DAY 1: Edinburgh to Oban

We leave Edinburgh at 9.00 and head to the iconic Kelpies. We then head north past Stirling and take in views of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. We will make a stop for lunch before entering the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe and on to the quaint fishing town of Oban. (Overnight: Oban)

DAY 2: Oban to Isle of Skye 

SUMMER ROUTE - *(mid-April till end-October)

Take the Jacobite Steam Train* from Fort William and discover why this spectacular trip has been voted the best train journey in the world by Wanderlust Magazine. Cross the Glenfinnan viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies and take in the sweeping views of Loch Shiel. We arrive in Mallaig and take the ferry* ‘Over the Sea to Skye’, before driving to our overnight destination in Portree. (Overnight: Portree)

WINTER ROUTE - * (end-October to mid-April)

Travel through some of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring landscapes on the route to Skye, taking in serene lochs, rugged scenery and waterfalls trickling from great heights on the mountain ranges. For all the Harry Potter fans out there we will have a chance to view the Glenfinnan Viaduct. We pass the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, before crossing the Skye Bridge to our enchanting island destination, where we will be spending the night in Portree. (Overnight: Portree)

DAY 3: Isle of Skye to Inverness

We explore more of the mysterious Isle of Skye with its awe-inspiring mountains, stunning coastline, and local folklore before returning to the mainland. On the way to Loch Ness, we stop at the incredibly photogenic Eilean Donan Castle and wind our way along the Great Glen to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands. (Overnight: Inverness)

DAY 4: Inverness 

SUMMER ROUTE - *(mid-April till end-October)

Keep an eye out for the elusive monster, ‘Nessie’, while we take a cruise on Loch Ness before heading north towards the quaint town of Beauly. The ruins of Beauly Priory were featured in the Outlander book 'Dragonfly in Amber' and have a history stretching back to 1230AD. After lunch we visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle fought on British soil, followed by the mysterious chambered cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns; both of these locations provided inspiration for the hit TV series Outlander (Overnight: Inverness)

WINTER ROUTE - * (end-October to mid-April)

Hunt for the elusive monster ‘Nessie’ while we drive along the banks of Loch Ness before heading north towards the beautiful town of Beauly. The ruins of Beauly Priory were used in the filming of Outlander and have a history stretching back to 1230AD. Our day ends with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite’s were defeated in 1746. (Overnight: Inverness)

DAY 5: Inverness to Edinburgh

SUMMER ROUTE - *(mid-April till mid-October)

Leaving Inverness we visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries before heading for a local whisky tasting, also known as the 'water of life'. For our final stop we visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village, on to the River Tay and make a visit to the cathedral. Returns approximately at 5.00pm.

WINTER ROUTE - * (end-October to mid-April)

Our final day begins with a visit to the mysterious chamber cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns, said to have inspired the hit TV series Outlander. From here we head for a local whisky tasting and learn about the ‘water of life’. Our return to Edinburgh will be around 17.30.

EXPLORE MORE

Trip on the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train (only available at the time of booking - mid-April till end-October)

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. Starting in Fort William, the train travels through some of the most spectacular landscapes of Scotland. The Jacobite passes through Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his Standard to begin his ill-fated claim to the throne in 1745. We cross over 21 arches of the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct with amazing views down Loch Shiel and head to the west coast. Look out for the ‘Small Isles’ of Rum, Eigg, Muck and the stunning white beaches used in films such as Local Hero and Highlander. 

Loch Ness Cruise (optional - mid-April till end-October)

A cruise on the mysterious and beautiful Loch Ness is an unforgettable experience, offering you the chance to catch a glimpse of Nessie and soak up the scenery. The boat uses the very latest hi-tech colour sonar and underwater imaging systems to enhance the hunt. You can use on-board audio guides that will immerse you in the history and legends of this fascinating loch or just relax with a coffee or beer in the on-board bar. Reserve your cruise at the time of booking to guarantee your seat.

Culloden Visitor Centre (optional, pay locally)

On 16th April 1746, Culloden was the site of the last pitched battle fought on the British mainland. Through an interpretive exhibition and a visit to the battlefield itself, you can learn why this hour-long conflict changed Highland life and world history forever. With ongoing archaeological research and fresh historical interpretations, the story is far from over… More recently, the popular TV series Outlander has used the years prior to the Battle of Culloden as a backdrop.

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 09.00am.

Return Time

Tour returns at 05.30pm.

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.

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