Talisker Distillery Tour and Tasting
Comfort Plus only
A tour of the Talisker Distillery on the shore of Loch Harport on Skye, with a tasting of its smoky single malts.
$50 per person
Scotland by train and roadScotland with a private driver-guide
Scotland: Edinburgh, Skye & the Highlands: 8 Days
Edinburgh, Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and Glencoe: the train to Inverness, a guided Loch Ness cruise, then three days at the wheel through the Highlands, with central hotels.Edinburgh, Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and Glencoe with your own driver-guide: 5-star hotels and Kinloch Lodge on Skye, with a private whisky tasting and a spa treatment as optional add-ons.
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Starts and ends at Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
- Train, guided tours and self-drive
- 3-star and 4-star hotels
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Starts and ends at Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
- Private driver-guide for 6 days
- 4-star and 5-star hotels
Attractions
What you will see as you travel the route, day by day, and how to make the most of each stop.
11sights on the route
3castles
1Highland train ride
4hotels, from Edinburgh to Glencoe
Edinburgh→Inverness→Isle of Skye→Glencoe→Edinburgh
2Day 2
Edinburgh Old Town and the Castle
Edinburgh’s Old Town and its castle.
The Royal Mile
Why it is worth itThe street that runs through Edinburgh’s Old Town from the Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Narrow closes and wynds lead off it into hidden courtyards.
Insider tipDuck into the narrow closes off the main street. Many lead to quiet courtyards and views.
Edinburgh Castle
Why it is worth itA fortress on an extinct volcanic rock high above the city. Inside you see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh.
Insider tipYour ticket is booked. Lines for the Crown Jewels can build through the day, so head there early.
Calton Hill
Free-evening ideaWhy it is worth itA hill at the east end of Princes Street topped by monuments, including the unfinished National Monument. It is a favorite spot for sunset views over the city.
Insider tipIt is a short, steep walk up from the east end of Princes Street, and free to visit.
Optional add-on
Small-Group Royal Mile Walking Tour
A small-group walking tour of the Royal Mile and the closes of Edinburgh's Old Town with a local guide.
Comfort Plus only
$65 per person
Optional. Not included in the trip price.
4Day 4
Loch Ness and Culloden
The Great Glen, a castle ruin and a famous battlefield.
Loch Ness
Why it is worth itA long, deep freshwater loch in the Great Glen, famous for its legendary monster, Nessie. A cruise on the loch shows you its dark water and steep wooded shores.
Insider tipBring a warm, waterproof layer for the cruise. It can be windy on the loch.
Urquhart Castle
Why it is worth itThe ruins of a medieval castle on the shore of Loch Ness. You can climb the Grant Tower for views up and down the loch.
Insider tipThe ruins are on uneven ground with some steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
Culloden Battlefield
Why it is worth itThe site of the 1746 battle that ended the last Jacobite rising. A visitor center tells the story, and paths lead across the moor past the clan graves.
Insider tipStart in the visitor centre to get the story, then walk out onto the moor.
5Day 5
Road trip to Skye
Over to Skye, past one of Scotland’s most photographed castles.
Eilean Donan Castle
Why it is worth itA castle on a small island where three sea lochs meet, reached by a stone footbridge. It was rebuilt in the early 20th century and is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.
Insider tipYour ticket is booked. The classic photo is from the shore before you cross the footbridge.
6Day 6
The Isle of Skye
A full day on the island.
The Old Man of Storr
Why it is worth itA tall rock pinnacle on the Trotternish ridge, north of Portree. A steep path of about 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip climbs to its base.
Insider tipThe path is steep and can be muddy, so wear walking boots. The view from partway up is worth it even if you do not reach the top.
The Quiraing
Why it is worth itA landslip on the northern end of the Trotternish ridge, with pinnacles, cliffs and hidden plateaus. The view from the road above Staffin is one of the most famous on Skye.
Insider tipThe road over the ridge is single-track with passing places, so take it slowly.
Fairy Pools
Weather permittingWhy it is worth itA series of clear blue pools and waterfalls on the River Brittle, below the Black Cuillin mountains. A walk of about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) each way leads up the burn.
Insider tipThe path crosses the stream on stepping stones, so wear waterproof boots, and skip it after heavy rain.
Optional add-on
Talisker Distillery Tour and Tasting
A tour of the Talisker Distillery on the shore of Loch Harport on Skye, with a tasting of its smoky single malts.
Comfort Plus only
$50 per person
Optional. Not included in the trip price.
7Day 7
Ferry, Glenfinnan and Glencoe
The ferry, a famous viaduct and the glens.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Why it is worth itA curved railway viaduct of 21 arches above Glenfinnan, made famous by the Harry Potter films. The Glenfinnan Monument stands nearby at the head of Loch Shiel.
Insider tipWalk up to the viewpoint above the visitor centre for the classic view of the viaduct.
The order of stops can shift with the weather, and access to some sites can change with the season or local conditions. See Day by day for the full plan.
What you will see as you travel the route, day by day, and how to make the most of each stop.
12sights on the route
3castles
1whisky tasting at Talisker
6days with a private driver-guide
Edinburgh→Highland Perthshire→Inverness→Isle of Skye→Glencoe→Edinburgh
2Day 2
Edinburgh Old Town and the Castle
Edinburgh’s Old Town and its castle.
Edinburgh Castle
Why it is worth itA fortress on an extinct volcanic rock high above the city. Inside you see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh.
Insider tipYour ticket is booked. Lines for the Crown Jewels can build through the day, so head there early.
The Royal Mile
Why it is worth itThe street that runs through Edinburgh’s Old Town from the Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Narrow closes and wynds lead off it into hidden courtyards.
Insider tipDuck into the narrow closes off the main street. Many lead to quiet courtyards and views.
Optional add-on
Private Whisky Tasting for 2
A private Premium and Rare whisky tasting in Edinburgh with a whisky expert, just for the two of you.
Superior only
For groups of up to 2 travelers.
$955 per booking
Optional. Not included in the trip price.
Optional add-on
Spa Treatment at The Caledonian
A treatment and time in the spa at The Caledonian, with the Castle view outside.
Superior only
$295 per person
Optional. Not included in the trip price.
3Day 3
North through Highland Perthshire
North through Highland Perthshire.
Pitlochry
Why it is worth itA Victorian resort town in Highland Perthshire, with a salmon ladder and a dam on the River Tummel. It makes a pleasant stop on the way north.
Insider tipThe dam and salmon ladder are an easy stroll from the main street.
Queen’s View
Why it is worth itA viewpoint high above Loch Tummel, looking west toward the mountain Schiehallion. It is one of the classic views of Highland Perthshire.
Insider tipThe viewpoint is a short walk from the car park.
4Day 4
Loch Ness and Culloden
A castle ruin, a famous battlefield and ancient cairns.
Urquhart Castle
Why it is worth itThe ruins of a medieval castle on the shore of Loch Ness. You can climb the Grant Tower for views up and down the loch.
Insider tipThe ruins are on uneven ground with some steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
Culloden Battlefield
Why it is worth itThe site of the 1746 battle that ended the last Jacobite rising. A visitor center tells the story, and paths lead across the moor past the clan graves.
Insider tipStart in the visitor centre to get the story, then walk out onto the moor.
Clava Cairns
Why it is worth itA Bronze Age cemetery of stone burial cairns and standing stones, about 4,000 years old, near Culloden. You can walk among the cairns in a quiet grove of trees.
Insider tipIt is a short drive from Culloden, and free to walk around.
5Day 5
Over the sea to Skye
Over the sea to Skye.
Eilean Donan Castle
Why it is worth itA castle on a small island where three sea lochs meet, reached by a stone footbridge. It was rebuilt in the early 20th century and is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.
Insider tipYour ticket is booked. The classic photo is from the shore before you cross the footbridge.
6Day 6
The Isle of Skye
A full day on the island with your driver-guide.
The Old Man of Storr
Why it is worth itA tall rock pinnacle on the Trotternish ridge, north of Portree. A steep path of about 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip climbs to its base.
Insider tipThe path is steep and can be muddy, so wear walking boots. The view from partway up is worth it even if you do not reach the top.
The Quiraing
Why it is worth itA landslip on the northern end of the Trotternish ridge, with pinnacles, cliffs and hidden plateaus. The view from the road above Staffin is one of the most famous on Skye.
Insider tipThe views are best on a clear day, so your guide may shift the order of the day around the weather.
Talisker Distillery
Why it is worth itThe oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, on the shore of Loch Harport. Its tours show you how its smoky, peppery single malt is made.
Insider tipYour driver-guide is at the wheel, so you can enjoy the tasting.
7Day 7
Ferry, Glenfinnan and Glencoe
The ferry, a famous viaduct and the glens.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Why it is worth itA curved railway viaduct of 21 arches above Glenfinnan, made famous by the Harry Potter films. The Glenfinnan Monument stands nearby at the head of Loch Shiel.
Insider tipWalk up to the viewpoint above the visitor centre for the classic view of the viaduct.
The order of stops can shift with the weather, and access to some sites can change with the season or local conditions. See Day by day for the full plan.
Why this trip
The classic Edinburgh, Highlands and Skye route. You see Edinburgh on foot with a small-group guide, ride the train through the Cairngorms to Inverness, cruise Loch Ness on a guided tour, then pick up your own car for the best part of the drive: Eilean Donan, the Isle of Skye, the ferry to Mallaig and Glencoe. The hotels are safe, well-rated and well placed, and everything is booked for you.
- Edinburgh on footEdinburgh Castle tickets, with your hotel steps from the Old Town (booked), and a small-group Royal Mile walk as an optional add-on.
- The Highland train and Loch NessThe scenic train to Inverness, then a guided Loch Ness cruise with Urquhart Castle (all booked).
- Your own road tripA car from Inverness for days 5 to 8: Eilean Donan, Skye’s Trotternish peninsula, Talisker, the Mallaig ferry and Glencoe.
Why this trip
Seven nights in four of Scotland’s finest hotels, with your own driver-guide from the moment you leave Edinburgh. You see the Old Town with a private guide, taste rare single malts in a private tasting, then head north through Highland Perthshire to Inverness, Loch Ness and Culloden, over the sea to Skye and down through Glencoe. The car is yours for the day, so you stop where the views are.
- Edinburgh, privatelyA private Old Town walk and Edinburgh Castle tickets (booked), with a private whisky tasting and a spa treatment at The Caledonian as optional add-ons.
- Your own driver-guideSix days in a chauffeured executive car with a local driver-guide, from Edinburgh to Inverness, Skye and Glencoe and back to the airport.
- Skye in styleTwo nights at Kinloch Lodge, a Talisker Cask Draw & Tasting, and the Trotternish peninsula with your driver.
Trip at a glance
- Length
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Starts / ends
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI), round trip
- Getting around
- Tram and train (tickets booked), a guided Loch Ness tour, then a rental car for days 5 to 8
- Pace
- Moderate: 4 hotels, 2 nights in most places, drives of 1 to 3 hours with stops
- Best time to go
- April to mid October. May, June and September for long days and fewer crowds; August for the Edinburgh festivals
- Great for
- Couples, friends and solo travelers who are happy to drive
- Accommodations
- Comfort Plus (3-star and 4-star hotels)
- Flights
- Not included. You book; timing tips in your pre-trip guide
Trip at a glance
- Length
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Starts / ends
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI), round trip
- Getting around
- A private driver-guide and car for days 3 to 8, and a private airport pickup
- Pace
- Moderate: 4 hotels, 2 nights in most places, scenic drives of 2 to 4 hours with stops
- Best time to go
- April to mid October. May, June and September for long days and fewer crowds; August for the Edinburgh festivals
- Great for
- Couples, friends and solo travelers who want Scotland in comfort
- Accommodations
- Superior (5-star hotels and a 4-star country house)
- Flights
- Not included. You book; timing tips in your pre-trip guide
Day by day
Day 1 and day 8 are travel days. Every train ride and drive is mapped in your plan, and the order of the days in between can shift with the weather.
Day 1Welcome to Edinburgh
The tram from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre, about 35 minutes (ticket booked), then a short walk to your hotel. An easy first evening on the Royal Mile.
Stay: Motel One Edinburgh-Royal (3-star), on Market Street by the Royal Mile (night 1 of 7).
Stay: Motel One Edinburgh-Royal (3-star), on Market Street by the Royal Mile (night 1 of 7).
Day 2Edinburgh Old Town and the Castle
Walk the Royal Mile and the Old Town’s closes, then Edinburgh Castle and the Crown Jewels of Scotland (tickets booked). A small-group Royal Mile walking tour is an optional add-on. Free evening: Calton Hill at sunset, or a walk up Arthur’s Seat.
Stay: Motel One Edinburgh-Royal (3-star), on Market Street by the Royal Mile (night 2 of 7).
Stay: Motel One Edinburgh-Royal (3-star), on Market Street by the Royal Mile (night 2 of 7).
Day 3The Highland train to Inverness
Train from Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness, about 3 hours 30 minutes through Pitlochry, the Drumochter Pass and the Cairngorms (ticket booked), then a short taxi to your hotel. Free evening by the River Ness.
Stay: Kingsmills Hotel (4-star), in Inverness, with a pool and spa (night 3 of 7).
Stay: Kingsmills Hotel (4-star), in Inverness, with a pool and spa (night 3 of 7).
Day 4Loch Ness and Culloden
A guided Loch Ness tour from Inverness with a cruise on the loch and time at Urquhart Castle (booked, castle ticket included). In the afternoon, the local bus to Culloden Battlefield and its visitor centre (tickets booked).
Stay: Kingsmills Hotel (4-star), in Inverness, with a pool and spa (night 4 of 7).
Stay: Kingsmills Hotel (4-star), in Inverness, with a pool and spa (night 4 of 7).
Day 5Road trip to Skye
Pick up your car in Inverness (booked). Drive west through Glen Moriston and Glen Shiel to Eilean Donan Castle, about 1 hour 45 minutes (tickets booked), then over the Skye Bridge to Portree, about 1 hour.
Stay: The Royal Hotel (3-star), on the harbour in Portree, Isle of Skye (night 5 of 7).
Stay: The Royal Hotel (3-star), on the harbour in Portree, Isle of Skye (night 5 of 7).
Day 6The Isle of Skye
Drive the Trotternish loop: the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing. In the afternoon, the Fairy Pools at Glen Brittle when the weather allows, with a Talisker Distillery tour and tasting as an optional add-on.
Stay: The Royal Hotel (3-star), on the harbour in Portree, Isle of Skye (night 6 of 7).
Stay: The Royal Hotel (3-star), on the harbour in Portree, Isle of Skye (night 6 of 7).
Day 7Ferry, Glenfinnan and Glencoe
Drive to Armadale for the ferry to Mallaig with your car (booked), then the Road to the Isles past the sands of Morar, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and monument, and on to Glencoe, about 2 hours from Mallaig.
Stay: Isles of Glencoe Hotel (3-star), on Loch Leven at Ballachulish, with a pool (night 7 of 7).
Stay: Isles of Glencoe Hotel (3-star), on Loch Leven at Ballachulish, with a pool (night 7 of 7).
Day 8Home
Drive through Glencoe and across Rannoch Moor to Edinburgh Airport, about 2 hours 45 minutes, and return your car there, timed to your flight.
Day by day
Day 1 and day 8 are travel days. Your driver-guide plans each drive with stops, and the order of the days in between can shift with the weather.
Day 1Welcome to Edinburgh
A private driver meets you at Edinburgh Airport and takes you to your hotel (booked). Settle in at The Caledonian, with the Castle lit up above Princes Street Gardens. A 60-minute spa treatment is an optional add-on.
Stay: The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton (5-star), at the west end of Princes Street (night 1 of 7).
Stay: The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton (5-star), at the west end of Princes Street (night 1 of 7).
Day 2Edinburgh Old Town and the Castle
A private 3-hour walk of the Old Town and the Royal Mile with a local guide, then Edinburgh Castle and the Crown Jewels of Scotland (tickets booked). In the evening, you can add a private Premium & Rare whisky tasting with a whisky expert (optional add-on).
Stay: The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton (5-star), at the west end of Princes Street (night 2 of 7).
Stay: The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton (5-star), at the west end of Princes Street (night 2 of 7).
Day 3North through Highland Perthshire
Your driver-guide collects you after breakfast. Over the Forth bridges and north through Perthshire, with time in Pitlochry and at the Queen’s View over Loch Tummel, then over the Drumochter Pass and through the Cairngorms to Inverness.
Stay: Ness Walk (5-star), on the River Ness in Inverness, breakfast included (night 3 of 7).
Stay: Ness Walk (5-star), on the River Ness in Inverness, breakfast included (night 3 of 7).
Day 4Loch Ness and Culloden
Along Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle (tickets booked), then Culloden Battlefield and its visitor centre (tickets booked) and the 4,000-year-old standing stones at Clava Cairns.
Stay: Ness Walk (5-star), on the River Ness in Inverness, breakfast included (night 4 of 7).
Stay: Ness Walk (5-star), on the River Ness in Inverness, breakfast included (night 4 of 7).
Day 5Over the sea to Skye
West through Glen Moriston and Glen Shiel to Eilean Donan Castle (tickets booked), then over the Skye Bridge to Kinloch Lodge on the Sleat peninsula.
Stay: Kinloch Lodge (4-star country house), on the Sleat peninsula, Isle of Skye, breakfast included (night 5 of 7).
Stay: Kinloch Lodge (4-star country house), on the Sleat peninsula, Isle of Skye, breakfast included (night 5 of 7).
Day 6The Isle of Skye
With your driver: the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing on the Trotternish peninsula, the Fairy Pools at Glen Brittle when the weather allows, and a Talisker Cask Draw & Tasting at the distillery (booked).
Stay: Kinloch Lodge (4-star country house), on the Sleat peninsula, Isle of Skye, breakfast included (night 6 of 7).
Stay: Kinloch Lodge (4-star country house), on the Sleat peninsula, Isle of Skye, breakfast included (night 6 of 7).
Day 7Ferry, Glenfinnan and Glencoe
The ferry from Armadale to Mallaig with your driver and car (booked), the Road to the Isles past the silver sands of Morar, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and monument, then on to Glencoe.
Stay: Glencoe House (5-star suites), in its own grounds above Loch Leven, breakfast included (night 7 of 7).
Stay: Glencoe House (5-star suites), in its own grounds above Loch Leven, breakfast included (night 7 of 7).
Day 8Home
Your driver takes you through Glencoe and Rannoch Moor to Edinburgh Airport, about 2 hours 45 minutes (or to Glasgow Airport, about 2 hours), timed to your flight.
Map
Your route at a glance.
Expand map
By roadTrain / Ferry
- 1Edinburgh Airport
- 2Edinburgh
- 3Inverness
- 4Urquhart Castle
- 5Culloden Battlefield
- 6Eilean Donan Castle
- 7Portree
- 8Old Man of Storr
- 9Kilt Rock
- 10Quiraing
- 11Talisker Distillery
- 12Fairy Pools
- 13Armadale
- 14Mallaig
- 15Glenfinnan
- 16Ballachulish
What’s included
Included
- 7 nights in 4 hotels: Motel One Edinburgh-Royal, Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness (4-star), The Royal Hotel in Portree and Isles of Glencoe Hotel, with taxes and the Edinburgh visitor levy
- The airport tram into Edinburgh, and the train from Edinburgh to Inverness
- A rental car with automatic gears for 4 days, Inverness to Edinburgh Airport, with the one-way fee, an allowance for fuel, and parking
- Edinburgh Castle tickets
- A guided Loch Ness tour with a cruise and Urquhart Castle
- Tickets for Culloden Battlefield and Eilean Donan Castle
- The Armadale to Mallaig ferry for you and the car
- A day-by-day plan with every drive mapped, and one point of contact from booking to landing
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals and drinks
- Taxis in Edinburgh and Inverness
- Extra car insurance, a second driver and any traffic or parking fines
- Tips
- Personal spending
Optional add-ons: Talisker Distillery Tour and Tasting ($50 per person), Small-Group Royal Mile Walking Tour ($65 per person). Add them in the booking box or in Attractions.
Getting around: Edinburgh is a walking city, so no car there. The tram and the Highland train are booked, and a guided tour covers Loch Ness. Your car is ready in Inverness on day 5, when the roads get quiet and the views get big, and you drop it at Edinburgh Airport on your last day. Scotland drives on the left, and Skye has some single-track roads with passing places; your day-by-day plan maps every drive.
What’s included
Included
- 7 nights in 4 hotels: The Caledonian Edinburgh (5-star), Ness Walk (5-star), Kinloch Lodge on Skye and Glencoe House (5-star), with taxes and the Edinburgh visitor levy
- Breakfast at Ness Walk, Kinloch Lodge and Glencoe House
- Private driver-guide and executive car for 6 days, from Edinburgh to Inverness, Skye, Glencoe and the airport
- Private arrival transfer from Edinburgh Airport
- Private 3-hour Edinburgh Old Town walk and Edinburgh Castle tickets
- Tickets for Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield and Eilean Donan Castle
- Talisker Cask Draw & Tasting on Skye
- The Armadale to Mallaig ferry for you and the car
- A day-by-day plan, and one point of contact from booking to landing
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Breakfast in Edinburgh, and lunches, dinners and drinks except the tastings listed
- Tips for your driver-guide and guides
- Optional extras (a helicopter flight, a private boat on Loch Ness, golf at St Andrews)
- Personal spending
Optional add-ons: Private Whisky Tasting for 2 ($955 per booking), Spa Treatment at The Caledonian ($295 per person). Add them in the booking box or in Attractions.
Getting around: No driving for you. A private driver meets you at the airport, and from day 3 your driver-guide and executive car (a Mercedes V-Class for a group of 4) are yours for the day, every day, through to your flight home. Drives are planned with stops, and your driver adjusts the day to the weather.
Which accommodations? Comfort Plus hotels are 3-star or better: nice, clean and comfortable. Superior hotels are 4-star and 5-star, or the finest in the area, and a few days change (see Day by day). See the difference
Choose your accommodations
The same trip at two accommodation levels. Superior adds better hotels and a few special days; the price changes with it.
| Accommodations | Comfort PlusFrom$3,699per person, 2 sharing | SuperiorFrom$11,139per person, 2 sharing |
|---|---|---|
| Where you stay | 3-star or better: nice, clean and comfortable | 4-star and 5-star, or the finest in the area |
| Hotels | 7 nights in 4 hotels: Motel One Edinburgh-Royal, Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness (4-star), The Royal Hotel in Portree and Isles of Glencoe Hotel, with taxes and the Edinburgh visitor levy | 7 nights in 4 hotels: The Caledonian Edinburgh (5-star), Ness Walk (5-star), Kinloch Lodge on Skye and Glencoe House (5-star), with taxes and the Edinburgh visitor levy |
| Getting around | Tram and train (tickets booked), a guided Loch Ness tour, then a rental car for days 5 to 8 | A private driver-guide and car for days 3 to 8, and a private airport pickup |
| Highlights | Edinburgh on foot; The Highland train and Loch Ness; Your own road trip | Edinburgh, privately; Your own driver-guide; Skye in style |
| Pace | Moderate: 4 hotels, 2 nights in most places, drives of 1 to 3 hours with stops | Moderate: 4 hotels, 2 nights in most places, scenic drives of 2 to 4 hours with stops |
| Choose Comfort Plus | Choose Superior |
Questions
What’s the difference between Comfort Plus and Superior?
Where you stay, and a few days of the trip. Comfort Plus hotels are 3-star or better: nice, clean and comfortable, but not luxury. Superior hotels are always 4-star or 5-star, or the finest in the area. Superior also changes how you travel: instead of the train, the Loch Ness tour and a rental car, your own driver-guide takes you from Edinburgh to Inverness, Skye and Glencoe, with a private airport pickup, and a private whisky tasting and a spa treatment as optional add-ons. Choose either one under Accommodations in the booking box; the price, the day-by-day plan and the inclusions update right away.
What if I need to cancel?
Plans change. If you need to cancel, you'll receive trip credit toward another itsTripEasy trip: within 24 hours of payment, 100% trip credit, so you can swap to a different destination; 90 or more days before your trip start date, 100% trip credit; less than 90 days before, no trip credit, unless you added Flexible Cancellation: with it, you get 100% trip credit if you cancel at least 10 days before your trip start date, for a trip you take within 12 months. Other trip credits never expire. To cancel or change your dates, use the cancellation request form. For a date change, choose the reason "I'd like to change my dates".
How many people can share a room?
Rooms on this trip hold 1 or 2 people. The booking box offers own room or 2 sharing. A group of 3 is booked into 1 shared room and 1 own room; a group of 4 into 2 shared rooms, all on one booking. For a larger group, use Plan My Trip.
What is the driving like?
Good question. You drive on days 5 to 8 only, on good main roads with some single-track roads on Skye, which have passing places. Scotland drives on the left, and the car has automatic gears. The longest day is the last one, about 2 hours 45 minutes to Edinburgh Airport. You need a full driving license held for at least a year.
Is August a good time to go?
August is festival month in Edinburgh, which is lively and busy, and hotel rates are at their highest. May, June and September have long days and fewer crowds. Hotel availability is confirmed for your dates before anything is booked.
Do I need a car?
Only for days 5 to 8. Edinburgh is walkable, the tram and train are booked, and a guided tour covers Loch Ness. You pick up the car in Inverness and drop it at Edinburgh Airport.
Are flights included?
Flights are up to you, and your pre-trip guide includes timing tips so your arrival and departure fit the plan. On day 8 you reach Edinburgh Airport at about 1 PM, so a flight home after 3 PM works best.
Can the trip be customized?
Yes, right in the booking box: add up to 3 extra nights at the start or end of your trip, pick your hotels (Comfort Plus or Superior), and choose how many travelers share each room.
What if I need to cancel?
Plans change. If you need to cancel, you'll receive trip credit toward another itsTripEasy trip: within 24 hours of payment, 100% trip credit, so you can swap to a different destination; 90 or more days before your trip start date, 100% trip credit; less than 90 days before, no trip credit, unless you added Flexible Cancellation: with it, you get 100% trip credit if you cancel at least 10 days before your trip start date, for a trip you take within 12 months. Other trip credits never expire. To cancel or change your dates, use the cancellation request form. For a date change, choose the reason "I'd like to change my dates".
How many people can share a room?
Rooms on this trip hold 1 or 2 people. The booking box offers own room or 2 sharing. A group of 3 is booked into 1 shared room and 1 own room; a group of 4 into 2 shared rooms, all on one booking. For a larger group, use Plan My Trip.
What is the private driver-guide like?
Good question. Your driver-guide is a local professional who knows the Highlands and Skye well. The car is yours for the day, so you can stop for a view, a walk or lunch whenever you like, and your driver plans around the weather. The driver’s own lodging is included.
Is August a good time to go?
August is festival month in Edinburgh, which is lively and busy, and hotel rates are at their highest. May, June and September have long days and fewer crowds. Hotel availability is confirmed for your dates before anything is booked.
Do I need a car?
No. Your driver-guide does all the driving from day 3, and a private driver meets you at the airport.
Are flights included?
Flights are up to you, and your pre-trip guide includes timing tips so your arrival and departure fit the plan. On day 8 you reach Edinburgh Airport at about 1 PM, so a flight home after 3 PM works best.
Can the trip be customized?
Yes, right in the booking box: add up to 3 extra nights at the start or end of your trip, pick your hotels (Comfort Plus or Superior), and choose how many travelers share each room.
Optional add-ons
Make your trip a little more special. Add one here or in the booking box. Tours are priced per person; private guides, transfers and tastings for two are one price per booking. Each add-on goes into your cart as its own item. Some add-ons are for one accommodation level only.
Small-Group Royal Mile Walking Tour
Comfort Plus only
A small-group walking tour of the Royal Mile and the closes of Edinburgh's Old Town with a local guide.
$65 per person
Private Whisky Tasting for 2
Superior only
A private Premium and Rare whisky tasting in Edinburgh with a whisky expert, just for the two of you.
$955 per booking, up to 2 travelers
Spa Treatment at The Caledonian
Superior only
A treatment and time in the spa at The Caledonian, with the Castle view outside.
$295 per person
Good to know
- Weather and nature. Weather, road, ferry and natural conditions are outside anyone’s control and can change quickly. They may change the plan, close roads, delay or cancel ferries, or delay, shorten or cancel tours and activities, and the order of days may shift.
- Your choices. You are responsible for your own decisions, safety and choices while traveling, including which activities you take part in, and following local guidance, posted warnings and your guides’ instructions.
- Photos. Photos on this page are for inspiration. They may not show the exact location, hotel, season or conditions of your trip.
- Not included. Flights aren’t included; you book those yourself.
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