Itinerary
- Day 1
Edinburgh to Ullapool
You'll head out of Edinburgh early in the morning and drive north into the Scottish Highlands. The route takes you through some really dramatic scenery, starting with a stop in the village of Dunkeld where you can stretch your legs and grab a quick look around. From there, you'll pass through ancient pine forests in Cairngorms National Park before reaching Loch Ness. You'll have some free time at the loch to walk around and maybe spot the monster if you're lucky, though most people just enjoy the views and grab a bite to eat. Later in the day, the drive continues north to Ullapool, a white-washed fishing village on the coast where you'll spend the night. It's about 160 miles total, so you're traveling most of the day but with breaks mixed in.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Look for the Loch Ness Monster during free time at Loch Ness
Landmarks Dunkeld Cairngorms National Park Loch Ness Ullapool 
- Day 2
Ullapool
After breakfast, you'll head out on a day trip from Ullapool into the north-west Highlands. The morning takes you through the mountains of Assynt, where the landscape gets pretty wild and remote. You'll stop to see the remains of Ardvreck Castle, a 15th century ruin that sits in this stark, beautiful setting. Then it's on to Achmelvich Bay, which has a white sandy beach that feels out of place up here in Scotland. Before heading back to Ullapool for the evening, you'll check out Lochinver, a traditional fishing settlement where locals still work the waters. You're back in Ullapool by evening, so it's a full day out but you return to your same accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle
- See Achmelvich Bay white beach
- Visit the traditional fishing settlement of Lochinver
- View the mountains of Assynt
Landmarks Ardvreck Castle Achmelvich Bay Lochinver Assynt Mountains - Day 3
Ullapool to Skye
You'll leave Ullapool and travel south through Highland landscapes that shift and change throughout the day. Early on, there's a stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge to see where the River Droma drops 60 meters over a waterfall, which is dramatic if the water level's good. You'll pass the Beinn Eighe nature reserve and follow alongside Loch Torridon as the mountains get bigger around you. Lunch happens in Applecross, a small village tucked away on a peninsula. After eating, you're on Bealach na Ba, one of Scotland's most famous drives, and it's a narrow single-track mountain road with tight switchbacks and incredible views all around. Then you'll drive through Plockton, a subtropical village that feels totally different from everywhere else you've been, before crossing the bridge to the Isle of Skye and arriving in Portree where you'll spend the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Corrieshalloch Gorge
- Stop at Applecross for lunch
- Drive Bealach na Ba scenic route
- Visit Plockton
Landmarks Corrieshalloch Gorge Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve Loch Torridon Applecross Bealach na Ba Plockton Loch Carron Isle of Skye Portree 
- Day 4
Isle of Skye
Your day on Skye is flexible depending on the weather and what's happening locally. If conditions are good, there's hiking available, including The Quiraing, a hill walk with wild rock formations, or the Old Man of Storr Walk with dramatic clifftop views. Another option is heading to Neist Point Lighthouse on the west side of the island. You'll spend the day taking in the dramatic terrain and getting out on the land, whether that's walking, photographing, or just spending time in the landscape. It's all about soaking up the scenery and fresh air here. You'll head back to your accommodation in Portree by late afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hiking on Isle of Skye (weather dependent)
Optional Activities
- The Quiraing hill walk
- Old Man of Storr Walk
- Visit Neist Point Lighthouse
Landmarks The Quiraing Old Man of Storr Neist Point Lighthouse Isle of Skye - Day 5
Skye to Edinburgh
You'll leave Skye by coach and travel south toward Edinburgh to wrap up the tour. The route takes you past Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th century fortress on an island that's one of Scotland's most recognizable sights, and you'll stop to check it out. From there, the coach goes through Glen Garry with views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, off in the distance. There's a lunch break in Fort William mid-day. In the afternoon, you'll reach Glencoe, a dramatic valley surrounded by steep mountains with a dark history as the site of the 1692 massacre. After spending time there, the drive continues south back to Edinburgh where the tour ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Eilean Donan Castle
- Stop for lunch in Fort William
- Visit Glencoe
Landmarks Eilean Donan Castle Glen Garry Ben Nevis Fort William Glencoe 
