Highlands, Skye and Northwest Scotland

7 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Your adventure starts and ends in the vibrant capital city of Edinburgh, where you can visit castles that sit atop ancient volcanoes, as well as visit royal gardens, floating royal residences, and even an art gallery or two! You'll also embark on a 4-night guided tour, where you'll experience breathtaking views and fascinating places throughout the Highland...
$3,254
From$2,758
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Enjoy panoramic views of Scotland's capital city from Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an ancient volcano.
    • Be treated to views of some of Europe's oldest landscapes.
    • See if you can spot "Nessie" during your time at Loch Ness.
    • Visit traditional Scottish fishing villages; you may even spot a whale or two!
    • Treat yourself to a pint at Scotland's oldest licensed pub, the Sheep Heid Inn in Edinburgh.

What's this trip about?

    Your adventure starts and ends in the vibrant capital city of Edinburgh, where you can visit castles that sit atop ancient volcanoes, as well as visit royal gardens, floating royal residences, and even an art gallery or two! You'll also embark on a 4-night guided tour, where you'll experience breathtaking views and fascinating places throughout the Highlands of Scotland. From the ancient forests of the Cairngorms, and vibrant Inverness (capital of the Highlands), to the majestic splendor of the mountains of Assynt, the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye and the awe-inspiring Glencoe, you'll see it all. Important information regarding the guided tour portion of this vacation: Please Note: Lunches are not included during your guided tour. However the tour will either stop in small villages with a choice of lunch options, or at a local family establishment where there is a choice to suit all budgets. These places are always chosen for their charm and character - to give you the taste of local hospitality. Entrance fees to some visitor attractions are not included, to allow you greater flexibility to choose the sites that you would like to enter. Please check with your guide, as in some cases discounted admission has been arranged on behalf of tour participants.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityEdinburgh
End CityScotland

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • National Parks

Destinations

Attractions

  • Edinburgh

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Wildlife Viewing

Trip includes

    • Round-trip economy class airfare to Edinburgh (EDI)
    • Private round-trip airport transfers
    • 1 night in Edinburgh at the Market Street Hotel, or similar
    • Highland Explorer 4-night small group guided tour, including: 2 nights in Ullapool or Inverness at the Royal Hotel, or similar*
    • 2 nights in Portree, Isle of Skye at The Kilted Fox B&B, or similar**
    • Transportation by luxury private 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
    • Services of a professional driver/guide 
    • Service charges & VAT tax 1 night in Edinburgh at the Market Street Hotel, or similar
    • Breakfast Daily *Please note: on some tours it may be necessary to stay in Inverness, in which case the itinerary will be subject to slight changes. **Due to the extremely limited hotel availability on the Isle of Skye, your accommodations will be confirmed at local B&Bs. These special accommodations will provide you with all the privacy and comforts of a traditional hotel, in addition to a very welcoming, cultural and immersive experience. Transportation to and from your accommodation is included.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Edinburgh!

Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and enjoy a private transfer to your Edinburgh accommodation. Spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure!

Start your Scotland adventure by hiking up to Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an ancient volcano; from here you can enjoy panoramic views of Scotland's capital city.

Day 2 Edinburgh - Ullapool

Today's the day! Enjoy an early breakfast, then head to the designated meeting point to embark on your 4-night small-group guided tour, exploring Scotland's great wilderness, from the Isle of Skye to the Northern Highlands.

Leaving Edinburgh with your gui...

Day 3 Ullapool

Today starts with a visit to the far northwest highlands and the grandeur, expanse and wildness of the mountains of Assynt, with its abundance of wildlife. This area is historically famous as being the first crofting area to be bought by the local crofters, the...

Day 4 Ullapool - Isle of Skye

This morning leave Ullapool, heading south to take in the drama of the River Droma as it plunges almost 200 feet down into the Corrieshalloch Gorge. From here you travel past the mountains of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, and along the picturesque co...

Day 5 Portree

Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather, and your driver/guide’s knowledge will come to the fore in planning the best day for you.

For example you might travel north to the stunning Quiraing mountain pas...

Day 6 Portree - Edinburgh

Leaving Portree, we’ll travel south from Skye stopping first at the famous stronghold Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film “Highlander,” set at the head of three lochs as protection against Viking raiders.

Continuing east through the rugged mountains of ...

Day 7 Depart Scotland

In accordance with your departure flight, enjoy one more private airport transfer to Edinburgh Airport. 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,758
Price per day$394
Last Updated: 2/22/2025

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Great Value Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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