5-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, Oban, St Andrews and Highlands

Highlands and Islands 5-Day Guided Tour from Edinburgh and Glasgow

This 5-day guided tour departs from Edinburgh and Glasgow, ideal for travelers seeking to explore Scotland’s Highlands, islands, historic sites, and whisky distilleries.

Highlights

• Explore ancient castles and battlefields, plus visit a Scotch whisky distillery
• Visit film locations featured in James Bond, Game of Thrones, and Outlander
• Walk the world-famous St Andrews Old Course and see Scotland’s oldest university
• Travel the Isle of Skye, including the Trotternish Peninsula, Quiraing, and Cuillin Mountains
• Discover ancient history and geological wonders across Scotland’s Highlands

Description

Starting from Edinburgh and Glasgow, the tour travels north through Scotland’s Central Belt to the village of Luss on Loch Lomond’s shores. Continue through Inveraray, known for its oysters and seafood, and visit the Dunadd Iron Age Fort, former coronation site of Dalriada kings and queens. After stopping in Kilmartin, enjoy the scenic drive to Oban, a lively fishing town where you stay overnight.

On day two, explore Glencoe with a short hike and photo stop, then visit Glenfinnan Viaduct. Proceed to Fort William for either a tour of Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery or visits to Inverlochy Castle and Neptune’s Staircase. Travel north to Loch Ness for photos of the famous lake, then pass through Glenshiel and the Five Sisters of Kintail to the meeting point of Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh, home to Eilean Donan Castle.

Day three focuses on the Trotternish Peninsula, exploring sites such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing while hearing local folklore. Visit the Museum of Island Life, then circle north Skye for views of the Torridon Mountains and Outer Hebrides. Pass through the Cuillin Mountains and Kyle of Lochalsh to reach Plockton, where a seal-spotting cruise is offered during April to October along the coastline lined with palm trees.

On day four, visit Corrieshalloch Gorge, Scotland’s deepest gorge, then travel along the North Coast 500 route, viewing Ardvreck Castle ruins and stopping at Knockan Crag for geology insights. After lunch in Ullapool, visit Rogie Falls and the fishing town of Beauly before returning to Inverness.

The final day includes Clava Cairns, a prehistoric site of standing stones and burial chambers, and Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle on British soil. Travel through Cairngorms National Park to St Andrews, known for its medieval walls, university, and cathedral. Conclude the tour by returning to Edinburgh in the evening.

Includes

• Driver and tour guide
• Guided 5-day tour
• Air-conditioned bus

Excludes

• Meals and drinks
• Optional Scotch whisky distillery tour
• Optional visit to Museum of Island Life (seasonal, April to October)
• Optional Seal Tour (seasonal, April to October)
• Optional visit to St Andrews Cathedral Museum and Tower
• Accommodation for 4 nights in Oban, Portree, and Inverness (see 'Important Information' for details)

Important Information

• Group bookings over 8 passengers must be arranged as a private tour.
• Accommodation can be booked independently; use city/town centre drop-off and pick-up points:
  • Oban – Station Road, PA34 4LN
  • Portree – Somerled Square, IV51 9BS
  • Inverness – Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN
• Accommodation fills quickly; contact the tour provider for recommendations and book urgently.
• Make a dinner reservation in Portree to avoid busy evenings; arrival is around 18:30.
• Estimated return to Edinburgh on day five is 18:30. Allow at least two extra hours for any onward travel delays.

Cancellation Policy

Full refund available for cancellations made up to 10 days in advance.

For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera. Book early to secure both your spot on the tour and nearby accommodation.