Description

The Highland tour gives you the chance to discover the very best of Scotland with expert local guides. Over five unforgettable days, you will explore the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, soak up breathtaking coastal scenery, fall in love with the Isle of Skye, and enjoy one of Scotland’s ultimate bucket list experiences, a cruise on Loch Ness. By the end of the journey, you will understand why our wee country is so often voted the most beautiful in the world.

Day 1: Through the Trossachs to Oban
Your adventure begins with pickup on Edinburgh’s historic high street before travelling west to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and industrial heart, where you will meet the rest of your group. From here, the tour heads into the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s most iconic natural attractions, surrounded by charming villages, rugged hills and peaceful lochside views, a true paradise for lovers of Scottish nature.
Next, you journey to Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland’s most remarkable archaeological landscapes. With more than 5,000 years of human history spread across the valley, this is a place where the past feels vividly close. As you explore, you will walk in the footsteps of Scotland’s earliest inhabitants and uncover stories woven into this ancient land. You visit the Temple Wood Stone Circle, a beautifully preserved prehistoric site, the striking Nether Largie Standing Stones and nearby burial cairns, each offering a glimpse into rituals from thousands of years ago. In Kilmartin Village, you will also see some of Scotland’s oldest hand carved Celtic crosses, outstanding examples of early Christian art.
Then, enjoy a scenic journey to the picturesque seaside town of Oban, famous for its fresh Scottish seafood and coastal views. As you drive through, your guide will share the history of the town and its most notable sights. On your first evening, you may have the opportunity to take part in a traditional Scottish ceilidh*.
Overnight: Oban

Day 2: The dramatic history of our glens
Day two takes you over the Connel Bridge through Appin to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, forever associated with the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan. You will stop in Fort William, a town dominated by Ben Nevis, the tallest peak in the UK. The route then follows the line of the Jacobite Steam Train, with photo stops at the Glenfinnan Monument and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Afterwards, you continue to Mallaig, a busy yet remote fishing port where you can explore before taking a short ferry ride* over the sea to Skye. If the ferry is not operating, we will travel to Skye via the bridge.
Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 3: A whole day to explore Skye
You have the whole of the third day to discover Skye’s scenery and stories with your knowledgeable driver guide, who will ensure you get the most out of your time on the island based on the weather and the group. Typical stops include the Cuillin Mountains, Dun Beag Broch, traditional Black Houses, Kilt Rock Waterfall, the Old Man of Storr, the Trotternish Peninsula, and the island capital, Portree. It is the perfect Scottish experience, giving you the chance to visit waterfalls, springs, historic sites and walk through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland.
Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 4: Beautiful castles, mysterious lochs and monster hunting
Leaving Skye, we head straight to one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, Eilean Donan*, where you will have ample time to explore. Eilean Donan is one of the greatest medieval castles in Scotland, with a history dating back to the 13th century. This iconic fortress will transport you back to some of the bloodiest chapters of our past.
Our route then takes us to the pretty lochside village of Drumnadrochit for lunch. Here, you can choose between exploring the surroundings or navigating the world famous Loch Ness. The tour includes the option to visit Urquhart Castle and enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness, an opportunity to search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster and immerse yourself in the history of the area. We then head north to the capital of the Highlands for our overnight stop.
Overnight: Inverness

Day 5: Historic battlefields and the journey home
Today you visit the battlefield of Culloden, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces and one of the most important locations in Scottish history. There is also time to explore nearby Clava Cairns, a group of prehistoric burial cairns; fans of Outlander will love this site due to its similarity to the fictional stone circle Craigh na Dun. You then pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains. On the way south, you may have the chance to enjoy a wee dram at a local whisky distillery or explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry before arriving back in Edinburgh. You may be provided with a complimentary train ticket for return to Glasgow.

*Optional attractions, separate entrance fees apply.

<- More Scotland Tours