From
NZ $865 per person

5 Day Skye & Highland Fling

Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
5 days
Start and end in Edinburgh
4.9
1,015 traveler reviews
From
NZ $865 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2025

Jan
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2026

Jan
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Jul
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 27
Ages 18-39
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Hunt for Nessie and get your first glance of Highland life
  • Head to Isle of Skye and hike to amazing rock formations
  • Learn all about the fight for independence
  • Admire the scenic beauty of remarkable Glen Coe

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1
  2. Day 2
  3. Day 3
  4. Day 4
  5. Day 5
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Guide
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar 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

  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Optional

Customer Photos

Operated by

MacBackpackers

Number of tours

3

Age Range

18 to 39 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

88%

MacBackpackers has been running fun filled, fully guided adventures around...

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Awards Received

2016 Tour of the Year Winner
Cultural

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Guide
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.4
  • 4.9
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling reviewer 1
    · September 5th, 2025
    There were many amazing places we were unable to go to cuz it was too crowded and the bus wasn't allowed to park there.....the time we were giving was very very short always felt like really rushed for example when we did the stor hike we were only givin 1.5 hr that's not enough at all you barely enjoy the views and it's time to get back again to the bus...
    Show more
    MacBackpackers commented on this review
    Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry some stops felt rushed and that parking restrictions limited your time at certain sites. There is a problem with crowds in summer and we do our best to navigate the Island safely while taking you to see as much... Show more
    Trip date: August 2025
  • 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling reviewer 2
    · August 17th, 2025
    Automatically translated. View in EnglishRate this translation
    Automatic translation available in English. View in English
    I had trouble with English but otherwise it was cool. Beautiful country !!!!!!!!
    Show more
    MacBackpackers commented on this review
    Thank you for taking the time to share this! We are so glad you enjoyed Scotland :)
    Trip date: August 2025
  • L
    · August 12th, 2025
    This was an incredible tour with lovely people and expert staff/guides. It was so nice to have an itinerary planned, with transport and accommodation taken care of. I will be recommending this tour to everyone I know. Our tour guide, Neil, was fantastic - he was knowledgeable, experienced, funny, and warm. Thank you Macbackpackers for a wonderful time.
    Show more
    MacBackpackers commented on this review
    Thank you for taking the time to share this! We are so glad you had such a wonderful time :)
    Trip date: August 2025
  • AP
    · August 11th, 2025
    The tour was amazing. We've had such an amazing group and amazing experience with our tour guide neil. I couldn't think of a better experience. Neil has such passion for guiding the tours and has such knowledge about every place and all folklore tales. This experience was the best introduction to Scotland. I'm definitely coming back!
    Show more
    MacBackpackers commented on this review
    Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you had such an amazing experience and that Neil helped bring Scotland’s stories and places to life. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another adventure!
    Trip date: August 2025
  • CC
    · August 9th, 2025
    Stuart was an amazing tour guide! I attended the tour as a local in order to see my new country and learn more about it and I wasn’t disappointed. Stuart told many great stories about Scotland and the Isle of Skye as well as made certain the group was mingling well. The trip with Macbackpackers was the highlight of my summer and I believe Stuart played a huge role in making it that way.
    Show more
    MacBackpackers commented on this review
    Thank you so much for your review, we are so glad you had such a positive experience!
    Trip date: June 2025
  • ML
    · August 9th, 2025
    Everything was perfect. Lots of history and jokes keeping us entertained throughout. The hikes were amazing! Timing calculated was on point. Highly recommend.
    Show more
    MacBackpackers commented on this review
    Thank you so much for your review, we are so glad you had such a positive experience!
    Trip date: July 2025
  • 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling reviewer 7
    · August 9th, 2025
    The adventure covered most of the places I wanted to watch. The best part of the adventure was listening to the historical stories and folklores by Stewart our guide.
    Show more
    MacBackpackers commented on this review
    Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you enjoyed the adventure and that Stewart’s stories and folklore made the experience special. We’ll be sure to share your feedback with him, he’ll be delighted!
    Trip date: July 2025
  • NS
    · August 9th, 2025
    The whole tour was amaazingly planned and at the same time we had the freedom to choose what we wanna do and where we would like to spend more time on. Stuart was really cool and incredibly hospitable and would love to do this tour again just for him.
    Show more
    MacBackpackers commented on this review
    Thank you so much for your review, we are so glad you had such a positive experience!
    Trip date: August 2025
  • A
    · August 9th, 2025
    Stewart was an absolutely fantastic tour guide for my trip through the Highlands, combining a deep knowledge of history with excellent presentation, good humor, and extensive knowledge about the locations and routes to optimize our journey through Scotland. Highly recommend this tour with Macbackpackers overall, but if you have Stewart as your guide you're in for a real treat.
    Show more
    MacBackpackers commented on this review
    Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a great time exploring the Highlands and that Stewart made the journey so memorable. We hope to see you on another MacBackpackers adventure in the future!
    Trip date: May 2025
  • JG
    · July 16th, 2025
    This was a great little taster of the Scottish Highlands. Lots of interesting and picturesque stops. Would highly recommend.
    Show more
    Trip date: July 2025

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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Why book with TourRadar?

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    • Free eSim with every purchase

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More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • E

    Elizabeth

    Asked on August 5th, 2025

    How strict are your age requirements? I have a female client who is a hiker, age 51, who is interested in this tour.

    Age Range
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten August 2025

      We only allow guests on tour between the ages of 18 and 39 so unfortunately would not be able to accommodate them.

  • A

    Amanda

    Asked on July 11th, 2025

    Do you still have availability for this one? Would it be okay if the guests are 44 years old?

    Age Range
    Price / Availability
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten July 2025

      Yes, we can make an exception for these guests. You can go ahead and book.

  • S

    Sam

    Asked on July 10th, 2025

    What is max wt? Allowed small trolley bag? Food?

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten July 2025

      MacBackpackers tours are only for 18 - 39 year old backpackers. The tours are specifically designed for this age group and the activities, nature and style of the tours reflect that.

  • D

    Douglas

    Asked on July 9th, 2025

    Was wondering if there was time to explore by ourselves during any of the stops or if the days are packed with group activities?

    Tour Details
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten July 2025

      There are lots of group activities, but if you prefer some alone time that can be done. The bus driver will tell you a time to be back at the bus, e.g. 1-2 hours at Glencoe for example. You can choose to stay with the group and explore or take a different route and meet them back at the bus. The same goes for the hikes on the Isle of Skye which take 2-3 hours, you could do some alone as long as you don't get lost and meet them back at the bus. There will also be shorter stops for castles and other sights which are shorter and it might be easier to just stay with the group in those situations but it is very flexible how you choose to spend your time at the stops.

  • M

    Margaret

    Asked on July 5th, 2025

    Would we have to get ourselves from the airport to the starting location which is the Castle Rock hostel for day 1?

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten July 2025

      There are trams and buses which go from Edinburgh airport directly to the city centre. So the journey is very easy and straight forward

  • N

    Naomi

    Asked on July 3rd, 2025

    I'm just wondering about the age range. I'm 54 but not sure why this trip has a cut off of 39?

    Age Range
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten July 2025

      Unfortunately MacBackpackers tours are for a different age group. Our tours are specifically designed for this age bracket and the activities, nature and style of the tours reflect that. Our guests are mostly in their early twenties and book with us specifically because they want to hang out and party with other people their age. That is our niche market.

  • J

    Jeffrey

    Asked on June 13th, 2025

    Could you tell me about the age range for the 5-day Highlands and Skye circuit? I would travel with my 20-year-old son, and I am 58 years old.

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten June 2025

      We have an age limit not because of physical fitness but because our tours are designed for young backpackers who want to socialize. Our guests are mostly in their early twenties and book to meet people their age. Unfortunately, we wouldn't be able to take you on this tour.

  • D

    Daniela

    Asked on June 13th, 2025

    The accommodations are reserved and have to be paid at the reception of Castle Rock Hostels. Is it 4x £32 = £128 and does it have to be paid in cash or by card?

    Accommodation
    Payments
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten June 2025

      The accommodation is £34 per night, so that would be a total of £136. When you book the tour online, please don't select accommodation - you'll just pay for this using your card when you arrive at Castle Rock Hostel.

    • D

      Daniela

      TravelerWritten June 2025

      Do all the guarantee have towels, shampoo etc. or do we have to bring that?

    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten June 2025

      You can rent towels at the hostels but usually other toiletries are not provided.

    • D
      2 more answers
  • D

    Darren

    Asked on June 11th, 2025

    Can that be arranged or should I reach out to the hostel directly? Also, will we need to carry all luggage on walks & hikes?

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten June 2025

      Please reach out to the hostel directly to book your accommodation for the night before the tour. Castle Rock is where the tour departs from, but our other two hostels are also a short walk away.

  • A

    Andrea

    Asked on May 30th, 2025

    I'm interested in the tour from Oct 27th-31st of this year, this does occur right after my birthday, Oct 23, born 1985. Would that kick me out of the allowed age range?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten May 2025

      You are just on the cusp, so you are more than welcome to still book a tour with us. We are looking forward to having you join our adventures!

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at MacBackpackers with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.
From
NZ $865 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 255

  • Currency
    £
    Pound Sterling
    Scotland
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for type G.

    Type G
    Scotland
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before November 13th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after November 13th, 2025, a minimum payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking with MacBackpackers. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and MacBackpackers will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "MacBackpackers" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Videos

  • Neil Exploring Spean Bridge and Ben Nevis
  • Richard on top of a Blustery Old Man of Storr
  • Neil Sight Spotting from Wester Ross
  • Relaxing Clouds overlooking the Old Man of Storr
  • What happens when you set the guides free at the beach...
  • Who are MacBackpackers?
  • Neil showing off the Old Man of Storr
  • Western Europe Travel Guide
  • 3 Day Loch Ness & Skye
Neil Exploring Spean Bridge and Ben Nevis

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec