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- The Best of the Scottish Highlands
-
Price
from £1044 /pp
was £1305
Flights included -
Dates Available
September 2026 - October 2027
-
Duration
7 days
-
Depart From
6 airports
-
Excursions & Visits
9 included
-
Meals
8 included
-
Ways to pay
Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan and pay from £148.61 per month.
Best of the Scottish Highlands
Fly to Inverness, Scotland and enjoy a land of open skies, rugged mountains, sparkling lochs, romantic castles, culture and history.
From the stunning Road to the Isles and legendary Loch Ness to the mysterious Black Isle, this holiday features a host of Highland highlights. Take a cruise on the Moray Firth, home to a wealth of marine and birdlife and discover the beauty, variety and warm welcomes that this very special part of the world has to offer in the company of our friendly, knowledgeable tour manager.
The famed, mythical waters of the Loch Ness will be explored next, and a cruise allows you to take in views of the scenery and the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family will follow, with time to see Crathie Kirk, and the Victorian village of Ballater. Continue with a journey along the ‘Road to the Isles’ from Fort William to Mallaig, passing through charming villages and breath-taking landscapes, including the enchanting Isle of Skye. Conclude with a trip to the Victorian seaside town of Nairn and the poignant grounds of Culloden Battlefield.
Top Highlights
Spot wildlife on a cruise on the Moray Firth
Go mythical monster hunting on a boat trip on Loch Ness
Marvel at the dramatic, 13th-century Dunrobin Castle and wander around its Versailles-inspired gardens.
Stroll around the beautiful Victorian village of Ballater, located near Cairngorms National Park
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Inverness Airport, meet your friendly tour manager and transfer to the Craiglynne Hotel. Surrounded by Cairngorms National Park and within walking distance of the pretty neighbouring town, Grantown-on-Spey, this hotel is the perfect base from which to get acquainted with the local area. After checking in, you'll be free to enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
Today, you’ll travel to Dunrobin Castle, set on cliffs, overlooking the North Sea, and serving as the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland. Dating back to the early 1300s, this stately medieval structure also resembles a French chateau with spiralling towers and turrets. This castle was used as a naval hospital during WWI and as a boy’s boarding school. Surrounding the property, beautiful walled gardens, which were inspired by the Palace of Versailles in Paris, can be found.
A self-guided tour of the estate will reveal that it’s one of the oldest inhabited houses in Scotland, and you can wander the lavish interior, viewing the fine art, historical artefacts, and collection of antique furnishings. During your time here, you can also see a falconry display, the museum, and pay a visit to the cosy tearoom and gift shop, too.
Explore the capital of the Highlands today as we visit Inverness. This thriving city is home to a delightful Victorian Market, an excellent museum and art gallery, and some attractive riverside walks. We'll also enjoy a short tour of the Black Isle, which is neither black nor an island, but rather a delightful scenic peninsula surrounded by three bodies of water. We'll stop at Fortrose and the charming nautical town of Cromarty.
Your day ends as you board the Spirit cruiser to enjoy a cruise around the inner Moray Firth to try to spot a variety of marine wildlife and birds, hopefully including seals, otters or porpoise. A specialist guide will give a full commentary, so that you don’t miss anything.
Enjoy breakfast this morning before venturing on a morning drive to the famous Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family since 1852.
You’ll get to enter the castle to see the ballroom (the largest room in the castle), view the exhibitions and wander the gardens. The castle’s ballroom is the only area open to the public and where many members of the Royal Family have been pictured hosting events. Near the castle is Crathie Kirk, a small parish church in the village of Crathie. Best known for being the regular place of worship of the Royal Family, this church was built in 1895 and looks over the Dee River.
The tour will then continue to the beautiful Victorian village of Ballater, located near Cairngorms National Park. You can stroll around the speciality shops and seek out one of the delightful cafés for lunch (on your own account). This evening, you’ll have time for dinner and to relax.
No holiday to the Highlands would be complete without visiting beautiful, mysterious Loch Ness. We'll head to Fort Augustus, at the southern tip of the loch, where a series of locks join it to the Caledonian Canal, and the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre gives a fascinating insight into the history and operation of the canal. From here, we'll head past the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle to Drumnadrochit, where you may like to visit the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre, which is packed with information about the loch, or perhaps take a boat trip (payable locally) to go monster hunting. Nature lovers are in for a treat as the wooded shores of the Loch are home to an abundance of wildlife, including cormorants and ospreys.
Head west today, following the evocatively named Road to the Isles from Fort William to Mallaig. On this wonderfully scenic day, you'll pass landscapes ranging from sandy beaches to flowering heather moors and dense woodland. Your first stop of the day will be the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre, where you can see the lone Highlander atop the Glenfinnan Monument looking out over Loch Shiel. With a short uphill walk, you can also enjoy wonderful views of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
The Isle of Skye is another highlight of today, and you'll be able to view the Cuillin Hills Mountain Range before heading to the thriving fishing port of Mallaig. Here, you can explore the heritage centre, showcasing the town's maritime history. If you’re fond of kippers, you’ll go a long way to find any that taste better than those found here.
At the end of a long but incredibly scenic day, you'll return to the hotel.
Please note: the journey from Armadale to Mallaig will be by ferry and coach.
Today, you'll travel back to Inverness airport to catch your flight home at the end of a wonderful break in the Highlands. Those not flying until the afternoon will also enjoy a short visit to the Victorian seaside town of Nairn, where pretty walking trails run alongside the river, and a seafront promenade overlooks the Moray Firth.
Further Highlights
A chance to visit the Victorian seaside town of Nairn
Set off on a tour of the beautiful Black Isle
Embrace Scotland's timeless beauty with a scenic coastal drive from Fort William to Mallaig and visit the enchanting Isle of Skye.
What The Price Includes
- Six nights' dinner, bed and Scottish breakfast accommodation at the three-star Craiglynne Hotel
- Visits to Inverness, Nairn and Culloden
- A tour of the Black Isle
- A wildlife cruise
- An excursion to Dunrobin Castle
- Visits to Balmoral Castle, Crathie Kirk and Ballater
- A cruise on Loch Ness
- Sightseeing opportunities of the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Monument
- An excursion to the Isle of Skye
- Drive along the Road to the Isles from Fort William to Mallaig
- Return flights to Inverness, with coach travel and transfers throughout
- Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
- All mandatory local taxes and charges
Dates & Prices
Solo price
Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan.
| Departure point | Departure date | Price (per person) | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Only |
September 2026 - October 2027 |
from £920.00 pp |
11 dates available |
||
| Tour Only |
19 Jun 2026
Friday
7 days
25 Jun 2026
Thursday
|
|
|||
| Tour Only |
11 Sep 2026
Friday
7 days
17 Sep 2026
Thursday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1278.00 was £1420.00 |
Only 4 places left! |
|
| Tour Only |
19 Sep 2026
Saturday
7 days
25 Sep 2026
Friday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1120.00 was £1400.00 |
|
|
| Tour Only |
29 Sep 2026
Tuesday
7 days
05 Oct 2026
Monday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1116.00 was £1240.00 |
|
|
| Tour Only |
07 Oct 2026
Wednesday
7 days
13 Oct 2026
Tuesday
|
Late Escape
|
from £920.00 was £1150.00 |
|
|
| Tour Only |
14 Apr 2027
Wednesday
7 days
20 Apr 2027
Tuesday
|
from £1139.00 was £1340.00 |
|
||
| Tour Only |
07 May 2027
Friday
7 days
13 May 2027
Thursday
|
from £1241.00 was £1460.00 |
|
||
| Tour Only |
04 Jun 2027
Friday
7 days
10 Jun 2027
Thursday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1301.00 was £1530.00 |
|
|
| Tour Only |
18 Jul 2027
Sunday
7 days
24 Jul 2027
Saturday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1352.00 was £1590.00 |
|
|
| Tour Only |
04 Aug 2027
Wednesday
7 days
10 Aug 2027
Tuesday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1352.00 was £1590.00 |
|
|
| Tour Only |
03 Sep 2027
Friday
7 days
09 Sep 2027
Thursday
|
from £1284.00 was £1510.00 |
|
||
| Tour Only |
08 Oct 2027
Friday
7 days
14 Oct 2027
Thursday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1241.00 was £1460.00 |
|
|
| Belfast City George Best |
July 2027 |
from £1674.00 pp |
1 date available |
||
| Belfast City George Best |
18 Jul 2027
Sunday
7 days
24 Jul 2027
Saturday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1674.00 was £1969.00 |
|
|
| Bristol |
September 2026 - October 2027 |
from £1112.00 pp |
8 dates available |
||
| Bristol |
19 Sep 2026
Saturday
7 days
25 Sep 2026
Friday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1288.00 was £1609.00 |
|
|
| Bristol |
29 Sep 2026
Tuesday
7 days
05 Oct 2026
Monday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1319.00 was £1465.00 |
|
|
| Bristol |
07 Oct 2026
Wednesday
7 days
13 Oct 2026
Tuesday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1112.00 was £1389.00 |
|
|
| Bristol |
07 May 2027
Friday
7 days
13 May 2027
Thursday
|
from £1445.00 was £1699.00 |
|
||
| Bristol |
04 Jun 2027
Friday
7 days
10 Jun 2027
Thursday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1492.00 was £1755.00 |
|
|
| Bristol |
18 Jul 2027
Sunday
7 days
24 Jul 2027
Saturday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1560.00 was £1835.00 |
|
|
| Bristol |
03 Sep 2027
Friday
7 days
09 Sep 2027
Thursday
|
from £1487.00 was £1749.00 |
|
||
| Bristol |
08 Oct 2027
Friday
7 days
14 Oct 2027
Thursday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1390.00 was £1635.00 |
|
|
| London Gatwick |
September 2026 - October 2027 |
from £1132.00 pp |
11 dates available |
||
| London Gatwick |
19 Jun 2026
Friday
7 days
25 Jun 2026
Thursday
|
|
|||
| London Gatwick |
11 Sep 2026
Friday
7 days
17 Sep 2026
Thursday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1548.00 was £1719.00 |
Only 4 places left! |
|
| London Gatwick |
19 Sep 2026
Saturday
7 days
25 Sep 2026
Friday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1336.00 was £1669.00 |
|
|
| London Gatwick |
29 Sep 2026
Tuesday
7 days
05 Oct 2026
Monday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1364.00 was £1515.00 |
|
|
| London Gatwick |
07 Oct 2026
Wednesday
7 days
13 Oct 2026
Tuesday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1132.00 was £1415.00 |
|
|
| London Gatwick |
14 Apr 2027
Wednesday
7 days
20 Apr 2027
Tuesday
|
from £1368.00 was £1609.00 |
|
||
| London Gatwick |
07 May 2027
Friday
7 days
13 May 2027
Thursday
|
from £1496.00 was £1759.00 |
|
||
| London Gatwick |
04 Jun 2027
Friday
7 days
10 Jun 2027
Thursday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1606.00 was £1889.00 |
|
|
| London Gatwick |
18 Jul 2027
Sunday
7 days
24 Jul 2027
Saturday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1611.00 was £1895.00 |
|
|
| London Gatwick |
04 Aug 2027
Wednesday
7 days
10 Aug 2027
Tuesday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1611.00 was £1895.00 |
|
|
| London Gatwick |
03 Sep 2027
Friday
7 days
09 Sep 2027
Thursday
|
from £1526.00 was £1795.00 |
|
||
| London Gatwick |
08 Oct 2027
Friday
7 days
14 Oct 2027
Thursday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1475.00 was £1735.00 |
|
|
| London Heathrow |
September 2026 - October 2027 |
from £1044.00 pp |
10 dates available |
||
| London Heathrow |
19 Jun 2026
Friday
7 days
25 Jun 2026
Thursday
|
|
|||
| London Heathrow |
11 Sep 2026
Friday
7 days
17 Sep 2026
Thursday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1476.00 was £1639.00 |
Only 4 places left! |
|
| London Heathrow |
19 Sep 2026
Saturday
7 days
25 Sep 2026
Friday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1292.00 was £1615.00 |
|
|
| London Heathrow |
29 Sep 2026
Tuesday
7 days
05 Oct 2026
Monday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1292.00 was £1435.00 |
|
|
| London Heathrow |
07 Oct 2026
Wednesday
7 days
13 Oct 2026
Tuesday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1044.00 was £1305.00 |
|
|
| London Heathrow |
14 Apr 2027
Wednesday
7 days
20 Apr 2027
Tuesday
|
from £1249.00 was £1469.00 |
|
||
| London Heathrow |
07 May 2027
Friday
7 days
13 May 2027
Thursday
|
from £1419.00 was £1669.00 |
|
||
| London Heathrow |
04 Jun 2027
Friday
7 days
10 Jun 2027
Thursday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1623.00 was £1909.00 |
|
|
| London Heathrow |
04 Aug 2027
Wednesday
7 days
10 Aug 2027
Tuesday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1734.00 was £2039.00 |
|
|
| London Heathrow |
03 Sep 2027
Friday
7 days
09 Sep 2027
Thursday
|
from £1586.00 was £1865.00 |
|
||
| London Heathrow |
08 Oct 2027
Friday
7 days
14 Oct 2027
Thursday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1708.00 was £2009.00 |
|
|
| London Luton |
September 2026 - October 2027 |
from £1096.00 pp |
10 dates available |
||
| London Luton |
19 Jun 2026
Friday
7 days
25 Jun 2026
Thursday
|
|
|||
| London Luton |
11 Sep 2026
Friday
7 days
17 Sep 2026
Thursday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1503.00 was £1669.00 |
Only 4 places left! |
|
| London Luton |
19 Sep 2026
Saturday
7 days
25 Sep 2026
Friday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1288.00 was £1609.00 |
|
|
| London Luton |
29 Sep 2026
Tuesday
7 days
05 Oct 2026
Monday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1346.00 was £1495.00 |
|
|
| London Luton |
07 Oct 2026
Wednesday
7 days
13 Oct 2026
Tuesday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1096.00 was £1369.00 |
|
|
| London Luton |
14 Apr 2027
Wednesday
7 days
20 Apr 2027
Tuesday
|
from £1331.00 was £1565.00 |
|
||
| London Luton |
07 May 2027
Friday
7 days
13 May 2027
Thursday
|
from £1433.00 was £1685.00 |
|
||
| London Luton |
04 Jun 2027
Friday
7 days
10 Jun 2027
Thursday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1504.00 was £1769.00 |
|
|
| London Luton |
04 Aug 2027
Wednesday
7 days
10 Aug 2027
Tuesday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1552.00 was £1825.00 |
|
|
| London Luton |
03 Sep 2027
Friday
7 days
09 Sep 2027
Thursday
|
from £1513.00 was £1779.00 |
|
||
| London Luton |
08 Oct 2027
Friday
7 days
14 Oct 2027
Thursday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1428.00 was £1679.00 |
|
|
| Manchester |
May 2027 - October 2027 |
from £1509.00 pp |
3 dates available |
||
| Manchester |
07 May 2027
Friday
7 days
13 May 2027
Thursday
|
from £1552.00 was £1825.00 |
|
||
| Manchester |
03 Sep 2027
Friday
7 days
09 Sep 2027
Thursday
|
from £1513.00 was £1779.00 |
|
||
| Manchester |
08 Oct 2027
Friday
7 days
14 Oct 2027
Thursday
|
|
No Single Supplement
from £1509.00 was £1775.00 |
|
Accommodation
Further information
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 55 minutes.
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
The Balmoral Castle and Estate is a Royal residence and can be closed without prior notice. In 2025, Balmoral was closed in the months of August and September, and this may also be the case in 2026. A suitable replacement will be included as an alternative.
Please note that Dunrobin Castle is a historic building. As a consequence, there are a number of areas where access is not possible for visitors using a wheelchair or with limited mobility. Wheelchair access to the gardens can only be arranged on a request basis with the castle.
Please note, the journey from Armadale to Mallaig will be by a ferry and coach.
All mandatory local taxes and charges are included in the price of your holiday as per the itinerary. Prices for any optional excursions are listed separately. Any suggested free-time activities, attractions, meals or entertainment are not included (unless otherwise stated), and may be subject to local charges. Please note that tipping is optional and as such, is typically not included in the price of your holiday (unless otherwise stated).