Behold the rugged beauty and untamed majesty of the Scottish Highlands. This 11-day, 10-night tour of Scotland will introduce the remote isles of the Hebrides, Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, and the Highland territory of Scotland’s most undisturbed views and stunning landscapes.
The Highlands Tour
Key Details
Tour Length: 11 Days, 10 Nights
Start: Edinburgh, Scotland
End: Edinburgh, Scotland
Tour Type: Private
Age Range: 12-90
Group Size: 8
Physical Rating: ★★★☆☆
Cost: $5,295 per person sharing
Operated By: Sloan Tours
Tour Summary & Highlights
Embark on an extraordinary 11-day, 10-night journey with Sloan Tours as we unveil the wonder of 'The Highlands: Scotland's Breathtaking North & West.' Immerse yourself in the untamed majesty and rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, Isles, Hebrides, Lochs, Mountains, and Castles, where each day promises a new chapter of awe-inspiring and culturally rich experiences.
✔ Explore some of the most remote and mesmerizing landscapes in Scotland.
✔ Get the opportunity to visit the Hebrides Isles of Mull, Iona, and Staffa, which hold rare and iconic natural and spiritual treasures.
✔ Handle and Fly Scottish birds of prey.
✔ Travel on the stunning West Highland Line, including a journey on the world-famous Jacobite steam train.
✔ See Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and hike peaceful trails.
✔ Discover the lively and rich heritage of Edinburgh.
✔ Explore stunning castles, abbeys, and formal gardens all over the highlands.
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We are not shy about saying that some tour experiences can be physically demanding. If you imagine sitting on a bus and watching the country pass you by through panes of glass, Sloan Tours may not be for you.
We hike, walk, and move throughout our trip. However, unless noted, our trips do not require extensive experience or training in hiking. And we lay our our tours to try and balance physical excursion with rest and recharging. If ever, you are concerned about the level of physical activity, feel free to reach out to our team. The beautiful part of our tours is that there are extensive opportunities for you to explore at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Note: Aside from the overall activity score for this tour, the itinerary will hold a daily activity rating. When judging the activity level of each day, we examine the essential elements of length, elevation gains, and the way types (paved vs. natural). All these elements determine the level of activity for each phase. We distinguish activity levels on a five-star rating from easy to moderate, intermediate, challenging, and very challenging. -
Edinburgh, Fort William, and Inverness are among the most notable cities on tour.
What’s Included?
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Breakfasts: 10, Lunches: 6, Dinners: 4
Two meals are included every day of the tour. Due to logistics on the schedule and the encouragement of greater variety, we do not pre-plan all meals. Vegetarian options are available on most meals throughout the adventure.
Gluten-free options are generally available, but we do encourage our food-intolerant guests to disclose any information that might be helpful. Be prepared to have backup plans by way of small snacks on hand if your health conditions require it. -
Ten nights in hand-picked, excellent quality, small hotels and self-accommodating lodges based on availability and location.
If you'd like to add accommodation before or after your adventure, please contact our team.
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All visits and admissions to sights on the tour are included. Additionally, unlike some tours, our more adventurous excursions are included.
To curate an experience that is out of this world for each guest, those costs for higher ticket events and excursions are included in the price of your tour package.
Before choosing not to participate in an outing that might react with fear (of heights, setting, physical ability, animals, or otherwise), reach out to us beforehand. We are happy to accommodate where we can to make each guest's experience as enjoyable as possible. -
Transportation is included, whether by van, coach, train, boat, taxi, or otherwise; if it’s a matter of getting to any location on our itinerary, we’ve got you covered.
Note: There is walking involved on our tours, but transportation in the form of walking is kept to a minimum, only where necessary. -
Wifi is available during the tour. In most areas or accommodations, Wifi is free of charge. Alternatively, you can get an international plan while visiting overseas, though Sloan Tours highly discourages getting an international data plan.
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In addition to guiding you through this experience, your tour guide will also provide transportation services.
In addition, you will also experience some hospitality that goes above and beyond the “typical” call of duty in this industry, not limited to but including homecooked meals and coffee/tea service throughout your self-accommodation stays.
Please Note: Tipping is NOT required on Sloan Tours. However, if you have experienced excellent service and wish to acknowledge your guide at the end of your experience, a recommendation of $20 per touring day is acceptable and always appreciated.
As part of the Sloan Tours experience, we strive to look after our guests with a heightened level of care and awareness. This is a massive part of what it means to have a tour that is “set apart” from the rest. -
Two airport transfers are included. One will be offered on the morning of the tour, leaving the airport at 10 am. The other is on the morning of departure between around 8:00 am.
We have a day zero option for guests who want to arrive one day before the tour begins. If you choose this option, you will still have pick up on the morning of tour departure; however, you are responsible for airport transfer on arrival.
Additionally, if there is a better time for airport arrival on departure day, we are only 15 minutes from the airport, and taxis can be arranged. -
Flights are not included on any Sloan Tour. There are two main reasons for this.
First, in order for you to get to Edinburgh in the most direct, convenient, and comfortable way, that requires flexibility beyond the restraints of group airfare.
Second, group airfare purchases usually benefit one party, the tour company itself. Substantial savings are not passed onto the customers we serve.
We offer help booking airfare that works best for you, and our team will scout tickets on your behalf, increasing the likelihood of a better deal. If you prefer to handle this yourself, we highly recommend starting your search on Google Flights, to get a good grid of what’s available and where prices are tracking. -
We highly recommend that you are insured before you travel. Your travel packet will have more information regarding that.
Itinerary
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Embark on your Scottish adventure as we journey from the historic city of Edinburgh to the charming town of Fort William. Take in the picturesque landscapes that pave the way to your Highland experience.
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Immerse yourself in the beauty of Fort William and opt for small hikes that offer breathtaking views without the challenge of climbing the ever-towering Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom’s highest peak.
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Discover the enchanting Isles of Mull, Iona, and Staffa. Explore the historic Iona Abbey, the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, and set sail to witness the mesmerizing basalt formations of Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa.
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Embark on a nostalgic journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train as you travel first class and traverse stunning landscapes and historic viaducts to the town of Mallaig.
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Explore the mystical Isle of Skye, with a visit to the iconic Dunvegan Castle & Gardens. Indulge in other local gems that catch your fancy, surrounded by the island's breathtaking scenery.
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Head north to the legendary Loch Ness and Inverness. Take in the beauty of the deep waters and explore the historic city nestled in the heart of the Highlands.
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Embark on an exhilarating driving loop through the Northern Highlands, where every turn unveils new vistas and hidden treasures. This is some of the most unpopulated territory in all of Europe.
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Experience the thrill of a falconry expedition against the backdrop of the Northern Highlands, connecting with these majestic birds uniquely and memorably.
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As we journey back to Edinburgh, we pause through the Cairngorm National Park for a taste of its wild landscape and more breathtaking views.
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Item description
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Savor a day immersed in the history and culture of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. Visit its iconic landmarks and museums, and perhaps stroll along the historic Royal Mile.
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Bid farewell to the beauty and wonder of Scotland as you wrap up your 11-day journey. Cherish the memories of the rugged Highlands and the rich tapestry of experiences unfolding during this unforgettable tour.
Sloan Tour’s ‘The Highlands’ is an incredible experience that centers around drawing the essence out of the Scottish Highlands every day. Our tour covers a remarkable amount of ground over this 11-day adventure. Expand each day to get a sneak peek into what awaits you.
Why Book With Sloan Tours?
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Value Beyond Belief
We had worked tirelessly to create a unique and competitive approach to touring, both in experience and in cost. Plainly put, our private tour prices are thousands less than our closest competitors for compatible days, group sizes, and itineraries.
But, more than saving money, our tours are designed as unforgettable immersive experiences that leave you marked by getting to experience the authentic richness of a geographic region. We know that some of you might be only able to do one of these trips, others of you might come every year, but each experience is designed to make its mark and leave you with memories that last forever. -
Guides You Can Trust
At Sloan Tours, we take immense pride in our commitment to providing every guest with a seamless and enriching travel experience. Unlike other tour companies, we do not outsource any aspect of trip planning or tour guide operations, ensuring that your journey is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a personal touch. You can trust that your adventure is in good hands from start to finish.
Our dedicated guides possess a hands-on approach, offering expertise and knowledge beyond the ordinary. We strive to supply security, reliability, and a genuine connection to the places you explore. Every moment of your journey with Sloan Tours is thoughtfully curated, providing you with not just a vacation, but an immersive and brilliwant experience that we hope exceeds your expectations.