5-Day Highland Explorer and Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
Overview
Available languages
120 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye on this 5-day tour from Edinburgh. Traveling in a luxury minivan with a knowledgeable guide, see some of Scotland’s most iconic sights. Visit quintessential villages such as Dunkeld and Lochinver, and explore beauty spots like Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness and Glencoe. You’ll also travel along the scenic Quiraing mountain pass for jaw-dropping views of rural Scotland. Relax with 2 nights’ accommodation in Ullapool and a 2-night stay in Portree in the Isle of Skye. Numbers limited to 16, ensuring a small-group experience.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age for travel on this tour is 5 years
You stay two nights in the fishing village of Ullapool* and two nights in the harbour town of Portree, on the Isle of Skye (some tours may stay in Inverness instead of Ullapool)
Please note: you will be required to choose between either a 3-star bed and breakfast or 3-star hotel at time of booking
Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately
When booking three or more people, efforts will be made to book a combination of suitable rooms (double/twin/family). Preferences should be noted upon booking in the Special Requirements section
Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg of luggage (44lbs); one medium sized suitcase/bag similar to airline standard carry-on luggage (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
Eilean Donan Castle – We reserve tickets for you. If you want to visit this attraction, please purchase your ticket whilst on tour.
B&Bs 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. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know so that we can either book a ground floor room or a hotel with lift access, if available.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 21 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 21 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What‘s Included
Driver/guide
4 nights en-suite accommodation in either a B&B or 3-star hotel (breakfast included)
Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers)
Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Meals and refreshments
Admission fees
What To Expect
Edinburgh - Dunkeld - Ullapool
Accommodations
Overnight in Ullapool
Cairngorms National Park
Gaze in awe at Scotland’s most beautifully rounded peaks.
Dunkeld Cathedral
This village is surrounded by luscious forest, and boasts an incredible ruined cathedral.
From here, you travel to Ullapool, situated at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you spend your first two nights' stay on tour. * Please note that the tours departing on 28th and 29th September 2019 stay two nights in Inverness instead of Ullapool.
Ullapool - Ardveck Castle - Achmelvich Bay - Lochinver
Accommodations
Overnight in Ullapool
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Ardvreck Castle
Today, you explore the far northwest Highlands and the mountains of Assynt. This area is famous as being the first crofting area to be bought by the local crofters, the Assynt Crofters’ Trust. You’re immersed in the history of the area and visit the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once the stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt.
Achmelvich Bay
The day is full of amazing views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, the stunning white sand beach at Achmelvich Bay, and the traditional fishing village of Lochinver.
Ullapool - Applecross - Portree
Accommodations
Overnight in Portree.
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Looking for some serenity? This peaceful spot offers unblemished landscapes in their most natural state. After your lunch stop in Applecross, you take one of the highest and most exhilarating roads in Scotland, Bealach na Ba.
Plockton
In the afternoon, you stop in “tropical” Plockton, where you can see palm trees growing alongside Loch Carron and take time to enjoy its sheltered serenity.
Flexible day touring around the Isle of Skye
Accommodations
Overnight in Portree
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
The Old Man of Storr
Great photo stop at this iconic rock formation. This sharp pinnacle of rock bursts out the land and can be seen for miles around.
Kilt Rock
Picturesque observation point offering panoramic views of waterfalls, cliffs & sea.
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Your guide may take you back in time and teach you about the legends and clan culture surrounding the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle.
Portree - Eilean Donan Castle - Edinburgh
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Eilean Donan Castle
An iconic and gorgeous 13th century castle that once warded off Viking invasions.
Buachaille Etive Mor
In the afternoon, you explore spectacular Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Be moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes. You then start your journey towards Edinburgh.
Options
Hotel Twin Room
Stay in twin en-suite room (2 x separate single beds) hotel accommodation.
B&B Double Room
Double en-suite room with breakfast in a B&B (1 large bed).
Hotel Single Occupancy Room
Stay in single room (1 x single bed) hotel accommodation.
B&B Twin Room
Stay in an en-suite twin room (2 x separate single beds) guesthouse accommodation.
B&B Single Occupancy Room
Stay in single room (1 x single bed) guesthouse accommodation.
Reviews
166 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible small group tour of the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye
Jack M,
Apr 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had an AMAZING experience with Alan on the highlands tour. It was a fantastic experience all around, breathtaking countryside, fun conversations, great information and restful periods of quiet. Our tour guide Alan brought a wealth of local knowledge on history, culture, geography and so many facts and tidbits of information (including 70s and 80s rock music!). He had a nice way of mixing stories with music and the stunning Scottish scenery as we drove through the Highlands and the Isle of Skye. And it was an outstanding itinerary, with just the right mix of touring, stopping, countryside and towns. We loved it. Having a smaller-sized bus (minivan) was also a huge advantage versus the big coach busses that can’t navigate or access all the key points on the tour. Alan was able to expertly weave our small bus in and out so that we never got stuck. We also had some great local meals at recommended stops. Accommodations were basic and fine. The highlight was the awesome countryside, among the most beautiful in the world, alongside the nice company and conversation we had on our minibus. We have done many tours around Europe and elsewhere. This was most certainly one of the very best! Thank you Alan and all!
Highly recommend it to all!
Doris S,
Oct 5, 2023
- Viator
5.00We had an excellent grp. Our tour guide Sean Gordon was fantastic, tops, and the best! He made the tour experience unforgettable.
Great trip to Northern Scotland. Robbie's tours are outstanding!
Margaret R,
Oct 2, 2023
- Viator
5.00Our guide, Sean Douglas was outstanding! He provided us with so much information about Scotland. He was like an encyclopedia !
Direct booking with a tour company or booking with a third-party
cinda w,
Aug 2, 2023
- Viator
3.00Just so it’s clear I am writing a review on Viator not Rabbies who actually did the tour. I think the information that I got from my tour was incomplete and I felt like there was a disconnect between Viator tour and Rabbies. Had I booked directly with Rabbies I would have better informed about accommodations such as a hotel versus B&B. Viator did not inform me that by staying in a B&B you could be as far out of the center of town as a 30 minute walk and that you didn’t always get a hot breakfast. I also did not get all the information on the tour from Viator like the people did who booked directly with rabbies.
Perfect trip
Beata P,
Jun 20, 2019
- Viator
5.00The trip was simply perfect. The agenda was packed with exactly what I wanted - great scenery, castles, local attractions, great food and and wonderful stories and tales about Scotland provided by Aaron from Rabbies - the best, most knowledgeable, funniest guide/driver ever!!! I highly recommend it!!!
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