Rannoch Moor, Scottish Highlands

Isle of Skye & Scottish Highlands Winter Escape

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Overview

Suggested Itinerary

What's Included?

Accommodation & Prices

Car Hire

Overview

Self-Drive Holidays

7 Nights

Fully customisable itinerary
Prices from: £1110 per person
Best time to go: November - March
Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Edinburgh

Charming and vibrant, Edinburgh is Scotland’s ancient capital city and a hub for culture and creativity year-round. Attractions include historic Edinburgh Castle, the picturesque Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the home of Scottish royal history.

Historic castles

Perched atop Castle Hill, Stirling Castle is the former home of the Stuart monarchs. On the West Coast, Urquhart Castle overlooks mysterious Loch Ness and on the shores of Loch Duich, Eilean Donan must be Scotland’s most beautiful & photogenic castle.

Atmospheric Glencoe

Glencoe is Scotland’s most famous and mystical glen, site of the infamous massacre of Clan Macdonald. Enjoy the clear air, the crunch of frost underfoot and soak up the majesty of the rustic heather valleys with snow-capped mountains above.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is popular for its stunning and dramatic volcanic scenery, including the Cuillin Mountain Range, the iconic Storr and spectacular Quiraing. Portree is its colourful capital. Through the winter months, the scenery can really sparkle under dustings of snow, and you’ll likely have this tranquil world all to yourself.

Mystical Loch Ness

Located near Inverness, Loch Ness is shrouded in mystery. There are various boat trips and cruises available for those wishing to go in search of ‘Nessie’, the Loch Ness Monster.

Inverness

Situated at the edge of the Great Glen, Inverness is known as the Capital of the Highlands. Nearby you will find Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising, and Speyside, home to Scotland’s most famous whisky distilleries. Enjoy a cosy fireside dram to warm the winter nights.

A Stunning Winter Self-Drive Tour in Scotland

This spectacular Scottish road trip begins in Edinburgh, Scotland’s majestic capital city, and explores the magnificent Highlands & Islands.

You will travel north to Stirling, Glencoe & the Isle of Skye and then onward to Inverness and mystical Loch Ness, exploring a selection of the country’s finest mountain and lochside scenery.

Visiting in the winter months, you’ll enjoy the peace and tranquillity to explore this wonderful world at your leisure. Soak in the clear highland air, marvel at the snow-capped mountains standing serene over the frosted glens and warm your spirit in cosy pubs as you sip whisky by roaring fires.

Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities. Hop-on, hop-off a City Sightseeing Tour and explore the many attractions, including St Giles’ Cathedral, the National Gallery, Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, the New Town and Royal Mile. Walk up Arthur’s Seat and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city. In the evening, you are spoilt for choice, Edinburgh is gastronomic heaven.

This tour takes you into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, resplendent in their winter coat. Drive through Glencoe, the most infamous glen in Scotland, across the desolate otherworldly beauty of Rannoch Moor, to the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. This part of the world is truly breathtaking, and outside of the busy summer months, it will feel all yours to enjoy at leisure.

Journey north to the awe-inspiring volcanic Isle of Skye, visited for its wild mountains, stunning seascapes and geological scenery. Home to the iconic Old Man of Storr, dramatic Quiraing and magical Fairy Pools, Skye is the most famous Scottish Isle. On route to Inverness, you will pass the picturesque castles of Eilean Donan and Urquhart, set against deep clear lochs reflecting the snowy mountain peaks.

The Capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is the perfect base for exploring Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield and nearby Speyside, home to the world-famous 70-mile Malt Whisky Trail. Your final overnight stop is in beautiful Highland Perthshire, where you can unwind in cosy pubs, nestled amongst the snowy mountains, forests, rivers and lochs.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh

Arrive in Edinburgh – Scotland’s majestic capital and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, where the opportunities for sightseeing are almost endless. Enjoy a visit to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, or hike up to the top of Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking panoramic views.
Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 2: Edinburgh to Fort William

Travel north and visit medieval Stirling Castle, before a wonderfully scenic journey takes you through spectacular Glencoe and into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Your destination is on the western seaboard at the foot of Ben Nevis – Britain’s highest mountain.
Overnight – Fort William

Day 3: Fort William to the Isle of Skye

Take a spectacular road trip north along the tranquil shores of Loch Lochy, and through the towering mountains of Glen Shiel. Along the way, pause to visit the world-famous Commando Memorial which stands proud over the Great Glen. Cross the bridge on to the famous Isle of Skye, one of the most spectacular islands in the world.
Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 4: Isle of Skye Sightseeing

Today you will have a full day on Skye to roam the rugged island, sample some fine island whisky, enjoy a great day’s walking and marvel at the unique and iconic scenery. There are a number of very well renowned restaurants on Skye which you can book into to enjoy in the evening.
Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 5: Isle of Skye to Inverness

Depart Skye and travel past the most photographed of Scotland’s castles, Eilean Donan. Your route takes you by brooding Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, and onto the vibrant ‘Capital of the Highlands’.
Overnight – Inverness

Day 6: Inverness Sightseeing

A full day to explore Inverness where you could choose to visit Culloden Battlefield where, in 1746, the last battle took place on British soil. Alternatively, you could travel into Speyside and tour the famous Malt Whisky Trail to sample some of this warming drink.
Overnight – Inverness

Day 7: Inverness to Highland Perthshire

Travel from the Highlands to the Lowlands into beautiful Highland Perthshire. En-route you could explore Cairngorms National Park, home to ancient Scots Pine woodland, and tour Dalwhinnie Whisky Distillery. Stay overnight in the picturesque Victorian spa town of Pitlochry which has no shortage of cosy pubs, fantastic eateries, and scenic local walks.
Overnight – Pitlochry area

Day 8: Depart Edinburgh

After breakfast it’s less than a two-hour drive back to Edinburgh, where your unforgettable winter road trip will come to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 7 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
Comprehensive information pack
Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route
7 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
Tickets for the Edinburgh City Sightseeing Tour
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Flights
Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay

Premium

Standard

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

Collision Damage Waiver
Super Damage Excess Waiver
Third Party Insurance
Theft Waiver
Tax

Economy

Vauxhall Corsa or similar

Good for 2 people
Maximum of 4 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Compact

Ford Focus or similar

Good for 2 – 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Intermediate

Volkswagen Passat or similar

Good for up to 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
3 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Fullsize

VW Sharan or similar

Good for 5 people
Maximum of 7 passengers
3 – 4 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

How do our Self-Drive Holidays Work?

Since 2004, we've led the way in planning remarkable road trips in the UK. Like a perfectly tailored suit, each itinerary is crafted around you. Learn more about us and our self-drive holidays in our new guide. Read more

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