[2026] F0 9-Day Scottish Highlands Highlights Road Trip 9D

Duration9 Days
Difficulty 2 stars
  • Program Outline
  1. D1: China - Edinburgh

    Arrive in the charming city of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Recognized by UNESCO as a City of Literature, Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and historically rich cities in the United Kingdom. Nestled on the coastal highlands of eastern Scotland and overlooking the North Sea, the city offers breathtaking views and a unique cultural atmosphere.

    Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore the city at your own pace and immerse yourself in its distinctive character. If you arrive early, you’ll have the opportunity to join a guided City Walk, strolling through the story-filled Old Town and heading up to Calton Hill for sweeping views of the Edinburgh skyline — a perfect way to begin your journey.

    Along the way, you’ll visit iconic landmarks such as the Royal Mile and Victoria Street — places that directly inspired J.K. Rowling in her creation of the Harry Potter series. Walking these historic streets feels like stepping into the real-life foundations of the wizarding world, as your guide brings to life the stories behind beloved characters and magical settings.

    Later in the day, we will hold a brief welcome and pre-departure meeting to introduce your trip leader and fellow travelers, go over key itinerary highlights and important notes, and ensure everyone is well-prepared for the journey ahead through Scotland.

    Transport : 9 seat MPV (0.5-1 hour)

    Accommodation : The Craigie Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : (On Own)

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  2. D2: Edinburgh - Stirling

    【Morning】: Edinburgh John Muir Way Highlights Walk
    (A curated section of the John Muir Way through Edinburgh, offering a modern interpretation of John Muir’s vision of harmony between people and nature.)

    【Afternoon】: Wallace Monument In-Depth Tour
    (A nationally significant historical landmark commemorating Scottish hero William Wallace. Climb the tower for sweeping views of the Battle of Stirling Bridge site, and gain deeper insight into 13th-century resistance history and the symbolic power of this monument within Scotland’s national identity and commemorative tradition.)

     

    Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express Stirling by IHG (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    Trekking Distance : 10 kilometers

    Trekking Time : 4-5 hours

    Altitude Gains & Losses : 100 meters

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  3. D3: Stirling - Cairngorms National Park

    Morning: Visit to Stirling Castle
    (The heart of Scottish royalty — this centuries-old fortress stands as a witness to Scotland’s most glorious era. Step into the Great Hall and the Queen’s Chambers, listen to the tales of Mary Queen of Scots’ coronation and the hidden stories of the royal dynasty. In the solemn and majestic atmosphere, feel the rituals and pride of the nobility, as if traveling back to the golden age of Scotland.)

    Afternoon: Highland Farm Visit
    (Explore a traditional Highland estate covering around 5,400 hectares, where ancient farming traditions are still alive. Meet iconic Highland cattle and roaming sheep, and experience the simple yet rich rhythm of self-sufficient country life in the Scottish Highlands.)

    Accommodation : High Range Lodge Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  4. D4: Cairngorms National Park - Inverness

    Morning:Reindeer Hill Trip
    Amid the mountains of Scotland, meet the country’s only free-ranging reindeer herd and embark on a Highland adventure that feels as magical as a fairytale. Experience close encounters with these gentle creatures roaming freely in the hills — a rare opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.

    Afternoon:Loch Ness Cycling
    Cycle along the scenic country roads from Inverness to Dores, with sweeping views of Loch Ness and the surrounding Highland mountains mirrored on the lake’s surface. Ride effortlessly on e-mountain bikes over gentle forest trails, pausing at panoramic viewpoints and local lakeside pubs to enjoy the calm and beauty of the Highlands.

    Accommodation : River Ness Hotel, A Member of Radisson Individuals (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  5. D5: Inverness - Skye

    Departing from Inverness — the gateway to the Highlands — we head toward the legendary Isle of Skye, making a short 15-minute photo stop at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic and picturesque castles.

    Upon entering Skye, we take the northern route from the Old Man of Storr to the Quiraing, exploring the island’s most dramatic landscapes and volcanic formations, and feeling the raw, untamed power and mystic beauty of this “Island of the Sky.”

    Accommodation : The Moorings & Glendagreet (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

  6. D6: Skye - Gairloch

    早晨,我们将再次驶入 斯凯岛(Isle of Skye),前往著名的 Fairy Pools 仙女池。沿着清澈溪流与层层瀑布徒步,远眺 Cuillin Hills 山脉的雄伟剪影,在潺潺水声与山谷微风中,感受斯凯岛最梦幻的自然气息。

    随后离开斯凯岛,正式开启 NC500 西海岸精华段之旅
    翻越仅九座以下车辆方可通行的传奇山路 Bealach na Bà Pass,一路蜿蜒盘旋,登顶后俯瞰壮阔的高地峡谷与海湾,抵达宁静的海岸村 Applecross。

    沿着辽阔的西海岸公路北上,途经 Shieldaig 小镇与高地秘境 Victoria Falls,山海交织、云雾缭绕,展现高地最纯粹的荒野之美。
    傍晚抵达 Gairloch,在依海小镇的柔光中结束今日旅程,聆听大西洋的风声,为高地之路画上宁静而壮丽的句点。

    Accommodation : Gairloch Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  7. D7: Gairloch - Fort William

    Leaving the coastal village of Gairloch, we continue south along the western stretch of the NC500, traversing the Highlands’ rugged mountains and deep glens — a scenic journey homeward through some of Scotland’s wildest landscapes.

    Our first stop is the Falls of Measach, a dramatic 45-metre waterfall plunging into the depths of the Corrieshalloch Gorge. Walking across the suspended bridge, you can look straight down into the misty chasm below and feel the raw power of nature all around you.

    Next, we pause at the Loch Glascarnoch Viewpoint, a highland watershed that marks the transition between the NC500 and Scotland’s central Highlands. The vast, mirror-like lake reflects the shifting clouds and distant hills, forming a breathtaking highland panorama.

    Continuing southward, we return to one of Scotland’s great icons — Loch Ness. Here we stop for photos along the lakeshore or gaze across the water toward the ruins of Urquhart Castle, recalling the legends and mysteries that have long surrounded this famous loch.

    By evening, we arrive in Fort William, nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK and often called the “Outdoor Capital of Scotland.”
    Here our grand traverse of the NC500 comes to a close. After a well-earned rest, tomorrow we’ll set out on foot along the most scenic section of the legendary West Highland Way, beginning a new journey — one that connects people, mountains, and the spirit of the Highlands.

    Accommodation : The Garrison Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  8. D8: Fort William

    In the early morning, we drive to the highland village of Kinlochleven to begin the most iconic final stage of the West Highland Way. The trail leads from Kinlochleven through the dramatic landscapes of Glen Nevis, all the way to Fort William, a renowned destination for hikers in Scotland.

    Covering approximately 24 kilometers with a total ascent of 504 meters, this route offers diverse terrain and a dynamic rhythm—an unforgettable Highland journey that blends stunning scenery, physical challenge, and the true spirit of long-distance trekking.

    Accommodation : The Garrison Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    Trekking Distance : 25 kilometers

    Trekking Time : 6-7 hours

    Altitude Gains & Losses : 504 meters

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  9. D9: Fort William - Glasgow; Departure or Extension Program

    After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we return to Glasgow. Before parting ways, gather for a farewell lunch accompanied by a live bard performance—a poetic tribute to the journey through the Highlands.
    You are then free to choose your preferred time to depart, or continue onward from Glasgow to your next destination.

    (Transfer provided to both Glasgow Train Station and Glasgow Airport)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

Route Type Trekking Adventure

Route Code178-NA

Independent Group
Customized Itinerary
Family Tour

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