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Intrepid Travel · Small group escorted tour

Highlights of Scotland

Eight-day Scottish Highlands loop from Glasgow to Edinburgh by train and coach

Illustration of Highlights of Scotland

Intrepid Travel's eight-day Highlights of Scotland is a small-group escorted journey that departs Glasgow and ends in Edinburgh, threading through the Scottish Highlands. A trip leader accompanies the group throughout. The route relies on three rail segments: the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William (Day 2), its continuation to Mallaig and then ferry to the Isle of Skye (Day 3), and the ScotRail service from Inverness south to Edinburgh (Day 7). Between train journeys, private coach transfers move the group through Skye's dramatic Trotternish Peninsula, across Loch Ness by boat, and to Culloden Battlefield. Days balance structured activities (guided hikes, distillery tastings, Invisible Cities walking tours) with free time to explore on your own. The pace is moderate, with stays of one to two nights in each place, letting you settle in without rushing. Seven included breakfasts anchor each morning; lunches and dinners are your responsibility. Suited to first-time rail travellers, history enthusiasts, and solo travellers who prefer group structure.

What to know before you look closer

  • Lunches and dinners are not included; you arrange and pay for these meals on your own throughout the tour.
  • The Isle of Skye accommodation is a hotel or guesthouse; the final property depends on availability and the tier Intrepid selects.
  • Most days include activities or free time; Day 6 (Inverness) and Day 8 (Edinburgh) offer significant unguided exploration.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Glasgow

    Glasgow

    Welcome to Scotland! Your adventure begins in Glasgow – one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. Here, you'll find world famous art collections, Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture and some of the best shopping in the UK outside of London. You'll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a stroll along the River Clyde. After the meeting, get to know your new travel friends at a nearby restaurant or grab a 'fish supper' in the lively Merchant City.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Fort William

    Fort William

    This morning, take a short walk to the train station to catch an early morning train – the world-famous West Highland Line. This captivating railway journey from Glasgow to Fort William takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. You'll arrive in Fort William in the early afternoon. In the afternoon, weather permitting, you can opt to join your leader on a hike into Glen Nevis, ascending to the summit of Cow Hill (approx. 3 hours, 10 km, 475 m elevation gain). The rest of the day is free.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Isle of Skye

    Glenfinnan / Isle of Skye

    Complete your train journey on the West Highland Line this morning, passing the imposing Ben Nevis and the enchanting Glenfinnan Viaduct (famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films). Follow the coastline before reaching the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Hop off the train and onto a ferry to the Isle of Skye – the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Transfer to your accommodation and enjoy free time. Total travel time approximately 2.5 hours.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Isle of Skye

    Isle of Skye

    Join your guide for a short morning hike (3 to 5 km, 1 to 2 hours) with a chance to spot native wildlife including otters and seals. After the hike, take a private bus tour to explore the Trotternish Peninsula, including the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, and Kilt Rock overlooking the cascading Mealt Falls. Stop at a local gallery or museum. Then transfer to a local whisky distillery for a tour and tasting session. Free evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Inverness

    Loch Ness / Highlands / Inverness

    Bid farewell to the Isle of Skye and board a private bus to travel over the iconic Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. Continue through picturesque landscapes to the charming village of Fort Augustus on the southern edge of Loch Ness. Enjoy a scenic public boat cruise on Loch Ness. After your boat excursion, head north to Inverness – the vibrant capital of the Highlands. Travel time approximately 2.5 hours.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Hop on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite rebellion came to an end in 1746. Visit the battlefield, then walk along the River Ness – a trail that weaves over small islands in the river, crosses a suspension bridge, and ends near a local arts centre with views of Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Take a morning train to Edinburgh (approx. 3.5 hours). Check into your accommodation, then take an insightful walking tour of the city (approx. 1.5 hours) with Invisible Cities – a social enterprise that trains locals who have experienced homelessness to become tour guides. Hear your local guide's personal experience of the city. The rest of the day is free to explore Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old and New Towns.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8

    Edinburgh

    With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Ride the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William, passing Ben Nevis and remote glens.
  • Day 3Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland Line continuation to Mallaig, then take a ferry to the Isle of Skye.
  • Day 4Tour the Trotternish Peninsula on Skye, visiting the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock above Mealt Falls, then attend a local whisky distillery tasting.
  • Day 5Cruise Loch Ness from Fort Augustus and continue north by coach to Inverness.
  • Day 7Take a morning train to Edinburgh and join an Invisible Cities walking tour led by a local guide who has experienced homelessness.

Included

  • 7 breakfasts
  • Hotel accommodation (7 nights)
  • West Highland Railway Line train journey (Glasgow to Fort William)
  • Leader-led hike in Fort William
  • Railway Viaduct view at Glenfinnan
  • Ferry from Mallaig to Isle of Skye
  • Guided hike on Isle of Skye
  • Guided private bus tour of Trotternish Peninsula (Isle of Skye)
  • Local distillery visit and tasting on Isle of Skye
  • Loch Ness boat cruise (Fort Augustus)
  • Culloden Battlefield visit (Inverness)
  • River Ness walk (Inverness)
  • Invisible Cities guided walking tour of Edinburgh
  • Train from Inverness to Edinburgh
  • Private bus transfer from Isle of Skye to Fort Augustus/Inverness area

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches and dinners (except 7 breakfasts)
  • Optional activities
  • Taxis
  • Drinks and snacks on train
  • Visas
  • Single supplement (available at additional cost)
  • Pre/post trip accommodation

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William, the West Highland Line continuation from Fort William to Mallaig, and the ScotRail service from Inverness to Edinburgh are all included.
Is this a guided tour?
Yes. Intrepid Travel provides a trip leader throughout the eight days. Daily activities include guided hikes, bus tours, and walking tours; some days also have free time.
What is included in the price?
Seven nights in hotels, seven breakfasts, all train fares listed, ferry to Skye, bus transfers, hikes, Loch Ness boat cruise, Culloden Battlefield visit, distillery tasting, and the Invisible Cities Edinburgh walking tour.
What is not included?
Flights, travel insurance, lunches and dinners, optional activities, taxis, visas, and single-room supplements are not included.
How much walking is involved?
A short optional hike in Fort William, a 3 to 5 km guided hike on Isle of Skye (1 to 2 hours), and walking tours in Inverness and Edinburgh (approximately 1.5 hours). Daily movements between hotels and sites involve typical luggage handling.
When does this tour run?
Intrepid offers 20 departures between July 2026 and March 2027, with prices from CAD 4,755.75 to CAD 6,430.

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