The Highlights of Scotland tour takes in many of Scotland’s most famous sights and Castles on a multi-day itinerary. Venturing north to the Scottish Highlands, experience breathtaking and dramatic scenery to the majestic isle of Skye.
The Road to the Isles runs from Fort William to Mallaig, through some of the most amazing scenery on the west coast of Scotland. The journey takes us through Scotland’s history and culture.
Travel onboard the quaint Skye ferry to Portree and ride on The Jacobite steam train along the famous West Highland Railway and explore Loch Ness onboard a monster-hunting cruise to Urquhart Castle.
This private guided multi-day tour of Scotland is a great way to see many of the famous sights, monuments, landscapes and attractions of Scotland over 5 days.
Each one of our private tours is conducted in our premium Mercedes minivans, ensuring your comfort as we venture along the small cobbled streets around Edinburgh and narrow back roads of the highlands.
Your knowledgable kilt-wearing private tour guide will tell you the stories and show you the sights on this tour. We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.
£3,200
Day 1
Departing Edinburgh we head west via South Queensferry and The Forth Bridges, driving past Linlithgow Palace and the Kelpies to Stirling Castle,. We see the victorian Wallace Monument overlooking the Carse of Stirling. We travel to Loch Lomond, stopping in the conversation village of Luss before driving over the ‘rest and be thankful’ to visit Inveraray Castle. We then drive north towards stunning Glencoe and Ranoch Moor.
TONIGHT’S ACCOMMODATION
Oban Bay Hotel, Oban
Room grade: Bay View Junior Suite
Board: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation is subject to availability
- Distance Instructions
Day 2
We visit the site of the Massacre of Glencoe and learn about one of the worst betrayals in the Highlands. From here we drive north to Fort William and the foot of Ben Nevis, the Uk’s tallest mountain. Driving on the coastal road to Mallaig we’ll stop at Glenfinnan Viaduct and monument and learn about the start of the Jacobite uprising here in 1745.
Optional: For train enthusiasts and Harry Potter fans the ‘The Jacobite’ steam train travels from Fort William to Mallaig and takes in famous sights including The Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan Monument and rugged scenery on the journey west.
From Mallaig we take the ferry across the stunning Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye. Touring through Skye we pass the Cullin mountains and stop to take in the views of this rugged landscape before arriving at the quaint village of Portree.
TONIGHT’S ACCOMMODATION
The Bosville Hotel, Portree
Room grade:
Board: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation is subject to availability
- Distance Instructions
Day 3
On this day we have a more relaxed schedule, exploring the Isle of Skye. We’ll visit the Old Man of Storr and the Kilt Rock in the north of the Island and take a scenic drive, with views across the sea to the Outer Hebrides. We’ll visit the legendary Fairy pools and stop at Sligachan bridge.
Optional: For whisky connoisseurs we will visit Talisker distillery on the Island for a tour of the distillery and a wee dram Optional: For wildlife fans there is a great 2-hour wildlife spotting cruise that departs from Portree
TONIGHT’S ACCOMMODATION
The Bosville Hotel, Portree
Room grade:
Board: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation is subject to availability
- Distance Instructions
Day 4
As we drive South from Portree we cross back to the mainland on the Skye Bridge before visit the imposing and much-photographed Eilean Donan castle, standing on a headland at the meeting point of three lochs. We then drive into the Highlands of Scotland and through some impressive scenery to Loch Ness at The Great Glen. Keep your eyes peeled for The Loch Ness Monster as we drive along the shore road. We arrive at Urquhart Castle and explore this fascinating medieval ruin with fantastic views over the loch.
Optional: Take a 30 minute cruise on Loch Ness arriving at Urquhart by water rather than road.
TONIGHT’S ACCOMMODATION
Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness
Room grade:
Board: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation is subject to availability
- Distance Instructions
Day 5
Initially today we travel east from Inverness to Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle on British soil and the end of the Jacobite cause in 1746. We explore the fantastic visitor centre and battlefield. We will then briefly stop at Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age burial site.
From the Cairngorm national park we venture South through the central highlands to either Blair Castle or Scone Palace. We then venture to the Royal Burgh of Falkland and Falkland Palace before travelling back to Edinburgh.
TONIGHT’S ACCOMMODATION
Room grade:
Board: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation is subject to availability
- Distance Instructions
Our Service
What’s included
Tour Details
Not included
Recent Customer Testimonials
Michelle B
Great way to see Edinburgh in a day and get full historic tour too ! Very professional and great if you have mobility concerns. Still able to get out abs about at key locations. Super
Bhavna S
Sean was our travel expert and he was very knowledgeable. He is wonderful guide, safe driver and avid historian -who has great knowledge and interest in the history. I would highly recommend if you are looking to have a great time with family and need flexibility.
Mateus M
Amazing experience!! Sandy was very kindly with us all the time! The whisky shot in the end was the cherry in the cake!
Inbar R
We took this private tour with Alexander, who was wonderful and super friendly to us and with to children as well 🙂 The ride and the attractions were great and we highly recommend the experience!
Related tours
Based on your interests may we suggest one of these alternative private tours…
Tour Highlights:
- Visit mighty Blair Castle and Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
- Stroll through beautiful Highland scenery, with waterfalls and ancient forests
- Learn about highland culture at The Highland Life Museum
From: £1,680
Tour Highlights:
- This inspiring 4 day trip takes you through some of Scotland’s most iconic locations
- Travel with like-minded people and dedicated expedition guide in a small group
- Explore Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the Isle of Skye and The Cairngorms National Park
From: £1,400
Tour Highlights:
- Visit mighty Blair Castle and Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
- Stroll through beautiful Highland scenery, with waterfalls and ancient forests
- Learn about highland culture at The Highland Life Museum
From: £1,680
