Original
Explorer
Rail
Highlights of Scotland
4.4
Very Good
72 reviews
8 days
Start
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Finish
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Trip Code
BWSS
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
7 breakfasts
Transport
Train, Private vehicle, Ferry, On foot
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)
From £2,376(8 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Embark on a world-renowned train journey through the breathtaking Highlands along the iconic West Highland Railway, with stunning views of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Discover Fort William, where you'll relish breath-taking views of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak.
Take a private bus tour of the captivating Trotternish Peninsula on Skye.
Set out on a scenic boat excursion across the mystical waters of Loch Ness, with the possibility of a lucky sighting of its famous inhabitant.
Join a walking tour of Edinburgh led by a local specialist, offering a unique perspective while supporting a social enterprise that empowers individuals with lived experience of homelessness to become guides.
Is this trip right for you?
This trip does require some level of fitness, we utilize public transport where possible so between hotels and bus/train stops, walking with luggage is required. If you feel you would prefer a taxi, please speak with your group leader. Taxis are not included in the cost. Also please be mindful of the remoteness of the locations for availability and any wait times.
The hike on the Isle of Skye is moderate with stops, however there may be uneven or wet terrain underfoot. This activity can be opted out should you wish to refrain from participating. Distance approx 3-5 km / 1-2 hours.
There is a walking tour in Edinburgh, circa 3 hours (with stops). Edinburgh is a hilly city with narrow cobbled streets and steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Should you have any reason to feel that you may not be able to partake in any of the activities, or need additional assistance/ support, please let us know as soon as possible so we can help.
Itinerary
Discover the highlights of the Highlands on this Scottish adventure
Picture yourself standing before ancient castles that guard misty lochs and on stunning cliffs with waterfalls cascading down — this is Scotland. From the brightly coloured murals on the bustling streets of Glasgow, to Fort William, an adventurer's playground, you’ll spend eight days exploring cobblestone streets and grassy landscapes. Explore the mystical Isle of Skye and mythological Loch Ness, where the murky depths hide a Scottish legend. See Inverness, vibrant and historic and learn tales of battles and folklore. End your journey in Edinburgh, a city of contrasts, where the old and new coexist, where nature and culture and where every corner holds a piece of history. With the right balance of small-group adventure and free time to explore, this trip will allow Scotland's unique magic to captivate your heart.
Inclusions
Meals
7 breakfasts
Transport
Train, Private vehicle, Ferry, On foot
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)
Included activities
Fort William - West Highland Railway Line train journey
Isle of Skye - Leader-led Whisky Tasting
Glenfinnan - Railway Viaduct view
Isle of Skye - Guided hike
Isle of Skye - Guided private bus tour of Trotternish Peninsula
Fort Augustus - Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Inverness - Culloden Battlefield visit
Inverness - River Ness walk
Edinburgh - Invisible Cities guided walking tour
Optional activities
Glasgow - Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - Free
Glasgow - City Centre Mural Trail - Free
Glasgow - Tennent's Brewery Tour - GBP17
Glasgow - Royal Botanic Gardens - GBP3
Glasgow - Britannia Panopticon - Free
Glasgow - Cathedral and Necropolis - Free
Glasgow - Hunterian Art Gallery - Free
Glasgow - Pollok Country Park & The Burrell Collection - GBP8
Glasgow - Afternoon Tea at the Willow Tea Rooms (from) - GBP13
Fort William - Nevis Range Gondola - GBP26
Edinburgh - Castle Visit - GBP20
Edinburgh - National Museum of Scotland - Free
Edinburgh - The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour - GBP16
Edinburgh - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - GBP7
Edinburgh - The Queen’s Gallery at Holyroodhouse - GBP13
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1.A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip involves frequent public transport (train and local bus). You will be expected to carry your luggage from the transport terminal to the accommodation, up to 1km/0.7miles (approx. 10-15 mins) walk so we advise packing light for this trip.
3. If you’d like extending your exploration of Scotland, consider joining one of our other adventures on Orkney or Shetland Islands. Just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Reviews (73)
5 stars
55
4 stars
7
3 stars
4
2 stars
4
1 star
3
Leah
Oct 11, 2025
Heather
Oct 06, 2025
Highlights of Scotland was my first solo trip. The variety of hikes, tours, and transportation with a small group is why I chose this trip. Graham was a knowledgeable trip leader and the extra hikes were fantastic. It was great to travel with like minded people and support local businesses. It was a trip I won't forget.
Vasiliki
Oct 03, 2025
What an amazing trip! From exploring the Highlands and tasting Scotch whisky, to (hopefully) spotting the Loch Ness Monster, savoring Scottish salmon and sweets, and ending the day with a beer and live music at a local pub — it was all unforgettable. Such a perfect introduction to the Highlands with Intrepid, made even better by our fantastic tour leader. Thanks so much, Graham!
Mary-Ann
Oct 03, 2025
My husband and I were not keen to drive around the UK. This tour definitely covered that by using trains. My husband first pick for transportation. We packed about 14 kg in each luggage. I would strongly advice not to bring any more weight than 14kg. Or 2 suitcases. It is extremely hard to move on trains with heavy luggage. The weather was prefect but it is cold. We went in September but the weather was cold. Make sure you bring enough layers on clothing to keep you warm. The accommodation was good. You need to have good fitness level.
Pam
Sep 16, 2025
Highlights of Scotland was just that. As a first time visitor to Scotland I felt the trip covered a lot and gave a real taste of the beautiful Highlands and culture I want to go back and experience more!
David
Aug 31, 2025
I have now participated in three Intrepid adventures, and have greatly enjoyed every one of them. l like that they lead small groups of us with a knowledgeable, usually local, leader. I like that they have a focus on the health and safety of each traveller. I like that they emphasize learning and experiencing local lifestyles, cuisine, and customs, so that travellers gain a better understanding and respect for their cultures. The trips have been excellent and have helped me to better understand the history and culture of the places I've visited.
James
Aug 28, 2025
Somehow both relaxing and stimulating...that is this trip in a nutshell. Sitting on a beach somewhere is rejuvenating but boring and cultural adventures are fascinating, but taxing. This trip combines the ease of one with the fun of the other! It has a lot of great planned activities--historical sites, romps, cultural tours--but they are spread out among long interludes enjoying the highland scenery through a train's window, over ferry's railing, or on a hotel's patio. I started and finished my vacation read without missing a single visit, tour, or meal, and still had time to stare at horizons, make some friends, and learn a lot about Scotland. Try doing that on a beach!
Christine
Aug 23, 2025
It was a spontanes trip of me and an amazing expierience. All was well organized, I saw nice places, met fantastic people and with Laurence we had an extraordinary guide! Thank you 🌷
Martina
Aug 15, 2025
I really liked the organisation in this tour. Everything was taken care of, and if we got time of we got recommondations. I really liked the itinery and how much I was able to learn about Scotland. Our guide was really nice and always open to questions and just talks. It was a really nice time.
Lauren
Jul 16, 2025
My Intrepid trip to Scotland was a delight. Everything was organized and well prepared and the itinerary allowed me to experience so much of the country. Our group leader was wonderful, knowledgeable and took great care of us.
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