Scottish Highlands Express Winter - Private

This is the winter version of our Scottish Highlands Express private tour, slightly tailored for the festive season. With only five days touring the countryside, it is designed to fit as many of the top sights as possible. 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, 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 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.

Included: Entrance to Edinburgh Castle

DAY 2: INTO THE HIGHLANDS

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 woods. 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 Inverness area.

Driving distance: 251 km / 156 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 9-10 hours

DAY 3: TRAVEL ALONG LOCH NESS AND GLEN COE

Your guide will drive you south along the shores of the mysterious Loch Ness. Here you could visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, take an optional boat tour, or explore the nearby Urquhart Castle ruins. You’ll then make your way south through Fort William with views of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Your highlight of the day may be the detour along our most famous valley, Glen Coe, which offers breathtaking scenery. Continue on to Oban, known as the “Seafood Capital of Scotland”.

Spend the night in Oban.

Included: Entrance to Urquhart Castle

Driving distance: 180 km / 110 miles  

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours

DAY 4: TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK

Today’s drive will take you through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park back to Edinburgh. You can stop for a walk at the atmospheric Kilchurn Castle by Loch Awe. While it is closed during the winter time, you can still walk around the area and take some fantastic photos.

Later, you'll pass by the ancient village of Luss by Loch Lomond before continuing on to Doune Castle. It is famous as it featured in many movies and TV series. If time allows, you could also stop by Stirling Castle or at the Kelpies sculpture.

Spend the night in Edinburgh. (You can also opt to end your tour in Glasgow.)

Included: Entrances to Doune and Stirling Castle

Driving distance: 240 km / 150 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours

DAY 5: DEPARTURE FROM SCOTLAND

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.