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Portree in Scotland

Highlights of Scotland

(10 days / 9 nights)

4.8
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10% OFF IN 2024

Discover The Charm Of The Scottish Highlands

Let yourself be whisked off by a local and passionate guide who will ensure that you have the best experience possible around Scotland. You’ll join a small group of fellow travellers to spend 10 days roaming around the Highlands and Isle of Skye, taking in all the breathtaking views of renowned attractions and hidden gems. To top it all off, you will stay in unique accommodation, experiencing Scottish hospitality and enjoying gourmet local cuisine.

Would you rather travel with your very own guide? Look up this private tour with a similar itinerary.

4.8
10% OFF IN 2024

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

4095GBP

You save: 409 GBP per person

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 3686 GBP

See special offers terms

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Groups limited to 15 travellers
  • Hassle-free travel experience
  • Quality & value for your money
  • Trusted local experts in Scotland
  • Great customer reviews

Read more

— Book With Confidence

  • Optional cancellation insurance
  • Affordable deposits from 10%

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Explore some of Scotland’s top sights on the famous and breathtaking Isle of Skye
  • Stay at unique properties & enjoy gourmet local cuisine
  • Sail on the mysterious Loch Ness to admire the surroundings
  • Discover Scotland's historic capital Edinburgh and stroll up the Royal Mile
  • Experience the striking natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands
  • Enjoy some quiet time in nature at the Trossachs National Park
  • Photograph the picturesque Dunnottar Castle
  • Taste the flavour of the country at a local whisky distillery
  • Visit the grand ancestral homes on the Royal Deeside Castle Trail in Aberdeenshire
  • Hassle-free travel experience with a local tour driver-guide

Travel style

Guided Small Groups i

Interest

Best Seller i, Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culinary Experience i, Culture and History i, Heritage i, Highlands i, Whisky i

Pace level

Level 2/3 (Classic) i

Activity level

Level 2/4 (Moderate) i

Season

May - Sep

Max group size

15

Interest

Best Seller i, Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culinary Experience i, Culture and History i, Heritage i, Highlands i, Whisky i

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: ARRIVAL IN SCOTLAND

    When you arrive in Scotland, make your way to your accommodation in the Edinburgh city centre. Many travellers opt to take a taxi or use public transport, but for a more direct and comfortable ride, we will be happy to organize a private airport transfer for you.

    For those arriving early in the day, we recommend spending the afternoon walking through the city, strolling along the Royal Mile and exploring the Old Town and New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit in the city centre, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle. For a spectacular view over the city, we recommend going up Calton Hill.

    Tonight, you can enjoy dinner at one of Edinburgh’s many gourmet restaurants and spend the evening at your leisure.

    Spend the night at Nira Caledonia or similar.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details See Activities for this day
  • Day 2: SCOTLAND‘S DRAMATIC EAST COAST

    Today, your guide will pick you up to start your epic trip around Scotland. The tour will start with a drive across to the Kingdom of Fife where the first stop will be in the quaint village of Falkland. There you will visit the Renaissance Falkland Palace, the country residence of the Royal Stuarts.

    You will then head east to explore the historic town of St Andrews, famous for being the home of golf and home to the oldest university in Scotland. As your guide continues north, you will pass Scotland’s first city of design Dundee before making a stop at the spectacular Dunnottar Castle for a fantastic photo opportunity. When you reach the hotel near Aberdeen, you will take part in a private whisky tasting for a flavour of the locally produced Speyside malts before enjoying a gourmet dinner.

    Spend the night at Norwood Hall Hotel or similar.

    Included:
    • Breakfast at your accommodation
    • Entrance to Falkland Palace
    • Dinner and private whisky tasting at your accommodation

    Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 3: ROYAL DEESIDE, CASTLES & WHISKY

    Today you will journey further into the Scottish Highlands, all the way to Inverness, the "Capital of the Highlands". The journey will take you through Royal Deeside for an enchanting drive into the Cairngorms National Park, famous for its wildlife, high peaks and beautiful Highland landscapes. On the way you will stop at the 16th-century Crathes Castle, where you will have time to explore the tower house and its grounds.

    Your guide will then continue through Speyside, the heart of Scotland’s whisky-making country and home to over 40 distilleries. Your group will go on a tour of one of these local distilleries, Cardhu, with the opportunity to taste single malt whisky, known in Scotland as ‘water of life‘. When you reach the hotel near Inverness, the group will enjoy a gourmet dinner.

    Spend the night at The Palace Hotel & Spa or similar.

    Included:
    • Breakfast at your accommodation
    • Entrance to Crathes Castle
    • Whisky tasting and tour of Cardhu Distillery
    • Dinner at your accommodation

    Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 4: HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS

    This morning, the tour will take us to the haunting Battlefield of Culloden Moor, the site where the last battle on British soil occurred in 1746, which also marked the end of the Highlander way of life. We’ll have some time to explore the visitor centre before getting back on the road. The next stop will be a visit to an even older site, the Bronze-age cemetery, Clava Cairns. This site includes passage graves, ring cairns and standing stones dating back roughly 4,000 years, making it older than Stonehenge.

    In the afternoon, the guide will drive us north to explore the beautiful Black Isle Peninsula and head to Chanonry Point, where dolphins can sometimes be spotted at low tide in the Moray Firth.

    Spend the night at The Palace Hotel & Spa or similar.

    Included:
    • Breakfast at your hotel 
    • Entrance to Culloden Battlefield
    Dinner at your accommodation

    Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 5: FROM LOCH NESS TO SKYE

    Experience some of Scotland’s most famous attractions today. Your guide will take you to the mysterious Loch Ness, where you will hop aboard a boat tour. This is your chance to take photos of the dramatic surroundings and see if you can catch a glimpse of Nessie.

    Next up the guide will drive through verdant countryside before making a stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, a sight you will surely recognise from films. Then you will finally reach the Isle of Skye where dinner will be served at tonight’s accommodation.

    Spend the night at Hame on Skye or similar.

    Included:
    • Breakfast at your hotel
    • Dinner at your accommodation
    • Loch Ness boat tour

    Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 6: THE ISLE OF SKYE

    Today you will have a full day to take in the magic of Skye, a haven for nature lovers. A new guide will take over for the day, starting with some time in Portree, where you can wander around, admiring the colourful houses and seaport.

    The group will then take you to the northern part of the island, the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula. This is where so many of the island’s mythical and spectacular landscapes lie.

    Driving over the Quiraing, admire some of the jaw-dropping natural sights. You will see the waterfall plunging over the 90-metre (295-foot) Kilt Rock sea cliffs and pass by the iconic “The Old Man of Storr” rock pinnacle. You might even get to see some dinosaur footprints at the An Corran Beach at Staffin. You’ll return to your accommodation for the night and enjoy dinner as a group. 

    Spend the night at Hame on Skye or similar.

    Included:
    • Breakfast at your hotel
    • Dinner at your accommodation

    Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 7: MARINE WILDLIFE & GLENFINNAN

    Today, you will head south to the Sleat Peninsula of Skye. On the way you can admire the beautiful beaches, lochs, and glens of the region. At the foot of the Black Cuillin Hills, your guide will take you on a short walk to the crystal-clear Fairy Pools.

    Then hop on the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig on mainland Scotland. On the drive to Fort William, you will stop at Glenfinnan. Here you can visit the Glenfinnan Monument, overlooking the beautiful Loch Shiel, and admire the Glenfinnan Viaduct high above. You may recognise it from the Harry Potter film series. Tonight, the group will enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

    Spend the night at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel or similar.  

    Included:                                                                                                                            
    • Breakfast at your accommodation
    • Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig (30 minutes)
    • Dinner at your accommodation

    Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 8: TRAVEL ALONG DRAMATIC GLENS & LOCH LOMOND

    Today’s journey will take you down to Inveraray, on the shore of Loch Fyne. On the way, you will travel through Glen Coe, Scotland’s most famous valley offering breathtaking scenery. You may recognise it from films like Skyfall and Harry Potter. Here, you will go on a guided 20-minute walk, a perfect chance to take photos.

    Then on the way south, you will have the chance to stop at Kilchurn Castle. It is a 15th-century fortress with a majestic backdrop. Finally, you’ll arrive in Inveraray where you can explore at your leisure before enjoying dinner with your travel companions.

    Spend the night at The George Hotel or similar.

    Included:                                                                                                                            
    • Breakfast at your accommodation
    • Dinner at your accommodation

    Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 9: TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK TO EDINBURGH

    Today’s drive takes you through the impressive Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, so you can take in more of its stunning scenery. First, stop in Luss, a charming medieval village on the banks of Loch Lomond.

    Later, you will stop by the beautiful city of Stirling, where you will visit the impressive Stirling Castle sitting atop the hill and overlooking the town below. The last stop on this tour will be the Kelpies, 2 impressive horse-head statues that will capture your attention.

    Back in Edinburgh, your driver-guide will drop you off at your accommodation. Tonight you can enjoy dinner at one of Edinburgh’s many gourmet restaurants and spend the evening at your leisure.

    Spend the night at Nira Caledonia or similar.  

    Included:                                                                                                                             
    • Breakfast at your accommodation 
    • Entrance to Stirling Castle

    Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 10: DEPARTURE FROM SCOTLAND

    On your final day in Scotland, make your way back to the airport for your departure flight. You can also arrange a private airport transfer or additional nights in Scotland while booking your tour. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may have time for some last-minute shopping, a visit to one of Edinburgh’s many attractions, or to take one last stroll through the charming city centre.

    Included:
    • Breakfast at your accommodation

    See Activities for this day

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

Reviews

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Amazing tour

We were really impressed, and we plan to try and book future tours with Nordic Visitor. Andy, our tour guide, did an amazing job! Allen, our driver, was also a very good driver.

Fun and friendly tour guide

Holly was a fun and friendly tour guide!

The most helpful, knowledgeable and humorous guide I have ever had

This is the second time that I have travelled with Nordic Visitor and I recommend them highly. Our tour guide was the most helpful, knowledgeable and humorous guide I have ever had.

The most magical trip!

From communicating with Nordic Visitor, booking my trip, arriving at the airport and be welcomed by our driver Paul, each hotel, every meal, our amazing tour guide, Anita, our drivers, Gary and Stevie… everything was so perfect! It was the most magical trip! 

Amazing tour guide

Holly was an amazing guide who helped us navigate Scotland with ease.
 

Exceptional

The accommodation and food were exceptional. The sites we saw and the history explained by our tour guide were just unbelievable. The small coach is the way to travel. We all became friends. 

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Situated in the New Town of Edinburgh, the Nira Caledonia is a boutique hotel house in an elegant Georgian townhouse. Its central location, only a short stroll from Princes Street, will be...

Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel is a 4-star accommodation located just outside the city centre of Aberdeen in the northeast of Scotland. The elegant surroundings of pine woodlands and gardens...

The Palace Hotel is located at the heart of the city of Inverness, by the River Ness and across from Inverness Castle. Dating back to the 19th century, you’ll find a stunning combina...

The Palace Hotel is located at the heart of the city of Inverness, by the River Ness and across from Inverness Castle. Dating back to the 19th century, you’ll find a stunning combina...

Your hotel on the Isle of Skye is located 5 mins south of the western town of Dunvegan, near the shores of Pool Roag by Loch Vatten. Hame on Skye offers an incredible location, amidst the...

Your hotel on the Isle of Skye is located 5 mins south of the western town of Dunvegan, near the shores of Pool Roag by Loch Vatten. Hame on Skye offers an incredible location, amidst the...

Bridge of Orchy Hotel is a picturesque Scottish Highlands accommodation. Located between the Trossachs National Park and Glen Coe, the hotel is set against a superb backdrop. The complex...

The George Hotel is located at the heart of Inveraray, along the mighty Loch Fyne. Set on the main street, the hotel is one of the many beautiful, white-washed buildings of this lakeside t...

Situated in the New Town of Edinburgh, the Nira Caledonia is a boutique hotel house in an elegant Georgian townhouse. Its central location, only a short stroll from Princes Street, will be...

The hotels mentioned are our first priority for this tour. Please note that although we have included specific accommodations in the tour, these are subject to change in some cases. We reserve the right to substitute a named property in the same locality for one of a similar standard. We will send you the final list of hotels before you arrive for your tour.

Guaranteed departures

Group size is limited to a maximum of 15 people

Price p.p. from

Approx 3686 GBP

The amount will be charged in GBP

  • Arrival
    Price
    Availability
  • Sunday 28 April 2024
    3774 GBP
    6 spaces left
  • Sunday 5 May 2024
    3774 GBP
    Available
  • Sunday 12 May 2024
    3774 GBP
    7 spaces left
  • Sunday 19 May 2024
    3774 GBP
    3 spaces left
  • Sunday 26 May 2024
    3774 GBP
    Available
  • Sunday 2 June 2024
    4095 GBP
    Available
  • Sunday 16 June 2024
    4095 GBP
    Available
  • Sunday 30 June 2024
    4095 GBP 3686 GBP
    Available
  • Sunday 7 July 2024
    4095 GBP 3686 GBP
    Available
  • Sunday 28 July 2024
    4095 GBP
    Available
  • Sunday 18 August 2024
    4258 GBP 3832 GBP
    Available
  • Sunday 1 September 2024
    4095 GBP 3686 GBP
    Available
  • Sunday 8 September 2024
    4095 GBP 3686 GBP
    Available
  • Sunday 15 September 2024
    4095 GBP 3686 GBP
    Available
  • Sunday 22 September 2024
    4095 GBP 3686 GBP
    Available

Monthly price comparison

Our best price per person when booking for two.

2024

Tour Information

We recommend that all Nordic Visitor travellers read through the following information about what the tour includes, your tour guide, accommodation, and other useful information for your travels.

Please note that this tour is not recommended for families with children under the age of 13. As the legal drinking age is 18, those aged 17 and under will not take part in the whisky tasting or distillery tours.

YOUR TOUR DRIVER-GUIDE
This tour package includes the professional service of an experienced Scottish tour guide, who will drive you around Scotland. Not only will the guide offer their local knowledge and share hidden gems and stories with you, but they will act as the logistical organiser for the group, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and that you’re having a good time during your holiday. 

As an expert and a local, your tour guide will be a valuable resource for questions about local customs, language, food and other practical travel information. If you join our guided small group tour, you will get a personal experience for your Scottish adventure. On this tour, there will be one guide who will drive and lead the tour aboard a comfortable, high-quality mini-bus. A new guide will take over upon reaching Fort William for the final leg of the tour.

ACCOMMODATION
Our team of local travel experts carefully selects the hotels based on excellent ratings, personal experience and comfort. Generally, in Scotland, whilst room sizes may vary, our room types are based on European standard sizes. Please note that twin rooms, triple and family rooms are not commonly available in Scotland, so please contact us for booking assistance if that is something you would like. Please also be aware that, due to the historic nature of the properties we usually select, most of the rooms are only accessible by going up stairs, as there are often no lifts available. Please contact us if you are not able to walk up stairs.

LUGGAGE INFORMATION
This tour is by mini-bus and so, to ensure comfortable seating for everyone, there is a limit to the size and amount of luggage you can bring. Each guest is allowed 1 large suitcase or bag, which can be stored in the back of the van, and one smaller item (e.g., a small backpack or day bag) for daily essentials.

The guidance size for the larger luggage is that it should not exceed 158 cm (62 in) when adding the length, width and height. It should not weigh more than 20 kg. Unfortunately, carry-on suitcases (cabin bags with wheels) are too large to store inside the van in the overhead racks.
 
If you have more luggage, we ask you to please make arrangements to store it while you are on the tour.
 

FITNESS & ACTIVITY LEVEL
Please note that this tour includes some walking at some of the sightseeing stops. This means you need to be prepared and able to walk between 1-3 kilometres on certain days. You also need to be able to carry your own luggage when boarding the bus each day.

FOOD & DRINK
A daily breakfast is included at your booked hotels for the duration of your stay. You will also enjoy seven dinners with the group, as per the package’s inclusions. They will usually be based on a set dinner menu and be produced using a good variety of local fresh ingredients. Please notify your travel consultant in advance of any dietary restrictions or allergies. Other meals and drinks are not included and will be at your own expense during the trip.

WHAT TO PACK IN SUMMER

  • A small backpack to store your daily items on the bus
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Camera
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • For more information on what to pack, please visit our Online Travel Guide.


ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE FROM GLASGOW
If you are planning on arriving in Glasgow, you can book a private transfer from Glasgow Airport to your accommodation in Edinburgh to start the journey in a comfortable way. During certain tours, you will have the options to end your trip in Glasgow, rather than Edinburgh, if that is more convenient for you.

CURRENCY RATE
All bookings are charged in British Pounds (£, GBP). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. Therefore, conversions from GBP to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

AFTER BOOKING WITH NORDIC VISITOR
After booking your package with Nordic Visitor, you will be contacted within two business days by one of our travel consultants who will serve as your dedicated contact person for all your travel needs before, during and even after your holiday. Your travel consultant will provide you with details about your booking and your remaining payment (if not paid in full). You will also receive more information about what to expect during your holiday.

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