Scotland: Highlands, Isles & Wild Places

Discover Scotland beyond the castles and whisky on an unforgettable adventure through the Highlands and Isle of Skye. Ride one of the world’s most scenic railways, hike among dramatic mountains and glens, and experience Scotland’s inspiring rewilding movement.

You’ll forage with a local guide, cruise the legendary waters of Loch Ness, uncover Highland myths and folklore, and explore charming villages, rugged coastlines, and iconic castles. Designed for travelers who love nature, culture, and meaningful experiences, this small-group journey showcases Scotland at its wild and welcoming best.

Trip Details

Trip Length

8 days / 7 nights

Accommodations

Hotels

Group Size

max 16 people

Physical Activity

Moderate Hiking

Meals

7 breakfasts, 6 dinners are included

Trip Dates

September 13 – 20, 2027

New Destination
8 days

Glasgow → Edinburgh

from $5,630 (USD)

Deadline to sign up is June 5, 2027

Book a Call Contact Us
the overhead view of edinburgh with a cloudy sky as the sun is setting
  • pink and white clouds over loch ness as the sun is setting
  • a small charming scottish village with a river running through it on a bright day in scotland
  • clouds rolling over a lush green mountain with two large rock formations surrounded by water in scotland
  • large white plate with vegan sausage, tofu, mushrooms, tomato, and toast with a green juice in scotland

Tour Itinerary

Check out the daily activities for this exciting itinerary. Please note, the itinerary is subject to change. We always have to remain flexible for weather, closures, and random things that are out of our control!

Check out the essential trip overview for more details about this adventure.

Meals Included: Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Scotland! Your adventure begins in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and a vibrant hub known for its striking Victorian architecture, thriving arts scene, and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re arriving from overseas or another part of the UK, take some time to settle into your hotel before meeting your fellow travelers.

If you arrive early, consider stretching your legs with a walk along the River Clyde or exploring the nearby Merchant City, one of Glasgow’s liveliest neighborhoods. Filled with historic buildings, independent shops, cafés, and public squares, it’s a wonderful introduction to the city.

At 6:00 PM, you’ll meet your tour leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting before heading to one of Glasgow’s best-loved vegan restaurants.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, take a short walk to the train station and board the famous West Highland Line, widely considered one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys. As you travel north toward Fort William, watch the landscape transform from the outskirts of Glasgow to rolling hills, sparkling lochs, and dramatic Highland scenery. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as the train winds through some of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside.

Arriving in Fort William early this afternoon, you’ll have time to explore this lively Highland town at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom.

If you’re feeling active, join your tour leader for an optional hike through Glen Nevis to the summit of Cow Hill. The trail rewards your efforts with sweeping views across the glen, Fort William, and Loch Linnhe.

Prefer a slower pace? Spend the afternoon browsing the local shops, visiting a cozy café, or relaxing in one of the town’s traditional pubs before enjoying dinner this evening.

Activities Included:

  • West Highland Line train journey
  • Leader-led hike in Glen Nevis (optional)

Notes:

  • The optional hike is approximately 3 hours (10 km / 6 mi) with 475 m (1,555 ft) of elevation gain. Good walking shoes are essential
  • Today’s journey is approximately 4 hours aboard the West Highland Line. The train has onboard restrooms and a café offering drinks and snacks for purchase. During busy travel periods, seat reservations together cannot be guaranteed.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, travel by private vehicle through the Scottish Highlands to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, the viaduct is perhaps best known for its appearances in the Harry Potter films, but it’s equally impressive for its remarkable engineering and spectacular setting.

From here, continue to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, where you’ll learn about the inspiring work of Trees for Life to restore Scotland’s native forests. During a guided walk, local experts will share the area’s rich Gaelic heritage while introducing the principles of rewilding and the ongoing efforts to create a healthier, more diverse landscape for native wildlife. It’s a fascinating opportunity to experience firsthand how conservation is helping shape the future of the Scottish Highlands.

Later this afternoon, continue to the Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides. Known for its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping moorlands, Skye is one of Scotland’s most iconic destinations.

Settle into your hotel in Portree before enjoying dinner and preparing for a full day of exploring the island tomorrow.

Activities Included:

  • Glenfinnan Viaduct & Visitor Centre
  • Dundreggan Rewilding Centre guided tour

Notes:

  • Today’s travel time is approximately 4 hours by private vehicle.
  • The guided rewilding walk covers approximately 2 miles

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend today discovering the wild beauty of the Isle of Skye, beginning with a unique foraging experience along the island’s hedgerows, woodlands, and shoreline. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll learn how to identify seasonal edible plants, seaweeds, and other natural ingredients while gaining insight into Skye’s landscapes and traditional foraging practices. Along the way, your guide will prepare a few of your freshly gathered finds, giving you the chance to sample the flavors of the island.

Later, continue exploring Skye on a guided tour of the spectacular Trotternish Peninsula, home to some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery. Along the route, stop to admire the dramatic rock formations of the Quiraing, the towering Old Man of Storr, and Kilt Rock, where the cliffs plunge into the sea beside the cascading Mealt Falls. Time permitting, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit a local gallery or museum before returning to Portree for dinner.

Activities Included:

  • Foraging experience
  • Guided tour of the Trotternish Peninsula

Notes:

  • The foraging experience lasts approximately 3–4 hours and covers around 1 mile over uneven terrain that can be wet and muddy. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, say goodbye to the Isle of Skye as you cross the iconic Skye Bridge and return to the Scottish mainland. Your first stop is Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Set on a small island where three sea lochs meet, this beautifully restored castle is surrounded by stunning Highland scenery and offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s history.

Continue to Loch Ness, where you’ll board a scenic cruise across the legendary waters of Scotland’s most famous loch. As you take in the peaceful surroundings, keep an eye out for the elusive Loch Ness Monster — local legend says you never know when Nessie might make an appearance! Whether or not you spot its most famous resident, the loch’s dramatic scenery makes this a memorable experience.

Later, travel to Inverness, the cultural capital of the Highlands. With its riverside setting, historic streets, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a wonderful place to spend the next two nights before continuing your Scottish adventure.

Activities Included:

  • Visit Eilean Donan Castle
  • Loch Ness boat cruise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, step into Scotland’s rich tradition of myth, folklore, and history during a guided storytelling walk through Inverness. Accompanied by a local storyteller, you’ll explore Tomnahurich Hill, the Ness Islands, and the ancient hillfort of Craig Phadrig, hearing tales of Highland legends, local history, and the people who have shaped this landscape over the centuries. It’s a wonderful way to experience Inverness beyond its landmarks and gain a deeper appreciation for the stories woven into the Highlands.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace, until dinnertime.

Visit Inverness Castle, browse the local shops, or stop by Leakey’s Bookshop, a beloved secondhand bookstore housed inside a converted church. If you’re interested in Scotland’s famous national drink, you may also wish to visit one of the city’s whisky shops before meeting the group for dinner this evening.

Activities Included:

  • Guided storytelling tour

Notes:

  • The storytelling tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (food tour)

After breakfast, board the train for the scenic journey south to Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital. Once you arrive, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time to settle in or begin exploring the city. From its medieval Old Town to the elegant Georgian streets of the New Town, Edinburgh is full of history, striking architecture, and charming cobblestone lanes waiting to be discovered.

In the early evening, join a guided vegan food tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town. With five delicious stops along the way, you’ll sample plant-based takes on traditional Scottish dishes and drinks while learning about the city’s history and culture. As you stroll through some of Edinburgh’s most iconic streets and landmarks, you’ll discover how Scotland’s culinary traditions have been thoughtfully reimagined for today’s vegan travelers.

Activities Included:

  • Fresh Shoots Vegan Food Tour

Notes:

  • The train journey from Inverness to Edinburgh takes approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll take a taxi to your hotel.
  • The vegan food tour lasts approximately 3 hours. For groups larger than 10, the tour will split into two smaller groups, each with its own guide.

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, your Scottish adventure comes to an end. With no activities planned today, you’re free to depart at any time.

If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye, consider extending your stay to spend a little more time exploring Edinburgh. Whether you’d like to visit one more museum, wander the historic streets, or simply enjoy another great vegan meal, Scotland’s capital has plenty more to discover.

Haste ye back! In Scotland, this traditional farewell means “come back soon”, a fitting way to end your journey. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you on another Veggies Abroad adventure soon!

map of scotland laying out the points of sightseeing for a veggies abroad vegan tour

  • Everything was astonishing.

    The trip was well planned allowing me to relax and not being worry on how and when to get to the next destination. Our guide was amazing. Food was very delicious and plentiful, I did not have to worry about my dietary allergies as Rebecca made sure that all provided meals were not only vegan but gluten free for me. 
    -Sirenia, Costa Rica Traveler

  • Veggies Abroad is my new go to for group trips!

    Thailand was amazing and so was all the preparation and detail that went into it. Rebecca and our Thailand guide, Tony, were ridiculously on top of things. They facilitated a trip that was fun, relaxing and gave me so many new experiences I was craving. On top of all this, I now consider Rebecca and the rest of the group as friends… it’s great to be with your people.
    – Nicole, Thailand Traveler

Tour Highlights

  • Hike through dramatic Highland landscapes with panoramic views of mountains, lochs, and glens.
  • Visit Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about Scotland’s ambitious ecosystem restoration efforts.
  • Explore the breathtaking Isle of Skye, including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Trotternish Peninsula.
  • Join a hands-on foraging experience with a local expert and sample seasonal wild ingredients.
  • Experience Scotland’s myths and folklore during a guided storytelling walk in Inverness.
  • Enjoy incredible vegan meals, including a guided vegan food tour in Edinburgh.
  • And, so much more!

Is This Trip Right For You?

This trip is ideal for active travelers who enjoy exploring on foot and would like a moderate hike and forest walks. You’ll experience a mix of cities, charming villages, and the Scottish Highlands, with scenic train journeys and several days spent outdoors. While the itinerary isn’t overly strenuous, comfortable walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness will help you get the most from the experience.

large group of travelers holding a black sign that says veggies abroad vegan travel in thailand
  • a single hairy highland cow standing on the side of a mountain in scotland
  • two people walking a stone path to a small castle surrounded by lush greenery in scotland
  • colorful street on a rainy day in edinburgh
  • a single hiker standing on a path amongst large rocks and green hills on a misty day in scotland

Ready to Join the Adventure?

Secure your spot today with a $500 deposit — Scotland is calling, and you don’t want to miss this unforgettable plant-powered journey. 

Trip FAQ’s

Yes, the single supplement is $980. We can also try and room you with another single passenger if you’d like to save you some cash.

Veggies Abroad partners with Intrepid Travel to help operate many of our signature vegan tours around the world. While Veggies Abroad designs and curates the experience, from the itinerary and vegan focus to the ethical travel philosophy and community feel, Intrepid provides the on-the-ground logistics and operational support that help make each trip run smoothly.

Since 1989, Intrepid has specialized in locally led, small-group travel experiences and became a certified B Corp in 2018, reflecting a commitment to responsible tourism that closely aligns with our values around sustainability, community impact, and ethical travel.

Together, this partnership allows us to create thoughtfully designed vegan group trips that combine immersive local experiences with the support of an experienced global operator. All Veggies Abroad tours are custom-created specifically for our community and are only available to book through Veggies Abroad.

We intentionally leave some meals open to give you the flexibility to make the most of your free time (when possible). Whether you’d like to wander into a cozy café, revisit a favorite restaurant, relax on your own, or join fellow travelers for a spontaneous meal, you’ll have the freedom to choose what sounds best in the moment.

On some days, we’re also in transit or exploring areas where a fixed group meal isn’t practical. Leaving those meals open allows for more flexibility.

And don’t worry — you won’t be left on your own! Even when a meal isn’t included, we’ll always provide recommendations and guidance on where to eat, and your tour leader is there to help. In our experience, many travelers who initially plan to do their own thing end up grabbing a meal together anyway.

Some of our tours, particularly safari itineraries in Africa, where we’re staying at remote lodges, include all meals because there are few or no alternative dining options.

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all of our trips, and we’re happy to provide you with a recommended company and/or quote. It’s essential to have a policy that provides cancellation, medical, and emergency repatriation coverage. It’s also best to get the policy after making the deposit, especially if you want to include coverage for a pre-existing health issue or cancel for any reason coverage. If you decide to forego travel insurance, you will be required to sign a travel insurance waiver that states you’re taking personal responsibility for any costs due to cancellation, trip delay, emergency medical, and repatriation should they arise.

We prioritize ensuring that vegan options are the focus for all included meals. Many places will have non-vegan options but those would be available to them at an additional cost. There are also a few meals that aren’t included and your friend could choose whatever they like then!

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due by June 5, 2027. Final payment for the trip is due June 28, 2027.

No, the deposit is non-refundable.

– Round-trip international airfare
– Airport ground transportation
– Additional activities that aren’t included
– Additional meals that aren’t included
– Beer/wine/cocktails
– Gratuities
– Travel insurance

Unfortunately, this itinerary isn’t suited for young kids. The age requirement is 16 years old and up.

This will be a small group of only 16 passengers plus a guide(s) throughout the trip. Yes, there is a minimum, we must have at least 6 passengers for the trip to keep the pricing as is.

We do our best to ensure that all trips are confirmed; however, if we’re unable to meet the minimum number of travelers, you’ll have the following options:

  • Re-evaluation: If the group is close to the minimum, we’ll review the pricing and let everyone know of any changes. You’ll then have the choice to move forward or opt out.
  • Private Departure: Continue with a private trip for you and your travel companion(s). There may be adjustments to the itinerary or pricing, but we’ll do our best to keep it as close to the original experience as possible.
  • Transfer Your Deposit: Apply your deposit toward another Veggies Abroad trip.
  • Refund: If none of the above options work for you, we’ll happily refund your deposit.

Final Balance:
Final balance is due by June 28, 2027.

Cancellation by the traveler:
Cancellation before June 28, will only incur the $500 non-refundable deposit. If additional trip payments were made prior to June 28, they are refundable, less administrative fees.
Cancellation after June 28 the full trip is non-refundable.
No shows will be treated as a cancellation and are non-refundable.