The Experience
Day by Day
Edinburgh to Oban
We depart Edinburgh and make our way to the world’s largest equine sculptures, the Kelpies, located in Falkirk. Heading further north, we pass the city of Stirling with its stunning castle, catching mighty views of the towering Wallace Monument. Then it’s time to enter the rugged Scottish Highlands!
We pass Doune Castle, a medieval stronghold that many will recognise as Castle Leoch from Outlander, or Winterfell from the first episode of Game of Thrones. Our adventure takes us to Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most famous Highland valleys – describing Glen Coe as staggering at this time of year would be an understatement. Our home for the night is the pretty fishing town of Oban, a bustling hub for fresh seafood and Scottish live music. Time to grab a drink with your new travel buddies! (Overnight: Oban)
Edinburgh → Oban
Oban to Isle of Skye
This morning, we travel to the Isle of Skye through the Highlands, taking in epic mountains, lochs, and glens. Get ready to take the ultimate shot of the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, often referred to as the most beautiful railway in the world and used as a film setting for Harry Potters’ magical ride on the Hogwarts Express. Scotland in winter gives these landscapes an enchanted edge – misty, moody, and seriously epic. We pass the iconic Eilean Donan Castle and head towards the Isle of Skye, where we will be spending the night in the picturesque town Portree. (Overnight: Portree)
Oban → Portree
Isle of Skye to Inverness
Gear up for a morning exploring a wee bit more of the Isle of Skye's wild beauty! Breathe in the fresh air amidst windswept mountains and rugged coastlines, and witness legends come alive as you explore awe-inspiring sites like Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr.
We head back to the mainland to catch a glimpse of Eilean Donan Castle, a true icon among Scotland’s many beautiful castles. Visit the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre*, where you'll learn about Scotland's ancient Caledonian Forest and the inspiring work of the charity Trees For Life, before settling into our hostel accommodation in Inverness for the next two nights. (Overnight: Inverness)
Portree → Inverness
Inverness
This morning, we get the ultimate opportunity to search for the legendary Loch Ness monster on an optional boat cruise experience on Loch Ness. We head northwards to the lovely wee town of Beauly. Used as a filming location for Outlander, the ancient ruins of Beauly Priory date back to 1230AD. We complete our day with a visit to Culloden Battlefield where we learn about the bloody history and defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite’s in 1746. (Overnight: Inverness)
Inverness → Inverness
Inverness to Edinburgh
We kick off our final day with a visit to the mystical chamber cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns, known to have inspired the incredible TV series Outlander. Then, we make our way to a local whisky distillery to sample our best-loved national drink during an immersive distillery tour before returning to Edinburgh early evening.
Inverness → Edinburgh
Tour Highlights
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 3
Day 3
Day 3
Day 4
Day 4
Day 5
What's Included
Optional Experiences
These experiences can be added at checkout and are operated by independent local providers.
Culloden was the last battle fought on British soil, and the real-life story which inspired the hit series Outlander. Visiting the battlefield is an evocative experience, as you learn about the Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army, and the destruction of the highland clan culture in the aftermath.
In the Moment
Accommodation
You’ll be staying in authentic Highland hostels where you can swap stories, share a cuppa, and get to know other fellow travellers. They’re mixed-gender, multi-share accommodation, so you’re properly in the adventure together. We work with a few different hostels, which means the exact one may change, but they all tick the important boxes: comfy beds with fresh linen, great self-catering kitchens, secure storage, and laundry facilities. Most hostels have shared bathrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your 5-Day Highland Fling tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. Check out our departure info page for more details on your pick-up location.
Yes, hostel accommodation (mixed-gender, multi-share dorm) is included in the tour price. Our tours often team up with Highland Explorer Tours, which means that some of your fellow travellers will stay at B&B accommodation instead of hostels.
If staying at a B&B sounds more like your cup of tea, go check out Highland Explorer Tour’s itineraries.
We have made some of the activities optional so you can shape your adventure to your liking:
Reserve at the time of booking
- Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Pay locally on arrival at attraction
- Culloden Battlefield
Our hostels are handpicked by our crew to ensure that all our travellers enjoy a warm Scottish welcome. The specific hostel may vary, so we can't provide the exact details in advance. Rest assured, wherever you stay will be a cosy introduction to Scotland!
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences offered on our tours. They are chosen with great care based on the positive environmental or social impact they have on Scotland's communities and those who experience them.
This tour includes the following MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience:
Visit at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre is dedicated to restoring the Caledonian Forest, aiming to revive Scotland's ancient habitat that has dwindled to less than 1% of its original extent. During your visit, you will learn about the Caledonian Forest, rewilding efforts, and go on a relaxed woodland walk to see the rewilding success in action.
Meals are not included in your tour. Most hostels offer cooking facilities, allowing you to prepare your own meals. Essential ingredients and read-made meals are available near your hostel and the stops we make during the day. Alternatively, your guide can provide fantastic restaurant and bar recommendations for a taste of local delights!
Some of our tours run in conjunction with our mates at Highland Explorer Tours, creating a diverse mix of couples, friends, and solo adventurers. If you're looking for a HAGGiS-only trip, with groups exclusively staying in hostel accommodation, check out the 3-Day Easter in Scotland tour.