Scotland's Wild Highlands & Islands

Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s) and local guides, private charter cruises to Cromarty Firth 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
While this adventure does not require a high degree of physical fitness, days are very long, and on occasion, may involve somewhat strenuous conditions. Most 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. To enjoy all activities, guests should be able to comfortably walk up to one mile over uneven and often slippery terrain. Multiple walks are included throughout the itinerary, typically about a mile in length, and many take place on rough, rocky ground with significant exposure to the weather, and sometimes near deep water. Several boat trips are included, and while we generally spend time in more sheltered waters, travelers prone to seasickness should take this into consideration and come prepared with medication. It is possible to remain at our hotel on the Isle of Harris if a guest does not wish to participate in the Isle of Lewis wildlife cruise, though it's definitely one of the high points of the entire trip. For guests who desire more physical activity, additional early-morning walks are sometimes offered by our guides. 

Difficult (for Scotland Special Active Walking Departures Only)
This “walking” adventure involves a variety of different activities that require a higher level of physicality than most other Nat Hab departures. Travelers should be able to walk unassisted for at least 6+ miles over uneven, rocky ground with significant exposure to the weather. Scottish paths can sometimes be very wet and slippery underfoot. A few walks may last three or more hours in a variety of environments in the highlands and on the islands, and sometimes venture near deep water. There will be periods of altitude gain, up to a maximum of about 500 feet above the start point; and conversely there are also some sections of steep decline on rough terrain. Scotland’s climate can also be unpredictable; therefore, it is best to be prepared for unexpected heavy rains or cooler weather. Our days generally start quite early and are very full with activities, including a few long drives. We spend significant time on boats out on the open sea, where conditions may be rough. Guests prone to motion sickness may wish to take precautions. 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.

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.