Highlights of Scotland
Highlights of Scotland
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Military Tattoo Celebrations
Cityscape of Inverness, Scotland
View of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Culloden Moor, Scotland
Loch Ness, Scotland
Cityscape of Inverness, Scotland
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Fort William, Scotland
Ben Nevis, Scotland
The University of Glasgow, Scotland
Glencoe, Scotland
$2649
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Scotland with the "Highlights of Scotland" tour. Starting in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, this cultural adventure takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Experience the historic Jacobite rising in Inverness, savor the flavors of Scotland with a whisky distillery tour, and hike the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Marvel at the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by Harry Potter, and explore the legendary Loch Ness. Discover the beauty of the Isle of Skye and the majestic Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. Conclude your journey in the bustling city of Glasgow, with its rich cultural heritage. Travel by train, private vehicle, and on foot, staying in comfortable hotels along the way. This small group tour offers an intimate exploration of Scotland's most captivating sights. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Wilde Apartments by Staycity, Grassmarket, Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Wilde Apartments by Staycity, Grassmarket, Edinburgh
Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a few days early to explore Scotland's compact, hilly capital.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Edinburgh/Inverness
Location: Edinburgh, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness
Accommodation: Glen Mhor Hotel Inverness
Accommodation Name: Glen Mhor Hotel Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning enjoy a panoramic view of Edinburgh before departing the city for the Highlands. Visit Cairgorms National Park and enjoy a CEO-led hike in Glenmore Forest.
ACTIVITY: MORNING Enjoy a panoramic view of Edinburgh on a short sightseeing bus tour.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: MORNING Glenmore is a beautiful spot that holds one of the few remaining pockets of ancient Caledonian Pinewood in Scotland. Take an easy CEO-led hike through the forest ending in Loch Morlich with its long sandy beach.
Elevation gain: 50 - 70 meters
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Inverness, meaning 'Mouth of the River Ness', is the hub of the highlands, boasting natural landscapes close to mountains, glens, lochs, and the coast. In Medieval times the Gaelic king Mac Bethad Mac Findláich, who's story retold through Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', kept a castle within the city limits. Take some time to explore this walkable city and learn of its rich culture and history.
Day 3: Inverness
Location: Culloden Moor, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Inverness
Accommodation: Glen Mhor Hotel Inverness
Accommodation Name: Glen Mhor Hotel Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, visit Culloden Moor and the Culloden Moor visitor center, famous for the Jacobite rising of 1745. After lunch, board a cruise towards Loch Ness. Experience the infamous "loch" by boat and learn about the history (and legend) surrounding its mysterious lake creature. Explore Urquhart Castle before returning to Inverness.
ACTIVITY: Visit the infamous Culloden battlefield, site of the Battle of Culloden, known as the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising of 1745. Here, Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart were decisively defeated by Hanoverian forces commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland which therefore put an end the Jacobite rising. Explore the battlefield and moor at your own pace, or opt to join a guided tour.
ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Enjoy a relaxing cruise along Loch Ness lake. This freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands is best known for alleged sightings of Nessie, the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Visit Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland's largest castles at the centre of great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Explore the history of this strategic fortress and the stories revolving around the power struggles between the Scots and English amidst the Wars of Independence.
Day 4: Inverness/Fort William
Location: Isle of Skye, Fort William
Accommodation: Muthu Fort William Hotel
Accommodation Name: Muthu Fort William Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover the beautiful Isle of Skye. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Isle, stopping at the iconic Eilean Castle while en route for a snap of the old fortress. Once on the Isle, visit Sligachan, where you can spot the Black Cullin mountains in the background. Watch for the old man's face on the Old Man of Storr hike before transferring to Fort William for the evening.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: As part of the Trotternish ridge, the Storr was created by a massive ancient landslide. The rock bears the name "Old Man Storr" due to its rock outline and protruding pinnacle resembling the face of an old man.
Elevation gain: 150 - 250 meters
Day 5: Fort William
Location: Glenfinnan, Ben Nevis, Fort William
Accommodation: Muthu Fort William Hotel
Accommodation Name: Muthu Fort William Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by Harry Potter. Settle back at the viewpoint in time to see the Jacobite Steam train cross over the viaduct. Afterwards, stretch your legs with a forest walk in Ben Nevis followed by a tour and whisky tasting at a local distillery.
ACTIVITY: Glenfinnan attracts many thousands of visitors from around the world to experience the stunning scenery but also to catch a glimpse of the famous Jacobite steam train, also known as the Hogwart's Express in the Harry Potter novels and films, travel across the Glenfinnan viaduct. The viaduct carries the railway to Glenfinnan Station across an impressive 1,000 ft (305m) span, 100 ft (30m) above the ground.
ACTIVITY: Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles. Standing at 1,345 metres (4,412 feet 8¾ inches) above sea level, it is at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands. Set off an easy hike through Achriabhach Forest beginning initially uphill and then continuing through tree-lined paths, passing a waterfall and reaching superb views across Glen Nevis.
Elevation gain: 80 - 170 meters
ACTIVITY: Visit a renowned Scottish distillery, famous for its exceptional whisky. Enjoy a guided tour and finish the experience with a delightful tasting.
Day 6: Fort William/Glasgow City
Location: Glencoe, Glasgow
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Glasgow Central
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Glasgow Central
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head south towards Glasgow. Enjoy some free time to explore Scotland's largest city after taking time in Glencoe, Scotland's most famous and most scenic Highland glen. Take time to explore this port city by visiting its museums or joining a brewery tour.
ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Scotland's most famous and most scenic Highland glen, Glencoe is also steeped in history. Also known as the weeping valley, it was the site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Visit Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount and learn about the intricate history of this natural paradise.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: Glasgow is a port city on the River Clyde in Scotland's western Lowlands. It's famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a rich legacy of the city's 18th–20th-century prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding. Today it's a national cultural hub, home to institutions including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as acclaimed museums and a thriving music scene.
Day 7: Glasgow City
Location: Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (6 nts). -
Meals
6 breakfasts -
Welcome Moment
Your Welcome Moment includes meeting your CEO and group.
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Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle Visit
Enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle.
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Culloden Moor Visit
Visit the historic Culloden Moor.
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Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting
Experience a tour and tasting at a whisky distillery.
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Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint
Visit the viewpoint of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
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Ben Nevis Forest Walk
Enjoy a forest walk at Ben Nevis.
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Glencoe Visit
Visit the scenic and historic Glencoe.
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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International Travel
International travel is not included.
Transport
Train, private vehicle, walking.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels for 6 nights, offering a blend of local charm and modern amenities, ensuring a restful retreat after each day's adventures.
Meals Included
6 breakfasts
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the M/S Expedition or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel through Scotland using a combination of train, private vehicle, and walking, providing a seamless and scenic journey across the country's stunning landscapes.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
2. Please note that if Edinburgh Castle is on your must-see list, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online several weeks prior to your trip. Advance tickets can be reserved online through sites like: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/plan-your-visit/tickets. Same-day entrance to Edinburgh Castle cannot be guaranteed without advance tickets.
3. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
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Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
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About Accommodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
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What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.) ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the Highlights of Scotland tour?
The tour uses a combination of train, private vehicle, and walking for transportation.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in hotels for 6 nights during the tour.
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Is there a group leader on the tour?
Yes, the tour is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who will manage the group, lead activities, and provide local insights.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts. Other meals are not included, allowing you flexibility in choosing where and what to eat.
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What is the maximum group size for the tour?
The maximum group size for the tour is 16 people, with an average of 12.
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What is the minimum age requirement to join the tour?
You must be at least 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above can join if accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.
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What should I bring for the tour?
It is recommended to bring a backpack or medium-sized suitcase, along with a daypack for daily essentials. You should be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs and on and off transportation.
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Is there a single supplement for solo travelers?
No, solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, and there is no single supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Highlights of Scotland
7 Days Starting in Edinburgh, United Kingdom and ending in Glasgow City, United Kingdom
Visiting: Edinburgh, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, Culloden Moor, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Isle of Skye, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Ben Nevis, Glencoe, Glasgow ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25019
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
