Scotland's Wild Highlands & Islands

A very important feature of our trips is the limited group size, as nature expeditions are best experienced with fewer travelers, to enhance the intimacy of the experience and reduce impact on the environment.

Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s) and local guides, first-class journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, private charter cruises to Moray Firth, Loch Ness, Knoydart Peninsula, and the Shiant Isles, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, most gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

Moderate
Our itinerary includes very full days. To enjoy all activities, guests must be able to comfortably walk 2 miles over uneven terrain that is often rough, rocky and slippery, with significant exposure to weather, sometimes near deep water and may involve moderate uphill inclines. Multiple walks are included and are typically 1–2 miles long. The trip also includes a 2 to 3-hour canoeing excursion. While previous paddling experience is not required, guests should be comfortable paddling a two-person canoe in relatively gentle conditions, though if the wind whips up, it's possible we could see some waves. For guests who desire more physical activity, additional early-morning walks are sometimes offered by our guides. A few days include significant time in a vehicle, and drives are often over winding roads through hilly or mountainous terrain. If you get motion-sick on winding roads, you may wish to take preventive medication. Likewise, several boat trips are included that may expose guests to unpredictable sea conditions. While we generally spend time in more sheltered waters, travelers prone to seasickness should take this into consideration and come prepared with medication. While travelers are not required to participate in all activities, should you opt out of the day's scheduled activities, we cannot always guarantee that alternatives will be available.

On custom or private departures with smaller groups, our ability to accommodate varying levels of physical abilities or interests is limited, since these trips are staffed with a single Expedition Leader who may be assisted, pending availability, by local guides.

Our Scotland journey is different from most, deliberately taking you away from more crowded areas and into wilder locales that unveil Scotland's rich natural history and cultural traditions. Accordingly, we stay in authentic, smaller-scale accommodations in less-traveled locations. While they are very comfortable, rooms are often a bit less spacious than those typically found in North America. But whatever we may forsake in space, we more than make up for in setting, surrounded by nature amid Scotland’s most awe-inspiring sights. Please be prepared to spend time outdoors in unpredictable weather, which may include heavy rain and wind—or perfect sunshine.

Arrive in Inverness by 4 pm on Day 1 for a welcome dinner at 7 pm. You may depart Inverness anytime on the final day. We are prepared to handle all your round-trip travel arrangements.

We can serve you best if Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk makes your reservations, as our staff is intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can make the most efficient arrangements. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.