Day 1: Edinburgh to Oban

We leave Edinburgh at 8.30am and head north to take in views of the magnificent Stirling Castle and the mighty Wallace Monument, where you will hear about the great significance this area has in Scottish history. The Lowlands change into the Highlands as we pass the medieval stronghold of Doune Castle, featured in Outlander and Game of Thrones.

Our next stop is eerie Glencoe, home to some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery.  Standing surrounded by mountains, your local Guide will recount the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan. This place will definitely give you goosebumps. Tonight we’ll stay in the fishing town of Oban. Fresh seafood galore and dancing the night away at a traditional Scottish Ceilidh is guaranteed to get your heart pumping and is the best way to get to know your fellow tour mates.

Day 2: Oban to Isle of Skye

Heading north to Fort William we pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Sit back and be prepared to be awestruck by the magnificent scenery and rugged terrain of the Highlands. We take in the Glenfinnan Viaduct and stop off at the Glenfinnan Monument, built in memory of the Bonnie Prince Charlie's campaign to claim the throne of Scotland back in 1745. On a crisp clear day, the views from here over Loch Shiel are some of the best in Scotland.

On summer departures, you have a chance to be Harry Potter for a day and travel on the famous Jacobite Steam Train aka ‘Hogwarts Express’ or take the 'Road to the Isles' before we jump on a short ferry to the stunning Isle of Skye.

During winter, we make our way to the Isle of Skye through the stunning mountainous landscape that the Scottish Highlands are so famous for. You will get some amazing pictures here that are bound to make your friends and family back home envious! We spend the night on the Isle of Skye with plenty time to check out a local pub and its array of local ales and whiskies.

Day 3: Isle of Skye to Loch Ness

Today, we explore the breathtakingly beautiful Isle of Skye, also known as the ‘winged isle’ or ‘Isle of Mist’. Famous for its ruined castles, awesome scenery and legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans, Skye should be on everybody’s bucket list. Your local Guide will immerse you in Celtic myths, Viking legends, and tell you tales about faeries.  You’ll explore the windswept mountain terrain and rugged coastline before passing beautiful Eilean Donan Castle on return to the mainland.

We’ll spend the night on the banks of Loch Ness in our home away from home, Morag’s Lodge. You can go monster spotting on a Loch Ness cruise during summer or discover the banks of the world’s most famous loch on foot. After a busy day of exploring, head back to the hostel bar for a good old knees-up.

Day 4: Loch Ness to the Highlands

We start off with a visit to the HAGGiS Grove during the summer months*, where you can do your bit for Scotland and plant a tree as a group in aid of ‘Trees for Life’ charity. By doing this, you help to restore the ancient Caledonian Forest and ensure Scotland remains as natural as possible, something we all at HAGGiS Adventures are passionate about.  After this good deed, we journey north along Loch Ness and pass the spectacular ruins of Urquhart Castle for your final Nessie spotting opportunity.  

We venture to the eerie moor of lonely Culloden Battlefield and hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1746 Jacobite Rising. You’ll continue the history trail onto the mysterious Clava Cairns, a prehistoric burial site that inspired the Craigh na Dun standing stones seen in Outlander. Now that you’re clued up on some of Scotland’s history, it’s time to learn about the 'Water of Life' at a Highland whisky distillery.  As Scotland’s second largest export, it would be rude not to try a wee dram and it is a perfect warm up for the legendary Tartan Toga party at Morag’s Lodge.

(*Selected departures only)

Day 5: Loch Ness to Edinburgh

We wave goodbye to Loch Ness and pass the Commando Memorial, a large bronze statue commemorating the service and sacrifice of troops during WWII.  

We visit the picturesque Dunkeld Cathedral on the banks of the River Tay in the heart of Macbeth country.  Your final stop for the day is the Hermitage.  Your Guide will lead you through the enchanting and beautiful woodlands and waterfalls. Savour the sound of the tumbling falls from a quaint wee folly. On our journey back to Edinburgh, we pass the famous UNESCO listed Forth Bridge, arriving back in the capital at approximately 5pm.

(Some trips may run in reverse)

Tour options:

Choose one of the following options at the time of booking:

Pay as You Go:

We have reserved your accommodation in a shared hostel dorm, you just need to pay on arrival to your hostel. Budget around £24pppn.

Pre-Pay Bundle Multi-Share includes:

• 4 nights' hostel shared dorm accommodation
• Highland Whisky Distillery visit
• HAGGiS t-shirt
• Faster check in and easier to budget on tour

Pre-Pay Bundle Private includes:

4 nights' Private room option (min.2 persons) with shared facilities (non-ensuite), plus all bundle inclusions detailed above.

The majority of private rooms are of the same standard as the hostel dorms (usually twin share with 2 beds) and are subject to availability. They are accommodated within the same building as the rest of the group. Where this is not possible, you may be required to make your own way to your accommodation located a short walk away from the main drop off point.

BEFORE AND AFTER TOUR

We don't reserve accommodation before your tour starts or after your tour finishes but you can book this through our MyTrip function after you have booked your tour.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Jacobite Steam Train

Not included in the Pre-Pay Bundle, only available at the time of booking

Featured in a number of the Harry Potter movies as ‘The Hogwarts Express’, the Jacobite Steam Train is a spectacular journey through some of Scotland’s most dramatic coastal scenery. Voted as the best train journey in the world by Wanderlust magazine readers for several years, the 42-mile trip is certainly worth considering as a trip add-on! 

Highland Whisky Distillery visit

Included in the Pre-Pay Bundle or available on arrival

Some people squish up their face. Some stamp their foot on the ground. Others let out a loud 'ahhhhhh'. However you react to whisky, don't let it stop you from going on this fantastic optional guided tour. You'll discover the history behind Scotland's most divisive drink. You'll discover how it's made. And hopefully, you'll discover how to love it. 

Loch Ness Cruise (summer only)

Not included in the Pre-Pay Bundle, can be bought locally and is subject to availability

Take to the water and hunt for the elusive monster. Hour long evening cruises operate from Fort Augustus throughout summer and can be booked through Morag's Lodge hostel on arrival.