Enjoy the beauty of the Scottish Highlands on a 5-day tour from Edinburgh. Experience history, culture and take time to explore the places you visit including Loch Lomond, Skye, and Loch Ness.

About this activity

Cancellation policy: Cancel up to 14 days in advance with a fee
Duration 5 days: Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide: English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Katayoun – United States

Our tour guide Jaime was wonderful! I went on the Highlands tour with my friend and my seven-year-old son. My friend gets motion sickness, but she didn’t feel unwell at all because the driver was excellent. My son was also comfortable most of the time. The drive was really smooth, and we had plenty of stops along the way, so no one got tired. On top of that, the driver told us beautiful stories and shared a lot of useful information. Overall, we didn’t even realize how quickly these five days passed!

Marilyn – Canada

The activities were great! I feel like we saw so much in the five days! Lots of time to explore on our own and with the group. Fantastic! That first accommodation in Oban was horrendous! No air-conditioning, sink plugged and even after notifying front desk twice nobody came to look at it. Also we were next door to the Oban distillery IN Oban and the hotel said they ran out of Oban Scotch? The other B&Bs were 5 star and absolutely fantastic accommodations!

Itinerary

2 starting location options:
Cafe Nero, 192 High St
Loch Lomond
Scenic views on the way
Oban
Glencoe
Fort William
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Photo stop, Scenic views on the way
Isle of Skye
Eilean Donan Castle
Optional, Extra fee
Fort Augustus
Loch Ness
Loch Ness
Boat cruise
Optional
Urquhart Castle
Visit
Optional
Culloden Battlefield
Optional, Extra fee
Pitlochry
Finish at:
22 St Andrew Square

Main stop

Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Admire the beauty of the Loch Lomond area
See the haunting landscape of Glen Coe
Spend a day discovering the mysteries of the Isle of Skye
Explore Loch Ness and be on the lookout for the monster

Full description

Travel across the highlands of Scotland and discover some of the country’s major attractions. On this 5-day excursion you’ll stay in B&B accommodation and travel with an English-speaking guide.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Through the Trossachs to Oban
This wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Here you’ll explore Scotland’s ancient past. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before you, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle. Then it’s on to the picturesque seaside town of Oban. Overnight in Oban.

Day 2: A Day of high hills and history
The second day takes you to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, which was the scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan. You’ll continue on past Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak and stop at Fort William. We will drive part of the route of one of the most fantastic train journeys in the entire world.

You will make a stop to view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. We will also be able to see Glenfinnan Monument, Loch Shiel - and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds it!
Overnight in Skye.

Day 3: A whole day to explore Skye
You'll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye's mysteries and landscape with your guide. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself in the spectacular scenery of the Cuillin Mountains, the slanting hills of Quiraing, and the incredible Trotternish Peninsula. Overnight in Skye.

Day 4: Castles, mountains, and on to Loch Ness
Once you leave Skye your first stop will be to visit the stunningly beautiful Eilean Donan Castle (this is an optional extra). You’ll then continue your journey onwards to the fabled shores of Loch Ness. Here you will have the option to Urquhart Castle and take a cruise on the loch (optional extra), before ending the day in the capital of the Highlands: Inverness. Stay overnight in Inverness.

Day 5: Historic battlefields and back to Edinburgh
You’ll start your journey south and have the chance to visit the battlefield of Culloden (an optional extra), the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. Then you’ll pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and have time to explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry, before arriving back in Edinburgh.

Includes

Transportation
English-speaking guide
Bed and Breakfast accommodation

Entrance fees
Meals

Not suitable for

Children under 3 years

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

Know before you go

Children under 3 years old are not permitted on the tour
Please note the luggage restrictions: Maximum weight: 15kg, maximum size: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm per person plus small carry on
If you are travelling alone, please choose the ‘Single Room’ option or we may not be able to accept your booking
Double/twin room: these rooms are for 2 people. If 3 people choose this option, you will be allocated a family room for 3, subject to availability. If you prefer 2 rooms, you must choose ‘Single Room’ for one person

From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye 5-Day Tour