The Highlands and Isle of Skye
Our classic Scotland journey: two nights in Edinburgh, Glencoe and the Road to the Isles, two nights on Skye and two in Inverness, then home through Highland Perthshire for a final night in Edinburgh.
Who this journey suits
- A first visit to Scotland
- Couples and families who want the classic Highlands, unhurried
- Guests with a week and a half
The pace, honestly
Six bases in ten days, with two nights in Edinburgh, Skye and Inverness. No day has more than about three and a half hours of driving, always broken by stops.
Highlights
- Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town
- Glencoe and the Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Two full days on the Isle of Skye
- Loch Ness, Culloden and the Clava Cairns
- Blair Castle and Highland Perthshire
An example route to show what is possible. Yours will be built around your places, dates and pace, and confirmed in your personal itinerary and quote.
The route
Driving times are approximate, exclude stops, and depend on season and conditions.
- Day 1
Arrive in EdinburghScotland
Met at the airport and taken to your hotel. A gentle first evening in the Old Town.
Overnight: EdinburghOn the road: Airport transfer only.
- Day 2
EdinburghScotland
Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile with a private guide, then an afternoon at your own pace and dinner in an old Edinburgh pub.
Overnight: EdinburghOn the road: None.
- Day 3
Loch Lomond and GlencoeScotland
North by the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and across Rannoch Moor into Glencoe, with time to stop in the glen before an overnight in Fort William beneath Ben Nevis.
Overnight: Fort WilliamOn the road: About 3½ hours, broken by stops.
- Day 4
The Road to the IslesScotland
Glenfinnan and its viaduct, then the ferry from Mallaig to Skye.
Overnight: Isle of SkyeOn the road: About 1½ hours plus the ferry.
- Day 5
A day on SkyeScotland
The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing and the Fairy Glen, with time for a long lunch and a walk.
Overnight: Isle of SkyeOn the road: Short hops.
- Day 6
Eilean Donan and Loch NessScotland
Over the Skye Bridge to Eilean Donan Castle, then along Glen Shiel to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.
Overnight: InvernessOn the road: About 3 hours, with stops.
- Day 7
Culloden and the Clava CairnsScotland
Culloden Battlefield and the ancient Clava Cairns, with the afternoon for a distillery, Cawdor Castle or simply a slower day.
Overnight: InvernessOn the road: Short.
- Day 8
Cairngorms to Highland PerthshireScotland
South through the Cairngorms National Park to Blair Castle and the town of Pitlochry.
Overnight: PitlochryOn the road: About 2 hours.
- Day 9
Back to EdinburghScotland
The Hermitage at Dunkeld on the way south, and a final evening in Edinburgh.
Overnight: EdinburghOn the road: About 1½ hours.
- Day 10
Journey ends
Transfer to Edinburgh Airport.
Overnight: Journey endsOn the road: Short.
Make it yours
- Add a third night on Skye for Dunvegan and Neist Point
- Add Speyside whisky or Royal Deeside
- Research a family name along the way
Worth knowing
- The Mallaig–Skye ferry is seasonal and weather-dependent; the Skye Bridge is always the fallback.
- Skye is busiest from May to September, when the best places to stay book up early.
Typically included
- Route planning around the places you choose, your pace and your dates
- Your own private driver-guide and vehicle, in Scotland and Ireland
- The Cairnryan–Belfast ferry for you and your vehicle
- Accommodation researched, reserved and confirmed
- Airport meet on arrival and transfer on departure
- Reservations and entries agreed in your itinerary
- One point of contact before and throughout your trip
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend
- Meals and drinks not listed in your itinerary
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Price
Every journey is quoted personally, because the places, season, hotels and size of your party change the cost significantly. Your itinerary and quote come together.
Google reviews
What our guests say
“We had an amazing tour of Glencoe and the Isle of Skye with Martin. He knew the area well and was a very knowledgeable and skilled guide. He knew where to pull over for quick hikes and beautiful scenic overlooks.”
“Our 5-night journey from North Berwick through Glencoe, the Isle of Skye, Inverness, and Glasgow was an unforgettable experience, made exceptional by our guide, Ian Blair, and the team at Lindsay Highland Tours.”
“We had the honor to share our Scottish Adventure with George Lindsay. He was amazing. All of the sites we visited were unique for us and we never felt rushed or hurried.”
150+ five-star reviews · Read them on Google
Questions about this journey
Why start and finish in Edinburgh?
Two nights at the start let you recover from the flight and see the city properly; a final night means an easy, unhurried trip to the airport.
Make the Highlands and Skye your own
Open this route in the trip builder with its places already chosen. Add, remove and tell us about your party, and we'll send your personal itinerary and quote.
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