5-Day Highland Experience’s Scottish Choice Tour

The Highland Experience’s Scottish Choice tour gives you the opportunity to explore the beauty of Scotland with the best local guides. On this tour, you will discover the diverse landscape of the Highlands, enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery, fall in love with the magical Isle of Skye, and, of course, experience an absolute bucket list activity in Scotland, cruise on Loch Ness. After the tour, you will understand why our wee country has been officially voted the most beautiful country in the world!

Day 1

Through the Trossachs to Oban…

We’ll pick you up from Edinburgh’s high street before we make our way to Glasgow – Scotland’s biggest city and industrial capital – where we will meet the rest of your group. Our wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond is one of the top nature attractions in Scotland, surrounded by beautiful villages and stunning landscapes, it’s an absolute paradise for those who want to experience Scottish nature.

Next, we will stop at Kilmartin Glen, famous for its rich archaeological legacy. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before us, we will walk in the footsteps of the first Scots and decipher the mysteries of an area soaked in history. Take a big step back in time and stroll through Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle or uncover some extraordinary Neolithic rock art at Achnabreck.

Then, we will have a scenic journey to the picturesque seaside town of Oban, home to Scotland’s best seafood! As we drive through it, your guide will provide you with an overview of the history of the town and its most famous sights. On our first evening, you have the opportunity to take part in a traditional Scottish Ceilidh! Use the code “HEX22” when booking for a small discount! *Please note, on certain dates this is not available.

Overnight: Oban

Day 2

Explore the Gruesome history of our Glens…

Day two takes you over the Connel Bridge through Appin to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe (scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan). We’ll stop in Fort William; a town dominated by Ben Nevis—the UK’s tallest peak. We will then drive the route of the Jacobite Steam Train, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct. Then it’s on to Mallaig, a pretty fishing port, bustling but remote. You will have the opportunity to explore before taking a short ferry ride over the sea to Skye, where you’ll spend your second night.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 3

A whole day to explore Skye…

You’ll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye’s mysteries and landscape with your knowledgeable driver-guide, who will ensure you get the most out of your time on the island based on the weather and group. Stops often include the likes of Cuillin Mountains, Dun Beag Broch, the Black Houses, the Kilt Rock Waterfall, The Old Man of Storr and the Trotternish Peninsula, and of course the capital of the island, Portree. It’s the perfect Scottish experience giving you a chance to visit waterfalls, springs, historic sights and walk through some of the most beautiful landscapes.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 4

Beautiful Castles, Mysterious Lochs, and Monster Hunting…

We’ll leave Skye and head straight to one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, Eilean Donan* which you’ll have ample time to explore. Eilean Donan is one of the greatest medieval castles in Scotland. With a history that dates back to the 13th century, this fortress will take you back in time to the bloodiest times of our past.

Our route then takes you over to the pretty Lochside village of Drumnadrochit for lunch. Here, you can choose between navigating the world-famous Loch Ness or enjoying some time to explore the surroundings. Our tour includes the option visit to Urquhart Castle and cruise on Loch Ness, an opportunity to catch a glimpse of our famous Loch Ness monster, and immerse yourself in the history of the area. We’ll then head north to the capital of the Highlands for our overnight stop.

Overnight: Inverness

Day 5

Historic Battlefields and the Journey Home…

Today you’ll head to visit the battlefield of Culloden* the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. We’ll also have time to explore the nearby Clava Cairns, a group of Prehistoric Burial Cairns – fans of Outlander will love this location due to its similarity to the fictitious stone circle, Craigh na Dun. Then you’ll pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains. On your way south you may have the opportunity to enjoy a wee dram at a local whisky distillery* or explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry before arriving back in Edinburgh*.

*You may be provided with a complimentary train ticket for return to Glasgow

Q. How does our accommodation booking service work?

We can book your accommodation for you, or you can choose to book your own, as long as it is centrally located at the overnight stop location. We will send you a payment link before the tour departs so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or paying when you arrive each night. Your driver-guide will drop you off and pick you up from the accommodation during the tour.

Q. How much will the accommodation cost?

Accommodation is not included in the tour price, below is an estimate of the costs per room per night.

• Bed & Breakfast Ensuite: From £100 – £220 per room per night
• Ensuite: This means you will have your own private bathroom/toilet/shower

Accommodation costs depend on availability and season – so it may be more or less than estimated above.

Q. If I wish to book my own accommodation is there anything I need to know?

Once you’ve booked your accommodation, you’ll need to contact us at reservations@highlandexperience.com and let us know where you have booked to stay. Please, only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. If you’re unsure, please check with us first.

• No matter when you visit, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”, to say the least. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket (it has been known to rain in Scotland), sunglasses and plenty of layers.
• Ensure you bring shoes suitable for short walks, on rough or uneven terrain.
• Although most attractions & eating establishments we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.
• Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!
• Please limit your luggage to 1 x small/medium piece per person (no more than 15kg), along with 1 x small handbag or daypack.