Highlights
- Taste your way across Glasgow during a guided food tour
- Explore the best of Loch Lomond with a 4WD adventure
- Hike up Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom's highest mountain
- Ride the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous from Harry Potter
- See the best viewpoints on the Isle of Skye with a private tour
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Glasgow, Wee Food Tour | Glasgow |
| Day 2 | 4WD Loch Lomond Exploration | Glasgow |
| Day 3 | Train to Oban, Free Time | Oban |
| Day 4 | Wildlife Exploration from Oban | Oban |
| Day 5 | Bus to Fort William, Hike up Ben Nevis | Fort William |
| Day 6 | Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig | Mallaig |
| Day 7 | Ferry to the Isle of Skye, Private Full-Day Tour | Isle of Skye |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Inverness, Free Time | Inverness |
| Day 9 | Train to Edinburgh, Visit Edinburgh Castle | Edinburgh |
| Day 10 | Private Walking Tour, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow, Wee Food Tour
Welcome to Scotland! You've landed in Glasgow, a modern, creative city that has been shaped by its rich industrial heritage. Scotland's largest city is a mix of grand Victorian architecture juxtaposed with modern structures. On arrival at the airport, take a taxi to your hotel. Drop your bags, refresh, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to eat.
This afternoon you're joining a half-day food tour. Your local host will take you to small, local restaurants and eateries so you can taste the best of the city from wee businesses that make everything with love. Hear grand stories as you taste your way across Glasgow's culinary and cultural map. It'll give you a great introduction to the city as you explore historic sights and have your first taste of Scottish cuisine.
Day 2: 4WD Loch Lomond Exploration
For today's day trip, you'll first take a 50-minute direct train to Balloch, your gateway to beautiful Loch Lomond. The largest freshwater loch in Scotland, this is an area of natural splendor. Here you can go boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the clear waters, while the surrounding Trossachs National Park offers superb hiking and cycling trails. But you'll explore the best of this area with a half-day 4WD expedition. Your charismatic kilted adventure guide will bring the stories of the area to life while feeling like an old friend.
Together, you'll explore the best viewpoints, seek out hidden gems, and hit off-road trails. With special access to private dirt roads, you'll get to stand at the top of hills and at exclusive viewpoints that others can't access. Your friendly guide will drop you back in town for your 50-minute return train to Glasgow.
Day 3: Train to Oban, Free Time
Make your way back to Glasgow's train station—with your luggage this time—for a direct train to Oban, which takes just over three hours. This waterfront town is set on a delightful bay with sweeping views of Kerrera and Mull and is considered the main gateway to the Hebridean Islands. It's peaceful in winter, but in summer, the town center is crowded with holidaymakers and travelers headed for the archipelago. Naturally, Oban is a great destination to enjoy Scotland's brilliant seafood, and there's no better spot than by the water, especially during sunset.
This afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. You could visit McCaig's Tower, a striking hilltop monument with panoramic views of the town and its spectacular surroundings. Then descend to the waterfront for a walk around the harbor, taking in sea breezes and eyeing up tonight's dinner arriving at the port. If you're a whiskey fanatic, squeeze in a visit to the Oban Distillery to sample the local golden nectar. Round out the afternoon with a leisurely stroll through Oban's charming streets and shop for souvenirs at local artisan boutiques.
Day 4: Wildlife Exploration from Oban
Join a wildlife cruise in Oban that blends breathtaking scenery, rich history, and local animals. Board a boat destined for the remarkable Isle of Mull, which is home to one of the rarest birds of prey in the United Kingdom—the white-tailed sea eagle. With a wingspan exceeding 6.5 feet (2 m) and distinctive white head and tail feathers, the once-endangered sea eagles are a sight to behold. Keep a keen eye on the Firth of Lorn, where they often hunt for fish and seabirds. You might also see great northern divers, black guillemots, common guillemots, and Manx shearwaters.
While out on the water, your guides will be looking for marine wildlife as well, such as playful dolphins and porpoises, who joyfully ride alongside the boat, and even perhaps a minke whale. You might also see a local seal colony and perhaps Scotland's elusive otters, along with historical landmarks. Among the highlights are three Scottish castles—Gylen, Duart, and Dunollie. Gylen Castle, built by the MacDougall clan in the 1500s, graces the shores of the Isle of Kerrera. You'll also see the iconic Stevenson lighthouse on Lismore Island before returning to Oban once more.
Day 5: Bus to Fort William, Hike up Ben Nevis
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
After breakfast, catch a 90-minute bus to Fort William, known as the "adventure capital of the UK." This loch-side town sits between crystal clear lakes and snowcapped mountains, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. Venture into town and arrange to drop off your luggage. Then take a photo with the bronze statue of a walker at Gordon Square, and get ready for your own adventure.
The ascent up to the United Kingdom's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, is a relatively easy six- or seven-hour walk. If you're feeling up for it, your self-guided hike begins at almost sea level, and you'll climb 4,500 feet (1,371 m) to the summit. Unsurprising, the peak offers jaw-dropping views across the Highlands and lochs. You can learn more about the mountain and its history by arranging for a local mountain guide, who'll share their knowledge while leading you on a perfectly planned climb. Return to town for dinner, and try the local mussels!
Day 6: Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig
Today you'll board the Jacobite Steam Train, a service made famous by the Harry Potter movies. This steam locomotive-hauled tourist train service makes two trips per day along part of the West Highland Line. Board the service in Fort William, where you'll trail 41 miles (66 km) to Mallaig at the coast. En route, you'll cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland at a whopping 1,250 feet (380 m) long. While the films made it famous, this bridge with 100-foot-high (30 m) arches was actually completed in 1898.
On the two-hour journey, described as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, you'll enjoy the scenic beauty of Loch Eil, Loch Morar, River Morar, and Arisaig. At the end of the line lies Mallaig, a small fishing port and ferry terminal. Check into your accommodation, drop your bags, and venture into the village for fish and chips.
Day 7: Ferry to the Isle of Skye, Private Full-Day Tour
Today you're destined for the dramatic and ethereal Isle of Skye, which is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain and the iconic Cuillin Range. The island's coastline is scattered with high cliffs, sea stacks, and picturesque fishing villages. Board a ferry at Mallaig for the 40-minute journey across to Armadale, where a private guide will meet you on arrival. You'll spend the whole day together, exploring the most beautiful spots and historic locations across the island.
As a private experience, you can shape the day to your interests, but you might like to stop by the historic Torabhaig Distillery for a tour and tasting, walk around the island's capital at Portree, or visit Sligachan for views of Glamaig and the Black Cuillin. You might visit "The Lump," where the annual Highland Games take place, hike to mystical Fairy Pools, walk the Quiraing, or explore Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the MacLeods. At the end of the day, you'll be dropped at your accommodation.
Day 8: Transfer to Inverness, Free Time
This morning, after breakfast, a private driver will collect you for the 2.5-hour transfer to Inverness, a city rich with historical sites. Enjoy lunch in town, drop your bags at your accommodation, and then set off to explore the capital of the Highlands. Inverness offers a great range of activities. You could visit Inverness Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the River Ness. Seek out a show at the Eden Court Theatre or visit a local art gallery.
Beyond the city limits, go hiking in beautiful Glen Affric, or venture to the legendary Loch Ness to spot the famous Loch Ness Monster, or "Nessie." Or visit the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Rising, the last pitched battle fought on British soil where around 1,300 men were slain (more than 1,250 of them Jacobites.) After, visit the nearby Clava Cairns, an ancient cemetery thought to be 4,000 years old. End the day back in Inverness with a hearty Scottish meal at a cozy local pub, perhaps finished with a dram of whisky.
Day 9: Train to Edinburgh, Visit Edinburgh Castle
This morning, make your return to Scotland's capital with a 3.5-hour direct train to Edinburgh. You'll arrive just in time for a late lunch, so grab something quick, drop your bags at your accommodation, and set out to explore the city's most iconic landmark. The mighty Edinburgh Castle is a huge fortress that sits atop an ancient volcanic hill and overlooks the Old and New Town centers. Make your way up the Royal Mile to the gates and enter to discover the many battles and sieges fought over it.
Take time to enjoy the heritage and vast castle grounds. The castle houses important Scottish artifacts, such as the Honours of Scotland, which are the oldest crown jewels in the United Kingdom, and The Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy. View the Great Hall of King James IV, walk through lavish royal rooms, and listen out for the firing of the One O'Clock Gun. Ships in the Firth of Forth once set their maritime clocks according to the sound of the shot. After, find a cozy pub to enjoy a hearty Scottish meal, and hopefully some music, on your final night.
Day 10: Private Walking Tour, Depart
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