7 Day Grand Highland Explorer Private Tour
from Edinburgh
Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
Explore the dramatic landscapes and rich history of the Isle of Skye and the West Highlands on this seven day private journey from Edinburgh. This historian-guided tour uncovers a region shaped by ancient communities, clan heritage and centuries of Highland history, including Skye's rugged Trotternish ridge, historic castles and the spectacular landscapes of the West Highlands.
Day 1 — Edinburgh to Inverness
Departing from Edinburgh we travel north towards the village of Dunkeld and the ruins of its historic cathedral followed by visit to the Falls of Bruar. The afternoon takes us into the Cairngorms National Park where we drive up towards Cairngorm Mountain. If the weather is clear we take the funicular railway to near the summit or alternatively, we enjoy a meandering walk at the nearby Loch an Eilein with its island castle ruin. The day ends with a short drive to Inverness where we will overnight for the next two days.
Day 2 — Inverness
Departing from Inverness, we visit the nearby Culloden Battlefield to explore the dramatic history of the Highland clans and the Jacobite uprisings. Next we explore the Bronze Age Clava Cairns, dating back over 4000 years, these standing stones offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past of the Highlands. The afternoon takes us east to the majestic ruins of Elgin Cathedral – even in its ruined state, it stands as one of Scotland’s most beautiful and historically significant medieval buildings. Our return to Inverness includes a stop at the Rodney Stone, a carved monument crafted over twelve hundred years ago by the Picts.
Day 3 — Inverness to Isle of Skye
Departing Inverness, we follow the legendary banks of Loch Ness, pausing at a scenic viewpoint with Urquhart Castle in the distance and 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.
Day 4 — Isle of Skye
From Portree, we explore the Trotternish Peninsula, pausing for views of the Old Man of Storr, the Rigg viewpoint across the Sound of Raasay to the Applecross hills, 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.
Day 5 — Isle of Skye to South-West Highlands
Departing Portree, we journey south to Armadale for a scenic ferry crossing across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig (40 minutes sailing). 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.
Day 6 — South-West Highlands
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.
Day 7 — South-West Highlands to Edinburgh
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 scenery. The afternoon involves a final scenic drive south across Rannoch Moor and through the Trossachs, with distant views of Stirling Castle as we return to Edinburgh.
Tour Highlights
- Dunkeld
- Loch Ness
- Black Cuillin
- Eilean Donan Castle
- Glenfinnan
- Oban
- Bruar
- Glen Shiel
- Portree
- Dunvegan Castle
- Kilmartin Glen
- Kilchurn Castle
- Cairngorms
- Kilt Rock
- The Quiraing
- Sleat Peninsula
- Inveraray Castle
- Glencoe
Tour Gallery
Private Tour Price (per tour)
April to October: £5850
Depart Edinburgh
Return Edinburgh
(7 Days)
What's Included
What's included in the tour price?
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:
- Private tour for your group only (1, 2 or 3 persons)
- An experienced driver-guide and historian (John Alasdair Macdonald)
- A comfortable tour vehicle with good visibility and generous legroom
- All ferry tickets
- All taxes and fees
What's excluded?
The tour price does not include your accommodation costs, entrance fees, meals and refreshments.
Where should I book accommodation?
To make the most of your tour I recommend you book accommodation in:
- Inverness (Day 1 and 2)
- Portree (Day 3 and 4)
- Oban (Day 5 and 6)
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.
Route & Logistics
Which days does this tour start on?
This tour can start on any day from Inverness, but please note that Inveraray Castle (Day 6) is typically open Thursday to Monday during the season. If visiting the castle is a priority, a Saturday to Wednesday start is recommended.
Where does the tour start from?
Enjoy the ease of a private pickup – I will meet you directly at your Edinburgh City Centre or Airport 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 Edinburgh location.
What time does each day start and how long is it?
Tour days normally start at 9am and last around 7 to 8 hours.
What about the ferry sailings?
The ferry crossing on the standard 7 day tour (Armadale to Mallaig on Day 5) 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.
What will the weather be like?
Scottish weather is famously changeable, and it is not unusual to experience sunshine, showers and a brisk wind all in the same afternoon. This is part of the character of the Highlands and Islands: the light is often spectacular, and the big skies over the mountains, lochs and coastline are a highlight in themselves. As this is a private tour, I can adapt each day where possible to suit the forecast and conditions. Strong winds can also occasionally affect ferry sailings (see the ferry FAQ above).
Are there seasonal changes to this tour?
Tours in April and October can see more rain and wind, and I may adjust start and finish times to suit conditions. Dunvegan Castle and Inveraray Castle close from mid-October, and Eilean Donan Castle can occasionally close for private events outside summer. Where an itinerary attraction is unavailable, we visit an alternative location instead.
Can the tour itinerary be customised?
The tour itinerary is based on nineteen 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. Changes usually work best as swaps rather than additions, as the routes are timed to keep an unhurried pace. Please mention any requests in the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Comfort & Practicalities
How much walking does this tour involve?
Most stops on this route are short walks from the vehicle to a viewpoint, castle or historic site. The pace is unhurried 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.
How often do we stop?
The tour has plenty of viewpoint, photo and refreshment stops along with regular restroom stops. As it is a private tour, we can pretty much stop whenever you want!
Where do we stop for lunch, and can you cater for dietary requirements?
Lunch breaks are usually at local cafes (or on ferries) for light bites such as soup and sandwiches. If you have any special requests or dietary requirements, please let me know and I am happy to work around them (I'm gluten-free myself). Complimentary bottled water is provided in the vehicle, and you are welcome to bring your own snacks to enjoy as we travel. For evening meals, I recommend booking a table in advance at a restaurant or hotel, and your tour quote includes suggestions.
What clothing and footwear should I bring?
Walking shoes or sneakers with good grip are recommended, along with a light waterproof jacket, as the weather can change quickly. All walks are entirely optional and can be tailored to your comfort and mobility level.
How much luggage can I bring?
The current tour vehicle comfortably accommodates up to three passengers. For groups of two, there is room in the rear boot (trunk) for one large suitcase per person (up to 80cm / 31in tall including wheels) plus one small day bag/backpack each. For groups of three, space is a little tighter, so I ask that each person brings one medium bag/suitcase (up to 70cm / 27in tall including wheels) plus one small day bag/backpack. If your luggage is slightly larger than this, or you are unsure about capacity, please let me know the size of your cases and I will confirm whether there is room.
Booking & Availability
How do I book the tour?
The first step is simply to complete a 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.
Can I just chat about the tour before booking?
Of course! You can reach me in whichever way is easiest for you:
- Complete a Tour Enquiry Form – just ask any questions in the 'Extra Information' section.
- Email me directly at info@thehebrideanexplorer.com.
- Send a WhatsApp message or call me on +44 7943 863292.
Do you offer this tour over the winter months?
This 7 day route is one of four Highland itineraries that can be fully adapted into a winter private tour during November, February, and March. Read my guide to Winter Private Tours of the Highlands to see what to expect.