Best of Isle of Skye and the Highlands 5-Day Small Group Tour
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- Duration
- 5 days
- Guiding Style
- Fully Guided
- Hotel Rating
- B&B Ensuite
- Start / End
- Edinburgh → Edinburgh
- Group Size
- Min 1 / Max 16
- Physical Rating
- Easy Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Highlights
Mountains, valleys, and forests — there's nothing like the wild beauty of nature. We're passionate about sharing this with you. From the windswept lighthouse on the Isle of Skye to the pristine beaches of the Northern Highlands, we take you out to explore Scotland's great wilderness. And when the day ends, you'll unwind in Scotland's peaceful, cosy villages.
- Travel north from Edinburgh to the peaceful village of Dunkeld on the River Tay, through Cairngorms National Park and ancient Rothiemurchus pine forest, before pausing at Loch Ness in Dores village for breathtaking views — and maybe a glimpse of Nessie
- Explore the remote northwest Highlands and Assynt, visiting the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, the dazzling white sands of Achmelvich Bay, and the quaint fishing village of Lochinver
- Marvel at the dramatic 60-metre drop of Corrieshalloch Gorge, drive the exhilarating Bealach na Bà mountain road, and discover the "tropical" village of Plockton where palm trees grow beside Loch Carron
- Spend a full flexible day on the Isle of Skye with your driver-guide — possibly exploring the Trotternish Ridge with the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing, or visiting Dunvegan Castle, the 13th-century seat of Clan MacLeod
- Visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, pass Ben Nevis — Britain's tallest peak — for lunch in Fort William, and explore the historic valley of Glencoe before returning to Edinburgh
5-Day Best of Isle of Skye & the Highlands Tour Itinerary
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Day 1
Dunkeld & Loch Ness
Leaving Edinburgh, we head north, crossing the Firth of Forth with views of its iconic bridges. As we drive through rolling hills and forests, we reach Dunkeld, a peaceful village by the River Tay, famous for its cathedral and charming streets.
Next, we enter Cairngorms National Park, passing through ancient pine forests in Rothiemurchus estate, surrounded by rugged peaks and vast landscapes.
We stop for lunch before heading to Loch Ness, where we pause in Dores village for breathtaking views of the loch — and maybe a glimpse of elusive Nessie.
We finish the day at Loch Broom, settling in for two nights in the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool.
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Day 2
Achmelvich Bay & Lochinver
Today, explore the remote northwest Highlands and Assynt's rugged peaks. This area is home to the first crofting community bought by its residents, now managed by the Assynt Crofters' Trust.
You'll delve into local history with a stop at the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once home to the MacLeods of Assynt.
Enjoy stunning views of Achmelvich Bay's white sands, the ancient landscapes, and the quaint fishing village of Lochinver.
Tonight, stay in Ullapool, a picturesque fishing village.
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Day 3
Corrieshalloch Gorge & Bealach na Bà
Today, head south to marvel at the stunning 60-metre drop of the River Droma as it plunges into Corrieshalloch Gorge.
Next, you'll pass through the Beinn Eighe nature reserve, with its rugged mountains, before following the breathtaking coastline of Loch Torridon.
After some free time for lunch in Applecross, drive along Bealach na Bà, one of Scotland's highest and most exhilarating roads.
In the afternoon, explore the "tropical" village of Plockton, where palm trees grow beside Loch Carron, offering a peaceful escape. Finally, you'll cross the sea to Skye, arriving at the charming harbour town of Portree.
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Day 4
Exploring the Isle of Skye
Today is a flexible day on Skye, with your driver-guide choosing a unique route based on the weather, local events, and your group's interests.
You might head north to marvel at the Trotternish Ridge, taking in geological wonders such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the dramatic Quiraing mountain pass. Or, your guide might lead you through history, recounting tales of legends and clan life at Dunvegan Castle, the 13th-century home of Clan MacLeod.
By evening, you'll make your way back to Portree.
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Day 5
Eilean Donan Castle & Glencoe
You depart from Skye and visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle.
Next, you travel east through the rugged Kintail mountains, driving down Glen Garry, passing by Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest peak, before reaching Fort William, where you'll have some free time to enjoy lunch (not included).
In the afternoon, you'll explore the breathtaking Glencoe valley, historically known for the 1692 massacre of Clan Macdonald.
Finally, you begin your journey toward Edinburgh.
What's Included
Accommodation
- 4 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast (guesthouse/B&B)
What should I expect from a B&B?
B&Bs are traditionally small family owned and run properties offering a handful of guest rooms. They are usually residential properties, so they tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20–30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants.
It's unusual for a B&B to offer any additional services like concierge, porterage, evening meals or room-service. Wi-fi is usually, but not always available and it's worth bearing in mind that access can be unreliable in more remote locations.
If you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room (subject to availability, upon request only) as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
Guide
- Expert local driver-guide throughout
Meals
- 4 breakfasts
Transport
- 16-seat mini-coach throughout
- Passengers are entitled to 1 piece of checked luggage (20 kg / 44 lbs). Checked luggage will be stowed in the luggage compartment and is not accessible until drop-off.
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Arrival & departure transfers
- Food and drinks
- Entry fees to visitor attractions unless specified
- Other activities and services not listed under Included
Additional Information
- You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
- This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
- Nights 1 and 2 are spent in Ullapool. Nights 3 and 4 are in Portree on the Isle of Skye.
- Tour reference code: 316978
Dates & Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes 4 nights en-suite accommodation with daily breakfast, and transportation by 16-seat mini-coach with an expert local driver-guide throughout. Entry fees to visitor attractions are not included unless specified.
The tour starts and ends in Edinburgh. You depart from Edinburgh on Day 1 and return to Edinburgh on the evening of Day 5.
Nights 1 and 2 are spent in Ullapool, the picturesque fishing village on Loch Broom. Nights 3 and 4 are in Portree, the charming harbour town on the Isle of Skye. All accommodation is en-suite with daily breakfast included.
Bealach na Bà is one of Scotland's highest and most exhilarating mountain roads, driven on Day 3 after lunch in Applecross. It offers dramatic views over the northwest Highlands and the Inner Sound toward the Isle of Skye.
Day 4 is a flexible day on Skye, with your driver-guide choosing the route based on weather, local events, and your group's interests. Highlights may include the Trotternish Ridge with the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing, or a visit to Dunvegan Castle — the 13th-century home of Clan MacLeod.
Yes. On Day 1 the tour stops in Dores village on the shores of Loch Ness for breathtaking views of the loch — and maybe a glimpse of the elusive Nessie.
The tour starts from US $1,185 per person, reduced from the standard price of US $2,195 — a saving of 46%. Price may vary by departure date.