A Private 9 day Journey Through Scotland’s Mountains, Lochs & Coastlines
Can depart from Edinburgh or Glasgow | Private Guided Tour | Luxury Vehicle | Bespoke 9-Day Itinerary
Experience the best of the Scottish Highlands over nine unforgettable days. This private adventure is perfect for families, small groups, or outdoorsy travellers who want to immerse themselves in Scotland’s rugged mountains, wild coastlines, lochs, and story-filled landscapes.
Travel at a relaxed pace in a luxury Mercedes V-Class, with stops for gentle hikes, scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and cultural storytelling. Explore iconic Highland highlights including Glencoe, Glen Nevis, the Isle of Skye, Applecross, Torridon, Loch Ness, and the North Highlands coast.
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Fully customisable 9-day itinerary
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Private expert local guide
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Luxury Mercedes V-Class vehicle (up to 7 passengers)
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Explore castles, whisky distilleries, Harry Potter and Outlander filming locations, and wildlife
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Family-friendly or adults-only, with flexible pacing for all ages
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Focus on outdoor adventure, immersive Highland experiences, and sustainable travel
Accommodation, meals, and entry tickets not included. We can help you plan the best options for your group
Day 1: Edinburgh to Glencoe – Loch Lubnaig, Glen Etive & the Three Sisters
Day 1 – Edinburgh or Glasgow to Glencoe
From your departure point in Edinburgh, travel north to Glencoe.
Highlights include:
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Scenic drive through Loch Lubnaig, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Etive (Skyfall filming location)
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Optional stop at Loch Lomond and Luss village
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Arrive in Glencoe in the late afternoon
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Short walk around Loch Leven or the Three Sisters viewpoint
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Evening at leisure to enjoy the inn or surrounding scenery
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Overnight stay in Glencoe
Day 1 accommodation recommendations:
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Clachaig Inn – Classic Highland inn - family rooms, cozy pub meals.
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Kingshouse Hotel – Historic inn with dramatic views and casual dining.
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Ballachulish Hotel – Central location between Glencoe and Loch Leven with family rooms.
Day 2 – Glencoe Valley Exploration
Spend the day exploring the heart of Glencoe Valley and the surrounding glens. Enjoy a mix of scenic walks, gentle hikes, and dramatic viewpoints, perfect for both adults and children.
Highlights include:
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Morning hike into the Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail) beneath the Three Sisters, a hidden amphitheatre framed by cliffs
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Shorter walks and viewpoints: Hagrid’s Hut filming location, Signal Rock, Loch Achtriochtan, Invercoe Foreshore Loop, Old Glencoe Road to Queen’s Cairn, Loch Leven Shore, and Inchree Waterfall
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Optional visit to the Glencoe Visitor Centre with interactive exhibits, hands-on displays for children, a café, and gift shop
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Keep an eye out for Highland wildlife and nature, including red deer, golden eagles, red squirrels, alpine flowers, and dragonflies
Kid-Friendly Extras: climbing over rocks, mini “treasure hunts” among wildflowers, spotting birds, and imagining scenes from Harry Potter at Hagrid’s Hut.
Day 2 Accommodation: Stay in the same place as day 1.
Day 3: Glen Nevis & Fort William
Explore Glen Nevis, at the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain, with a day of gentle adventure and breathtaking scenery. The glen combines rivers, waterfalls, forests, and open meadows, offering walks for all energy levels.
Highlights can include:
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Steall Falls Walk – short scenic trail to one of Scotland’s tallest waterfalls with a wooden suspension bridge.
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Glen Nevis Meadows – flat river meadows for picnics, wildlife spotting, and playful exploration.
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Optional Ben Nevis Visitor Centre – interactive exhibits, kid-friendly displays, small café, and shop.
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Woodland forest trails – spot red squirrels, songbirds, and mossy streams.
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Glen Nevis Gorge – short walks with dramatic views.
Optional Lunch Stop at the Highland Soap Company and explore Inverlochy Castle ruins next door
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Fort William: stroll along the high street, enjoy ice cream, or see Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal
Accommodation Recommendations – Fort William:
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The Garrison Hotel – central, family-friendly, comfortable rooms.
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Nevis Bank Inn – cosy inn with spacious family rooms, close to town.
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Inverlochy Castle View Lodges – stylish lodges with countryside views.
Day 4 - Fortwilliam to Isle of Skye
Today we leave the dramatic mountains and lochs of Glencoe and head west toward the magical Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most scenic islands. This is a touring day with a mix of stunning landscapes, short stops, and gentle walks that keep the journey engaging for the whole family.
Highlights include:
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Glenfinnan Viaduct – optional stop to see the Jacobite steam train (Hogwarts Express)
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Driving along the dramatic Road to the Isles.
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Eilean Donan Castle – short stroll & photo opportunity
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Kyleakin Village – Skye Bridge; explore the shore.
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Stop at Broadford for some delicious fresh Seafood.
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Drive through the astonishing Cuillin Mountain Ranges.
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Portree Harbour – colourful harbour with local shops
This drive is full of Folklore, stories and astounding natural beauty to spark everyone's imagination!
Accommodation Recommendations – Portree (stay 3 nights):
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Cuillin Hills Hotel – Stunning views over Portree Harbour, spacious rooms, and excellent restaurant.
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Bracken Hide – Contemporary boutique hotel, stylish rooms, peaceful atmosphere.
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Duisdale House Hotel – Elegant country house with refined rooms, fine dining, and scenic surroundings.
Day 5 - Northern Isle of Skye
Explore the dramatic landscapes of northern Skye with short walks, coastal stops, and magical scenery perfect for families.
Highlights include:
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Old Man of Storr – optional short hike with dramatic rock formations and photo opportunities.
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Quiraing Loop Walk – otherworldly cliffs, pinnacles, and rolling hills with shorter sections suitable for children
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Staffin Beach – stroll along the shore collecting shells, rocks, and look for dinosaur footprints.
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Staffin Dinosaur Museum – hands-on exhibits showcasing local fossils and prehistoric discoveries.
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Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint – striking cliffs and waterfall plunging into the sea.
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Uig – short break for restrooms and leg stretch
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Fairy Glen – magical grassy cones, lochans, and unusual rock formations to explore.
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Optional: Museum of Island Life, Kilmuir – heritage village showing casing 19th-century island life and Gaelic culture.
Kid-Friendly Highlights:
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Pinnacles and rock formations at the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr. Magical discovery at the Fairy Glen. Spot seabirds, Highland cattle, and otters along the coast
Accommodation: stay in the same accommodation as Day 4 in Portree
Day 6 - Western Isle of Skye Waterfalls, Coastlines and Clifftops
Today we explore the wild beauty of western Skye, with waterfalls, black sand beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and gentle walks that immerse you in the island’s most rugged landscapes.
Highlights include:
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Fairy Pools – crystal-clear waterfalls and natural pools beneath the Black Cuillin mountains, with easy trails and safe spots for a cold water plunge.
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Carbost & Talisker Distillery – optional tastings.
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Talisker Bay – short coastal walk to a dramatic black sand beach with sea stacks and a waterfall.
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Glenbrittle & Glasnakille – sweeping mountain and shoreline views, plus a James Bond filming location.
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Neist Point Lighthouse – gentle walk to Skye’s most iconic clifftop viewpoint with panoramic Atlantic views.
Kid-Friendly Highlights:
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Exploring the Fairy Pools. Beachcombing and rock pooling at Talisker Bay. Spotting seals, seabirds, and possibly dolphins.
Accommodation: stay in the same accommodation as Days 4 and 5 in Portree.
Day 7 – Skye to Applecross & Torridon Scenic Coastal Journey
Today we leave Skye behind and return to the mainland, travelling one of Scotland’s most spectacular Roads. This day allows for a slower pace and a relaxed afternoon and evening immersed in the wild beauty of Torridon.
Highlights include:
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Cross the Skye Bridge with views over the Sound of Sleat.
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Drive the legendary Bealach na Bà, a dramatic mountain pass with hairpin bends and panoramic viewpoints.
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Applecross village stop for early lunch / coffee by the shore, with time for beach-combing and fresh sea air.
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Scenic coastal drive through remote lochs and towering sandstone mountains.
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Extended free time in Torridon for gentle walks, wildlife spotting, and simply unwinding in nature.
Accommodation Recommendations – Torridon (Night 7):
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The Torridon Hotel – luxury setting with mountain views, spacious rooms, and trails from the doorstep
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The Torridon Inn – relaxed sister property with cosy Highland charm
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Shieldaig Lodge Hotel – welcoming lochside lodge with classic character and beautiful scenery
Day 8 – Torridon to Inverness via Loch Ness
After a peaceful night in Torridon, enjoy a slow morning surrounded by mountains and loch views before travelling east toward Inverness. A shorter, gentler day designed for relaxed sightseeing, scenic stops, and time to simply enjoy the landscape at an easy pace.
Highlights include:
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Scenic drive through the remote Northwest Highlands.
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Chances to spot red deer, Highland cattle, and birds of prey along the route.
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Stop alongside the legendary Loch Ness.
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City orientation and free time to wander riverside walks, cafés, and local shops.
This relaxed day blends fresh air, folklore, and gentle exploration, offering an easy transition from wild west coast scenery to the welcoming charm of Inverness.
Accommodation Recommendations – Inverness (Night 8):
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Ness Walk Hotel – elegant boutique hotel on the River Ness, perfect for evening strolls
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Kingsmills Hotel – spacious rooms, gardens, and a peaceful setting close to the city centre
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Glen Mhor Hotel – characterful riverside stay with strong sustainability credentials and central location
Day 9 – North Highlands Explorer: Dornoch, Loch Fleet, Dunrobin Castle & Shin Falls
Today is all about discovering the beautiful northeast coast of Scotland, a relaxed day of coastal scenery, wildlife, heritage, and gentle walks through some of the region’s most peaceful landscapes.
Highlights include:
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Scenic drive north from Inverness through rolling countryside and open Highland vistas
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Time to explore Dornoch, a charming historic town with its cathedral, independent shops, and wide sandy beach
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Stop at Loch Fleet Nature Reserve, a tranquil coastal loch known for seals, seabirds, and beautiful waterside walks
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Visit Dunrobin Castle, a fairytale château style estate with formal gardens inspired by Versailles, grand coastal views, and seasonal falconry displays
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Short woodland walk to Shin Falls, where salmon can often be seen leaping upstream
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Photo stop at the Millionaire’s Viewpoint, offering sweeping views across hills and coastline
This final day blends fresh sea air, wildlife, history, and relaxed exploration, a fitting and memorable finish to your Highland adventure.
Accommodation – Inverness (Night 9): Same as Night 8 or we can drop you off at Inverness Railway Station for the Caledonian Sleeper service to London at 8PM.
Onward Travel Details for International Guests:
Flights from Inverness
You can fly from Inverness Airport (INV) to London by Easyjet. There are regular flights to London airports such as Heathrow and sometimes others depending on the schedule. The flight itself takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to Heathrow or Gatwick, with varying durations to other London airports. Allow extra time on either end for check-in and security.
Daytime Trains from Inverness to London
There are frequent train services from Inverness Station to London, operating throughout the day. Direct daytime services by London North Eastern Railway run to London King’s Cross, taking approximately 7 hours 50 minutes to 9 hours depending on the specific train and route.
Other timed services can go to London Paddington or London Charing Cross, often with one change en route. Journey times on these services are typically around 8 to 11 hours depending on connections and the operator.
Caledonian Sleeper (Overnight Train)
The Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from Inverness toward London Euston, departing in the evening and arriving the following morning. The journey takes about 11 hours from Inverness to London. You can book:
• Seated tickets
• Sleeper compartments with bunk beds
• En-suite or double cabins depending on your preference
Sleeper cabins provide a place to rest overnight during the journey and often cater to groups and families when booked as separate compartments.
Both trains and flights depart from central points in Inverness and take you into major London terminals, giving you flexibility depending on your time of travel and preference for overnight or daytime travel.
Frequently Asked Questions — Nine Day Highlands Tour
Planning a private guided tour of the Scottish Highlands and have a few questions before booking? Our 9 day Wild Highlands Explorer journey is a fully bespoke, luxury road trip through Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, including Glencoe, Fort William, the Isle of Skye, Torridon, Loch Ness, Inverness, and the North Coast. Designed for families, couples, and small groups who love nature, scenic walks, wildlife, and authentic local experiences, this immersive Highlands adventure blends comfort, flexibility, and sustainable travel. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about what’s included, accommodation, customisation, activity levels, and how to plan your perfect Scotland itinerary.
What’s included in the tour price?
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Private professional Highland guide and driver for the full 9 days
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Fully bespoke itinerary planning and personal trip design
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Luxury Mercedes V-Class vehicle (up to 7 guests) with panoramic windows and luggage space
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Pick up and drop off from Inverness, Edinburgh, or Glasgow
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Daily storytelling, local history, folklore, and insider recommendations
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Flexible pacing with scenic stops, short walks, and photo opportunities throughout
This is a completely private, door to door, guided Highlands experience. No coaches, no set schedules, and no rushing.
What’s not included?
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Accommodation (we recommend the best boutique and luxury stays, you book directly)
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Meals and drinks
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Entry tickets for castles, distilleries, museums, cruises, or optional experiences
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Personal travel insurance
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Personal Spending allowance or gratuities
This keeps your trip flexible and allows you to choose the style of dining and accommodation that suits you best.
Can we customise the itinerary?
Yes, always. Every Macaulay Luxury Travel tour is tailor made.
This 9 day Highlands itinerary is a carefully designed route covering Glencoe, Fort William, Isle of Skye, Torridon, Loch Ness, Inverness, and the North Highlands, but we can easily adjust it to suit your interests.
Add more hiking or scenic walks, whisky distilleries, Outlander or Harry Potter filming locations, wildlife watching, photography stops, slower days, or special experiences such as a sheepdog demonstration or boat cruise.
Your journey is built around you.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Very much so. This is a family friendly Scotland adventure designed for all ages.
We include gentle walks, beaches, waterfalls, castles, fairy glens, wildlife spotting, and plenty of time outdoors. Children love places like Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Fairy Pools, dinosaur footprints on Skye, castle grounds, and open Highland landscapes to explore.
Child seats can be provided on request.
Is it only for families?
Not at all. The tour is equally perfect for couples, friends, and adult groups who want an active, immersive Highlands road trip with comfort and style. It’s ideal for travellers who enjoy nature, scenery, light walking, photography, history, and authentic local experiences rather than big bus tours.
How active is the tour?
This is an outdoors focused Highlands journey with optional short walks most days.
Nothing is strenuous unless you choose it to be. You can enjoy easy strolls, gentle hikes, beaches, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints, or simply relax and take in the views. We adapt each day to your energy levels.
Do we stay in the same place each night?
To minimise packing and maximise exploring, we base you in key locations for multiple nights.
Typically this includes:
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2 nights in Glencoe or Fort William
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3 nights on the Isle of Skye
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1 night in Torridon
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2 nights in Inverness
This creates a relaxed pace and less time on the road.
What type of vehicle do you use?
We use a luxury Mercedes V-Class AMG Line for these tours, ideal for small private groups.
It offers comfortable leather seating, large windows for sightseeing, privacy glass, air conditioning, and plenty of luggage space. For larger groups, we can arrange two vehicles or a small private minibus with an additional driver.
Is this a good tour for first time visitors to Scotland?
Yes, it’s one of the best ways to see the Scottish Highlands in depth.
Over nine days you experience many of Scotland’s most iconic locations including Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools, Eilean Donan Castle, Bealach na Bà, Torridon, Loch Ness, Dunrobin Castle, and the North Coast.
It’s often described as the ultimate Scotland road trip, but with the comfort and insight of a private local guide.
Is the tour sustainable and responsible?
We focus on low impact, small group travel that supports local communities.
By travelling privately rather than by coach, staying in locally owned accommodation, and visiting independent cafés, shops, and experiences, your trip directly benefits Highland businesses.
We also encourage respectful travel, slow tourism, and time in nature rather than crowded attractions.
How do we book?
Simply send an enquiry through our Contact form below or email us directly at info@macaulayluxurytravel.com.
We’ll confirm availability, chat through your plans, and design your personalised itinerary. A deposit secures your dates.
If you are happy with the itinerary as it is and only want minor tweaks hit the book now page and choose your dates and book! The price indicated for the tour is for a group of 2 up to 7 people.
What should we bring?
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Layers and a waterproof jacket
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Small day bag
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Camera or phone for photos
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Any personal medication
Highland weather can change quickly, but that’s part of the magic.
Our Clients Say
Exploring Scotland with Macaulay Travels
'I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a private tour in Scotland with my family and it was truly an unforgettable one. Here’s a review of our time with exceptional guide Emma Macaulay, owner of Macaulay Travels providing a unique luxury experience.
Our guide was a true expert in Scottish history, culture, and geography. From the moment we met, it was clear that she had an in-depth understanding of the country’s rich heritage. Whether we were exploring ancient castles, walking through the beautiful Highlands or visiting quaint villages, Emma provided fascinating insights and stories that brought each location to life. Her passion for Scotland was evident, making every moment of the tour engaging and educational.
One of the standout features of this tour was its customization. Before our trip, Emma took the time to understand our interests and preferences. As a result, the itinerary was tailored to include sites and activities that resonated with us. Whether we wanted to focus on historical landmarks, scenic landscapes or local cuisine, she ensured that our tour was perfectly aligned with our desires. This personalized approach made the experience unique and highly enjoyable.
Throughout the tour, Emma maintained the highest level of professionalism. She was always punctual, well-organized, and always prepared. Her courteous and friendly demeanour made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. Additionally, the her attention to detail was impressive, from arranging private access to elite estates to recommending the best local restaurants and attractions.
Another highlight of our tour was the Emma's flexibility. She was always willing to adjust the schedule to accommodate our needs and preferences. Whether we wanted to spend more time at a particular site or make an impromptu stop for a local brewery in Sile of Skye, she was accommodating and adaptable. This flexibility greatly enhanced our overall experience, allowing us to make the most of our time in Scotland.
Some of the most memorable moments of our trip were directly due to Emma's expertise. Visiting the breathtaking Glencoe Valley, trekking in Forbidden Forest, watching Hogwart's Express (Jacobite train) steaming through Glenfinnan Viaduct, driving through Cuillin Hills in Isle of Skye and taking a scenic drive along the North Coast 500 all the way up to Dunbeath Castle were experiences we will cherish forever. Our guide’s ability to share detailed historical context and local lore added depth and richness to these experiences, making them even more special. To bring in Scottish flavour, Emma brought for us local shortbreads, sugar tablets and even my favourite scotch Glenmorangie which she raised to me in a Glencarin whiskey glass on visiting the distillery in Tain.
In summary, our private tour in Scotland exceeded all expectations, thanks to our outstanding guide Emma and her great vehicle Mercedes Viano. Her deep knowledge, professionalism and personalized approach made our trip truly memorable. I highly recommend this private luxury tour guide to anyone looking to explore Scotland in a meaningful and unforgettable way. If you want a tailored, informative and delightful experience, this guide is an excellent choice.'
Debjit Mookherjee, June 2024.
Robert Rose, Product Designer