Daily Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Glasgow and check in at your hotel. Get your bearings in this vibrant, dynamic city by grabbing a bite to eat at a bustling local pub or simply go for a stroll and soak up some of the striking architecture.

Day 2
Enjoy Glasgow at your leisure today. Set off from your hotel and start experiencing what this city has on offer. You could go on a whisky tasting, book a half day walking tour with a local, or perhaps a trip to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This building itself is worth the trip, not to mention the exquisite art and exhibitions. When you are feeling peckish, stop in at the famous Willow Tea Rooms.

Day 3
From Glasgow, drive the 2.5hrs to Fort William. you can slow down and take your time - there’s no hurry. This leg is one of Scotland’s most beautiful road trips! From iconic mountain views to gorgeous waterfalls, there are endless scenic stops to enjoy. Here’s just a few stops to consider along the way: The Drovers Inn Opened in 1705, this is one of Scotland’s most famous pubs Falls of Falloch Beautiful waterfall on the River Falloch Loch Tulla Glen Etive Offering stunning mountain views, this was a film location for James Bond Glen Coe One of Scotland’s most famous valleys

Day 4
Today will be special. You’ll travel the Scottish Highlands on the famed Jacobite steam Train. This world-famous rail journey is one of Britain’s favourite. This is a nostalgic journey through the countryside lochs and glens. You’ll journey from Fort William in the West Highlands and Mallaig on Scotland’s West Coast. The total trip will be 135km and will see you pass the imposing Ben Nevis mountain and the Glenfinnan viaduct. These locations are well-known to Harry Potter fans as they appear in the movies. Die-hard fans can even book a seat in the so-called “Harry Potter” compartment where Harry and his friends sat on their way to Hogwarts!

Day 5
Organise yourself a picnic before you leave Fort William then set off for the great mountain views! See the Commando Monuments just after Spean Bridge then head left. Turn west at Invergarry onward to Great Glen, before an interesting stop at Loch Garry. From there you will continue to the drama of Glen Shiel where the mountains are like a spectacular mini alps! Next you’ll come to the west coast and Loch Duich. You will pass the spactacular Eilean Donan Castle on the picturesque Scotish shoreline. This is an easy drive to Skye Bridge. Coming into Loch Alsh, you’ll see the quaint white homes of Kyleakin. If you prefer, you can drive towards Glenelg and take the car ferry across to Kylerhea. Now that you’re on the Isle of Skye, carry on to Portree, situated on the east side of Skye, and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Skye. A short drive will have you at Sligachan Bridge, a cute little bridge with a small stream below it, legend has it a quick dip in will grant you eternal beauty. Continue onto the Fairy Pools, a series of waterfalls with crystal clear pools. If your feeling brave you can have a swim in the icy cold water. Next stop the Talisker Distillery! Rock paper scissors who will be the designated driver and get ready to enjoy their world-famous whisky. After a busy day of exploring head back to Portree for dinner and a drink in one of the many charming harbour side pubs.

Day 6
The Island of Skye, with its dramatic landscapes and ancient castles will have you feel like you’re stepping into an epic fantasy novel. Hit the road this morning and drive up to the Old Man of Storr an iconic large pinnacle of rocks that rise from the ground, legends say they are the fingers of a dead giant. Continue up the coast to Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls and get your selfie sticks out! Onward and upward another quick drive will have you at The Quiraing, an absolute must see in Skye it’s a great area for hiking if you’re feeling up to scrambling up and down the steep slopes. Start your decent and drive down to Fairy Glen a miniature green valley with dwarf forests it’s the kind of place you would expect to find fairies. Why not head to the Fairy Glen Hotel whilst you’re here and have some lunch. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, continue onto other great sites like Dunvegan Castle or Neist Point Lighthouse or drive back to Portree. Foodies might like to book a dinner or lunch at The Three Chimneys’ Restaurant and enjoy the delicious creations of one of Britain’s top chefs, Scott Davies. Bookings open 3 months in advance.

Day 7
This morning drive to Uig for the ferry trip across to the Ilse of Lewis and Harris. Once on the island, take a quick trip to Luskentyre. It’s an insanely beautiful beach with pure white sands and turquoise waters that looks like it belongs in the Caribbean. Continue onto Stornoway which will be your base for exploring this afternoon and tomorrow. Stroll along the delightful Harbour of Stornoway. Watch the fishermen go about their business the traditional way. See first-hand what the ‘catch of the day’ will be at the island’s gorgeous eateries.

Day 7….continued
You’ll smell the peat from the smoke towers as the fresh seafood undergoes a traditional smoking. The result is an island delicacy you will not want to miss. Visit the historic Lews Castle and the adjoining Lews Castle Museum a key cultural centre for Outer Hebrides heritage. You could wander through the surrounding woods and visit the Woodland Centre where you can eat, drink and shop for local crafts.

Day 8
A visit to Lewis and Harris is like stepping into the pages of a Scottish fairy tale. Gaze in awe at the 5,000 year old Callanish Stones, visit the windiest place in the British Isles the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, see a piece of history the Carloway Broch dating from the iron age and enjoy strolling along stunning beaches with white sands and clear waters that could give Australian beaches a run for their money. Don’t forget to stop the Harris Tweed Hebrides Outlet and Lewis Loom Centre. Here you can watch the local artisans weave these gorgeous fabrics in the traditional manner. Learn about the history, and you can shop for some lasting mementos of your visit.

Day 9
Farewell the islands and head to the car ferry for your crossing to Ullapool. Drive onto Inverness, which is undoubtedly one of the most wonderful places to visit in Scotland. From the delightful scenery to the legends and history, Inverness is a perfect place to spend a busy day. See the fascinating Inverness Castle and Cathedral, the Art Gallery and Museum. Take a break on the riverbank, and picnic like a local. The River Ness is a bustling hive of local activity and you can make your way along the riverside walkways to see the delightful Ness Island. Why not start exploring Inverness and its historic buildings by strolling the City Heritage Trail. There is amazing nature and wildlife to enjoy all year round. Where else could you see such glorious wildlife in the city centre? Of course, you can’t go to Inverness without visiting the Loch Ness. It’s about a 30-minute drive and you might just see the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

Days 10 to 11
Set off early on the 2-hour drive to Ballater. Today, 12 August, is the day of the Ballater Highland Games founded in 1864. You never know who you might see at Ballater and of course you will revel in the other excitement such as Highland dancing, caber tossing, piping, putting the stone and the tug o’ war. Don’t miss the Highland Dancing and Piping competitions. Once the Games are over continuing a short way to Pitlochry where you spend the next 2 nights and days exploring Pitlochry and the beautiful Perthshire surrounds. The Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre is worth a visit. So too the Edradour distillery and Blair Castle and Castle Menzies. Dunkeld Cathedral and Queens View are both great to visit and there are plenty of walks and grades to explore.

Day 12
Leave Pitlochry this morning and drive to Edinburgh. Along the way you must make a pit stop at the Falkirk Wheel. The famous Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only rotating boatlift which connects the Forth & Clyde and Union canals in central Scotland. Grab a coffee at the cafe as you watch the wheel in action or get up close and personal and spend an hour on a boat ride to include a trip on the wheel itself. Continue onto Edinburgh and return your hire car. Check into your hotel and relax before heading out to sample some of the local cuisine.

Day 13
Edinburgh is world-renowned for the medieval stone buildings dotted throughout the city. Today you will meet at 10am for your 2hr 15min “Secrets of the Royal Mile” walk. Included is a skip-the-line visit to Edinburgh Castle. After a wander on your own through the quaint narrow streets of the old town, enjoy a hearty Scottish Lunch. You will round out your day of history with our included Old Town Walk which takes you into the Underground Vaults. The walk is 75 mins and will leave you wanting to explore even more of this amazing city.

Days 14 to 15
Optional excursions on offer for today and tomorrow are an Outlander Tour for those fans that want to follow in the footsteps and Jamie and Claire. Harry Potter fans can join a tour that takes them to Diagon Alley, the entrance to Hogwarts. With your guide, take a magical journey into the wizarding world and engage in trivia and everything Harry Potter as you seek out film locations and other notable sites. Learn the history of the series, and even more about Edinburgh itself as you walk these famous streets. Partake in a famed Scottish Storytelling Supper and if you have not yet sampled enough Whisky, then what better way to bid farewell to Scotland then to finish off with a Tasting Tour.

Day 16
As you check out of your hotel on day 16, your “Scotland the Brave Quest” comes to an end. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr Seuss.

Not ready to go home yet?

You can continue travelling by adding free time, extending your journey or enjoying another Quest.
We will help fit Quests and extra travel together to ensure you take advantage of your already included airfares and the add-on component pricing.