Itinerary
- Day 1
Edinburgh to Ullapool
You'll leave Edinburgh and head north across the Firth of Forth, where you get views of those famous bridges. The route takes you through rolling hills and forests before reaching the Highland village of Dunkeld on the River Tay. From there, you'll venture into Cairngorms National Park and drive through ancient pine forests. After a lunch stop, you'll continue toward Loch Ness and follow the shores of Loch Broom, finally settling into the fishing village of Ullapool for two nights.
- Start point
- Edinburgh, City Of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (Edinburgh)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Dunkeld village and historic cathedral
Optional Activities
- Stop at Loch Ness for views and chance to spot Nessie
Landmarks Firth of Forth Bridges Dunkeld Cathedral Cairngorms National Park Rothiemurchus Estate Loch Ness Dores - Day 2
Assynt and Northwest Highlands
This day takes you through the remote northwest Highlands and the dramatic peaks of Assynt, a region with real historical significance as the first crofting community purchased by its residents. You'll stop at the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, which was once the MacLeods of Assynt's home. The route shows you ancient landscapes, white sands at Achmelvich Bay, and the fishing village of Lochinver before you head back to Ullapool for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Ardvreck Castle ruins
Landmarks Ardvreck Castle Assynt Crofters Trust Achmelvich Bay Lochinver - Day 3
Corrieshalloch Gorge to Skye
You'll travel south to see the River Droma's dramatic 60-meter drop into Corrieshalloch Gorge. Along the way, you'll pass the Beinn Eighe nature reserve and follow the scenic coastline of Loch Torridon. After lunch in Applecross, you'll drive Bealach na Bà, one of Scotland's highest and most thrilling roads. The day continues to the village of Plockton with its palm trees beside Loch Carron, then crosses to the Isle of Skye, arriving at the harbour town of Portree.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- View River Droma waterfall at Corrieshalloch Gorge
- Visit Plockton village with palm trees
Landmarks Corrieshalloch Gorge Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve Loch Torridon Applecross Bealach na Bà Plockton Loch Carron Portree - Day 4
Isle of Skye
You have flexibility on this Skye day since your driver-guide adapts the route based on weather, local events, and what the group wants to do. Options include exploring the Trotternish Ridge to see geological features like the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing mountain pass. Or you could visit Dunvegan Castle, the 13th-century seat of Clan MacLeod, to learn about clan legends and history. Either way, you'll return to Portree by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Trotternish Ridge and Old Man of Storr
- View Kilt Rock and Quiraing mountain pass
- Visit Dunvegan Castle
Landmarks Old Man of Storr Kilt Rock Quiraing Trotternish Ridge Dunvegan Castle - Day 5
Skye to Edinburgh
You'll leave Skye and visit Eilean Donan Castle, then head east through the rugged Kintail mountains. The drive goes down Glen Garry, passing Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain at 4,413 feet (1,345 meters), and you'll arrive in Fort William for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll explore the Glencoe valley, a spectacular landscape with its own historical weight from the 1692 massacre of Clan Macdonald, before beginning your journey back toward Edinburgh.
- End point
- Edinburgh, City Of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (Edinburgh)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Eilean Donan Castle
Optional Activities
- View Ben Nevis from Glen Garry
- Explore Glencoe valley
Landmarks Eilean Donan Castle Kintail Mountains Glen Garry Ben Nevis Fort William Glencoe
