Highlands and Islands Explorer: An Epic Journey Through Spectacular Scottish Landscapes
Embark upon a 15-day luxury journey through Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes. This itinerary encompasses exclusive experiences and authentic adventure with stays in elegant country estates and boutique hotels. Cruise serene locks, explore the rugged highlands and islands, savour Scotland’s finest whisky, and immerse yourself in rich heritage and natural beauty.
Theme
Whisky experiences, Castles & heritage, Coastal discovery, Highlands & islands, Self-drive or Private Chauffer Driven
Duration
14N/15D
Destinations
(Arrive into Edinburgh) Oban > Glencoe > Isle of Skye > Ullapool > Tain > Inverness > Pitlochry > Edinburgh
Experience Highlights
Day 1 – A Scottish Adventure Begins
- Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland. Set off towards Loch Lomond and enjoy a scenic cruise passing remote islands, scenic peaks and ancient forests.
- Enjoy a stop at Inveraray Castle, a family home with plenty of British and Scottish history, before ending your evening at Ooshka Bar in Oban, sampling products from Scotland’s tapestry of small and independent producers through immersive experiences.
- Overnight - Oban
Day 2 – Discovering Scotland's Western Isles
- On your second day in Scotland, dive right into nature and explore your surroundings on a safari day trip, perhaps exploring the Isle of Mull, Kilmartin Valley, or Iona, Staffa and the Puffin Colony. Alternatively, stay in Oban and explore the local area on a walking tour, including local distillery tastings.
- Overnight - Oban
Day 3 – Into the Heart of the Highlands
- Ease into your day with a Loch Linnhe cruise, taking in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife.
- Later on, indulge at the Ben Nevis Distillery on a guided tour and tasting of traditional Scotch Whisky, or take a ride on the Nevis Range Gondola for incredible panoramic views of the highlands.
- Overnight – Glencoe Area
Day 4 – Beneath Britain's Highest Peaks
- Get active and outdoors and relish in the dramatic landscapes surrounding Glencoe on a guided hike experience. Afterwards, spend some time discovering the nearby town of Fort William, the charming town at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain peak.
- Overnight – Glencoe area
Day 5 – All Aboard to Skye
- Set off towards the Isle of Skye, and enjoy a ride on the iconic Jacobite Steam Train across the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- Overnight - Isle of Skye
Day 6 – Skye Uncovered
- Enjoy elegance exploring the award-winning castle estate, Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, or perhaps you’d prefer to adventure off the beaten track with a private driver guide, uncovering Skye’s untamed beauty, from the majestic Cullin Hills, to the striking Kilt Rock and the rugged northern landscapes.
- Alternatively, enjoy free time in Portree, the island’s charming capital, or elevate your experience with a luxury sea tour, admiring Skye’s dramatic coastline.
- Finish your evening by indulging in tastings at Talisker Distillery, home to Skye’s world-renowned single malt whisky.
- Overnight – Isle of Skye
Day 7 – Discover Local Flavours
- En-route to Ullapool, make sure to stop off at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks, before continuing on a scenic drive.
- Tantalise your tastebuds and refuel on a food tour in Ullapool, and dive deeper into the local culture, cuisine and history with each bite.
- Overnight – Ullapool
Day 8 – Following the Highland Coast
- As you enjoy a scenic drive to Tain, stop off and marvel at Scotland’s most northerly great house, and the largest in the northern Highlands, Dunrobin Castle. Amble through staterooms, old castle rooms, formal gardens and a Victorian museum.
- Continue on towards Tain, taking in the natural beauty all around.
- Overnight - Tain
Day 9 – Golf, Whisky & Highland Elegance
- Explore Tain and discover a blend of whisky, history and stunning Highland scenery. Enjoy the outdoors and tee off at one of the World’s most prestigious golf courses, the Royal Dornoch.
- After a busy and active morning, take time to relax on a guided tour and tasting experience at the famous Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain.
- Overnight - Tain
Day 10 – The Heart of the Highlands
- Journey on to Inverness, pausing to enjoy peace and tranquillity on a Loch Ness cruise across the mysterious waters before hopping ashore to explore the historic Urquhart Castle.
- Discover more about the landscapes, culture, heritage and communities that shaped the Highlands through stories and immersive experiences at the Inverness Castle Experience.
- Overnight - Inverness
Day 11 – Whisky, Heritage & Highland Hospitality
- Whilst in Inverness, Brodie Castle offers a unique day out exploring a magnificent turreted castle with colourful gardens and fantastic art collection. Enjoy lunch and free time at Brodie Countryfare, a unique country store showcasing the best local Scottish produce and crafts then, time permitting, enjoy time at Cawdor Castle and admire its beautiful gardens.
- Alternatively, stay in Inverness and visit the historic Inverness Castle, before exploring the gateway city to the Scottish Highlands on a guided walking tour.
- Enjoy an evening at the Highland Malt Whisky Experience tasting some of the best malt whisky the Scottish Highlands has to offer.
- Overnight - Inverness
Day 12 – Through the Cairngorms
- En-route to Perthshire, spend some time at The Rothiemurchus Highland Estate and immerse yourself into activities such as falconry, quad biking, Land Rover tours, meeting iconic highland cows, and much more.
- Continue your scenic journey with photography stops and moments to breathe in the crisp Highland air as you travel toward Perthshire.
- Overnight – Pitlochry or Dunkeld
Day 13 – Following the Footsteps of Kings
- After an authentic adventure around Scotland, pause in Stirling and immerse yourself in tales of royalty and rebellion with a private walking tour of Stirling’s atmospheric old town and majestic castle.
- Alternatively discover Scotland’s regal heritage at Scone Palace, the historic crowning place of Scottish kings, or enjoy a hands-on shortbread masterclass in nearby Creiff for a truly authentic taste of tradition.
- Finish your evening in style with an indulgent experience at The Scotch Whisky Experience, where you’ll savour a guided tasting amid one of the World’s largest collections of Scotch whisky.
- Overnight - Edinburgh
Day 14 – Culture, Craft and Curated Experiences in the Capital
- Enjoy free time exploring Edinburgh, or perhaps you’d prefer a walking tour learning the hidden secrets of the old town and Edinburgh Castle.
- Indulge in an afternoon of bespoke experiences. Choose from a decadent chocolate workshop at The Chocolatarium, or craft your very own one-of-a-kind handbag in a designer-led workshop.
- On your final evening, descend beneath the city streets on an Underground Vaults Tour, or conclude your trip with a final whisky experience at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, featuring interactive storytelling and curated tastings.
- Overnight - Edinburgh
Day 15 – Farewell to the Highlands and Islands
- Enjoy a morning at leisure in the Scottish Capital before departure from Edinburgh Airport, or alternatively continue your onward journey and extend your stay.
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