Overview
Discover the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye on this 5-day tour from Edinburgh. Traveling in a luxury minivan with a knowledgeable guide, see some of Scotland’s most iconic sights. Visit quintessential villages such as Dunkeld and Lochinver, and explore beauty spots like Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness and Glencoe.
You’ll also travel along the scenic Quiraing mountain pass for jaw-dropping views of rural Scotland. Relax with 2 nights’ accommodation in Ullapool and a 2-night stay in Portree in the Isle of Skye. Numbers limited to 16, ensuring a small-group experience.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 21 days before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Driver/guide
4 nights en-suite accommodation in either a B&B or 3-star hotel (breakfast included)
Breakfast
Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers)
Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Meals and refreshments
Admission fees
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
(Check in closes 15 minutes before departure)
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
• Minimum age is 5 years
• Please arrive at least 15 mins in advance to check-in.
• Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg of luggage (44lbs); one medium sized suitcase/bag similar to airline standard carry-on luggage (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
• B&Bs tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know so that we can either book a ground floor room or a hotel with lift access, if available.
What to expect
Day 1 Edinburgh - Dunkeld - Ullapool
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Cairngorms National Park
Gaze in awe at Scotland’s most beautifully rounded peaks.
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Dunkeld Cathedral
30 min
This village is surrounded by luscious forest, and boasts an incredible ruined cathedral.
-
3 hours
From here, you travel to Ullapool, situated at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you spend your first two nights' stay on tour.
* Please note that the tours departing on 28th and 29th September 2019 stay two nights in Inverness instead of Ullapool.
Day 2 Ullapool - Ardveck Castle - Achmelvich Bay - Lochinver
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Ardvreck Castle
1 hour Admission ticket not included
Today, you explore the far northwest Highlands and the mountains of Assynt. This area is famous as being the first crofting area to be bought by the local crofters, the Assynt Crofters’ Trust.
You’re immersed in the history of the area and visit the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once the stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt. -
Achmelvich Bay
45 min
The day is full of amazing views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, the stunning white sand beach at Achmelvich Bay, and the traditional fishing village of Lochinver.
Day 3 Ullapool - Applecross - Portree
-
1 hour
Looking for some serenity? This peaceful spot offers unblemished landscapes in their most natural state. After your lunch stop in Applecross, you take one of the highest and most exhilarating roads in Scotland, Bealach na Ba.
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Plockton
30 min
In the afternoon, you stop in “tropical” Plockton, where you can see palm trees growing alongside Loch Carron and take time to enjoy its sheltered serenity.
Day 4 Flexible day touring around the Isle of Skye
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The Old Man of Storr
10 min
Great photo stop at this iconic rock formation. This sharp pinnacle of rock bursts out the land and can be seen for miles around.
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Kilt Rock
10 min
Picturesque observation point offering panoramic views of waterfalls, cliffs & sea.
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Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
45 min Admission ticket not included
Your guide may take you back in time and teach you about the legends and clan culture surrounding the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle.
Day 5 Portree - Eilean Donan Castle - Edinburgh
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Eilean Donan Castle
1 hour Admission ticket not included
An iconic and gorgeous 13th century castle that once warded off Viking invasions.
-
Buachaille Etive Mor
30 min
In the afternoon, you explore spectacular Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Be moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.
You then start your journey towards Edinburgh.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 21 full days before the start time: 100% refund.
Cancel within 21 days of the start time: 0% refund.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/London).
Additional Information
- B&Bs tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know so that we can either book a ground floor room or a hotel with lift access, if available.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about 5-Day Highland Explorer and Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
How long does it take?
It takes about 5 days.
Where does it start?
Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ (Check in closes 15 minutes before departure)
What's included?
- Driver/guide
- 4 nights en-suite accommodation in either a B&B or 3-star hotel (breakfast included)
- Breakfast
- Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers)
- Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
What's not included?
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Meals and refreshments
- Admission fees
Which places does it visit?
It visits Cairngorms National Park, Dunkeld Cathedral, Ardvreck Castle, Achmelvich Bay, Plockton, The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Dunvegan Castle & Gardens.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Rabbies Trail Burners
