from Inverness
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 detour north through the lands of the Macdonalds of Keppoch and the ancient church of Cille Choirill. The afternoon takes us through the lands of the Macdonalds of Glencoe, home to stunning Highland scenery and historic tragedy, before we head south towards Oban for our overnight stay.
Departs from Oban as we head south through the stunning historical landscapes of Kilmartin Glen, where we explore the traditional West Highland grave slabs that were prominent during the height of the Lordship of the Isles. We continue on a scenic drive that takes us past the ancient Dunadd hill fort from where the early Gaels ruled the lands of Dalriada, before we arrive at Kennacraig where we board the afternoon ferry for a 2¼ hour sailing across to the Isle of Islay, where we will stay for the next two nights.
A full day on the Isle of Islay begins with a visit to Finlaggan, the ancestral heartland of the Lords of the Isles. From Loch Finlaggan the descendants of Somerled, the chiefs of Clan Donald, ruled a lordship that at its height in the mid-fifteenth century encompassed most of the Hebrides and a large swathe of the Highlands. The afternoon takes us south to explore the ruins of Dunyveg Castle the ancient stronghold of the Macdonalds of Dunyveg. Before returning to our overnight accommodation there is the option to enjoy one of Islay's most famous export - whisky!
Departs from Islay as we take the early morning sailing back to the mainland. It is then a scenic drive back toward to Oban. After a late lunch stop we continue north through Fort William and visit the nearly 800 years old ruins of Inverlochy Castle, location of two famous Macdonald battle victories. The late afternoon takes us through the lands of the Macdonalds of Keppoch before reaching the ancestral lands of the Macdonalds (Macdonells) of Glengarry where we stop at the ruins of Invergarry Castle before our return to Inverness.
May to September: £5700
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(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.
I recommend that you book accommodation in Portree (Day 1 and 2), Mallaig/Arisaig (Day 3), Oban (Day 4) and Isle of Islay (Day 5 and 6) to make the most of your trip. 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.
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.
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.
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While we cannot be responsible for additional accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, we 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 unclear at the moment, in the event we are unable to visit we would spend the afternoon exploring Clan Donald lands around the Sleat peninsula.
