DAY 1: Edinburgh to Inverness

We travel north stopping to marvel at the stunning Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures dedicated to the horse powered heritage of Central Scotland, designed by Andy Scott. Learn about William Wallace as we pass Stirling Castle, and catch a glimpse of Doune Castle, which appears in Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Outlander and Game of Thrones. Soak up the atmospheric scenery in Glencoe and look out for Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest mountain – on our journey towards Loch Ness. Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’, the Loch Ness monster, on our visit to the loch, before we continue onto Inverness. We arrive in Inverness, where we will be spending the night. Free time in Inverness; enjoy a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city, then a wander round the various bars and restaurants.  

(Overnight: Inverness)

DAY 2: Inverness to Stornoway

Start the day with fresh air and stunning scenery at Black Water Falls. We continue north on a beautiful stretch of road and take to the water on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis – keeping an eye out for dolphins along the way! As our Lewis day is the following day, we depart Stornoway and drive south towards the idyllic Isle of Harris. Marvel at the flawless white sand beaches with turquoise sea and a backdrop of mountains. We return to the main town of Stornoway for the night.   

(Overnight: Stornoway)

DAY 3: Stornoway

Prepare for an exciting day touring the cultural attractions on the Isle of Lewis. First, go back to the Neolithic period on our visit to the mysterious 5000-year old Callanish Standing Stones, and then fast-forward to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline. Visit the Butt of Lewis, the most northerly point on the island to see the isolated lighthouse and dramatic force of the sea against the cliffs. Free time back in Stornoway; wander around the harbour and go in search of fresh seafood in the local restaurants.

(Overnight: Stornoway)

DAY 4: Stornoway to Portree

Departing Stornoway we visit the world famous Harris Distillery before we board the ferry and go over the sea to the Isle of Skye, where we spend the afternoon exploring the Trotternish peninsula. Soak up the enchanting scenery and learn about the island’s myths and legends. We arrive into our final stop at Portree in time to enjoy dinner in one of the town’s restaurants and to sample some whisky.

(Overnight: Portree) 

DAY 5: Portree

Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye. Hear about the island’s resident fairies on our stop at one of the famous Fairy Bridges. Visit the enchanted waters of the Sligachan River with views of the old bridge and the breathtaking Cuillin mountains. We drive over the Skye bridge to view the iconic – and absolutely beautiful – Eilean Donan Castle; used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough. Free time back in Portree; visit the shops, restaurants, and picturesque harbour with its colourful facades. (Overnight: Portree) 

DAY 6: Portree to Edinburgh

We have the chance to explore a wee bit more of the beautiful Isle of Skye before taking the ferry to the fishing village of Mallaig on the west coast. Experience one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train; made famous by Harry Potter. We take the scenic route back to the city through the Cairngorms National Park and arrive into Edinburgh at around 8.30pm.

EXPLORE MORE

The Kelpies 

Standing next to the Clyde and Forth Canal and near the River are the impressive 30-metre-high horse head sculptures called The Kelpies. Built in 2013 The Kelpies represent mythical water horses and are to represent the horses role in industry, agriculture and tow horses for the canals. In the first year alone over 1 million people visited these fantastic sculptures. Andy Scott the sculptor designed The Kelpies with a steel structure and stainless-steel cladding and each sculpture weighs in at 300 tonnes.

World-famous Jacobite Steam Train (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.  

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

Please check in at 08.15 for tour departure at 08.30.

Return Time

The tour returns at 20.30.

Accommodation Included

We book your accommodation and drop you off at the door to your 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.

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.

Single
One room with one bed suitable for one adult.

Accessibility and Facilities

For more information, see our Accessibility Statement.