Scotland: Castles, lochs & highlands

• 4 nights accommodation.
• 4 breakfasts.
• All land private transportation.
• All activities, entrances, and transfers.
• Amazing local guides.
• All ferry crossings.
• Professional photography and videography training.
• A video and photos of your epic adventure to take home.

• Your flights to and from Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI).
• Accommodation before and after the trip.
• Some meals.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Perfect weather.

• The tour can accommodate up to 14 guests.

• Accommodation is provided in 3-star hotels and is based on 2-people per room.  For an additional fee, private rooms can be arranged or Matador Trips is happy to arrange same-sex solo travelers a shared room.

• We encourage a wide mix of people, from old-time adventurers to short-break professionals to first-time travelers – they all contribute to a memorable experience. 

• Our small groups will visit some of the most incredible places in Scotland exploring the rich culture, history, and natural wonders of this ancient land.

• We will meet at your leisure at the designated hotel in Edinburgh on departure day.
• Depart at your leisure from our Edinburgh hotel after a final breakfast on the last day of the tour.

• Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI)is easily reached from most places in the world. For assistance with flights just let us know, we are happy to help!

Day 1: West Highlands – Oban

Stare into mountainous horizons in the West Highlands and stroll through the harbor town of Oban. We will see Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and Trossachs National Park. We will travel through the West Highlands and the magnificent, whitewashed 18th-century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll.

The afternoon will be spent in the heart of Argyll before arriving in the bustling town of Oban for your two night stay.

Meals Included: None

Day 2: Oban

Today you have an early start, beginning the day crossing on the ferry to Mull for a chance to explore dramatic coastlines and wild beauty.
We will take the small ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity, and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Here you can visit the historic abbey with its intricate carved crosses in the churchyard, or explore
rocky headlands and sandy coves.

You then return on the ferry to Oban for your second night.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Glencoe + Isle of Skye

Our group will ramble north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker. Next, we head to the gorgeous hills of Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful
area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years.

Next we will venture through Fort William and under the shadow of Ben Nevis, which at 1,344 meters is the highest mountain in the British Isles.
We continue through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the earth’s crust that runs through Scotland. From here, you travel north to the isle of Skye, and will spend the night on or near the island.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Isle of Skye

Here we will traverse the legendary landscapes of Skye and learn about the tales and battles that shaped the island’s culture.

There are many possibilities depending on the weather, and our guide will use their local knowledge to decide on the best day out for the group.

We may ascend the Quiraing along Trotternish Ridge and be rewarded with spectacular views. Alternatively, we could enjoy the scenery at Loch Corruisk or drive through the dramatic Red Cuillin to the little hamlet
of Elgol.

We return you to your accommodation in or near the Isle of Skye in the late afternoon for a free evening to explore the village.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 Loch Ness + Perth + Edinburgh 

You’re collected from your accommodation for the short drive to the famous stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle.

Then, we travel east taking in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. We will continue to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting “Nessie’.

The tour moves through the Grampian Mountains and along Loch Laggan, before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland’s highest whisky distillery.

In Perthshire, we stop for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Firth of Forth, an estuary where several rivers meet the ocean.