Edinburgh
A spectacular tour through the Highlands and the Isle of Skye with stunning scenery, incredible history and unforgettable experiences.
Join us on an awesome adventure through the Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye. Expect stunning scenery, incredible history and some epic Scottish experiences. Go monster hunting on Loch Ness, hike in one of the last great wildernesses of Europe, and listen to tales of Scotland’s bloody history. By night, enjoy a wee dram after a day’s exploring, and grab a partner and bust some moves at a traditional Scottish ceilidh. During the summer months, you can ride the famous Jacobite Steam Train which was used as the 'Hogwarts Express' in Harry Potter. You’ll fall in love with Scotland on this Highland Fling!
We spend 5 days exploring Scotland. We visit Edinburgh, Oban, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness.
What Is Included...
Inclusions for 2020 trips are below.
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4 nights hostel multi share accommodation
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Your legendary local HAGGiS Guide
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All transport and ferry crossings
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Highland whisky distillery visit
Trip Highlights
- Isle of Skye’s awe-inspiring scenery
- Monster hunting on legendary Loch Ness
- Stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct
Trip Departures
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions in place globally, we will not be running any trips in 2021. Get more information on why this decision was made or see below for similar trips being run by our sister brands, Contiki and CostSaver.
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5 Day Itinerary
Highland Fling 5 day full itinerary breakdown and route map
View interactive map
Day 1
Edinburgh to Oban
We leave Edinburgh at 8.30am and head north to take in views of the magnificent Stirling Castle and the mighty Wallace Monument. Listen to stories about the insane events which have taken place in this area throughout history. Enter into the wild Scottish Highlands, passing the medieval stronghold of Doune Castle; featured in Outlander and Game of Thrones. Our next stop is eerie Glencoe; one of Scotland’s most iconic and dramatic landscapes. Hear the harrowing tale of the 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald, as you soak up the epic scenery. Tonight, we’ll stay in the bustling fishing town of Oban; enjoy fresh seafood and dance the night away at a traditional Scottish ceilidh – the best way to bond with your new tour buddies.
Day 2
Oban to Isle of Skye
Look out for Ben Nevis – the tallest mountain in the UK – as we journey north past Fort William. Prepare to be awestruck by the rugged Highland scenery, and star struck by the Glenfinnan Viaduct; also known as the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’. On summer departures, you have a chance to be a wizard for a day and travel on the famous Jacobite Steam Train aka ‘Hogwarts Express’, followed by a wildlife cruise to the Isle of Skye – look out for dolphins! During winter, we travel to the Isle of Skye through the Highlands; taking in epic mountains, lochs and glens. Get your camera to take the ultimate travel photos for Instagram. We spend the night on the Isle of Skye, where we’ll gather in a local pub, where you sample some local ales, whiskies and banter!
Day 3
Isle of Skye to Loch Ness
Today, we explore the enchanting Isle of Skye. Famous for its otherworldly scenery, clan history, and legendary myths, Skye is a big tick off your bucket list! Immerse yourself in the magic of Skye; marvel at waterfalls, ancient mountains and insane coastline, while listening to tales of Vikings, ancient monarchs and mischievous faeries. Back on the mainland, we pass the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, before arriving into Morag’s Lodge; our home away from home, near the banks of Loch Ness. During summer, go monster spotting with Cruise Loch Ness, or discover the world’s most famous loch on foot. After a busy day of exploring, head back to the hostel bar for a good old knees-up.
Day 4
Loch Ness
We journey north along Loch Ness and pass the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle, for your final Nessie spotting opportunity. Visit the eerie moor at Culloden Battlefield, to hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1746 Jacobite Rising; the story which inspired Outlander. Next, visit the mysterious Clava Cairns; a prehistoric burial site with standing stones which also inspired Outlander. We finish the day with a visit to Trees for Life (selected summer departures), where you can help Scotland #StayWild by planting a tree in our HAGGiS grove. After this good deed, it’s off to Morag’s Lodge for the legendary Tartan Toga party.
Day 5
Loch Ness to Edinburgh
We begin our scenic journey south, with a visit to the Commando Memorial; a tribute to the troops from WWII and present day, with stunning views of the Nevis range. Next, we venture through the Cairngorms National Park into Perthshire, where you can wander around the pretty town of Dunkeld and its beautiful cathedral, which sits on the banks of the River Tay. Our final stop is at the Hermitage; a magical woodland trail with an epic waterfall and some of Scotland’s tallest trees. We pass the famous UNESCO listed Forth Bridge, before arriving back into Edinburgh at approximately 5.00pm.
