Highlights of Scotland
Highlights of Scotland
Highlights of Scotland
10 Days Starting in Glasgow and ending in Edinburgh
Visiting: Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park / Glencoe, Glenfinnan / Isle of Skye, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness / Pitlochry, Highlands / Pitlochry, Edinburgh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BMSS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
You only have to look around to see why Scotland is praised for its natural landscapes and historic buildings. Rolling hills, rocky cliffs and undulating valleys speckled in myriad colours, pristine lochs shimmering even on the coldest of days, and castles dotted throughout the countryside as if you’ve transported back in time. With a 10-day exploration of Scotland’s highlands, lochs and villages, you’ll experience the finest of nature with the warmest of hospitality. Discover the untouched Isle of Skye, the charming Pitlochry, and hit both Scottish hubs of Glasgow and Edinburgh on your way through. With the right amount of small-group adventure, local knowledge and stunning scenery, let the Scottish Highlands enchant you.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation: Hotel
Glasgow is a city full of character, history and flair; a great start to a Scottish highlights tour. Meet with your group leader and fellow travellers at an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you do happen to arrive early, why not check out the Riverside Museum and get your hands on their interactive displays – these exhibitions highlight Glasgow’s transport history as being a major port city in the 18th and 19th centuries. Otherwise, have a stroll along the banks of the river Clyde and hang out at the Glasgow Green. After your important meeting, you could get your group together and become acquainted over dinner – Merchant City is a pretty cool area to check out at night, if you ask us.
Day 2: Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Take a leader-led orientation walk around Glasgow with your group to get your bearings, and afterwards, you’ve got the day to do as you please. There are plenty of free things around the city to take a look at, including the Riverside Museum, as well as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art. Otherwise, head out to the grand University of Glasgow – founded in 1451, it is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world (behind Oxford, Cambridge and St Andrews) and has some spectacular buildings to suit. Spend the night in Glasgow, before beginning your countryside travels tomorrow morning.
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 3: Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park / Glencoe
Location: Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park / Glencoe
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Head away from Glasgow and into the Scottish countryside, travelling by private transport to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The views out here are stunning – rolling green hills falling into the dark waters of the loch. Depending on the time of year you choose to travel, you’ll see the hills stained with hues of green, orange and brown, and the clouds gathering over Conic Hill and the Trossachs, sitting perfectly for a panoramic shot. You'll visit a variety of sights today, such as Balloch Country Park on Loch Lomond, the pretty village of Luss and the dramatic viewing platform at An Ceann Mor. The exact itinerary will be determined on the day, depending on time of year, weather conditions and general timing. Spend the night in Glencoe, a small village on the shores of Loch Leven.
Included Activities:
-
Day 4: Glenfinnan / Isle Of Skye
Location: Glenfinnan / Isle of Skye
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, travel to Mallaig by private transport, and on the way, stop at the famous Glenfinnan viaduct. This viaduct is the one most well-known in Scotland, due to it being part of the train route that Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express takes. Stick around to see when the Jacobite steam train crosses the same bridge (depending on train schedule). Afterwards, head on a ferry to the Isle of Skye. Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, and this evening, you’ll be staying in Portree, the capital of Skye, which sits on the loch of the same name.
Included Activities:
-
Day 5: Isle Of Skye
Location: Isle of Skye
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, it’s time to get exploring around the Isle of Skye. Included for today is a visit to Neist Point Lighthouse via Milovaig (one of the best places to see otters on the island) and to the mystical Fairy Pools. Skye is perfect for those who are searching for rugged mountainous landscapes and some unique wildlife. This afternoon, feel free to discover the countryside at your own pace, perhaps heading to the striking Old Man of Storr rock formation. Wherever you go, expect to feel like you’re heading into medieval battle – it’s got that feel about it.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 6: Loch Ness / Pitlochry
Location: Loch Ness / Pitlochry
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, travel from Portree to the famous Loch Ness, passing by Eilean Donan Castle for a quick photo stop along the way. This castle, first inhabited in the 6th century, is perched on an island where the three great sea lochs meet and is an iconic image of Scotland. You’ll also have time to stop in Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness to check out the fantastic valley, and head on an optional boat cruise, if you’d like. Head on to Pitlochry, deep in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Pitlochry is full of Victorian history and provides an ideal base for the night.
Optional Activities:
-
Day 7: Highlands / Pitlochry
Location: Highlands / Pitlochry
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Get your walking shoes on, because it’s time for a hike! Today, you and your group will embark on a walk to Ben Vrackie: a mountain nearby Pitlochry town. The ascent will take you through woodlands, open moorlands, and past the beautiful Loch a’Choire. Once on the summit you’ll get sweeping views of the surrounding highlands, all the way down to Pitlochry. In the afternoon, visit the Blair Athol distillery, where you’ll learn about the whisky process, and how Blair Athol’s source of water – the Allt Dour – passes through the Ben Vrackie slopes, and contributes to the mellow quality and smooth finish of their malts. After your hike and dram, head back into town and relax into the evening.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
Day 8: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, you’ll board a local train to head from Pitlochry to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. The journey will take around 2 hours. Edinburgh is a compact hilly city full of charm and character, with the imposing Castle guarding from above. The afternoon is at your leisure, so perhaps stroll around the Old Town, get acquainted with the fairy-tale Dean Village neighbourhood, or head out to portside Leith for eclectic shopping and some great restaurants.
Day 9: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast
The morning is free for you to explore Edinburgh, and with a history of over 10,000 years, there’s so much to see and do. If you want more recommendations, be sure to ask your group leader. This afternoon, set off on an Urban Adventures tour with an Edinburgh local, who’ll take you around some of the top sights, including the Scottish Parliament buildings, the Royal Mile and Canongate Cemetery. Wind up in a local community café for a cup of tea and a scone – how British of you. In the evening, why not get your group together for some dinner and spend the night sharing stories and memories of your adventures. Edinburgh knows how to have a good time, and a fun thing to do is begin in the Old Town, then cross North Bridge to party in the New Town.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
Day 10: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Meals Included: breaksfast
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave any time after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don’t blame you! We’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
What's Included
-
Edinburgh - Sightseeing & Scones with a Local Urban Adventure
-
Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park - Sightseeing Walk
-
Glenfinnan - Viaduct Viewpoint
-
Isle of Skye - Neist Point Lighthouse & Fairy Pools
-
Pitlochry - Blair Athol Distillery Visit & Whisky Tasting
-
Pitlochry - Hike to Ben Vrackie
-
Highlands - Pitlochry Blair Athol Distillery Visit & Whisky Tasting
-
Meals
9 breakfasts
-
Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (4 nights)
Transport
- Train , Private vehicle , Ferry , On foot
Included Activities
- Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park - Sightseeing Walk
- Glenfinnan - Viaduct Viewpoint
- Isle of Skye - Neist Point Lighthouse & Fairy Pools
- Pitlochry - Blair Athol Distillery Visit & Whisky Tasting
- Pitlochry - Hike to Ben Vrackie
- Edinburgh - Sightseeing & Scones with a Local Urban Adventure
Accommodation
- Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (4 nights)
Check out our Q&As
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."