Express Scotland & St Andrews - Private

This private tour will take you from Edinburgh, Scotland's historic capital, into the stunning Highlands and to the mythical Isle of Skye. With 8 days travelling around the country, you'll get to see the top highlights and more. Your private guide will recommend and adjust stops along the way based on your interests.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN EDINBURGH

Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, make your way to your hotel located in the city centre. 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 within the city centre, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

DAY 2: DRIVE TO ST ANDREWS

Today your private tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in a comfortable vehicle to head into Fife. You'll stop at the village of Falkland before reaching St Andrews. This iconic location is the home of golf and Scotland's oldest university. Immerse yourself in the collegiate atmosphere, wander along the scenic beaches and enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the many restaurants in town.

Spend the night in the St Andrews area.

Driving distance: 97 km / 60 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours

DAY 3: INTO THE HIGHLANDS

Leave St Andrews behind and head north into the famous Scottish Highlands. On the way, you can discuss the best stops to make with your guide. How about exploring the charming village of Dunkeld or visiting the 13th-century Blair Castle?

Arriving near Inverness, you could 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: 250 km / 155 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours

DAY 4: LOCH NESS AND THE ISLE OF SKYE

Your guide will take you along Loch Ness to go explore this area further. You could pop by the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, visit the nearby Urquhart Castle, or even opt for a boat tour for better views over this vast loch.

Later, you'll continue your journey all the way to the Isle of Skye, stopping at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle for a quick photo. When you arrive on the island, why not take some time to wander around Portree, the colourful main village of Skye?

Spend the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 185 km / 115 miles  

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours

DAY 5: ISLE OF SKYE

You have the full day to make the most of Skye with your guide. You won't want to miss the northern Trotternish Peninsula. This is where some of Skye's most famous sights are located. This includes the "Old Man of Storr" rock pinnacle, the rugged Quiraing, beautiful Kilt Rock waterfall, and intriguing 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

DAY 6: SLEAT PENINSULA AND GLENFINNAN

This morning, head south to the Sleat Peninsula of Skye. Before taking the ferry, chat to your guide about what you'd like to do most. You could enjoy a walk to the Fairy Pools, admire the Black Cuillin Hills, or sample whisky at the Talisker Distillery.

In the afternoon, you'll hop on a ferry back to the mainland. Before you reach Fort William, your guide will stop at Glenfinnan. Here you'll spot the famous viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films, and the Glenfinnan monument.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Driving distance: 135 km / 85 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

DAY 7: TRAVEL ALONG DRAMATIC GLENS

Explore magnificent and historic valleys today on your way back to Edinburgh. You can also choose to end your trip in Glasgow if you want to explore Scotland's largest city.

For the first highlight of the day, your guide will drive through the impressive Glen Coe, one of Scotland's most famous valleys. Your journey then continues through the lush Trossachs National Park. Here you could visit Doune Castle, featured in many movies and TV series, or Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top attractions.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

Driving distance: 261 km / 162 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours

DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM SCOTLAND

Today you say goodbye to Scotland. 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.