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Price based on Shared Room
Price based on Private Single Room
Price based on Private Double Room
Booking needs min. 2 travelers
Best price guarantee Learn More
- Platinum Operator
- Highland Explorer Tours
- In-depth Cultural
- Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
- Group Tour
- Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
- Fully Guided
- An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
- Guided in English
- Group Size 1 - 30
- All Ages Welcome
Places You’ll See
Highlights
- Enjoy the greatest railway journey in the world (Mid April – Mid Oct)
- Keep an eye out for the monster of Loch Ness
- Learn the secrets of historic Glencoe
- Wander through the halls of Eilean Donan Castle
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Edinburgh to Oban
- Day 2 Oban to Isle of Skye
- Day 3 Isle of Skye to Inverness
- Day 4 Inverness
- Day 5 Inverness to Edinburgh
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Additional Services
- Transport
- Free eSIMTourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Meals
- Optional
Adventure Type
- Group AdventuresJoin a group and forge lifelong friendships.What to expect
- Group of 30 travelers max.
- Fast booking confirmation
- Carefully planned itineraries
- Travel with like-minded people
- Personalized AdventuresCustomize an existing itinerary or create your own.What to expect
- Choose your preferred dates and duration
- Upgrade your accommodation
- Customize the itineraries
Customer Photos
Operated by
Highland Explorer Tours
Number of tours
7
Age Range
5 to 99 years old
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
92%
Highland Explorer Tours are dedicated to delivering the very best travel...
Read moreCustomer Reviews
- Overall RatingExcellent
- ItineraryExcellent
- GuideExcellent
- TransportExcellent
- AccommodationExcellent
- FoodExcellent
Cathy· September 10th, 2025Wonderful tour, thoroughly enjoyedShow more
Highland Explorer Tours commented on this reviewDear Cathy, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review of your recent tour experience. We are delighted to read that you had such an enjoyable time on tour with us. We will be sure to pass on your kind words. We look forward to... Show more
Trip date: September 2025- DHDon· August 31st, 2025What a fantastic 5 days tour we had visiting the Scottish Highlands, the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. The weather was amazing as was the scenery and activities on this tour. The tour was well paced with loads of stops along the way and arriving at our overnight stops with plenty of time to get something to eat. The accommodation was exceptional and breakfasts were very good with lots of choices. We enjoyed the extra activities such as the 'Harry Potter' steam train ride over the Glenfinnan Viaduct to Mallaig and the cruise on Loch Ness. Our guide, Cliff was exceptional. A great story teller, with interesting antidotes about people and places of the area we were travelling through. He was very knowledgeable about Scottish history and his love for the outdoors meant he was keen to show us extra gems along the way. We would definitely recommend this tour. It was amazing!Show moreHighland Explorer Tours commented on this reviewDear Don, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review of your recent tour experience. We are delighted to read that you had such an enjoyable time on tour with Cliff. We will be sure to pass on your kind words. Thank you so much for the... Show moreTrip date: July 2025
- SJSally· August 24th, 2025Our five day tour of Scotland was fantastic! Paul was excellent and told many stories of Scotland history. He fit in extra stops when he could which made the trip special:)Show moreHighland Explorer Tours commented on this reviewDear Sally Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review of your recent tour experience. We are delighted to read that you had such an enjoyable time on tour with Paul. We will be sure to pass on your kind words. Thank you so much for the... Show moreTrip date: August 2025
- Mary· July 9th, 2025Beautiful sights, and Tim was a brilliant guide.Show moreHighland Explorer Tours commented on this reviewDear Mary Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a 5 star review of your recent tour experience. We are delighted to read that you had such an enjoyable time on tour with Tim. Scotland has some amazing scenery. We will be sure to pass on... Show moreTrip date: June 2025
- CCConnie· July 6th, 2025Fantastic tour with a wonderful guide. Highly recommended.Show moreHighland Explorer Tours commented on this reviewDear Connie Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review of your recent tour experience. We will be sure to pass on your kind words. We hope to welcome you back on tour with us again soon. Kind Regards KeithTrip date: June 2025
- MMMaureen· June 11th, 2025Our guide,Paul, on the 5 day tour of the Highlands and Isle of Skye was excellent. He was a superb driver so I felt safe and confident. The trip excelled my expectations in all respects, hotels, Paul’s amazing knowledge of all the places visited and the care he took to keep us informed made every visit enjoyable.Show moreHighland Explorer Tours commented on this reviewHi Maureen, thanks for your 5 star review. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your tour with us. Paul is an amazing driver guide and we will pass your feedback on. We hope to welcome you back on another tour with us. Kind Regards. KeithTrip date: June 2025
- VGVeronika· May 27th, 20255-Day Tour: Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness with Highland Explorer Tours 5 stars for this tour – and for our wonderful tour guide Graeme! I had never booked an organized group tour before, but choosing Highland Explorer Tours turned out to be one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made. It was truly a breathtaking journey through Scotland. Not only was the selection of sights excellent, but our fantastic guide and driver Graeme kept us entertained with his extensive historical knowledge, humorous anecdotes, enchanting Scottish legends, and a perfectly curated playlist – ranging from traditional folk music to modern Scottish artists, all fitting beautifully with the landscape. Graeme was always cheerful, helpful, and introduced us to Scotland and its warm-hearted people in the most charming and personal way. All the B&Bs we stayed in were spotless, centrally located yet quiet, with friendly staff and a varied, generous breakfast each morning. The weather was glorious throughout the trip, which certainly added to the already great atmosphere. Really 5 stars for this wonderful tour.Show moreHighland Explorer Tours commented on this reviewHi Veronika, thanks for your 5 star review. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your tour with us. Graeme is an amazing driver guide and we will pass your feedback on. We hope to welcome you back on another tour with us. Kind Regards. KeithTrip date: May 2025
- RWRachel· April 13th, 2025Tim very professionalShow moreHighland Explorer Tours commented on this reviewHi Rachel, thanks for your 5 star review. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your tour with us. Tim is an amazing driver guide and we will pass your feedback on. We hope to welcome you back on another tour with us. Kind Regards. KeithTrip date: March 2025
- Cloé· September 29th, 2024The trip was awesome! Our guide, Alistair, was kind and super knowledgeable! We were able to see/experience a little bit of everything and appreciate the rich history and beauty of the Highlands. I definitely recommend this trip to anyone curious about Scotland.Show moreHighland Explorer Tours commented on this reviewHi Cloe, thanks for your 5 star review. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your tour with us. Alistair is an amazing guide and we will pass your feedback on. We hope to welcome you back on another tour with us. Kind Regards. KeithTrip date: September 2024
- Hazel· September 8th, 2024Fabulous tour, enhanced by the driver/tour guide, Ryan, whose knowledge of history and humour, kept us all entranced. He went out of his way to include extra stops, when possible, and that was much appreciated.Show moreHighland Explorer Tours commented on this reviewHi Hazel, thanks for your 5 star review. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your tour with us. Ryan is an amazing guide and we will pass your feedback on. We hope to welcome you back on another tour with us. Kind Regards. KeithTrip date: September 2024
Dates & Availability
Select departure month and travellers
- From Thursday25 Sep, 2025To Monday29 Sep, 2025EnglishFrom:NZ $1,879 per personMultiple Room Types
- From Monday29 Sep, 2025To Friday3 Oct, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold outFrom:NZ $1,879 per person
- From Monday20 Oct, 2025To Friday24 Oct, 2025EnglishFilling FastFrom:NZ $1,785 per person
- From Monday27 Oct, 2025To Friday31 Oct, 2025EnglishFilling FastFrom:NZ $1,785 per person
- From Monday3 Nov, 2025To Friday7 Nov, 2025EnglishAlmost Sold OutFrom:NZ $1,359 per person
- From Monday17 Nov, 2025To Friday21 Nov, 2025EnglishFrom:NZ $1,359 per personMultiple Room Types
- From Monday24 Nov, 2025To Friday28 Nov, 2025EnglishFrom:NZ $1,359 per personMultiple Room Types
- From Monday8 Dec, 2025To Friday12 Dec, 2025EnglishFilling FastFrom:NZ $1,359 per personMultiple Room Types
- From Monday15 Dec, 2025To Friday19 Dec, 2025EnglishFilling FastFrom:NZ $1,359 per personMultiple Room Types
- From Monday5 Jan, 2026To Friday9 Jan, 2026EnglishFilling FastFrom:NZ $1,879 per personMultiple Room Types
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What our customers ask about this tour
The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.- J
Jamie
Asked on August 14th, 2025Could you confirm if it's possible for one traveler to skip the train and clarify the train schedule, including whether the coach meets the train in Mallaig?
Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written August 2025The steam train is an optional add on. For anyone on the tour who does not wish to go on the train, we stay with the driver guide on the coach and spend extra time in either Fort William or Mallaig.
- G
George
Asked on August 7th, 2025Would I be allocated a single room as I am travelling alone?
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written August 2025
You should be given a choice when you book this, you would be welcome to then select a single occupancy room if this is available for you. Otherwise, we have dorm rooms available in our multi-gender shared dorm rooms.
- C
Christopher
Asked on July 31st, 2025Are there options to end this tour in Inverness, Aberdeen, or Glasgow? Can you send me a link to the accommodations included?
- C
Christopher
Traveler•Written July 2025Is it possible to stay in Inverness for 2 nights to visit cemeteries of my ancestors? Could I replace one of the other stops with this?
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written August 2025
We are unable to accommodate changes to the tour. We have a set itinerary and require the group to stick together. The tour will begin and end in Edinburgh, we are unable to take you to another end point.
1 more answer - L
Lee
Asked on July 26th, 2025Has the Jacobite Steam train been added to this tour? I was told no availability, however it is on the itinerary for our dates. I would like to purchase tickets if it is available.
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written July 2025
For this tour, it is an optional extra for the steam train, subject to availability.
- L
Lee
Traveler•Written July 2025We would love to be able to include this side excursion during our trip. For some reason it initially was not offered but it looks like the Steam train is running on those dates once again. If there is any way this could be added, we would really appreciate this!
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written July 2025
There is still no availability for the steam train add on for this tour on this date.
- L
Lee
Traveler•Written July 2025If anything changes and a group of seats open up, please keep us on the list if there is an opportunity.
L3 more answers - T
Tina
Asked on June 27th, 2025we're interested in the five day Highland tour in September. We usually like to go in small groups about 12 to 15 people. Or two seems to be up to 30 people, how many people are normally in your tour groups, do you have anysmall group tours with the same itinerary?
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written June 2025
We do offer an 8-day tour that takes you to these locations and Orkney, this is generally a smaller group of 16.
- T
Tina
Traveler•Written June 2025Do we stop at Sterling Castle and Wallace monument on the five day trip?
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written June 2025
These are not planned stops on the 5-day tour
- T
Tina
Traveler•Written June 2025Do you have similar tour leaving from glasgow instead of Edinburgh with loch boat ride and train ride for the same day, September 29 to October 3?
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written June 2025
We do not offer such tours from Glasgow currently, only from Edinburgh.
T4 more answers - J
Janet
Asked on June 25th, 2025B&B names with twin beds? If choose to not tour distillery, what else is there to see (shops, town)? How much time on Day 3 in Isle of Skye, to hike Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Waterfall? Are we dropped off and picked up in Isle of Skye? Do restaurants accept cashless payment with tap to pay on a VISA card?
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written June 2025
We use a range of different B&Bs across all locations - Oban Portree and Inverness. Yes you can see town of Muir of Ord if you choose not to tour Glen Ord distillery. This is a fully guided bus tour, touring day is generally 8am-5pm. So you would spend that full day touring Isle of Skye. The driver drops you to your accommodation each evening and picks you up in the morning. Yes, almost all restaurants will accept card payments.
- E
Eileen
Asked on June 8th, 2025We are so excited to finally visit Scotland. Just wanted to ask if we need to bring cash with us for meals during the tour. Any tips would be appreciated to help with packing.
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written June 2025
For most places along your tour they should take card payments so I wouldn't say there is any need to have cash with you however some rural places are cash only so your may want to bring some. If you have a card with you I would imagine that would do you well. As far as packing I'd strive to bring clothes for all weathers. Scotland is known for its rain so a waterproof is essential along with proper footwear to hike around and deal with any changing weather.
- E
Eileen
Traveler•Written June 2025Can you please confirm meeting time and place for Monday morning? Not sure if we have enough time for breakfast.
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written June 2025
You will need to meet us for check in at 60 High Street, Edinburgh at 08.15am. Departure is promptly at 08.30am. There will be a few cafes locally open early AM for breakfast/ coffee however we kindly request that no hot food it brought onto the bus.
E2 more answers - H
Holly
Asked on April 28th, 2025How long will the travellers spend on the Isle of Skye? Would like to visit the Fairy Pools, The Old Man of Storr, and the Kilt Rock Waterfall. Will there be enough time to visit all these places?
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written April 2025
There will not be enough time to visit the fairy pools, and need to stick to the schedule to complete the stops we have planned. You will visit Old man of Storr and Kilt rock.
- H
Holly
Traveler•Written April 2025Does this tour stop at the Eilean Donan castle? If so for how long? Do you have any tours that stop at the castle to visit? My husband would like to spend some time taking photos which he does as a hobby.
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written April 2025
Yes the 6 day tour gives you time to visit and go inside the castle.
- H
Holly
Traveler•Written April 2025Isle of Sky & Outer Hebrides Tour....what is the total number of people on the tour? Do you use big busses?
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written April 2025
The 6-day is usually 30 people max.
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written April 2025
Yes we usually visit the Storr and Kilt Rock. We don't always guarantee a visit to the Fairy Pools as it is incredibly busy during the summer and we cannot always get coach parking space.
H5 more answers - B
Becky
Asked on April 11th, 2025I saw the 5 day tour to Scotland advertised for $875 departing in November but now it's gone up. Can you please advise why this is now more expensive?
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written April 2025
Regarding the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness 5 Day Tour, we only operate it during the season until October. Whilst in November I would advise the Winter Wonders of Scotland Tour, which in that time can be also quite scenic though with a much different allure than during the summer period. Please keep in mind that the itineraries will differ between the summer and the winter version. When it comes to the price it should usually be lower in the winter season. I have checked the pricing for 2 adults, I can see that for the twin and double room options on our platform it does come up with the price of $825 per person.
- N
Nadia
Asked on April 5th, 2025Is there a contact number I can speak to someone about this tour?
- Highland Explorer ToursOperator•Written April 2025
Here is the phone number requested. We are open 9-6 GMT time for calls. Outside of these hours we can also message or email, and reply to these queries as fast as possible.
Price based on Cheapest Room
Price based on Shared Room
Price based on Private Single Room
Price based on Private Double Room
Booking needs min. 2 travelers
Best price guarantee Learn More
Good to Know
Tour ID: 127033
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