5 Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness From Edinburgh
Overview
Available languages
5 days
Mobile ticket
Embark on a breathtaking journey from Edinburgh through the majestic Scottish Highlands. Travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct by train*, see rugged landscapes, explore the enchanting Isle of Skye, and uncover the charm of coastal towns like Oban and the cultural capital of the Highlands, Inverness. From the striking beauty of Glen Coe to the quiet magic of the west coast, each moment brings new sights to marvel at. Along the way, sample world-renowned whisky, wander through historic castles, and experience the depth of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
*Please note the train journey is by local train, not Jacobite Steam Train. Train available until October.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
The order of the stops on this route are subject to change
Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
Each traveller is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase weighing no more than 33lbs (15kg) and 1 carry-on bag.
Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.
If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Edinburgh to Oban
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3 star B&B in Oban
The Kelpies & The Helix
The first stop of the day will be the majestic Kelpies statues. This 30-metre high horse-headed pair are the world's largest equine sculptures.
Stirling Castle
Sit back and relax while we drive to our next destination, and marvel at the impressive Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland.
National Wallace Monument
Heading north, take in breath-taking views as we pass by the famous Wallace Monument, a 67 metre tower at a hilltop overlooking Stirling and commemorating landmark in honour of Sir William Wallace.
Glencoe
Enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful Rannoch Moor before stopping at the iconic Glencoe.
Oban
We arrive in the picturesque seaside town Oban on the west coast of Scotland where we will spend the night.
Oban to Isle of Skye
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3 star B&B in Portree
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Travel across world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct surrounded by beautiful Highland scenery. This journey is by local train, not the Jacobite Steam Train. Train journey is only available until Ocotber.
Eilean Donan Castle
Stop at the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland.
Isle of Skye
We cross the Skye Bridge to the enchanting Isle of Skye, heading through breath-taking landscapes and finally stopping in Portree.
Portree
We finish our day in Portree, the beautiful capital town on the Isle of Skye. Visit renowned seafood restaurant or take a walk by the idyllic harbour.
Isle of Skye to Inverness
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3 star B&B in Inverness
Kilt Rock
Explore the impressive 90-metre Kilt Rock and the breath-taking Mealt Falls right next to it.
The Old Man of Storr
Take in views of the ancient rock formation Old Man of Storr and discover its surroundings (weather dependant).
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Learn about Scotland's ancient Caledonian Forest and the work that takes place at Dundreggan to rewild the Scottish Highlands.
Inverness
Arrive in and explore the capital of the Highlands and film inspiration for the series 'Outlander' that is Inverness.
Inverness
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3 star B&B in Inverness
Beauly
Head to Beauly, a beautiful village that offers a range of local shops and eating places.
Beauly Priory
Explore the mysterious ruins of Beauly Priory, used in the filming of 'Outlander'.
Culloden Battlefield
We drive to the historical Culloden Battlefield, where where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite’s were defeated in 1746. The Culloden Battlefield visitor centre is optional, pay locally.
Clava Cairns
Visit the mysterious chambered cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns.
Loch Ness
Take an optional cruise on famous Loch Ness. Will you spot Nessie?!
Inverness to Edinburgh
Blair Athol Distillery
Visit Bliar Atholl whisky distillery for a tour and a taste of the ‘water of life’
Highland Folk Museum
We visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. This brings to life the domestic and working conditions of earlier Highland peoples.
Dunkeld
Take a walk through picturesque Dunkeld and the magnificent Dunkeld Cathedral before heading back to Edinburgh.
What‘s Included
Train journey across Glenfinnan Viaduct on the stunning West Highland Line.
Whisky Distillery Tour
Culloden Battlefield
Clava Cairns
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local English Speaking Guide
4 Nights 3 star B&B accommodation
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Culloden Visitor Centre
Tips
Food and drinks not provided
Options
Guesthouse Twin Room
Guesthouse Twin Room
Hotel Twin Room
Hotel Twin Room
Hotel Double Room
Hotel Double Room
Guesthouse Double Room
Guesthouse Double Room
Reviews
745 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great 5 day tour of Scotland
W5200FRrogerh,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Karis, is an excellent tour guide very well versed in the history of Scotland. She made the tour most interesting and well planned. It was a plesure traveling on her tour.
Fantastic 5 day tour!
GoesMissV,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best tours I have been on. I have learnt and seen so much. There’s so much that you see and do over the 5 days as well as so many stories that you hear. Karis was a fantastic driver/guide. Her stories and knowledge were fantastic and she was happy to answer any questions that came up. The tour I was on was small (9 altogether) and we all got to know each other well and had a lot of fun together. The tour was well worth the cost. I would recommend this tour to everyone.
Great time touring the highlands
ruthsO3483TT,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We toured for five days with Karis. She was delightful! Had fun music, stories, and jokes the whole 5 days. She did a great job letting us know what the plan was each day, giving tips for eateries and was very pleasant to spend lots of time on a bus with! Would recommend and would do it again.
A winter getaway
Bernie51219,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip even in winter was amazing! Our driver/guide, Karis, was so warm and friendly as well as informative. Learned so much about Highland culture and history as well as saw some magnificent Scottish scenery. Also enjoyed the company of our tourmates. So glad i was able to add this tour onto my plans to walk the West Highland Way! Highly recommend Karis and this tour!!
Thanks for the wonderful tour
U7915GFjeffs,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Karis was fantastic and told engaging stories for a 5 day trip across the highlands and Skye.
Incredible!!! (mic drop)
jpdubya65,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A remarkable experience and our sincere thanks to Charlie for all of her hard work and support. She is an excellent driver and guide. Funny, smart, courteous, and a hidden talent as a singer. The days were filled with stops at sweeping valleys, rugged mountains, historic castles, sacred sites and picturesque towns and villages. We liked the smaller group size, and everyone was always prompt and ready for adventure. The shorter March days prior to the time change did make it tricky to sight see in the evenings. As a couple, we could have made better use of our time during lunch breaks to explore. If there was a way to extend the lunch breaks by just a little, it may better. Thanks again to Charlie and the entire Highland Explorer team for the vacation memories that we will cherish forever.
Exceptional guide and tour
nancyannl2025,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After nine months of planning and waiting for this trip, we couldn't have been more pleased with it! Charlie, our tour guide, was fantastic. A great storyteller, very knowledgeable and passionate about her home country and her work! We were part of a smaller group of 11 people and it was nice to be able to see some other hidden gems that Charlie had for us over and above the itinerary (I particularly like the Summer House where JM Barrie was inspired to write Peter Pan after watching his god children play in the area!) . We really enjoyed visiting the church in Dalmally built by a son for his mother, Portree landscape and some live music in Inverness! The hollowed ground of Culloden Moor in Inverness was solemn and eye opening. And we enjoyed the very best Cullen Skink of our trip at The Garden Cafe in the beautiful village of Pitlochry. As expected, we got a little of everything when it came to the weather - and that was perfect! The snow, rain, mist and then sunshine in the Highlands can't be described - really needs to be experienced. The accommodations were good and the breakfasts were great to start our days. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to explore the Highlands without having to worry about driving yourselves! Charlie made us feel safe the entire time! It was nice to be able to just look out the windows to see the landscape and not have to worry about traffic and exits! We were intentional in choosing to go to Scotland in March knowing it would be less busy - I really enjoyed the smaller group and bus that allowed us to linger at some stops, see additional places and get to know our travel mates. Dress in layers and waterproof outer layer and you are "good to go"! Highly recommend! With our thanks! Nancy and John
Amazing Tour with Charlie
KrassiGeorgieva,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic way to see the country! We were lucky to have a smaller group of 11 which was fun to get to know everyone. We saw stunning landscapes all across Scotland, from snowy mountains to beautiful lochs and charming towns. Charlie was excellent tour guide - passionate, funny and very knowledgeable. She told us great stories, myths and legends and took us to some extra scenic stops not originally on the schedule. The days were really well planned and not rushed despite how much we saw! The only little flaw was the accommodation in Oban and Inverness where the heating didn't work properly and it was very cold. A wonderful tour overall and highly recommended!
Breathtaking Highlands Tour with Charlie
Krassi G,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic way to see the country! We were lucky to have a smaller group of 11 which was fun to get to know everyone. We saw stunning landscapes all across Scotland, from snowy mountains to beautiful lochs and charming towns. Charlie was excellent tour guide - passionate, funny and very knowledgeable. She told us great stories, myths and legends and took us to some extra scenic stops not originally on the schedule. The days were really well planned and not rushed despite how much we saw! The only little flaw was the accommodation in Oban and Inverness where the heating didn't work properly and it was very cold. A wonderful tour overall and highly recommended!
Exceptional guide
jimkJ8868YA,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first time taking a tour, so we didn't really know what to expect. It's now difficult to imagine another living up to this one because Charlie has set the bar high! We would highly recommend this tour, her story telling and knowledge of all the places we visited was phenomenal! We had so much fun and a lot of laughter along the way.
From £615.00
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Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd