Description

This tour combines a some of Scotland's most popular attractions; Stirling Castle, the Scottish Highlands, Jacobite Steam Train and the Isle of Skye. Our private tours are conducted by Professional Qualified Blue Badge guides accredited from the Scottish Tourist Guide Association. This tour can be customized to your preference. Below are some suggestions for a 4 day itinerary...

Day 1  Your personal guide can pick you up from Edinburgh or Glasgow. We begin by going to Stirling, the most important place in Scotland. Its earns the nickname "Brooch of Scotland" from the many historical fought in this area. Here we have a few options for visits; the mighty Stirling Castle or the Wallace Monument or Doune Castle or Deanston Distillery. We can not see all of these as time is limited. Enquire to discuss.

We the begin our journey to the Highlands! Passing through some of Scotand’s most iconic scenery; the desolate moorlands of Ranoch Moor and Glencoe. A very historic region, home to Clan MacDonald and a horrific massacre in 1692. Also used in movies including Highlander, Braveheart and James Bond: Skyfall.

Ending the day in the Highland Town of Fort William. Considered the outdoor sports capital of Scotland you will see many adventurous people in town. There is not much of the fort left but when taking a stroll of the town you can explore the one remaining corner. 

Day 2  In the morning you will take a ride on the fantastic Jacobite Steam Train. The train operated from 1901 to 1967, but then reinstated in 1984. Harry Potter style cabins are available but limited.

There is a stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was used in the movie for the Hogwarts Express. The Viaduct itself was built during the construction of the rail line by Robert MacAlpine otherwise known as Concrete Bob as that was the material used. The train lets you off at the seaside town of Mallaig.

From here we take the ferry Over the Sea to Skye. It's a short 30minute crossing with, once more, opportunities to capture stunning photos to amaze your friends! In the town of Armadale is the Clan Donald centre which tells the tumultuous tale of the Clan and the island. The gardens are stunning and varied with many rare plants flourishing.

We then drive through the diverse scenery only Skye can offer. From rugged mountain to heather covered moors to sand covered shores, the drive itself is yet another highlight of this tour.

Overnight will be in Broadford or Portree

Day 3 Northern Skye landscapes and geological formations make you feel as if you are on another planet. With some of the oldest rock in the world you will be walking in the footsteps of the dinosaurs. Take a journey up to the Trotternish Peninsula with some great photographic opportunities, places like Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and The Quiraing. The Museum of Island Life has a display of thatched cottages as they would have been up to the 18th century.

Dunvegan Castle in Waternish is one of the most continuously in habited castles in Scotland. It has been a stronghold for the Chiefs of Macleod for nearly 800 years..

For those whisky lovers there is also an opportunity to visit Talisker Distillery. Similar to other island whiskies peat is used to give a smoky fiery flavour.

Overnight will be in Broadford or Portree (option to customise tour and have the 2nd overnight on the shores of Loch Ness)


Day 4 Crossing to the mainland over the Skye Bridge we begin a spectacular journey towards Inverness. We stop first at the 'must-see' Scottish castle Eilean Donan Castle, an iconic image of Highland Scotland and used as the backdrop for the movie Highlander. It was perfectly restored after naval bombardment in 1719.

Next the tour takes us past the five distinctly pointed summits of the Five Sisters of Kintail - a high mountain ridge rising steeply from valley floor to 3,501 feet. Here in Glen Shiel we see the site of a battle fought in the same 1719 campaign.

We will take a lunch break by the banks of the famous Loch Ness. Here you have the opportunity to go hunting for the much loved Loch Ness Monster. 

After we continue our long journey back to Edinburgh. First we pass by Inverness then through the Cairngorms Mountains. A short stop will be made at the Victorian town of Pitlochry. Arriving to Edinburgh for about 7pm.
 

Private Tour to Stirling, Glencoe, Fort William, Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle