Discover the wild beauty and rich heritage of the Scottish Highlands and Outer Hebrides on this unforgettable 5-day journey. Travel through dramatic landscapes from Glen Coe to Ben Nevis, sail across to the remote isles of Lewis and Harris, and explore ancient sites including brochs, blackhouses, and the haunting battlefield of Culloden. With a mix of guided visits and free time, this tour offers a perfect balance of history, culture and natural splendour – all set against some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe and Loch Ness
Edinburgh - Glen Coe - Loch Ness - Inverness. We begin our journey north into the Scottish Highlands, where the scenery quickly becomes more dramatic. One of our key stops is Glen Coe – a glen steeped in history and known for its haunting beauty. Here, you’ll hear the tragic tale of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan and have time to admire the striking landscape and its ‘weeping’ waterfalls. We’ll also stop here for lunch, so it’s a good opportunity to grab a bite before continuing.
Our journey then takes us past Fort William, a Highland town at the end of the West Highland Way – one of Scotland’s most famous long-distance walking routes. Look out for the statue of a resting hiker gazing across Loch Linnhe towards Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK, affectionately known as “the Ben”. Later, we’ll enjoy a short stop at the legendary Loch Ness before arriving in Inverness for our overnight stay.
Meeting point: Caffe Nero, Royal Mile, Adam Smith Statue, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 1RB, United Kingdom at 08:15
Overnight: Inverness
Crossing to Lewis and Harris
Inverness - Ullapool - Stornoway. We head west from Inverness, travelling through remote Highland landscapes en route to the ferry at Ullapool – a charming harbour town on the shores of Loch Broom. Known as a gateway to the Northern Highlands, Ullapool is surrounded by some of the most unspoilt scenery in the UK. Onboard the ferry to the Outer Hebrides, you’ll find good lunch options available as we sail past the Summer Isles towards the Isle of Lewis and Harris.
On arrival, we visit the Arnol Blackhouse – a traditional thatched home offering insight into historic island life. We end the day in Stornoway, the largest town in the Western Isles and our base for the next two nights.
Overnight: Stornoway | Breakfast
Isle of Lewis & Harris
Today we explore the Isle of Lewis and Harris. We begin with a visit to Carloway Broch, an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age structure overlooking Loch an Duin. We then stop at the ancient Callanish Standing Stones, a powerful and iconic site where we’ll break for lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to walk along the white sands of Luskentyre – often described as one of Harris’ most beautiful beaches. We continue to Rodel Church, a historic site and resting place of the MacLeod clan, before taking the scenic Golden Road back to Stornoway.
Please Note: Due to closures, we will not stop at Callanish Standing Stones but will pass by and, where possible, offer a short drop-off.
Overnight: Stornoway | Breakfast
Northern Shores & Return to the Mainland
Stornoway - Inverness. This morning we travel to the northern tip of Lewis to visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse – officially the windiest spot in the UK. After returning to Stornoway for lunch, it’s time to say farewell to the Outer Hebrides as we catch the ferry back to the mainland. Once ashore, we return to Inverness for the night.
Overnight: Inverness | Breakfast
Culloden, Whisky and the Cairngorms
Inverness - Culloden - Pitlochry - Edinburgh. Our first stop today is Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last pitched battle on British soil. On 16 April 1746, the Jacobites made a final, doomed stand against government troops. The excellent visitor centre and interactive displays offer a detailed account of the battle and its aftermath. You’ll also have the chance to walk across the battlefield itself.
We then visit a local distillery to sample a dram of whisky before journeying south through the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park – home to five of the UK’s highest peaks. Our final stop is the Victorian town of Pitlochry, a historic gateway to the Highlands. After time to explore, we return to Edinburgh city centre.
Drop Off Point: Deacon Brodies Tavern, 435 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2NT, United Kingdom at 19:00
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.