Scottish Highlands - Private

This private itinerary is an excellent way to discover the Scottish Highlands with a local guide to tell you all about the history and culture. Spanning Edinburgh to Inverness and Fort William, you could even pop over to Skye if you want to make the detour. 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, Blair Castle or the Highland Folk Museum. 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 8-9 hours

DAY 3: THE BEAUTY OF LOCH NESS

This morning you have time to explore the surroundings of Inverness including the Black Isle Peninsula. At low tide, dolphins can be seen in the water here. Your guide will then drive you to Fort William passing by the mysterious Loch Ness. If there is time, you could visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, go on an optional boat tour or explore the nearby Urquhart Castle ruins. You could also opt to take a scenic detour via the picturesque Glen Affric.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Included: Entrance to Urquhart Castle

Driving distance: 155 km / 95 miles  

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7-8 hours

DAY 4: A DAY AT YOUR LEISURE

You can take the day to explore the surroundings of Fort William as you see fit. You could hop on the Jacobite Steam Train for a leisurely afternoon. Adventurers may want to hike up Ben Nevis or discover the Glen Nevis.

Alternatively, your guide could take you on a day trip to the Isle of Skye. You'll pass by the famous Eilean Donan Castle before visiting the main town of Skye, Portree. Take in the beautiful sights of the island with this long day of exploration.

Spend another night in the Fort William area.

Driving distance around Fort William: 85 km / 55 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 6-7 hours

Driving distance to and from Skye: 380 km / 235 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 10-11 hours

DAY 5: TRAVEL ALONG DRAMATIC GLENS

Today’s drive will take you past some of Scotland's most famous and historical valleys. First, take some time to marvel at Glen Coe, which offers world-famous scenery. You’ll then travel along the scenic route via the seaside town of Oban and onto the historical valley of Kilmartin Glen. 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. Later, you'll stop by the charming town of Inveraray.

Spend the night in the Trossachs National Park area.

Driving distance: 285 km / 180 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours

DAY 6: TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK TO EDINBURGH

Today’s drive will take you through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park back to Edinburgh. You could also opt to spend your last night in Glasgow to visit Scotland's largest city. This afternoon, you'll have a choice of a few activities, from a walk in nature, to an optional boat tour on Loch Katrine, or a visit to Deanston Whisky Distillery. Later on, stop for a fun photo opportunity at Doune Castle, 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.

Included: Entrances to Doune and Stirling Castles

Driving distance: 130 km / 80 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours

DAY 7: 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.