Augustus, there is time to explore the shores of Loch Ness and a chance to spot Nessie. The journey continues to the famous Isle of Skye but first, we take in spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous icons. Our home for the night is the Isle of Skye, the ‘winged isle’. (Overnight: Portree)

DAY 2: Isle of Skye

We spend the day exploring the dramatic Isle of Skye with its amazing scenery, myths and legends. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the mainland against the backdrop of the jagged Cuillin Mountains. Highlights include the mysterious rock formation of the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall and Dunvegan's impressive castle*. (Overnight: Portree)

DAY 3: Portree to Edinburgh (Summer*)

We have the chance to explore a wee bit more of the beautiful Isle of Skye before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig. Here you can board the Jacobite Steam Train to Fort William, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. We head south through the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, wild Rannoch Moor then the heart of Rob Roy country before arriving back in Edinburgh at approximately 8.30pm.

*Summer itinerary, April to end - October 

DAY 3: Portree to Edinburgh (Winter*)

We head south via the Skye Bridge and through the stunning glens, we pass the Commando Memorial with views to Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Eerie Glen Coe and the wilds of Rannoch Moor await before arriving in Rob Roy country to hear about the rogue who turned to a hero. Crossing back into the lowlands we arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening at approximately 5.30pm.

*Winter itinerary November to March

EXPLORE MORE

*Summer itinerary, April to end - October.

World-famous Jacobite Steam Train (optional - only available at the time of booking)*

Starting in Mallaig, the train travels on the west coast where you can see the ‘Small Isles’ of Rum, Eigg, Muck and the stunning white beaches used in films such as Local Hero and Highlander. The Jacobite then passes through Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his Standard to begin his ill-fated claim to the throne in 1745. We then cross over 21 arches of the impressive Viaduct with amazing views down Loch Sheil before heading to Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. The steam train was featured in a number of Harry Potter movies as the ‘Hogwarts Express’ and is an outstanding way to take in the beautiful scenery of the Scottish west coast.

Armadale Castle & Gardens (pay local)*

Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum is a magnificent Highland estate, the spiritual home of Clan Donald, on the Isle of Skye. Explore the historic gardens and woodland trails around the romantic ruins of Armadale Castle. Discover 1500 years of Highland history in the award-winning Museum of the Isles.

Dunvegan Castle (optional)*

A visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without learning the fascinating history and clan legend of Dunvegan Castle. Built during 13th and 14th centuries this Hebridean stronghold is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for the past 800 years.

Departure and drop off point

Edinburgh Bus Station (inside, Gate J*)
St. Andrew Square 
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 3DQ  

See Map

* departure gate subject to change. Please refer to the departure screens inside Edinburgh Bus Station for gate info. Check-in staff will be wearing yellow Highland Explorer vests to greet you.
Edinburgh Bus Station can be accessed through two entrances: St Andrew Square and Elder Street. Please refer to the image below.

Departure Time

Tour departs at 08:00am

Return Time

Tour returns at 8.30pm (summer)
Tour returns at 5.30pm (winter)

3* Bed & Breakfast (B&B) / Guest House

In most cases you are staying in a B&B (Bed and Breakfast), which is renowned for offering visitors a warm Highland welcome. Most B&Bs offer a traditional Scottish cooked breakfast and is included in the price. On occasion, you are staying with a family who let out rooms in their home to visitors, giving you the opportunity of experiencing Scotland in a more authentic way. B&B’s and guest houses are both generally located within one mile of the centre of town, although during peak season, this distance may be slightly further.

3* Highland Hotel

Highland Hotels are smaller than typical Hotels ensuring a cosy and hospitable welcome. Facilities are more limited when compared with most Hotels situated in large cities, however, you can be assured of a comfortable stay within close proximity to the centre of town. They are usually family run and have their own individual style and character. They serve traditional Scottish breakfast and often offer a dinner option too. Breakfast is included in the cost. Please note that most passengers that are travelling on your tour will be staying in Bed & Breakfast accommodation since hotel spaces are limited.

ROOM TYPES

Twin Room
One room with two separate beds suitable for one adult in each bed.

Double Room
One room with one bed suitable for two adults.

Family 3
One room with two separate beds. One bed suitable for two adults and one bed suitable for one adult/child.

Family 4
One room with three separate beds. One bed suitable for two adults and two separate beds suitable for one adult/child in each.

Accessibility and Facilities
For more information, see our Accessibility Statement.