Highlights
- See rare wildlife on a Cairngorms National Park safari
- Tour the battlefields of Bannockburn & Culloden
- Try your hand at fly fishing on the River Spey
- Cruise across the legendary Loch Ness
- Explore the Hebrides on a scenic boat trip
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Edinburgh, Transfer to Aviemore via Bannockburn | Aviemore |
| Day 2 | Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour | Aviemore |
| Day 3 | Wild River Fishing Experience in Killiehuntly, Transfer to Inverness | Inverness |
| Day 4 | Culloden Battlefield Private Tour, Afternoon Spa Day | Inverness |
| Day 5 | Cruise the Caledonian Canal & Loch Ness, Transfer to Oban | Oban |
| Day 6 | Boat Tour to the Coast of Mull | Oban |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Edinburgh & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh, Transfer to Aviemore via Bannockburn
Welcome to Scotland! Upon arrival at the airport in Edinburgh, you'll be met by your private driver and set out into the Highlands. Your first stop is Bannockburn, the site of one of Scotland's most important battles in 1314. Here you'll join a local expert historian on a guided, three-hour tour of the vast battlefield, following the route taken by the Scots to reach the English camp and learning about the tactical decisions that won Scotland its freedom.
Continue north into the heart of the Highlands to reach your base for the night—a 17th-century estate near the small town and outdoor adventure hub of Aviemore. Nestled at the foot of the mountains of Cairngorms National Park, it's the perfect base for exploring the wild beauty of this region.Day 2: Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour
Day 3: Wild River Fishing Experience in Killiehuntly, Transfer to Inverness
Today you'll try your hand at a favorite Highland pastime on a wild river fishing excursion. The lochs and rivers surrounding the estate of Killiehuntly offer perfect conditions for both seasoned sportsmen and complete beginners. Under the experienced eye of local ghillies (Highland fishing guides) who have fished these waters for decades, you'll learn the basics of tackle, casting, and reading the river. Fish for salmon on the world-famous River Spey, or head to a secluded nearby loch for trout, while a Highland pony transports your equipment and a packed lunch.
In the afternoon your driver will transfer you 40 minutes north to the Highland capital of Inverness, a compact and charming city on the banks of the River Ness. Here you'll get settled into a luxury country house hotel and spa that serves as your base for the next two nights.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Culloden Battlefield Private Tour, Afternoon Spa Day
Learn more about the history of the Highlands today with an evocative tour of Culloden. The site of the last battle on British soil, Culloden sits on top of a ridge, four miles east of Inverness. Here the final conflict of the Jacobean Uprising in 1746 changed the shape of the Highlands forever, and the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie met a chilling final end. After a stop at the multi-media center onsite, your private guide will take you for a walk on the battlefield, to the Well of the Dead, the Main Cairn, and the Clan Graves, where many fallen clansmen are buried. Because so many Highland families ended up leaving Scotland, Culloden has become a focal point for their returning descendants and a site of global importance in terms of cultural visits.
Day 5: Cruise the Caledonian Canal & Loch Ness, Transfer to Oban
Today you'll admire some truly stunning Highland scenery with a two-hour cruise along the Caledonian Canal to the legendary waters of Loch Ness. Boarding at Dochgarroch, the breathtaking journey takes you past the lakeside ruins of Urquart Castle and a panorama of mountains, water, and sky.
In the afternoon, your driver will pick you up for a scenic drive west toward the coastal town of Oban. Your destination is a historic estate on a private island just outside of town. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free for you to explore or relax at your leisure. As night falls, savor a local catch from "the seafood capital of Scotland" or end the evening in a cozy pub along the seafront.
Day 6: Boat Tour to the Coast of Mull
Board a memorable boat tour to explore more of the spectacular west coast, heading out of Oban Bay into the scenic Firth of Lorn. Here you'll be met with breathtaking views of the Inner Hebridean islands of Mull, Kerrera, and Lismore, and spot native wildlife such as sea eagles, seals, and occasionally dolphins. Make sure to bring your camera—along the two-hour journey you'll also pass three historic coastal castles and get a bird's eye view of the iconic Lismore Lighthouse.
Day 7: Transfer to Edinburgh & Departure
Your Scottish adventure draws to a close today as your driver picks you up for the three-hour drive back to Edinburgh. Sit back and enjoy the return trip through stunning Highland scenery, before reaching the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!
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