Highlights of Scotland
Experience Overview
Join an eight-day adventure through the best of Scotland and find yourself standing before ancient castles that guard misty lochs and on stunning cliffs overlooking waterfalls. Starting in the vibrant streets of Glasgow, you’ll explore cobblestone streets and lush, grassy landscapes. Learn tales of battle and folklore when you visit the mythological Loch Ness, historic Inverness and the Isle of Skye. Then, end your journey in Edinburgh, where the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval Old Town and neoclassical New Town sit in contrast. With an ideal balance of small-group adventure and free time to explore independently, this journey through Scotland will leave you captivated.
Highlights
- Embark on a world-famous train journey through the Highlands via the renowned West Highland Railway, including a crossing of the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- Discover Fort William, where you'll relish views of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak. Then, join your leader on an optional hike to the summit of Cow Hill for panoramic views of Glen Nevis.
- Take a private bus tour of the captivating Trotternish Peninsula on the Isle of Skye. Make stops at the pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock – a dramatic 90-m-tall sea cliff with views of Mealt Falls.
- Set out on a scenic boat excursion across the folklore-filled waters of Loch Ness, then travel north to the Highland capital of Inverness.
- Go on a walking tour of Edinburgh guided by a local guide from Invisible Cities – a social enterprise that provides locals who have experienced homelessness with employment.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1687
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train, Private vehicle, Ferry, On foot
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Rail & Cruises, Budget
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: BWSS
Starts: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Finishes: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7),Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5065 ($633 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Scotland! Your adventure begins in Glasgow – one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. Here, you’ll find world famous art collections, Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture and some of the best shopping in the UK outside of London. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a stroll along the River Clyde – once the heart of the city’s ship building industry. After the meeting, get to know your new travel friends at a nearby restaurant or grab a ‘fish supper’ in the lively Merchant City. Known for its pedestrianised areas, outdoor dining and designer shopping districts, Merchant City is a great area to get to know Glasgow’s food scene and nightlife.
Optional Activities:
- Glasgow - Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - Free
- Glasgow - City Centre Mural Trail - Free
- Glasgow - Tennent's Brewery Tour (17 GBP)
- Glasgow - Royal Botanic Gardens - Free
- Glasgow - Britannia Panopticon (3 GBP)
- Glasgow - Cathedral and Necropolis - Free
- Glasgow - Hunterian Art Gallery - Free
- Glasgow - Pollok Country Park & The Burrell Collection - Free
- Glasgow - Afternoon Tea at the Willow Tea Rooms (from) (20 GBP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a short walk to the train station to catch an early morning train – the world-famous West Highland Line. This captivating railway journey from Glasgow to Fort William takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. You’ll arrive in Fort William in the early afternoon, giving you time to explore this famous town that’s home to the highest mountain in the UK – Ben Nevis. In the afternoon, weather permitting, you can opt to join your leader on a hike into Glen Nevis, ascending to the summit of Cow Hill. Your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Glen Nevis, the surrounding peaks and across Fort William to Loch Linnhe and beyond. The rest of the day is free, so maybe hole up in one of the cosy local pubs for a hearty meal – ask your leader for all the best recommendations.
Included Activities:
- Fort William - West Highland Railway Line train journey
- Fort William - Leader led hike
Optional Activities:
- Fort William - Nevis Range Gondola (26 GBP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Complete your train journey on the West Highland Line this morning. As the train departs from Fort William, you’ll be greeted by the imposing beauty of Ben Nevis, standing tall against the sky. The route then winds through the enchanting Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films. Follow the coastline before reaching the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Hop off the train and onto a ferry, which will take you to the Isle of Skye – the largest and northernmost of the major islands is the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Skye’s landscape is a captivating mix of dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and undulating moorland. When you arrive, take a private transfer to a local whisky distillery for a tour and tasting session. Then, continue to your accommodation, where you’ll have some free time to relax and take in the surroundings. Later in the evening, maybe join your trip leader to sample a dram or two!
Included Activities:
- Isle of Skye - Local Distillery Visit and Tasting
- Glenfinnan - Railway Viaduct view
Accommodation:
- Hotel or Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Join your guide for a short morning hike and take in the beautiful scenery. If luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of some of Skye's native wildlife including otters and seals. After the hike, you’ll take a private bus tour to explore some of Skye’s most famous landscapes as you circumnavigate the Trotternish Peninsula. This peninsula is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Quiraing, with its distinct geological formations. You’ll also stop at the towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock – a dramatic sea cliff which overlooks the cascading Mealt Falls. There will also be the chance to stop at a local gallery or museum along the way. If time permits, you might visit Dunvegan Castle (entrance fees not included) before returning to your accommodation in the late afternoon.
Included Activities:
- Isle of Skye - Guided hike
- Isle of Skye - Guided private bus tour of Trotternish Peninsula
Accommodation:
- Hotel or Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Bid farewell to the Isle of Skye and board a private bus to travel over the iconic Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. Continue through picturesque landscapes until you reach the charming village of Fort Augustus, located on the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness. Here, you'll be treated to a scenic boat cruise on these mysterious waters (see if you can spot the elusive monster deep below the tranquil waters!). After your boat excursion, head north to Inverness – the vibrant capital of the Highlands, known for its rich history and lively culture.
Included Activities:
- Fort Augustus - Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to an end in 1746. Visit the battlefield, then make your way to the city centre to take a walk along the River Ness. This trail weaves over small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful suspension bridge to complete the loop. The trail ends near a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Maybe visit the castle or seek out a local whisky store, catch a gig, do some souvenir shopping or, if you’re looking for a hidden local favourite, then Leakey’s Bookshop is a must-see.
Included Activities:
- Inverness - Culloden Battlefield visit
- Inverness - River Ness walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a morning train to Edinburgh, famous for its literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995, in recognition of the striking quality and contrast between each area’s architecture and streetscape. Check into your accommodation, then take an insightful walking tour of the city with Invisible Cities – a social enterprise that trains locals who have experienced homelessness to become tour guides. Hear your local guide’s personal experience of the city as your wind your way through the streets, hitting the highlights. The rest of the day is free for you to explore – maybe visit Edinburgh Castle or the National Museum of Scotland.
Included Activities:
- Edinburgh - Invisible Cities guided walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Optional Activities:
- Edinburgh - Castle Visit (24 GBP)
- Edinburgh - National Museum of Scotland - Free
- Edinburgh - The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour (24 GBP)
- Edinburgh - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Free
- Edinburgh - The Queen’s Gallery at Holyroodhouse (11 GBP)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Declan - Traveled, November 2023
This tour was fantastic in all regards. I would highly recommend it. Our tour guide Craig was exceptional, second to none.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/10/2023
Tara - Traveled, August 2023
Fantastic trip! I loved experiencing the Highlands & Skye. Our trip leader was phenomenal. The accommodations were top notch. Good mix of included activities & free time to explore. Great if you are looking for a fun short trip to experience Scotland
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Breanne - Traveled, August 2023
Had such a great time on this trip! Love the route and stops, as all the locations we visited were unique and surprising. The Isle of Skye and was definitely a highlight! We had plenty of rain even in August, but it felt like part of the overall Scotland experience. The food and drinks were also great (and nicely balanced with plenty of walking and exploring) and the guesthouses we stayed in were lovely. Rhys was an awesome guide and made things easy for us! Can’t wait to come back someday soon.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2023
Caitlin - Traveled, August 2023
I had a fantastic time o my Intrepid Trip to Scotland! It's such a beautiful country and I got to meet and see it with amazing people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Greg Megan - Traveled, August 2023
This is a fantastic trip. This was our 7th Intrepid and we keep coming back. Forget the hassle of booking everything yourself and just wake up every morning and ask your guide about what we are doing today. So you can be surprised but you can count on a good day!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2023
Emma - Traveled, August 2023
For anyone headed to Scotland for the first time, I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. You see just enough to get you hooked, and leaves you wanting more. "Highlights" is definitely right, as you get a perfect snapshot of the country in a perfect 8 day package.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Kehlsey - Traveled, April 2023
This trip was an absolute blast! I loved the flexibility and opportunity to see so much. Our guide Keith was so fun! Definitely book if you want a flexible way to explore Scotland - it’s beautiful!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2023
Mark - Traveled, June 2024
The Highlights of Scotland was an enthralling and delightful adventure. There were many dramatic landscapes and ocean views to be had. The rail journeys were particularly interesting. Many picturesque short walks were most enjoyable. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2024
Maya - Traveled, June 2024
Intrepid guides have been excellent, itineraries interesting, beautiful, offer some choice for daily activities, the small group size works very well to enhance the trip with personal interactions, caring, camaraderie.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2024
Millicent - Traveled, November 2023
The Highlights of Scotland trip was absolutely amazing and the scenery was breathtaking.This was my first intrepid trip and I had an incredible experience. Our guide Craig did an awesome job at providing the historical context of what shaped Scotland into what it is today. I gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the land and the people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2023
Heidi - Traveled, October 2023
Wonderful trip and really great itinerary. Isle of Skye is such a great highlight and having extra time to explore on our own was great. Also, Aidan was the best guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2023
Georgina - Traveled, October 2023
A great itinerary, great group and great guide Aiden! The places visited were excellent especially the Isle of Skye! Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2023
Paula - Traveled, September 2023
This tour truly captures the highlights of beloved Scotland. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the area, the rich history and what makes Scotland the breathtaking place it is today. I highly suggest researching the locations and booking activities in advance, especially on Isle of Skye and in Edinburgh. Note that as tours head into the fall, there was some significant weather to navigate but it was manageable nonetheless.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Shelley - Traveled, September 2023
This was a trip well worth the money. The history, the culture, the beauty and the people of Scotland was outstanding and we will visit again. Our guide was well organized, knowledgeable and friendly. She went over the top to accommodate and make sure everyone had a good time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Shona - Traveled, July 2023
We have travelled with intrepid before and there were wonderful, this trip was a deplorable, buyer be warned, the description doesn’t match the activity, you spend most of your time waking to/from train stations in the rain to then have to try and book and get to your tour yourself, which will cost a fortune in taxi’s or spend all day waiting for one of the 2 buses. A real disappointment and the highlands are beautiful, a shame intrepid placed a black mark for Scotland.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2023
Amanda - Traveled, July 2023
· Traveled July 2023 I would never recommend this trip to anyone. The itinerary and the actual experience is completely different. My expectations for this trip was complete disappointment! I would say this experience is extremely expensive and not good value for money. Review submitted 02 Aug 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/02/2023
Judy - Traveled, June 2023
This was our first experience in a tour like this! I do not regret booking it! It was the best vacation and experience we have ever had! We were able to completely immerse ourselves in Scotland's nature and culture! Our tour guide Sam was beyond amazing! We made so many memories and met so many people! Just over all a breath taking experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2023
Katja - Traveled, May 2023
Too many wonderful things to see and not enough time to see them all! Isle of Skye was my favorite part of this trip. Pack light--there are so many hills and stairs in Scotland! Read the itinerary - take it literally! You don’t go into any castles, just exterior photos.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2023
Linda - Traveled, May 2023
I wish I could rate this highly because Scotland is an amazing country and the people I traveled with were so friendly. The overall itinerary leaves a lot to be desired and there was no added cultural/historical context by Intrepid. I suggest adding an additional day in Skye, with a tour of the Island, booking the locomotive train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct to help counter cancellations (we were not able to do this part of the itinerary since our public train was cancelled), and adding the Cairngorms Park visit back to the itinerary, with less time in Inverness.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, May 2023
Scotland was beautiful and the trip was good. Recommend packing light as there was a lot of hauling your own luggage (to/from the train station, to/from accommodations etc.)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2023
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