Day 1 - Arrive Glasgow, Scotland/Transfer to Fort William

After arriving in Glasgow, you are met and driven to your hotel near Fort William, a popular destination on the southern end of the Caledonian Canal. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Inverlochy Castle 

Day 2 - Fort William/Isle of Skye

Set out on a full-day excursion that unveils some of the most iconic places and best-loved landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Leaving Fort William behind, begin your journey with a drive along the 'Road to the Isles' which leads to the West Coast port of Mallaig. En route, you pass the Glenfinnan Monument, which stands at the head of picturesque Loch Shiel in commemoration of the highlanders; learn how they rose in support of Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 1745 Jacobite uprising.

From Mallaig, take the ferry over to the stunning Isle of Skye, the second largest of Scotland’s islands, where you can still spot road signs in the Gaelic language. Pause to obtain a flavour of the island's Gaelic heritage at the Clan Donald Centre. During the day, you have time to explore the island, including Portree, its largest town. Weather permitting, take in the idyllic views of the isle with its immense sea cliffs and the distinct peaks of the Cullin Hills, which rise sharply from the surrounding terrain. (9 hours, driver-guide)​

Overnight: Cullin Hills 

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Isle of Skye

Spend a full day exploring Scotland’s second-largest and most majestic island. You may wish to drive down to Elgol where the best-loved of all the views of these mountains can be obtained. Afterwards, drive to the north of the island, where you can stop in Portree, the island’s capital. Over on the west coast, overlooking the Minch and the Outer Hebrides is Dunvegan Castle, the home of the chief of the Clan McLeod. It is the only castle in the Hebrides to still be occupied; explore the property and its impressive water gardens independently. (9 hours, driver-guide)

Overnight: Cullin Hills 

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Scottish Highlands

Returning to the mainland, travel to Loch Duich with inspiring views of the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, used as a setting in the James Bond film The World is Not Enough, for a picturesque photograph. 

Continue to the 'Great Glen' valley that bisects the Scottish Highlands, running from Fort William to Inverness. Caused by a geological fault, it is one of the most noted topographical features in Scotland.

Follow the glen from Fort William, which is overshadowed by the rounded slopes of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain. Stop for a photo opportunity at the impressive Commando Memorial which stands in tribute to the Commandos of World War II who trained in the area. Pass by Loch Lochy - one of the four beautiful lochs of the Great Glen and, notably, the hiding spot for Bonnie Prince Charlie after the Battle of Culloden.

Travel onward to the banks of Loch Ness, Scotland’s most famous loch, which has been long associated with 'Nessie', the fabled monster said to inhabit the deeps. Try looking out for her as you walk around the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which dominate the central part of the loch.

Following the river that drains Loch Ness in the north, you arrive in Inverness, a small but charming city that is considered the Capital of the Highlands. One of the most important historic sites in Scotland is located near Inverness, the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746 by government troops when his attempt to regain the throne for the Stuarts ended. At this poignant spot, learn how these events changed a way of life in Scotland dramatically.

Time permitting, discover Clava Cairns, an atmospheric Neolithic burial site in a beautiful setting and believed to be the inspiration for the Craig na Dun stone circles in the popular television series Outlander. The return journey to Fort William takes you past either the Cairngorms National Park or the quieter east shore of Loch Ness. (9 hours, driver-guide)

Overnight: Inverlochy Castle

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Depart Fort William

Transfer privately to Glasgow airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: B