Edinburgh - Oban

The Kelpies & The Helix - Leaving Edinburgh, the journey heads west to the magnificent Kelpies – 30-foot tall metal horse sculptures, located at the entrance to the Forth and Clyde Canals, honoring Central Scotland’s industrial heritage. These sculptures are quickly becoming one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, offering a perfect photo opportunity.

Luss Pier - Crossing the Kingston Bridge over the River Clyde, the tour proceeds north to the village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. Now in the Highlands, visitors can catch their first sight of Ben Lomond on the opposite bank – the southernmost of Scotland’s 282 Munros (mountains over 3000 feet).

Rest and be Thankful - Continuing north to Arrochar, nestled on the edge of Loch Long at the base of the Arrochar Alps, the tour ascends the steep pass of Rest and be Thankful for a lunch stop in Inveraray, the seat of Clan Campbell and Dukes of Argyll. The town, known for its oysters and seafood, is surrounded by the sea waters of Loch Fyne.

Dunadd Fort - After lunch, the route follows Loch Fyne to Lochgilphead, then turns north to Dunadd Iron Age Fort. This was the coronation site for the kings and queens of Dalriada, the ancient Gaelic-speaking kingdom that spanned Ulster in northeast Ireland and Argyll. The site is significant today as the people of Dalriada eventually formed the nation known as Scotland. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of royalty by taking the short, steep path to the hill’s summit and placing their bare foot on the same rock as the Dalriadic monarchs during their coronation.

Kilmartin Museum - From the summit of Dunadd, the views extend north to Kilmartin Glen, one of Europe’s richest Neolithic sites. The Glen is home to numerous ancient standing stones, rock carvings, and burial chambers. The final stop of the day is at Kilmartin Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the people who lived and worshipped in this area for the last six thousand years. There is also time to explore some nearby standing stones and burial chambers.

Oban - Arrival in Oban is around 6:30 PM at the central drop-off - 1 Station Rd, Oban, PA34 4NU. The evening is free to explore the city or join fellow travelers for a meal in a local restaurant or traditional pub. Accommodation in Oban must be booked independently, but assistance is available if needed.

Oban - Portree

Glencoe Visitor Centre - Departing Oban, the tour travels along Loch Linnhe through the Great Glen to the first stop in Glencoe. Known as one of Scotland’s most impressive glens, the towering peaks witnessed the infamous Massacre of Glencoe in 1692. The driver guide will explain this pivotal event in Highland history, which fueled the Jacobite Rebellions for years. There will be time for a short hike and photos before heading to the next location – Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct.

Glenfinnan Viaduct - Glenfinnan offers something for everyone, set on the edge of the fjord-like Loch Shiel. It is where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Royal Stuart Standard on August 17, 1745, initiating the last Jacobite Rebellion, which nearly changed history but ended in defeat at the Battle of Culloden. Glenfinnan Viaduct is also famous among Harry Potter fans as the railway bridge crossed by the Hogwarts Express. Climb the hill for the best views of the Monument to the 1745 Rebellion and the Viaduct.

Ben Nevis Distillery - An optional tour of Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery is available, showcasing the process of making and maturing Scotland’s most famous export. The tour concludes with a taste of Ben Nevis single malt whisky – the true “water of life.”

Lunch is in Fort William, the second-largest town in the Highlands (after Inverness), where the ruined fort was destroyed by Jacobite forces at the start of the 1745 Rebellion.

Commando Monument - The next stop is the impressive Commando Memorial statue, honoring commandos who trained nearby during World War II. Erected in 1951, the statue is a tribute to these brave young men, offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, including Ben Nevis - the tallest in Scotland and the UK. From the Commando Memorial, it’s a short drive to the charming village of Fort Augustus.

Loch Ness - In Fort Augustus, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along part of the Caledonian Canal. However, most are drawn to the other side of the village to view Scotland’s most famous loch and possibly spot a monster in the deep, dark waters of Loch Ness. Fort Augustus is at the southern tip of Loch Ness, offering a view of the entire 24-mile (38km) length of the loch – perfect for Nessie spotting.

Eilean Donan Castle - The route now leads into some of the Highlands’ most spectacular scenery, passing through Glenshiel and the iconic Five Sisters of Kintail to the meeting point of three sea lochs – Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh – the stunning setting for Eilean Donan Castle. Seat of Clan MacRae, Eilean Donan is possibly the most photographed structure in Scotland and has appeared in films like Highlander, Entrapment, Rob Roy, The World Is Not Enough, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Made of Honor. There is time for an audio-guided tour of the castle (£9 per adult) before the final leg of the day’s tour, crossing the Skye Bridge to Skye for an overnight stay in Portree.

Portree - Arrival in Portree is around 6:30 PM at the central drop-off - Somerled Square, Portree, IV51 9BS. The evening is free to explore the area or join fellow travelers for a meal in a local seafood restaurant or traditional pub. Portree is very busy, so advance bookings for evening activities are strongly recommended.

Accommodation in Portree must be booked independently, but assistance is available if needed. Portree is the most expensive location on the tour for accommodation, so early booking and direct contact with suppliers for the best rates are advised.

Portree - Inverness

Quiraing - Waking up to a hearty Scottish breakfast on the Isle of Skye is a delight. As the tour heads north from Portree to explore the Trotternish Peninsula, visitors can relax and enjoy the sights as the guide takes them to the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing. While geological explanations exist for these landscapes, local folklore involving Fairies, Fishermen, and Giants is more intriguing.

Skye Museum of Island Life - In Kilmuir, in the far north of Skye, sits the Museum of Island Life (open April-October). Housed in ancient, stone-built thatched roof cottages known as Black Houses, the museum is filled with domestic, farming, and fishing artifacts, offering a glimpse into island life on Skye a hundred years ago. Visitors may hear the lilting sound of Gaelic, the ancient language of the Highlands and Islands, spoken fluently by the museum’s keepers.

Portree Harbour - As the tour loops around north Skye, clear days offer magnificent views across the sea - east to the Torridon Mountains and west to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The tour returns to Portree for lunch and perhaps some shopping in the town’s many craft and gift shops.

Sligachan Old Bridge - The Sligachan River flows majestically from the Black Cuillin Mountains, a magical location for the guide to share local folklore about the island’s Faeries and Giants.

Isle of Skye - Farewell to the Isle of Skye.

Plockton Harbour - After lunch, the tour heads south over the Cuillin Mountains, through Kyle of Lochalsh to Loch Carron, and the picturesque village of Plockton.

During the summer season (April-October), there is an option for a one-hour cruise with Calum’s Seal Tours. Calum, a local legend, guarantees seal sightings with a 100% money-back guarantee if not. Along with seal sightings and Calum’s unique commentary, lucky visitors might see Golden Eagles, White Tailed Sea Eagles, or even Sea Otters.

The cruise is currently unavailable due to Covid-19 restrictions.

For those preferring to stay on land, there is an option for a short hike through nearby woodland or to explore Plockton until it’s time to move on.

Inverness - Arrival in Inverness is around 6:30 PM at the city-center drop-off - 26 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1DJ. The evening is free to explore the city or join fellow travelers for a meal in a local restaurant or traditional Highland pub. Inverness offers a wide variety of establishments, whether trying the national dish of Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, with a dram of Scotch Whisky or a Local Organic Beer (try the Black Isle Brewery Bar!). During peak season, booking a table ahead is advisable for larger groups. After dinner, the world-famous Hootenanny bar is recommended, featuring traditional Scottish musicians every night.

Accommodation in Inverness must be booked independently, but assistance is available if needed.

Inverness - North West Highlands

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve - Crossing the Moray Firth via the Kessock bridge, the tour heads north and west to the wild and mountainous North West Highlands. This rugged landscape is among the most ancient in Europe, with mountains that have aged magnificently.

The first stop is Corrieshalloch Gorge, offering a beautiful walk through native Caledonian Forest around Scotland’s deepest gorge. For those with a head for heights, Sir John Fowler’s suspension footbridge provides a stunning view (not for the faint-hearted). The journey follows part of the legendary North Coast 500 Route, heading to Assynt, past the towering peaks of Suilven, Canisp, and Stac Polaidh, to the ancient ruin of Ardvreck Castle – once a stronghold of Clan MacKenzie, reminding of more turbulent times in the Highlands.

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve - After this fascinating slice of Scottish history, the tour heads to Knockan Crag. Here, visitors can learn about the area’s incredible geology and, if feeling energetic, take a high-level hike through hundreds of millions of years of history – the path is steep and narrow, suitable only for serious adventurers with sturdy footwear. For those not keen on hiking, Knockan Crag offers plenty of information about the beautiful landscape and the geologists who have studied it for the last two centuries.

Rogie Falls - After lunch, the next stop is Rogie Falls, featuring frothing water cascading down the falls and gentle trails through the forest. Once a commercially planted forest, the Forestry Commission is gradually removing non-native species, restoring the area to native Caledonian Forest. This creates an ideal environment for native flora and fauna, with many rare species of wildflower, fungi, lichens, and mosses visible at different times of the year. In late summer and autumn, there is a chance to see Atlantic Salmon leaping the falls – capturing this spectacle in a photograph requires quick reflexes.

Beauly Priory - From Rogie Falls, it’s a short drive to Beauly, a favorite town of Mary Queen of Scots, home to a 13th-century Priory funded by French monks and an important burial site for local Clans Fraser and MacKenzie. The name Beauly is thought to derive from the French Beau Lieu – beautiful place, and it truly is a beautiful village.

Urquhart Castle - There’s time for one more stop before returning to Inverness – a fantastic photo opportunity from a vantage point high above Urquhart Castle. This is the only castle on the banks of Loch Ness and has been an important stronghold and lookout post for around a thousand years. The tour then follows the River Ness back to the capital of the Highlands for the last night together – Saturday night in Inverness.

Inverness - Arrival in Inverness for the second evening is around 6:00 PM at the city-center drop-off - 26 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1DJ.

Inverness - St Andrews - Edinburgh

Clava Cairns - Departing Inverness, the tour dives into ancient history at Clava Cairns. These standing stones and burial chambers date back at least 4000 years. Their exact purpose remains a mystery, but many believe they inspired Diana Gabaldon’s Craigh na Dun in her Outlander novels.

Culloden Battlefield - The next stop is a key location in Outlander and a significant site in the history of the Highlands, Scotland, Britain, and the British Empire. Culloden Battlefield is where, on April 16, 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite Army was defeated by a larger, better-equipped Redcoat Army. This was the last battle on British soil, marking a turning point in history, ending the traditional Highland way of life, and beginning changes still felt today. The Battlefield is a moving place, sensitively cared for by the National Trust For Scotland.

Pitlochry VisitScotland iCentre - From Culloden, the tour heads south through the Cairngorms National Park for a quick break in Pitlochry and then to the final stop at the ancient east Fife town of St Andrews. With so much to see and do in St Andrews, a quick lunch is recommended to maximize time in the town.

St Andrews Cathedral - Known as The Home of Golf, St Andrews boasts four courses, including the famous Old Course, which has hosted more British Open tournaments than any other. No golf is played on Sundays, allowing visitors to walk across the course, check out the 1st tee, the 18th green, and pose for a photo on the world-famous Swilken Bridge – be careful not to fall in the burn. Serious golf enthusiasts might visit the British Golf Museum, located behind the Old Course Clubhouse.

St Andrews offers more than golf. This medieval walled town is home to St Andrews University, Scotland’s oldest and the third oldest in the English-speaking world. Visitors can wander the university buildings and imagine when Prince William met Kate Middleton here in the early 2000s.

The Scottish Protestant Reformation began in the 1540s at the University’s St Leonard’s College, significantly impacting Scotland and damaging St Andrews Cathedral. Despite the damage, enough remains to appreciate the beauty of this nearly 1400-year-old building and its importance to Scotland before the Reformation.

Entry to the Cathedral grounds is free, but those interested in Medieval Religious Architecture or seeking the best view of St Andrews can visit the Cathedral Museum and climb St Rule’s Tower (£5 per adult, £9 per adult joint ticket with Castle).

St Andrews also features a partially ruined castle on the sea’s edge. Visitors can explore the Bottleneck Dungeon, filled with freezing sea water at high tide, and the subterranean mine and counter mine from the siege of 1546-47. These passages are not for claustrophobics but are fun for all ages (£5 per adult, £9 per adult joint ticket with Cathedral Museum and St Rule’s Tower).

Leaving St Andrews is always difficult, but in the early evening, the tour winds through the fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife, across the Forth Road Bridge, with views of the 1890 Railway Bridge and the 2017 Queensferry Crossing.

Edinburgh Old Town - The tour concludes in Edinburgh around 6:00 PM.

• Regular Comfort Breaks
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• All fees and taxes included
• Live commentary and storytelling by an experienced ‘Hairy Coo’ driver-guide

• Food & Drinks
• Gratuities
• Accommodation in Edinburgh, Oban, Portree or Inverness
• Optional Extras, such as the Distillery Tour which is purchasable on tour.
• On-board restrooms
• On-board WiFi

Breathtaking scenery, beautiful Highland lochs, mountains and glens, ancient castles and historical sites, large vibrant cities and stunning locations. In 5 days we’ll show you all of these plus more of this wee country than any other tour of its length. All lead by your The Hairy Coo Guide.

Be amazed by the landscapes on this tour. From the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and ancient standing stones of Kilmartin to Oban. We will take you to beautiful Glencoe, Glenfinnan and the Great Glen. Tour a Scotch whisky distillery, ancient castles, Loch Ness and spend a night on the Isle of Skye. Take a seal spotting cruise on Loch Carron, and step back millions of years among the geological wonders of Scotland’s far North West Highlands.

Delve into the Jacobite Rebellions at Culloden Battlefield and locations from Outlander, Harry Potter and James Bond. Stroll across the world famous links of St Andrews Old Course and wander among the buildings of Scotland’s oldest University.

• Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
• This is an active tour designed for the young at heart as there is active walking involved up to 1 hour at a couple of our stops, so it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
• This tour in an air-conditioned mini-coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
• No toilets on the bus
• No WIFI
• If you would like to research other places to stay, we would kindly ask that you use our city/town centre drop-off/pick-up points to check how far away your choice will be. Oban – Station Road, PA34 4LN Portree - Somerled Square, IV51 9BS Inverness - Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN We are more than happy to help with recommendations for accommodation please contact us directly for this. We recommend you do this urgently as accommodation does get booked up quickly. We strongly recommend that you make a dinner reservation in Portree if you would like to dine in a pub or restaurant as it can be very busy (you will arrive in Portree at approximately 18.30pm).
• Luggage limit: 1x small bag and 1x medium suitcase weighing max 15kg (33 lbs) per passenger
• Please note: there may be seasonal changes to the route and optional extras from November to March.
• For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.