Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye Winter - 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 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 private tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in a comfortable vehicle. On the way you can stop at the charming village of Dunkeld and enjoy a walk at the picturesque Hermitage. We also recommend passing by the town of Pitlochry, before heading into the Cairngorms National Park. Arriving near Inverness, you have the option to 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 9-10 hours 

Today, the guide will take you from Inverness to the famous Isle of Skye. You’ll be driven along the shores 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 6-7 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 “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 return over the Skye Bridge and make your way south to Fort William.  If time allows, you may want to make the detour to Glenfinnan to admire the Glenfinnan Monument, overlooking Loch Shiel, and the viaduct, featured in Harry Potter.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

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, Glencoe, which offers world-famous scenery. On your way south, stop for a walk at the atmospheric Kilchurn Castle at Loch Awe, one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland. While it is closed during the winter time, you can still walk around the area and take some fantastic photographs. You can also stop at the charming village of Inveraray & Inveraray Castle with its white washed houses on the shores of Loch Fyne. Lastly, we recommend a walk in the ancient village of Luss, with its characteristic stone cottages overlooking the shores of Loch Lomond.

Spend the night in the Trossachs National Park area.

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

Your guide will bring you back to Edinburgh (you can choose to end your trip in Glasgow in the optional activities below). You will pass 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 & Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top attractions, or at the impressive The 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.