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The Hogwarts Express

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About Highland Private Tours

Highland Private tours offers luxury private tours of Scotland in premium Mercedes vehicles, led by passionate local driver-guides. We believe Scotland is best experienced privately and at your own pace, which is why every journey is bespoke — blending iconic landmarks, hidden gems, rich history and warm Scottish hospitality. From the Highlands to the Islands, each tour is tailored to create a relaxed, authentic and unforgettable experience.

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Departure from Edinburgh

Your Highland adventure begins with a personal pickup from your chosen accommodation in Edinburgh, where you’ll be welcomed aboard a premium Mercedes vehicle—offering comfort, style, and the perfect setting for a day of exploration through some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.

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Forth Bridges and The Kelpies

We head northwest out of the city, passing the legendary Forth Bridges—a trio of engineering marvels spanning three centuries. As we continue, we drive past the awe-inspiring Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, standing proudly at the gateway to the Highlands.

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Explore Doune Castle

After lunch, we visit Doune Castle, a medieval stronghold famously featured in Outlander (as Castle Leoch), Game of Thrones, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Its cinematic legacy and historic character make it a highlight for both TV fans and history lovers.

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Meet the Highland Cows

Our first stop is just outside Callander, where you’ll meet some of Scotland’s most beloved locals—our famous Highland cows: Hamish, Honey, and Baxter. These gentle, shaggy-haired coos are always happy to pose for photos, making this a heartwarming and memorable moment early in the day.

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Optional Whisky Tasting at Deanston Distillery

There’s an optional stop at Deanston Distillery, where you can enjoy a whisky tasting in a converted 18th-century cotton mill on the banks of the River Teith.

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Loch Lubnaig

Set between Callander and Strathyre, Loch Lubnaig is one of the quieter Highland lochs, often missed but always admired. Its name comes from the Gaelic Loch Lùbnaig, often translated as “the crooked loch” or “winding loch,” a nod to its gently curving shoreline as it threads through the hills.

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Lunch at Mhor 84

We then head to Mhor 84, a stylish and relaxed roadside inn, for a well-earned lunch featuring locally sourced Highland fare.

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Falls of Dochart at Kilmahog

On our way back south, we enjoy a scenic stop in Kilmahog with time to take in the impressive Falls of Dochart in the charming village of Killin, where the river rushes dramatically through the heart of the village.

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Loch Tulla Viewpoint

From here, we journey deeper into the Highlands, stopping to admire the peaceful beauty of Loch Tulla, a stunning loch surrounded by sweeping hills and heather-covered moorland.

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The Majesty of Glencoe

We continue on to Glencoe, the furthest point of our journey and one of Scotland’s most iconic locations. Framed by the dramatic Three Sisters peaks, this hauntingly beautiful glen is steeped in history and offers a truly breathtaking photo opportunity.

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Glenfinnan Viaduct

After winding our way from Fort William, we stop at Glenfinnan, set at the head of Loch Shiel. The monument marks where Bonnie Prince Charlie began the 1745 Jacobite Rising, while above it the elegant Glenfinnan Viaduct sweeps across the glen — instantly recognisable from the Harry Potter films.

A brief pause here offers iconic views, Highland history and, if we’re lucky, the sight of the steam train crossing the arches.

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Dalwhinnie, Pitlochry and the road home

After Glenfinnan we retrace our steps toward Fort William before cutting east across the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The route climbs into wide, heather-clad landscapes and open mountain scenery, passing Dalwhinnie Distillery — the highest working distillery in Scotland, sitting proudly in this remote Highland setting.

Continuing south through the national park, there’s time to pause in the elegant Victorian town of Pitlochry to stretch the legs and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere. From here, the journey carries us back through Perthshire and onward to Edinburgh, where the day concludes in the capital.

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Return to Edinburgh

We then make our way back to Edinburgh, passing through more rolling Highland scenery, and return you to your accommodation—bringing your day of discovery, history, and Highland charm to a close.

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Map

1. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, UK

2. Forth Road Bridge

Forth Rd Bridge, South Queensferry EH30 9RH, UK

3. Pass Kelpies

The Helix, Falkirk FK2 7ZT, UK

4. Doune Castle

Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA, UK

5. Optional Deanston Distillery

Teith Rd, Deanston, Doune FK16 6AG, UK

6. Kilmahog - Feed the Highland Cows

Kilmahog, Callander FK17 8HA, UK

7. Loch Lubnaig

Loch Lubnaig, Callander, UK

8. Mhor 84 Motel

84 Kingshouse, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead FK19 8NY, UK

9. Killin Falls of Dochart

Killin FK21 8XE, UK

10. Loch Tulla Viewpoint

A82, Bridge of Orchy PA36 4AG, UK

11. Three Sisters of Glencoe

Glencoe, Ballachulish PH49 4HX, UK

12. Glenfinnan Viaduct

Glenfinnan PH37 4LT, UK

13. Dalwhinnie Distillery

General Wade's Military Rd, Dalwhinnie PH19 1AA, UK

14. The House of Bruar

Pitagowan, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry PH18 5TW, UK

15. Return Edinburgh

Edinburgh, UK