5-Day Highland Explorer and Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Dunkeld & Loch Ness
5 stops
1
South Queensferry
Departing Edinburgh, we cross the Queensferry Bridge, taking in views of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Traveling through the Kingdom of Fife, the landscape transitions from rolling farmland to forested hills as we approach Perthshire's Highland Fault Line.
2
Dunkeld
Continuing through Perthshire, often known as "Big Tree Country," you'll pass through lush forests brimming with majestic Douglas firs and ancient oaks. Our journey includes a stop at the charming cathedral town of Dunkeld, nestled along the banks of the River Tay. Here, you can explore the captivating architecture of the historic cathedral or stroll through the quaint streets of this picturesque village.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Aviemore
Leaving the lush forests behind, we ascend into the majestic Cairngorms National Park and arrive at Aviemore, a charming resort town surrounded by towering peaks. Here, you'll enjoy lunch and have some free time to explore the area at your own pace.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
4
Loch Ness
Our journey then takes us through breathtaking glens framed by rugged mountains, bringing us to the banks of the legendary Loch Ness for a short break. Keep your eyes peeled you never know, you might just catch a glimpse of the elusive Loch Ness Monster!
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
5
Ullapool
We pause for a short break at Rogie Falls, where you can enjoy an optional walk to admire this breathtaking waterfall. Cross the suspension bridge for the best views of the dramatic cascade and soak in the tranquil, untamed beauty of this Highland treasure. In late summer and autumn, keep an eye out for salmon leaping upstream. This marks our final highlight before reaching Ullapool, a charming fishing village along the renowned North Coast 500. Here, we'll stay for two nights, giving you plenty of time to explore the harbor and enjoy the local pubs.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Achmelvich Bay and the fishing village of Lochinver
4 stops
6
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. The landscape here is wild, rugged, and almost otherworldly with a timeless beauty.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
7
Our first stop is the Knockan Crag Geology Centre, one of Scotland's most extraordinary geological sites. Here, you'll gain insight into ancient tectonic forces that reshaped Scotland's landscape millions of years ago. We then step into history with a visit to the 15th-century Ardvreck Castle, perched on the shores of Loch Assynt. Once the stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt, this haunting ruin is steeped in legendary tales of betrayal and the capture of the Marquis of Montrose, offering a glimpse into Scotland's turbulent past.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
8
For lunch, we head to Lochinver, a picturesque fishing village on Scotland's wild west coast. Here, you can savour fresh seafood or the famous Lochinver pies while taking in the village's breathtaking surroundings. Afterward, we journey to Achnahaird Beach, a secluded paradise known for its pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and dramatic mountain backdrop.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
9
Ullapool
We conclude the day with a scenic drive back to Ullapool, passing through untouched moorlands and peat bogs en route to the shores of Loch Broom. Enjoy a well-deserved rest among the charming, whitewashed cottages of this delightful fishing village.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Corrieshalloch Gorge & Bealach na Ba
4 stops
10
Today, we continue uncovering the hidden gems of the Northwest Highlands, beginning with a journey south to witness the dramatic 60-meter plunge of the River Droma into Corrieshalloch Gorge.You can take a short walk through a picturesque forest to admire the powerful waterfall as it cascades into the depths of the gorge. Enjoy breathtaking views from one of the viewing platforms or experience the thrill of crossing the suspension bridge.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
11
Our adventure leads us through vast moorlands and rolling hills, with plenty of opportunities for short breaks and photo stops along the way. As we near the majestic Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve and the towering Torridon Mountains, the landscape becomes more rugged, evoking a profound sense of wilderness and solitude. Following the route along dramatic sea lochs framed by craggy mountains and ancient forests, we're treated to glimpses of Scotland's raw, untamed, and timeless natural beauty. This scenic journey takes us to the picturesque village of Shieldaig, a true Highland gem.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
12
Plockton
We continue along the coast to Applecross for lunch in this remote village, which still retains the charm of traditional Highland life, with some residents speaking Gaelic. Enjoy local dishes at the Applecross Inn, renowned for its hearty Highland cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Next, prepare for the thrilling drive along Bealach na Bà, one of Scotland's highest and most dramatic roads, once used to move cattle between the Applecross Peninsula and markets across the country. Our journey then takes us to the “tropical” village of Plockton, where palm trees grow along the shores of Loch Carron. Enjoy a short break and take a moment to soak in the tranquility of this haven.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
13
Isle of Skye
We cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye, one of Scotland's most captivating islands, and follow its dramatic coastline, stopping at viewpoints to admire the striking outlines of the Red and Black Cuillins. We then continue toward the island's capital, Portree, where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening, giving you plenty of time to explore this charming town at your leisure.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Exploring the Isle of Skye
1 stop
14
Isle of Skye
Every corner of Skye feels like stepping into a dream, with countless places to explore. You might head north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond, where you'll encounter geological wonders such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the breathtaking Quiraing mountain pass. This part of the island enchants visitors with surreal rock formations, dramatic cliffs, vast open spaces, and an overwhelming sense of wilderness. The ever-changing weather adds to the island's dramatic scenery, with mist often shrouding the peaks and sunlight breaking through to illuminate the landscape, creating a magical atmosphere. After all this exploration, we'll pause in one of the island's towns for lunch to recharge for the second part of the day. In the late afternoon, your driver-guide may take you back in time, sharing stories about the legends and clan culture surrounding Dunvegan Castle, or perhaps lead you to a different hidden gem.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Eilean Donan Castle & Glencoe
3 stops
15
Eilean Donan Castle
Perched on a small island, the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, made famous as a movie location, holds many fascinating stories. Enjoy refreshments at a local café and take a stroll along the loch to admire the castle from the outside. Alternatively, explore its chambers, where you can discover artifacts belonging to the MacKenzie and MacRae clans. Next, we continue past shimmering lochs, framed by the rugged peaks of the Five Sisters of Kintail. After this visual feast of towering mountains, we head to Fort William for a break.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
16
Fort William
We stop for lunch in Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Sample local cuisine and wander the town center before continuing south through the Highlands. Next is the majestic Glencoe, a valley renowned for its rugged slopes and rich history. Here, you'll have time for photos or a short walk to appreciate the stunning landscape and learn about one of the most tragic tales in Scottish history. Then, we journey through the wild, desolate landscapes of Rannoch Moor, crossing into the Trossachs National Park. Here, you'll pass shimmering lochs, towering mountain peaks, and forest-filled glens, with a short break along the way to take it all in.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
17
Edinburgh
Heading further south, we cross the ancient natural fault line that runs through Scotland, watching as the rugged, majestic Highlands gradually give way to the flat, fertile plains of the Lowlands on our return to Edinburgh.
1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding
• You stay two nights in the fishing village of Ullapool and two nights in the harbour town of Portree, on the Isle of Skye
• 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

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