After breakfast we catch the early morning train to Fort Williams, enjoying the incredible scenery of the world-famous West Highland Line. This is no ordinary ride so make sure you’ve got a good view out the window – the West Highland Line has some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. The urban landscape is quickly replaced with a windswept panorama of the untouched Highlands as the line skirts the edge of Loch Lomond and ascends from Crianlarich to Upper Tyndrum and wild Rannoch Moor.

Arriving at Fort William in early afternoon gives us time to explore this famous town. Fort William's namesake old fort has a part in the dark history of the 17th-century Glencoe Massacre. Take a walk into the countryside with your guide And visit nearby Old Inverlochy Castle, on the banks of the river that feeds the loch. This is on the site of possibly the oldest castle in Scotland. Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the Isles, looms in the distance. Enjoy a free evening to enjoy Highland hospitality. 

Accommodation

Nevis Bank Inn, Fort William - Standard twin-share room or similar

Included

• Old Inverlochy Castle
• West Highland Railway Line
• Breakfast

Complete your journey on the West Highland Line, one of the world’s most spectacular scenic railroad lines, soaking in the scenery as the train winds its way along the coastline and across the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. The viaduct is one of the best-known in Scotland as it plays a part in the route of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express. The train line ends at the port town of Mallaig, and you’ll hop off the train and onto a ferry – as the Scottish song goes – over the sea to Skye. When you reach the isle – the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago – you’ll take a private transfer along the winding roads past the Cuillin mountains to Portree, the capital of Skye that sits on the loch of the same name. Enjoy some free time to explore this colourful port, then join your leader in a local bar for a pre-dinner whisky tasting. You’ll get an inside insight into what makes this region the home of some of the best whisky in the world.

Accommodation

The Rosedale, Portree - Standard twin-share room or similar 

Included 

• Isle of Skye - Leader-led Whisky Tasting at Local Pub
• Glenfinnan - Railway Viaduct Crossing
• Breakfast 
• Transportation 

Enjoy breakfast before we set out this morning to explore the Isle of Skye. We start with a boat trip out onto Portree Bay to enjoy the views and hopefully see some wildlife. Later, we jump on a local bus and travel to Dunvegan Castle, where we explore the historic castle and gardens before returning to Portree. 

The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. But we also wouldn’t blame you if you just wanted to find the perfect pub to hole up in and chat with the locals.

Accommodations  

The Rosedale, Portree - Standard twin-share room or similar 

Included

Boat trip in Portree Bay

Entrance to Dunvegan Castle

Breakfast

Transportation 

This morning, travel from Portree to the famous Loch Ness, crossing the Skye Bridge to return to the mainland. On the way you’ll stop by the memorable sight of Eilean Donan Castle. This castle, first inhabited in the 6th century, is perched on an island where the three great sea lochs meet and is an iconic Scottish image. You’ll also stop in Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness to check out the fantastic valley, and head out on an included boat cruise- the best way to experience the legend of this world-famous loch. Along the way you’ll see Cherry Island, Fort Augustus Abbey, and maybe if the conditions are right (hint: they never are) the famous resident monster "Nessy". After the scenic boat cruise on the loch, we transfer north to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, which will be our base for the next 2 nights. 

Accommodation 

Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness - Standard twin-share room or similar 

Included

• Fort Augustus - Loch Ness Boat Cruise
• Eilean Donan - Castle Photo Stop
• Breakfast 
• Transportation 

This morning, start the day by hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here, in April 1746, that the last great battle on British soil was fought; and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end. The battlefield is fascinating to walk around, and exudes a sombreness even today. Back in the city centre, we take a walk alongside the River Ness. This local’s favourite follows a trail which weaves over some small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful pedestrian suspension bridge to complete the loop, finishing close to a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore - visit a local whisky store, catch a local gig, do some souvenir shopping, or even hop on a train to nearby Cairngorms National Park to explore the village of Aviemore.

Accommodation

Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness - Standard twin-share room

Included 

• Culloden Battlefield visit
• River Ness walk
• Breakfast
• Transportation 

Today, you’ll board a local train for a 3 hour journey to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. This is a compact hilly city full of charm and character, with the imposing Edinburgh Castle guarding from above. Edinburgh is designated a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, being the birthplace and home to world-famous writers, poets and playwrights including Arthur Conan Doyle, Walter Scott, and JK Rowling.

This afternoon, set off on a walking tour with an Edinburgh local. Your guide has been trained by Invisible Cities, an inspiring social enterprise who support and train locals who have experienced homelessness to become tour guides. See the top sights from a different angle, including the Scottish Parliament buildings, the Royal Mile, Canongate Cemetery, and give back to the community at the same time.

The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure, so perhaps stroll around the Old Town exploring the winding streets and bars or head out to portside Leith for eclectic shopping and some great restaurants. 

Accommodation 

Parliament House Hotel, Edinburgh - Twin-share room or similar 

Included  

Edinburgh - Invisible Cities guided walking tour

Breakfast 

Train 

With no activities planned for today you are free to leave any time. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don’t blame you – with a history of over 10,000 years, there’s so much to see and do.  Various buses depart from near the hotel and taxis are easy to arrange. 

Included - Breakfast

Airport transfer is not included. The on-the ground-team is wanting to charge $175 each way so we are not offering that service. A regular taxi or Uber will be a fraction of that cost and both options are readily available or you can book a transfer on your own here. 

If you are staying late or arriving early you can add extra nights at check out here or you might find it cheaper to book yourself via hotels.com every 10 nights you book with them you get a night free. I am an affiliate with them and when you use my link I earn a small commission at no cost to you. 

Looking for something to do today. Check out these platforms for tons of activities and tours. Viator  & Getyourguide