Hiking in the Isle of Skye, Scotland, U.K.

Active Scotland Adventure

Eilean Donan Castle in the Isle of Skye, Scotland, U.K.

Active Scotland Adventure

Cycling and bike riding in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, U.K.

Active Scotland Adventure

Hike, Bike, Kayak, and Explore Scotland

Days: 10 | From: $19,600/per person

  • Enjoy accommodations at best-in-class boutique hotels.
  • Curated tours with outstanding private guides: you’ll have an instant local friend with insider access.
  • Journey through the U.K. as you discover its history, stunning landscapes, fine food, and culture.

Experience Scotland on an active journey through its wild landscapes and storied past. From walking Edinburgh’s historic streets to biking and hiking in the Cairngorms, kayaking past marine wildlife, and hiking the rugged trails of the Isle of Skye and Glencoe, this itinerary combines outdoor adventure with cultural discovery. Along the way, enjoy private guiding, local insight, and some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery.

Talk to a Vaya Travel Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

5-Star Reviews

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Edinburgh
    2 nights: begin your journey in Scotland's historic and fabled capital
  • Cairngorms National Park
    2 nights: bike and hike your way around the Scottish Highlands
  • Isle of Skye
    3 nights: hike through dramatic landscapes, visit castles, and look for marine wildlife
  • Glencoe
    2 nights: sea kayak in quiet coves and hike in picturesque Scottish mountains

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh

Edinburgh old town scenic skyline and Ross Fountain, Scotland travel photo

Welcome to Scotland! Upon arrival at the airport, meet your private driver for a transfer to your hotel in Edinburgh’s city center. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to relax and recover from your journey or begin exploring this historic and distinctive capital.

Accommodations: The Bonham, 2 nights

Housed in a Victorian townhouse in Edinburgh’s West End, The Bonham is a boutique hotel with 49 rooms and suites. Interiors feature high ceilings, original period details, and contemporary Scottish décor. The restaurant serves modern Scottish cuisine with seasonal ingredients, complemented by a stylish bar and afternoon tea service. Its location provides a quieter setting within walking distance of Princes Street and the city’s main attractions.

Day 2: Explore and Tour Edinburgh

Set out this morning on a private walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town with an expert local guide. Stroll along the Royal Mile, visiting landmarks such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the imposing Edinburgh Castle. From the castle ramparts, learn about the city’s long history and the tradition of the One O’Clock Gun. The tour concludes inside the castle, with time to explore its exhibits at your own pace.

The afternoon is free to discover more of the city on your own. Browse boutique shops, visit one of Edinburgh’s excellent museums, or simply enjoy wandering through its distinctive streets and architecture.

Accommodations: The Bonham, 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 3: Journey to the Highlands

Meet your guide this morning and begin your journey into the Scottish Highlands. En route, enjoy a memorable stop to witness a live sheepdog demonstration. Watch as the dogs respond to a series of precise commands, expertly herding sheep across the fields. Learn about the history of this tradition and the important role these skilled animals continue to play in Highland farming.

By evening, arrive at your hotel in the heart of the Highlands. Take time to relax and settle in for the night, surrounded by Scotland’s striking scenery.

Accommodations: Killiehuntly Farmhouse, 2 nights

Killiehuntly Farmhouse is a beautifully restored 19th-century estate in the Cairngorms National Park, offering a blend of Scandinavian design and Highland tradition. The property features four individually styled rooms with natural fabrics, antique furnishings, and views over the surrounding hills. Guests share communal spaces including a cozy kitchen, dining room, and sitting room with a fireplace. Meals are prepared using produce from the farm and local suppliers. With its minimalist aesthetic and tranquil rural setting, Killiehuntly embodies modern Scottish simplicity and comfort.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Biking and Hiking in the Cairngorms

Start the day with a guided biking excursion through the Cairngorms, exploring scenic trails that wind through ancient pine forests, along still lochs, and beneath towering peaks. With opportunities to spot deer or golden eagles, it’s an invigorating way to experience the quiet beauty of the Highlands.

In the afternoon, join your guide for a hike into the Cairngorms. Depending on conditions and your interests, you might climb onto the Cairngorm Plateau for panoramic mountain views or explore the remote glen of Glenfeshie, known for its wild, unspoiled landscapes. Each route offers a distinct perspective on the region’s rugged character and natural appeal.

Accommodations: Killiehuntly Farmhouse, 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Eilean Donan Castel and Travel to the Isle of Skye

Travel west today toward the Isle of Skye. En route, stop at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Set where three sea lochs meet and framed by dramatic Highland scenery, the castle’s setting is as memorable as its history. Take time to explore and enjoy the views before continuing your journey.

As you make your way toward Skye, your guide can lead a short hike along the route. Whether through glen or coastal path, it’s a chance to stretch your legs and take in more of the region’s striking landscapes before arriving on the island.

Accommodations: Cuillin Hills Hotel, 3 nights

Cuillin Hills Hotel is a classic country house hotel set on a private estate overlooking Portree Bay on the Isle of Skye. The property offers elegantly furnished rooms with views of the Cuillin Mountains or gardens, combining traditional Highland décor with modern comforts. Facilities include a fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and produce, a whisky bar with an extensive collection of single malts, and landscaped grounds leading down to the water. Its elevated position provides some of the most iconic views on Skye.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Hiking the Isle of Skye

Spend the day exploring the Isle of Skye on a guided hike through some of its most striking landscapes. Follow your guide along coastal paths and rocky ridges, past unusual rock formations and sweeping viewpoints that reveal both mountain and sea. Known as the “Misty Isle,” Skye is steeped in history and legend, and your guide will share stories of ancient clans and local folklore as you walk through this remarkable terrain.

Accommodations: Cuillin Hills Hotel, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Boat Trip to Rona and Raasay Islands

Today’s adventure takes you by boat to the nearby islands of Rona and Raasay, known for their dramatic coastlines and quiet natural beauty. Cruise across clear waters with your guide, exploring Rona’s rugged terrain and Raasay’s wooded trails, historic sites, and sweeping views back toward Skye. Along the way, watch for seals, sea eagles, and other wildlife. A fresh seafood lunch featuring local catches adds a taste of the Highlands to your day on the water.

Accommodations: Cuillin Hills Hotel, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Sea Kayaking in the Arisaig Sound

Take a short ferry ride back to the mainland this morning, arriving at the white sand beaches of Arisaig Sound. Here you’ll meet your sea-kayaking guide and set out to explore the turquoise waters and small islands that dot the coast. Paddle among seal colonies and watch for otters and seabirds as you move through this peaceful setting. A picnic lunch on a quiet island adds to the experience before you return to shore.

Continue your journey along the scenic Road to the Isles, ending the day amid the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe and settling into your historic accommodation.

Accommodations: Glencoe House, 2 nights

Glencoe House is an elegant Victorian mansion set within private gardens overlooking Loch Leven and the dramatic Glencoe mountains. The property features grand suites with period furnishings, fireplaces, and spacious lounges, some with private terraces and hot tubs. Facilities include in-suite fine dining with multi-course meals served in each guest’s private dining room, as well as a bar and landscaped grounds. Once the former home of Lord Strathcona, the house offers an intimate experience that combines Highland grandeur with modern comfort.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Explore Glencoe

Spend the day exploring Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic and storied landscapes. With your guide, choose a route that suits your pace and take in views of the valley’s rugged peaks and sweeping ridges. As evening falls, enjoy a drink while listening to a local storyteller share tales from Glencoe’s past.

Accommodations: Glencoe House, 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Departure

Say goodbye to Scotland and head to the airport to catch your departing flight.

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Extend your trip to the Emerald Isle and take in Ireland’s history, landscapes, food and culture

  • Add time in Paris and discover the City of Love

  • Add a day hiking on the Isle of Mull

  • Discover ancient castles and summit Ben More

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
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