Starting from Inverness we visit Culloden Battlefield to explore the bloody history surrounding Charles Edward Stuart and his Jacobite supporters (which included the Macdonalds of Keppoch, Clanranald, Glengarry and Glencoe). We then follow the Great Glen down the banks of Loch Ness before turning west to Glen Shiel and the Five Sisters of Kintail mountains. Arriving at Eilean Donan Castle (which was involved in a 'less than successful' Macdonald uprising in the 1530s) we enjoy a viewpoint break before we cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye on our journey north to Portree for our overnight stay.
A full day touring clan Macdonald lands throughout Skye begins with a drive to the Trotternish Peninsula including stops at the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. Continuing north we pass the ruins of Duntulm Castle, a former clan stronghold, before arriving at Kilmuir, the final resting place of one of the clan's most celebrated figures - Flora Macdonald. The afternoon takes us south to the Sleat Peninsula to explore the Museum of the Isles along with the ruins of Armadale Castle, the last ancestral home of the Macdonalds of Sleat before our return to Portree for our overnight stay.
After a little free time in Portree we return to the Sleat Peninsula to catch the midday ferry (40 minute sailing) from Armadale across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig. The afternoon takes us south into the remote lands of Moidart where we enjoy a distance viewpoint stop at the ruins of Castle Tioram, ancestral home of Macdonalds of Clanranald. Located on a tidal island it may be possible to walk closer to the castle if it is low tide. After a visit to Loch nan Uamh – where Macdonalds initially greeted Charles Edward Stuart on his arrival in the Highlands – we return to either Mallaig or Arisaig for our overnight stay.
Departing from Mallaig or Arisaig we journey along the 'road to the Isles' to Glenfinnan where the many Macdonalds stood with Charlie Edward Stuart as the Standard was raised in 1745. After a visit to the Jacobite monument and museum, we head towards the lands of the Macdonalds of Glencoe, home to stunning Highland scenery and historic tragedy. The afternoon takes us through the lands of the Macdonalds of Keppoch and the ancient church of Cille Choirill, then the Macdonalds (Macdonells) of Glengarry where we stop at the ruins of Invergarry Castle and the Well of the Seven Heads before our return to Inverness.
For those wishing to extend their journey to include the Isle of Islay (the heartland of Lordship of the Isles), I offer a 7 Day Clan Macdonald Tour from Inverness (May to September). This route follows the standard tour until the end of Day 4.
Day 5: Our journey continues south through the historic Kilmartin Glen to view the intricate West Highland grave slabs that flourished under the Lordship. From Kennacraig, we board the afternoon ferry to the Isle of Islay for a two night stay.
Day 6: A full day on Islay is dedicated to the heart of the clan’s power. We visit Finlaggan, the ancestral seat of the Lords of the Isles and explore the coastal ruins of Dunyvaig Castle, the ancient stronghold of the Macdonalds of Dunyvaig.
Day 7: We return to the mainland and travel north through the Great Glen. We visit the 800-year-old ruins of Inverlochy Castle, and traverse the lands of the Macdonalds of Keppoch and Glengarry, stopping at Invergarry Castle before returning to Inverness.
4 Day Tour (April to October) – £3100
7 Day Tour (May to September) – £5800
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(4 or 7 Days)
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Prices include ferry tickets, all taxes and an experienced driver/guide and historian (John Alasdair Macdonald).
Your accommodation costs, entrance fees and meals.
For the 4 day tour, I recommend that you book accommodation in Portree (Day 1 and 2) and Mallaig or Arisaig (Day 3) to make the most of your trip. For the 7 day tour I recommend that you also book accommodation in Oban (Day 4) and Isle of Islay (Day 5 and 6). Whilst I do not book accommodation for you I am happy to help with advice on where to stay and eat. The tour quote will include a list of accommodation recommendations and suggestions for overnight locations.
Enjoy the ease of a private pickup – I will meet you at your Inverness accommodation on Day 1 to begin our tour.
To allow for a full day on the Isle of Islay we have a slightly longer final day with more travelling – around 5 hours driving and a 2¼ hour ferry sailing – and we would expect to arrive back in Inverness by 7.30pm. There is the option to end this tour at Oban (approx. 2pm) or Fort William (approx. 4pm) should you prefer. Please request this through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, I have a little flexibility and the tour itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. Please let me know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
The only ferry journey on the standard 4 Day tour (Armadale to Mallaig on Day 3) has a road alternative option available in the event of cancellation, though there would be a later arrival into Mallaig or Arisaig with an additional three hour driving route. For the extended 7 Day tour, ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. Whilst I cannot be responsible for additional accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, I will make every effort to adapt the tour to minimise disruption. Please note that no refunds will be given for tour and itinerary changes due to ferry changes and cancellations.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather and even in the summer months we are likely to experience some wet and windy weather conditions on tours. As such we always recommend a light waterproof jacket for all tours and decent footwear that you do not mind getting a little bit muddy or wet.
You may be aware that Armadale Castle and estate has been sold (January 2026) by the Clan Donald Trust to a private family. While future access to the Museum of the Isles and Armadale Castle ruins remains a little unclear (they are still advertising entry for the 2026 season), in the event that we are unable to visit we would spend the afternoon exploring Clan Donald lands around the Sleat peninsula.
