Scottish Highlands Express - Private

This tour is designed to fit as many of the top sights as possible in five days. Your private guide will recommend and adjust stops along the way based on your interests. The itinerary includes the capital city Edinburgh, and the Highlands, including iconic sites such as Loch Ness and Glen Coe.

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 visit 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 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, where you’ll stop to visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. You might also wish to take a boat tour to admire the views of the loch and try to catch a glimpse of Nessie, or go explore the nearby Urquhart Castle ruins. You’ll then make your way south past Fort William and Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, before making the worthwhile detour past Scotland’s most famous valley, Glen Coe, which offers breathtaking scenery. Continue to Oban, known as the “The Gateway to the Isles” and “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: WEST COAST THROUGH TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK

Today’s drive will take you through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park back to Edinburgh. We recommend stopping for a walk at Kilchurn Castle by Loch Awe, then visiting the picturesque town of Inveraray and the ancient village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. Later on, 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 Castle, one of Scotland’s top attractions, or at the Kelpies, two impressive horse-head sculptures.

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.