Scotland's Wild Highlands & Islands

© 

Itinerary

Itinerary Map
Day 1: Inverness, Scotland / Contin
Our Scotland nature adventure begins in Inverness, the largest city and cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. From Inverness, a transfer is included to our historic country house hotel located just outside the village of Contin, about a 30-minute drive. Coul House, a grand stone manor house built in 1821, is the centerpiece of the Coul estate established by the Mackenzie clan in 1560. Gather for an orientation and welcome dinner with our Expedition Leader this evening.

Day 2: Private Cruise in Moray Firth / Culloden Battlefield / Clava Cairns
From Contin, return to Inverness where we board a private boat at the marina for an excursion into Moray Firth, a large sea bay home to Scotland’s best-known pod of bottlenose dolphins, the most northerly population in the world. We don expedition suits and life jackets, then head out in a RIB (rigid inflatable) boat for an exhilarating high-speed cruise on the firth. Taking weather and tides into account, our skipper sets a course in search of dolphins. Once we enter Chanonry Narrows, we slow our speed in this protected area where we most frequently spot dolphins. Famously inquisitive, they sometimes swim right alongside our boat. Keep an eye out, too, for harbor porpoises, common and gray seals, and the occasional minke whale.

This afternoon, visit Culloden Battlefield and museum, a National Trust for Scotland site where the 1745 Jacobite uprising came to a harrowing end—the last major battle on British soil. As we wander this living landscape, we may see skylarks, wildflowers, and goats and Shetland cows grazing on the restored moorland, just as one would have in the 18th century. Continue to Clava Cairns, one of Scotland’s most evocative prehistoric sites, where the remains of a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age cemetery rest on a terrace above the River Nairn. Returning to our boutique inn, we anticipate a memorable dinner featuring contemporary Scottish cuisine prepared by Coul House's accomplished chef.

Day 3: Private Loch Ness Cruise / Trees for Life / Highland Traverse to Glen Shiel
We drive a short distance this morning to the Great Glen, passing dramatic vistas to arrive at famous Loch Ness, one of the largest and deepest freshwater lakes in Britain. After a brief stop at ruined Urquhart Castle on a rocky promontory above the loch—one of Scotland’s largest medieval fortresses and the site of a half-century of conflict—we walk to the pier to board a high-speed RIB boat for an outing on Loch Ness. Of course, we hope for a glimpse of the furtive Nessie, the water monster of legend that is the subject of more than a thousand eyewitness accounts. We’re more likely, however, to spy nesting ospreys, eagles and waterfowl.

This afternoon, stop for a special presentation at Trees for Life, a rewilding project that seeks to restore the globally unique Caledonian forest that once covered much of interior Scotland. The predominantly Scots pine forest mixed with varied deciduous trees has been decimated over centuries, cleared for grazing and timber. Through partnerships with large landowners, restoring the forest ecology provides habitat for native species including red deer, pine marten, badger, red squirrel, wild boar, otter and the rare Scottish wildcat, while opening the door to possible reintroductions of keystone species such as beaver and lynx. Trees for Life is a Nat Hab philanthropy project, and guests on our trip will have a chance, if they wish, to donate to a special Nat Hab grove restoration project.

Reaching the shores of Loch Cluanie, look for red deer and scan the skies for golden eagles and other raptors. Our accommodation for the next two nights is in Glen Shiel in an old coaching inn that has long served travelers bound from the Highlands to the Isle of Skye. Ringed by scenic hills, the inn offers glorious views and cozy ambience.

Day 4: Jacobite Steam Train / Knoydart Peninsula—Private Boat Cruise
Leave the inn this morning to drive about an hour to Fort William where we board the Jacobite steam train with first-class passage to Mallaig. This magnificent 42-mile one-way journey begins near Scotland's highest peak, Ben Nevis, and crosses the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct (made famous as the route of the "Hogwarts Express" in the Harry Potter films) which overlooks Loch Shiel. Our rail trip concludes at Loch Nevis, the deepest seawater loch in Europe.

Once we disembark at Mallaig, we take a private boat cruise among some of the wildest landscapes in Scotland along the Knoydart Peninsula. Sandwiched between Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn in the West Highlands, the peninsula forms the northern part of what is traditionally known as “The Rough Bounds,” due to the region's harsh terrain and remote nature. Knoydart is also known as “Britain’s Last Wilderness,” renowned for its rugged grandeur and tranquility. As we cruise the craggy coast, often wreathed in clouds, keep an eye out for abundant sea life—we may see otters, dolphins, porpoises, minke whales, gray and common seals basking on rocks, and seabirds, including the majestic sea eagle. After lunch, sea conditions permitting, our skipper whisks us across Loch Hourn, the most fjord-like of Scotland's sea lochs,  to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. (In inclement weather, we may take a larger ferry.) From here, we make our way back to the Cluanie Inn to close the loop and end the day.

Day 5: Isle of Skye / Harris
More wild Scottish scenery is in store as we make our way to the Isle of Skye and on to Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Journey through forest and moorlands, past lochs and trout streams, to reach the coast. We’ll stop for photos of evocative Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic sites. Strategically perched on a small island where three great sea lochs meet, the original 13th-century fortification was built to protect adjacent lands from Viking raids. At Kyle of Lochalsh, cross the famous bridge to Skye and continue northwest across the island through the rugged Cuillins Mountains. En route, we’ll stop in a few small villages and stop for photos of the Old Man of Storr, a large, prominent rock pinnacle overlooking the sea that’s visible for miles. We’ll also view Kilt Rock, a 300-foot-high wall of towering columnar basalt, and the Quiraing, part of the Trotternish ridge that was formed by a massive landslide that created high cliffs, hidden plateaus and sharp rock outcrops. At the port town of Uig, board the ferry to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris, cruising in the gleaming light of evening. At our hotel in the heart of this small harborside town, a late dinner awaits on arrival.

Day 6: Harris / Private Shiant Isles Seabird Cruise
The Isle of Harris is a diverse landscape of mountains and moorlands, crofts, lochs, meadows and white sand beaches edging turquoise sea. Its craggy coast, defined by cliffs and secret coves, offers nesting habitat for myriad seabirds. In high summer, discover the wildflower meadows that burst into color on the machair, a sparse veneer of green atop the sand. The single-lane “Golden Road” winds along the east coast of Harris among miniature fjords and tiny hamlets with Viking and Gaelic names. Along the way, we pass through historic rural settlements and stop at a weaving shop where world-famous Harris tweed is produced.

A highlight today is a private cruise to the Shiant Isles, one of the world's most famous seabird colonies. Located between Skye and Lewis, these columnar basalt islands are known in Gaelic as Na h-Eileanan Seunta, or the "Enchanted Isles." Though this tiny island group is uninhabited by humans, it is home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds, including a quarter-million puffins—2% of the entire global population. Some 7% of all razorbills in the U.K. also breed here, along with colonies of guillemots, cormorants, shags and great skuas. We often see seals lounging on the rocks, too.

Sept/Oct departures only: Fall trips will typically not visit the Shiant Islands, since the seabirds will have departed by this time. Instead, a private boat cruise will offer an alternate route, tracing the rugged Harris coastline east of Tarbert Marina, passing several remote and deserted villages, with views of the Shiant Isles offshore. As we cruise, scour the waves in hopes of seeing dolphins and whales from the boat before returning to our hotel for teatime. 

Day 7: Lewis—Callanish Standing Stones / Contin
This morning we visit one of Scotland's most intriguing archaeological sites, the Callanish Standing Stones. This 5,000-year-old ring of 13 gneiss pillars is arranged in a cruciform pattern around a 14-foot central monolith. Erected on the west coast of Lewis in the late Neolithic era, predating Stonehenge, the stones were a focus for ritual activity during the Bronze Age. Several other stone circles, arcs and alignments are also visible from the main site. Historians estimate the site was abandoned around 1,000 B.C. and ultimately buried beneath a thick layer of peat turf, not unearthed until 1857. We also visit a museum dedicated to the historical crofting life in the Hebrides before continuing to Stornoway, where we board the ferry back to the mainland. The 2.5-hour crossing is an opportunity to look for dolphins and whales from the observation deck. On arrival in Ullapool, we return to the Coul House Hotel, where our journey began.

Day 8: Canoeing in Aigas Gorge / Traditional Gaelic Ceilidh
Head deep into the glen for a canoeing excursion, providing an intimate perspective on the rugged beauty of the Highlands. We paddle the gentle Beauly River into steep-walled Aigas Gorge, watching for osprey overhead. The region is home to red deer, pine marten, golden eagles and many more species native to the area including the extremely rare—and very rarely seen—Scottish wildcat, the United Kingdom's only native feline and most endangered mammal. Since 2011, a crucial national program has engaged in efforts to bring this small, muscular tabby cat back from the brink of extinction. Later, a very special event is in store as we head to the home of our Scottish hosts—Warwick, Becky and their children—for a festive afternoon of traditional Gaelic entertainment. Enjoy a classic ceilidh featuring fiddle playing, robust singing, whisky tasting, stories, and other fireside amusements. Guests are invited to offer their own contributions, too! Return to Coul House for a final night.

Day 9: Inverness / Depart
After breakfast, transfer to Inverness to meet departing flights.

Physical Rating: Moderate

Interested in extending your trip? Link it up with another adventure!
Questions?
We've Got Answers!
Talk with an Adventure Specialist
Call Our Boulder Office at 800-543-8917 or contact your travel advisor.
We're Proud of the Reputation We’ve Earned
Voted "World's Best Travel Company" by Outside Magazine
Travel & Leisure logo
Voted "Top Tour Operator" in Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards
Newsweek logo
Voted "Best Adventure Travel Company" in Newsweek Reader's Choice Awards
VIEW MORE AWARDS
Physical Requirements
WWF Logo

Learn More

Customize Your African Safari

Let our in-house safari experts create your perfect African adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on this safari or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917.

Please note that on Private departures we have a minimum group size of approximately half the maximum size of our regularly scheduled departures.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Learn More
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for your interest!
We'll be in touch soon to help with your custom African safari!

Learn More

Customize Your Trip

Let our in-house trip experts create your perfect adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on our ${tripName} or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917.

Please note that on Make It Private departures we have a minimum group size of approximately half the maximum size of our regularly scheduled departures.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Scotland's Wild Highlands & Islands
Learn More
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for your interest!
We'll be in touch soon to help with your private trip!

Download Trip Details

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Get our downloadable trip details in PDF format, a handy resource for your travel planning. Inside, you'll find all the info from our website—highlights of the trip, itinerary, accommodations, and full details on dates, prices and logistics—plus a few extras!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Download Trip Details
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Your download awaits…

Thank you for your request! Click here to see your trip details PDF now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Ask a Question

Ask a Question

Fill out our form to receive additional information about our ${tripName}, or give us a call at 800-543-8917.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Scotland's Wild Highlands & Islands
Ask a Question
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for your note!

We’ll be in touch soon with more details.

Send Me Travel Emails

Get the Inside Scoop on the

World of Nature Travel

Our weekly eNewsletters highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Me Travel Emails
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Privacy Policy
Thank you for joining our email list

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Request Your 2025/2026 Catalog

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Nathab 2024 Catalog

Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly 100 nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the magnificent places we visit and their wild inhabitants.

Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Logos
Request Your 2025/26 Catalog
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Continued - Page 2 of 2
To help us customize your catalog request, please tell us more about your travel needs:
Thank you for requesting a catalog
We’ve received your request. If you have any questions about our trips, please feel free to contact an Adventure Specialist today by calling 800-543-8917.

Get Weekly Updatess

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Me Travel Emails
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Privacy Policy
Thank you for joining our email list!

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Send Us a Message

Send Us a Message

Have a question or comment? Use the form to the right to get in touch with us.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Us a Message
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for your message

We’ll be in touch soon with a response.

Refer a Friend

Refer a Friend,
Get $250 Off
Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Refer a Friend

Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.

Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for the referral!

We've received your friend's information.

View Our 2025/2026 Digital Catalog

View Our 2025/2026

Digital Catalog

Help us save paper! We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. If you'd prefer a mailed copy, please provide your contact details here. To view our digital catalog, please enter your info in the form to the right.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
View Digital Catalog
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Happy browsing!

Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. Click here to view it now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Our Trips

Polar Bear Tours

Polar Bear Tours

African Safaris

African Safaris

Galapagos Tours

Galapagos Tours

Alaska Adventures

Alaska Adventures

U.S. National Parks Tours

U.S. National Parks Tours

Canada & the North

Canada & the North

Europe Adventures

Europe Adventures

Mexico & Central America Tours

Mexico & Central America Tours

South America Adventures

South America Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Photo Expeditions

Photo Expeditions

Adventure Cruises

Adventure Cruises

Women's Adventures

Women's Adventures

Family Adventures

Family Adventures

New Adventures

New Adventures

Questions? Call 800-543-8917

Contact Us

Have a question or comment?
Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us.

Hours
Mountain Time

  • 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday
  • 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday
  • Closed on Sunday
Call 800-543-8917
Questions? Click to Chat
Questions? Click to Chat
/europe/scotland-adventure/itinerary/