Multi-day trip

Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

4.3 / 5

14 reviews

Activity provider: Highland Explorer Tours
Multi-day trip

Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

Activity provider: Highland Explorer Tours

From US$ 1,215.22 per person

Eco-certified

Journey through the Highlands of Scotland on a 5-day tour of the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and Inverness. Ride the Jacobite Steam Train, see Eilean Castle, cross historic Rannoch Moor, learn about the old Scottish fight for independence, and more.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 5 days
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Audio guide included
Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese

Experience

Itinerary
120 hours
  • Edinburgh

  • The Kelpies

  • Stirling

  • Glencoe

  • Oban

  • Fort William (panoramic train ride)

  • Glenfinnan Viaduct

  • Mallaig

  • Isle of Skye

  • Eilean Donan Castle

  • Loch Ness (boat cruise)

  • Culloden Battlefield

  • Inverness

  • Highland Folk Museum (visit)

  • Whiskey tasting

  • Dunkeld

  • Edinburgh

Meeting point
Main stop
Other stop
Highlights
  • Drive through majestic Highland scenery
  • Stay in the pretty towns of Oban and Inverness
  • Ride the stunning Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William
  • Enjoy a Whisky Tasting by sampling the 'Water of Life'
  • Learn the fascinating history of the Highland Clans and their last stand at Culloden
Full description

Make the most of your time in Scotland with a 5-day tour of the best of Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Ride on the Fort William viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, sample Scotch whiskey, and sail along the waters of Loch Ness. Accommodation and breakfast are included.

Day 1:

Leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. Travel north to Stirling and the towering Wallace Monument, taking in stunning views of the Castle along the way.

Enter the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and on to the fishing port of Oban, where you'll stay overnight.

Day 2:

Take the steam train from Fort William, crossing the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands.

Take the ferry to Skye where you can explore striking cliffs and mountains, before driving north to your overnight destination. Stay overnight in the Isle of Skye. Day 3:

Explore more of the mysterious island that's full of awe-inspiring mountains, myths, and legends before returning to the mainland to view Eilean Donan Castle and wind your way along the Great Glen to the infamous Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 4:

Hunt for the elusive monster with a cruise on Loch Ness before turning northward and the stunning beauty of the northwest Highlands. Take in the beautiful town of Beauly with its Priory dating back to 1230.

The day ends with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5:

Leaving Inverness, visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. Next, head to a local Whisky Tasting of the so-called 'Water of Life'.

For the final stop of the tour, visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village. Stroll along the River Tay and see the cathedral. Return back to Edinburgh in the evening.

Includes
  • Accommodation in a 3-star B&B
  • Scottish breakfasts
  • Jacobite Steam Train ride (only on April - October departures)
  • Loch Ness cruise
  • Ferry to the Isle of Skye
  • Whisky tasting
  • Transportation in a Mercedes-Benz mini-bus
  • Tour guide
  • Downloadable audio guides
  • Clan Donald Skye
  • Culloden Visitor Centre
  • Meal Options

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

For tours departing after the 1st of April 2023, the departure point will be at Edinburgh Bus Station on 26 Elder Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3DX. Stances 15 and 16. Please 15 minutes prior to tour departure.

Open in Google Maps ⟶
Important information

Not allowed

  • Non-folding wheelchairs
  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • The Jacobite Steam Train only operates on tours between April - October.
  • Travel insurance is recommended
  • Please be advised that children under 5 years old may not take part in the tour, while anyone under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. There are no maximum age restrictions
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark.
  • Each traveller is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase weighing no more than 33lbs (15kg) and 1 carry-on bag
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 14 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.5/5
  • Transportation
    4/5
  • Service
    4.8/5
  • Organization
    4.8/5

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

September 13, 2022

This tour felt like a bait and switch. It didn’t follow the itinerary provided at booking and stopped in obscure tourist traps. Don’t be fooled.

September 5, 2022

Bellissima esperienza, l’eccellente è simpaticissima guida Louise ci ha portato in lungo e in largo nelle Highlanders. Ha raccontato moltissimo della Scozia del passato e delle sue leggende. Consigliamo a tutti. Anzi: da ripetere.

August 28, 2022

Translate

Product ID: 27843