Highlands to the Causeway
The Highlands and Skye, then across the Irish Sea to the Giant's Causeway and Belfast, returning by ferry for a final night in Edinburgh. One private guide and vehicle throughout.
Who this journey suits
- A first visit to both countries
- Couples and small families with two weeks
- Guests who want Skye and the Causeway in one trip
The pace, honestly
Nine bases in fourteen days, with two nights in Edinburgh, Skye, Inverness and on the Causeway Coast. We break the journey south with nights in Oban and Ayrshire, so no day has more than about three and a half hours on the road.
Highlights
- Edinburgh
- Glencoe and the Road to the Isles
- Two nights on Skye
- The Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle
- Titanic Belfast
An example route to show what is possible. Yours will be built around your places, dates and pace, and confirmed in your personal itinerary and quote.
The route
Driving times are approximate, exclude stops, and depend on season and conditions.
- Day 1
Arrive in EdinburghScotland
Met at the airport and taken to your hotel.
Overnight: EdinburghOn the road: Airport transfer only.
- Day 2
EdinburghScotland
The castle and the Old Town with a private guide.
Overnight: EdinburghOn the road: None.
- Day 3
Loch Lomond and GlencoeScotland
North by Loch Lomond and through Glencoe to Fort William.
Overnight: Fort WilliamOn the road: About 3½ hours, with stops.
- Day 4
The Road to the IslesScotland
Glenfinnan, then the Mallaig ferry to Skye.
Overnight: Isle of SkyeOn the road: About 1½ hours plus the ferry.
- Day 5
SkyeScotland
The Quiraing, the Storr and the Fairy Glen.
Overnight: Isle of SkyeOn the road: Short hops.
- Day 6
Eilean Donan and Loch NessScotland
Eilean Donan Castle, then Loch Ness to Inverness.
Overnight: InvernessOn the road: About 3 hours.
- Day 7
CullodenScotland
Culloden Battlefield, the Clava Cairns and a slower afternoon.
Overnight: InvernessOn the road: Short.
- Day 8
Down the Great Glen to ObanScotland
Along Loch Ness and the Great Glen to the harbour town of Oban.
Overnight: ObanOn the road: About 2½ hours.
- Day 9
Argyll to AyrshireScotland
Inveraray and Loch Fyne, then down to the Ayrshire coast and Culzean Castle.
Overnight: Ayrshire coastOn the road: About 3½ hours, with stops.
- Day 10
Across the Irish Sea
The ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast, then the Antrim coast road north.
Overnight: Causeway CoastOn the road: About 2¼ hours plus the crossing.
- Day 11
The Giant's CausewayNorthern Ireland
The Causeway early, Dunluce Castle, the Dark Hedges and the Bushmills Inn.
Overnight: Causeway CoastOn the road: Short.
- Day 12
BelfastNorthern Ireland
Titanic Belfast and the city.
Overnight: BelfastOn the road: About 1½ hours.
- Day 13
Back to Edinburgh
The morning ferry to Cairnryan and the drive back to Edinburgh for a final evening.
Overnight: EdinburghOn the road: About 2¾ hours plus the crossing.
- Day 14
Journey ends
Transfer to Edinburgh Airport.
Overnight: Journey endsOn the road: Short.
Make it yours
- Add Dublin with two extra nights
- Add a golf day at St Andrews at the start
- Swap Oban for Loch Lomond
Worth knowing
- The Cairnryan–Belfast ferry (about 2¼ hours) is booked in advance with your vehicle; your guide travels with you both ways.
- The Mallaig–Skye ferry is seasonal; the Skye Bridge is the fallback.
Typically included
- Route planning around the places you choose, your pace and your dates
- Your own private driver-guide and vehicle, in Scotland and Ireland
- The Cairnryan–Belfast ferry for you and your vehicle
- Accommodation researched, reserved and confirmed
- Airport meet on arrival and transfer on departure
- Reservations and entries agreed in your itinerary
- One point of contact before and throughout your trip
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend
- Meals and drinks not listed in your itinerary
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Price
Every journey is quoted personally, because the places, season, hotels and size of your party change the cost significantly. Your itinerary and quote come together.
Google reviews
What our guests say
“We just got back from visiting Scotland and Ireland. While in Scotland, we had the most fabulous trip!”
“It was so great to have the flexibility and personal experience of a private tour. We were able to see so much in a short time and our tour guide Ian was THE BEST!”
“Wonderful experience! Our guide George was delightful. Literally went the extra mile every day to maximize our adventure. Loved the very personalized itinerary, and the added surprise stops relating to the Outlander series.”
150+ five-star reviews · Read them on Google
Questions about this journey
Do we keep the same guide in Northern Ireland?
Yes. In 2027 your Scottish driver-guide and vehicle travel with you on the ferry both ways.
Make the Highlands to the Causeway your own
Open this route in the trip builder with its places already chosen. Add, remove and tell us about your party, and we'll send your personal itinerary and quote.
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