Scotland’s Highlands

Day 1. October 17. Saturday

We will meet near the Edinburgh Airport around 10:00 AM. If you arrive the day before, we recommend booking a hotel close to the airport so we can easily pick you up in the morning. After gathering the group, we will immediately begin our drive toward the Highlands.

Our main stop for the day will be a beautifully preserved castle overlooking a tranquil freshwater lake, famous for its mirror-like reflections at sunset. If time allows, we may also make one or two brief stops along the way near scenic castles or lakes to stretch our legs and enjoy quick snapshots of the landscape.

We will spend the night in Fort William at Garrison Apartments, staying in comfortable two-bedroom units equipped with all amenities, including a full kitchen.

Day 2. October 18. Sunday

We’ll begin the day at a famous Glen Etive Mor Waterfall featuring a powerful river cascading through a rocky gorge, framed by dramatic peaks all around.

On the way to breakfast, we’ll make several scenic stops throughout Glencoe — this area offers endless opportunities to enjoy towering mountains, winding valleys, and atmospheric moorlands.

After breakfast, we’ll take our first hike of the trip — an unforgettable walk through a lush, narrow valley that leads to one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the Highlands. The round-trip is about 3.5 miles with roughly 650 feet of elevation gain, making it a moderate but very rewarding hike surrounded by classic Highland scenery.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll visit the iconic filming location from the James Bond — Skyfall movie, set against sweeping mountains and vast open landscapes that truly capture the spirit of the Highlands.

Night at Garrison Apartments.

Day 3. October 19. Monday

We’ll begin with an early breakfast before checking out of our apartments. Our first quick stop will be at an old shipwreck resting peacefully on the sandy shoreline of a lake.

From there, we’ll continue to the famous curved railway bridge featured in the Harry Potter films. Yes, it’s a cliché and always busy, but it’s impossible to skip. If we return to the cars quickly after watching the steam train cross, we’ll try to catch it again later in a quieter setting—either near a scenic lake or at another elevated viewpoint.

Next, we’ll make a brief stop at the atmospheric ruins of a centuries-old fortress perched above the water, which once served as a strategic stronghold. Following this, we’ll stretch our legs at a dramatic mountain pass, dotted with several beautiful overlooks showcasing the valley and the long, narrow lake below.

We’ll conclude the day at one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, Eilean Donan Castle—a picturesque stronghold located at the meeting point of three sea lochs. We’ll relish its historic charm and its connections to films like Highlander. Here, we can enjoy the sunset over the castle, and if we’re lucky, we might even witness it illuminated as night falls.

Night: Kyle Hotel

Day 4. October 20. Tuesday

We’ll begin our morning at a peaceful lake, where the rising sun casts soft shades of pink and gold across the still water — a beautiful and calm way to start the day. After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey deeper into the island.

Our first stop is a charming old stone bridge stretching over a clear, winding river. Surrounded by rugged hills and heather-covered slopes, it’s a lovely spot to pause, take in the scenery, and snap a few photos.

Next, we’ll make our way to a cozy harbor village with colorful waterfront houses and boats gently rocking in the bay. We’ll stroll along the pier and enjoy the lively yet relaxed atmosphere, with time to visit a few local shops if you’d like.

After warming up with a bowl of traditional Scottish soup for lunch, we’ll check in to our hotel and get ready for the afternoon.

Later, we’ll head out on a scenic 2-mile round-trip hike (about 600 feet of elevation gain) through a landscape of green valleys and rocky streams. The trail leads to a chain of crystal-clear pools connected by small waterfalls — a magical spot where the water shimmers in shades of blue and turquoise. We’ll spend time exploring this area and stay here for sunset, when the evening light reflects beautifully on the water and surrounding hills.

Night: The Royal Hotel

Day 5. October 21. Wednesday

We’ll begin the morning with a sunrise hike to Old Man of Storr, one of the most iconic landmarks on Skye. The trail is about 2.5 miles round-trip with roughly 900 feet of elevation gain — the steepest and most challenging hike of the entire tour, but also one of the most rewarding thanks to its dramatic rock formations and sweeping views. For anyone who prefers something easier, we’ll offer an alternative sunrise viewpoint nearby, though it won’t offer quite the same epic scenery.

Afterward, we’ll explore a whimsical landscape of emerald hills and rounded mounds that look as if they were sculpted for a fairytale. Narrow paths weave between the formations, creating a playful, otherworldly atmosphere that’s fun to wander and photograph.

In the evening, we’ll head to Neist Point Lighthouse for sunset — an absolute must-see on Skye. Standing on high sea cliffs with panoramic views of the Atlantic, this spot offers incredible light, powerful waves below, and one of the most dramatic coastal scenes in Scotland. It’s the perfect place to end the day.

Night: The Royal Hotel

Day 6. October 22. Thursday

We’ll begin our morning with a sunrise walk along one of the island’s most dramatic ridge routes — a rugged landscape of cliffs and sweeping valleys shaped by ancient landslides. The trail is about 4 miles round-trip with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. It’s a moderately challenging route, but the views are truly worth the effort: rolling green slopes, jagged rock formations, and a panoramic horizon that glows beautifully in the morning light.

After our hike, we’ll start our journey back toward Edinburgh. Along the way, we’ll stop at a little-known waterfall spot — a real hidden gem familiar mostly to locals. A short forest path leads us through colorful autumn foliage to a series of cascading falls, creating countless opportunities for peaceful moments and lovely snapshots.

By late afternoon, we’ll return our vehicle at the Edinburgh Airport and transfer to our hotel in the city.

Night: Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Day 7. October 23. Friday

We’ll begin our day well before sunrise, when the historic heart of Edinburgh is still quiet and nearly empty. The soft glow of lanterns along the cobblestoned streets creates a beautiful, almost magical atmosphere — the perfect time for a peaceful walk through the Old Town before the city wakes up.

For sunrise, we’ll head up to the most scenic viewpoint on Calton Hill, where the first light of day reveals Edinburgh’s skyline in all its charm.

After breakfast, we’ll dive into the city’s rich heritage: exploring the Old Town, visiting the iconic Edinburgh Castle, strolling along the Royal Mile, enjoying a whisky tasting, and wandering through the colorful Victoria Street — a place that inspired scenes in the Harry Potter films.

We’ll end the day with sunset overlooking Edinburgh Castle, a classic and unforgettable city view.

Night: Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Day 8. October 24. Saturday

For those who are not flying out early, we’ll enjoy one last peaceful morning walk through Edinburgh’s quiet, empty streets. As the city slowly wakes up, we’ll make our way to a hidden stone stairway framed by old buildings, where the castle rises dramatically at the end of the lane — one of the most atmospheric sunrise views in the city.

After that, participants will make their own way to the airport.
End of the tour.