Immerse yourself in the history and landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye on this comprehensive five day private journey. From the jagged peaks of the Quiraing to the ancient standing stones of Kilmartin Glen, this historian-guided tour is designed for those who wish to discover storied clans, ancestral castles, and the unhurried charm of the Hebrides and the West Highlands at a relaxed pace.
Departing Inverness, we follow the legendary banks of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle, where you go inside the medieval ruins to explore its history and enjoy commanding views down the Great Glen. Our journey continues through the dramatic landscapes of Glen Moriston and Glen Shiel, arriving at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle to uncover its historic past. After crossing the bridge to Skye, we pause at the old bridge at Sligachan for a magnificent view of the Black Cuillin peaks before arriving in the picturesque harbour town of Portree, our base for the next two nights.
From Portree, we explore the Trotternish Peninsula, pausing for views of the Old Man of Storr and the Kilt Rock coastal waterfall. We then ascend the old cattle pass to the Quiraing; looking out over the village of Staffin toward the Northwest Highlands, this remains a definitive highlight of the Isle of Skye. After a visit to the Museum of Island Life at Kilmuir, the afternoon is dedicated to Dunvegan Castle. As the ancestral seat of Clan Macleod and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, it offers grand history and beautiful gardens to explore before our return to Portree.
Departing Portree, we journey south to Armadale for a scenic ferry crossing across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig. We follow the famous 'Road to the Isles' to Glenfinnan, where we explore the Jacobite monument and view the iconic railway viaduct. After passing through the shadow of Ben Nevis at Fort William, we enter the coastal beauty of Argyll. We pause for a vista of the tidal Castle Stalker before arriving in the picturesque harbour town of Oban, our home for the final two nights.
Today we journey through millennia of history in the Highlands, moving from prehistoric mysteries to grand clan seats. We head south to explore Kilmartin Glen, a mystical landscape home to an extraordinary concentration of Neolithic standing stones, burial cairns, and stone circles. After lunch, we follow the shores of Loch Fyne to Inveraray Castle, the grand ancestral home of the Clan Campbell. Our return to Oban includes a viewpoint stop at the evocative ruins of Kilchurn Castle on the banks of Loch Awe.
On our final day, we travel north to explore the haunting beauty of Glencoe. We delve into the chronicles of the 1692 massacre and visit a reconstructed traditional 17th-century turf house. We pause at the River Coe and Loch Achtriochtan for some of Scotland's most dramatic photography. Our return journey takes us north-east along the Great Glen, stopping at Fort Augustus to watch the boats navigate the staircase locks of the Caledonian Canal before concluding our tour in Inverness.
For those wishing to extend their journey to include the Isle of Mull and Isle of Iona, I offer a 7 Day Isle of Skye, Mull, Iona and Highlands Tour from Inverness (May to September). This route follows the standard tour until the end of Day 4.
Day 5: Depart Oban by ferry for the Isle of Mull to visit the ancestral Duart Castle, home of Clan Maclean. A scenic drive north leads to the colorful harbor town of Tobermory, where you’ll have free time to explore before our overnight stay.
Day 6: A scenic drive through Mull leads to the pedestrian ferry for the sacred Isle of Iona. Enjoy four hours to explore the historic Abbey, museum, and ancient churchyard before returning to Tobermory for a second evening.
Day 7: Catch the mid-morning ferry to Oban, then journey north into the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe. We explore the glen’s haunting history and towering peaks before following the Great Glen on our final return journey to Inverness.
5 Day Tour (March to October) – £3950
7 Day Tour (May to September) – £5750
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(5 or 7 Days)
This tour can start on any day from Inverness, but please note that Inveraray Castle is typically open Thursday to Monday during the season. If visiting the castle is a priority, a Monday to Friday start is recommended.
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 private group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Your private tour price includes:
The tour price does not include your accommodation costs, entrance fees, meals and refreshments.
To make the most of your tour I recommend you book accommodation in:
Whilst I do not book accommodation directly, I am always happy to offer advice on where to stay and eat. Your tour quote will include a list of recommended accommodation options for our overnight locations along with suggestions for evening meals.
Enjoy the ease of a private pickup — I will meet you directly at your Inverness accommodation on the morning of Day 1 to begin the tour. At the end of the tour I will drop you off at your preferred Inverness location.
Most locations involve short walks from the vehicle to viewpoints, castles or historic sites. The pace is relaxed and there is plenty of time to enjoy each stop. If you would prefer to skip a particular walk or explore at your own pace, that is absolutely fine on a private tour.
The Tour Vehicle (Honda CR-V) comfortably accommodates up to three passengers with the rear boot (trunk) for luggage allowing for one medium bag/suitcase per person and one small day bag/backpack per person. For private groups of three, if you are unsure about luggage capacity, please let me know the size of your suitcases and I can check against available space.
The tour itinerary is based on many years of guiding experience, previous client feedback, and practical travel timings. However, there is some flexibility and the itinerary can often be adapted in advance to suit particular interests or requests where possible. Please mention any requests in the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
The ferry crossing on the standard 5 day tour (Armadale to Mallaig on Day 3) has a road alternative available if required. In the event of cancellation, we would travel by road instead, adding approximately three hours of driving and a slightly later arrival into Oban. For the extended 7 Day tour including the Isle of Mull and Iona extension, ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While 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 may experience some rain or wind. I always recommend a light waterproof jacket and comfortable footwear suitable for short walks in wet or uneven terrain. Please note that for tours in March, April and October, the weather can be more inclement with rain and wind more common. I may adapt the daily itineraries with earlier or later starts and finishes to suit weather and travel conditions and attraction opening and closing times. Most of the itinerary is still accessible during these months, though Dunvegan Castle is only open April to mid-October, Inveraray Castle from late-March to late-October and Eilean Donan Castle can occasionally be closed on certain days for private events outwith the summer months. On tours where an itinerary attraction is unavailable to explore we visit alternative locations.
The first step is simply to complete the Tour Enquiry Form with your preferred travel dates. I will then reply with availability and a detailed tour quotation (with absolutely no obligation to proceed at this stage). I usually reply to enquiries within 24 hours.
Of course! I’m always happy to answer any questions and help you feel confident about your trip. You can reach me in whichever way is easiest for you:
There’s absolutely no obligation — this is just a chance to discuss your ideas and make sure the tour is the right fit for you.
