Journey to the Misty Isle: Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye Tour

Highlights

• Kick off your Highlands and Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh with a train journey across the beautiful Scottish countryside to Inverness, then travel over the sea to experience the wonders of the Isle of Skye.
• Hear the most dramatic stories of Skye and Scotland, as you stand on the landscapes upon which they unfolded.
• Learn from local experts and guides as you visit whisky distilleries, slow-motion landslips, and one of Scotland’s most dramatic lochs, hidden in Skye’s Cuillin mountains.
• Stay at two welcoming and charismatic four-star hotels: a Georgian mansion outside Inverness, and a former hunting lodge on Skye.
• Taste the finest food in Scotland with traditional meals made from quality, locally-sourced ingredients.

Day 1 – Edinburgh to Inverness: The Heart of the Highlands

Meet your fellow travellers and Scottish guide at Edinburgh Waverley railway station, travel by train to Inverness, and settle into the glorious Coul House Hotel.

The first journey of your tour is by first-class train from Edinburgh to Inverness. It’s a gentle introduction to the Scottish Highlands, with views of lochs, mountains and moors. After a mid-morning departure, you will arrive in Inverness in the afternoon, transferring to your accommodation via taxi.

You’ll receive a warm Scottish welcome at Coul House Hotel. A well-kept, family-run Georgian mansion, Coul House will be your base for two nights as you get some Scottish Highlands experiences under your belt. For now, get settled in, admire the countryside views and Coul House’s garden, and raise a glass to the start of your vacation in Scotland.

• Check into Coul House Hotel, Strathpeffer, for two nights
• Group dinner

Day 2 – Inverness: Beasts, Battles and a Contested Castle

Hear tales of conflicts that shook the Scottish Highlands, and search for an elusive loch-dwelling creature…

After waking to a Highlands view and a hearty breakfast you’ll explore the local area, which is home to key sites from Scotland’s past.

These include the site of a battle that changed the history of Scotland, and a much older burial ground from the country’s pre-history.

You’ll also cruise across Scotland’s most famous loch to hear about its most reclusive resident, and visit Urquhart Castle, a much-contested stronghold with a picture-perfect view of Loch Ness.

Back at Coul House, we’ll feast on a traditional group dinner, then relax ahead of the Skye leg of your Scotland vacation.

• Return to Coul House in the evening
• Group dinner

Daily Walking Details:  1.2 miles | 100 ft ascent | Approx.