Essence of Scotland

Arrival in Edinburgh
Welcome to the gorgeous ancient city - Edinburgh! 

Upon arrival, you are met by your driver at the airport, who transfers you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day free so you can start exploring the magnificent city center on your own, dine in one of the local restaurants or take a good rest in your comfortable room.

Edinburgh Royal Mile
Following breakfast you get to explore the capital of Scotland - Edinburgh! 

Together with the guide you start a 4-hour tour of the Old Town and explore this culturally and historically important part of the city. Today you walk along the famous Royal Mile which connects two royal residences - the Castle and the palace of Holyrood House.

Before you visit the Edinburgh Castle  you hear a comprehensive history insight from your guide and visit the castle independently*. Here you may see the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun inside the castle.

Your guided walking tour ends before you visit the castle and after exploring the castle you may spend time in the city on your own or return to the hotel.

*Note: entrance tickets to the castle are included.

Departure to Inverness
Following breakfast in your hotel you have a check-out and walk to the train station.

Arrival in Inverness
Upon arrival, you are taken to the hotel for check-in and the rest of the day is at your own leisure. 

Exploration of the Isle of Skye
After breakfast at your hotel, you get to enjoy the beauty of the untouched nature in its glory, embarking on a full day small group tour to the famous Isle of Skye.

Early in the morning, you join a small group tour and leave the city of Inverness with the guide-driver, passing the legendary Loch Ness, observing the dramatic Highland scenery and paying a visit to witness the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle.

The next destination on your agenda is the picturesque Kyle of Lochalsh, a village on the mainland which serves as the gateway to the scenic Isle of Skye, a place of inspiration for many movie makers, poets, and travelers. Upon arrival on the Isle, you travel around the island’s east coast through the gorgeous Cuillin Mountains, experiencing truly breathtaking panoramas.

Then, you arrive at the lovely town of Portree, overlooking a sheltered bay and serving as the capital city of the island. While in Portree, you have some free time to explore the town and grab a snack.

Afterwards, you proceed to the northernmost peninsula of the Isle of Skye, Trotternish, to observe some unusual natural formations like the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing, and take some memorable photos of this extraterrestrial place.

Following the tour, you are transferred back to Inverness. The route you take back differs from the one in the morning so you have even more opportunities to admire the Highland scenery.  

*Note: the duration of the trip is up to 12 hours. Entrance tickets are not included. 

Jacobite Steam Train and Wild Safari Cruise
Following breakfast in the hotel, you meet with the driver-guide and embark on a full day trip to the western Scottish Highlands. 

You drive along the famous Loch Ness and along Caledonian Canal before you arrive in Fort William. Here you board the famous Jacobite Steam train. 

This 42-mile trip covers the most impressive must-sees, starting near the iconic mount Ben Nevis, passing Loch Morar, and River Morar, arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. Enjoy the dramatic views and see the most famous bridge in Scotland, Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter movies as well as beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar, and Mallaig along the route.

Upon arrival at the turning point you have a 1-hour wildlife cruise safari. Travel out to Green Island on the Knoydart Peninsula and take a chance to witness wild seals relaxing on the rocks as well as a variety of birds, porpoises, dolphins, whales, and basking sharks frequently visiting the coastal waters.

After the cruise you meet your driver-guide for a transfer back to Inverness.

Departure to Edinburgh
Following breakfast and check-out you meet with the driver and have a transfer to the train station.

Arrival in Edinburgh
Upon arrival in Edinburgh, you have a transfer to the hotel for check-in and the rest of the day is at your own leisure.

Departure
This is the last day of your adventure! In the morning after breakfast, you check out from the hotel and driver takes you to the airport for your flight back home.

We hope you had a journey of a lifetime and we will be looking forward to welcoming you back soon!