Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, you will be greeted by a private driver who will take you to your hotel in the city centre. For those arriving early in the day, we recommend spending the day 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 within the city centre, including the beautiful St Giles Cathedral and the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

Today your guide will pick you up from your hotel in a comfortable vehicle to start your private tour. On the way you’ll have many possible stops, such as the picturesque village of Dunkeld, the 13^th-century Blair Castle and the Highland Folk Museum inside the Cairngorms National Park. Arriving near Inverness, you can visit the Battlefield of Culloden Moor, to see where the last battle on British soil occurred in 1746, marking "the beginning of the end for the Highlands." Nearby you could also roam around Clava Cairns, a series of tombs and standing stones dating back roughly 4,000 years.

Spend the night in the Inverness area.

Driving distance: 251 km / 156 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours

Today, the guide will take you from Inverness to the famous Isle of Skye. You’ll be driven along the shores of Loch Ness and, if you have time, take a boat tour in search of its notorious and elusive monster, or go explore the nearby Urquhart Castle ruins. Further along the drive, make a stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. When you arrive on Skye, your first stop will be at the scenic village of Portree, where you can explore and admire its colourful buildings and dine at a local restaurant.

Spend the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 185 km / 115 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours

Today you can take advantage of a full day on Skye, a haven for nature lovers. We recommend exploring the northern part of the island and taking your time around all the attractions on the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula. There you can enjoy a walk up to “The Old Man of Storr” rock pinnacle and see the beautiful Kilt Rock waterfall. Other highlights include the Quiraing rock face, the An Corran Beach at Staffin, where you may spot ancient dinosaur footprints, and the mystical Fairy Glen.

Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 6-7 hours

Heading south to the Sleat Peninsula, you’ll be able to admire the beautiful beaches, lochs, and glens of the region. You may wish to stop on the way to enjoy a walk to the crystal-clear Fairy Pools at the foot of the Black Cuillin Hills or to sample Single Malt Whisky at the Talisker Distillery. In the afternoon, catch a ferry from Armadale to Mallaig on the mainland. Your guide will then drive you to Fort William. On the way we recommend stopping at Camusdarach Beach and at Glenfinnan where you can visit the Glenfinnan Monument, overlooking Loch Shiel, and admire the viaduct, featured in Harry Potter.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig: 30 minutes

Driving distance: 135 km / 85 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours 

Today’s drive will take you past Scotland’s most famous valley, Glen Coe, which offers world-famous scenery. You’ll then travel along the scenic route via the seaside town of Oban onto the historical valley of Kilmartin Glen and past the charming village of Inveraray. This region is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland, including cairns, standing stones, and castles.

Spend the night in the Trossachs National Park area.

Driving distance via Kilmartin Glen/Inveraray: 285 km / 180 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours

Your guide will bring you back to Edinburgh (you can choose to end your trip in Glasgow in the optional activities below). It will take you through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, where you could stop to take a walk in nature, enjoy an optional steamship tour on Loch Katrine, or visit a local whisky distillery. For a fun photo opportunity, don’t miss Doune Castle, featured in Monty Python & the Holy Grail and Outlander. If time allows, you could also stop by Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top attractions, or at the impressive Kelpies, two giant horse-head sculptures.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

Driving distance: 130 km / 80 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 6-7 hours

On your day of departure, a private driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you directly to the airport. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may take your last few hours to do some last-minute shopping, visit one of Edinburgh’s many museums, or take one last stroll through the charming city centre.