Scottish Highlands Tours & Trips
Seek out Nessie in the enigmatic depths of Loch Ness, or venture into the Isle of Skye's breathtaking scenery. The Scottish Highlands offer a breathtaking array of experiences, from the eerie allure of Glencoe to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Remember to explore Fort William's rugged mountain paths and Inverness' rich history. Experience the Jacobite Steam Train, a journey through breathtaking landscapes.
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BRANDALYN • traveled in August
Our Loch Ness Explorer tour with a photo op at Glencoe was a wonderful tour with breathtaking scenery. Our tour guide, Caitlin, made an already amazing tour even better. She is very knowledgeable about her country's history and so engaging and passionate, you will find yourself feeling like a very proud (honorary) fellow Scot!
Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness - S
Steff • traveled in August
Our 3 day trip with Highland Explorer was fantastic! Great guide Mahri, who looked after us, told us stories of Scotland and the history. She absolutely made the trip for us, making sure that we all left with a love of Scotland. Recommended!
Isle Of Skye And The Highlands - C
Claire • traveled in April
A very lovely tour and guide. I thoroughly enjoyed Aileen's stories and music as we travelled through the highlands and Isle of Skye. The accommodation was great, the transport was great quality and the tour destinations were lovely. It was a great tour and I highly recommend Highland Experience Tours.
Skye & Inverness Adventure
Table of contents
- The best Scottish Highlands tour packages
- Travel Scottish Highlands your way
- Best tour companies for Scottish Highlands tours
- Popular Scottish Highlands Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your Scottish Highlands tour
- Discover Scottish Highlands tours for every budget
- Scottish Highlands tours for every type of group
- Top Scottish Highlands travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Scottish Highlands
- Scottish Highlands travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our Scottish Highlands travel experts
- What our customers ask about Scottish Highlands Tours & Trips
The best Scottish Highlands tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScottish Highlands travel expert at TourRadar
Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness
117 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The weather was amazing as was the scenery and activities on this tour. It was amazing!”
Don, traveled in July
Highland magic unfolds over 5 days, with stops at Glen Coe valley, Eilean Donan Castle, and Loch Ness. Charming B&Bs in Oban, Portree, and Inverness welcome visitors. Optional Steam Train and boat cruise available, rated 4.7/5 by 80+ satisfied travelers.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Glencoe, Oban, Fort William, Mallaig, Armadale, Portree, Isle of Skye, Kilt RockSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Explorer Tours From
- NZ$1,359
Skye & Inverness Adventure
50 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was amazing. The guest houses were clean and the breakfast was very filling.”
Mariana, traveled in July
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glencoe, Fort William, Inverness, Eilean Donan, Portree, Kilt Rock, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, CullodenSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours From
- NZ$922
Best of Isle of Skye and the Highlands 5-Day Small Group Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was phenomenal and we felt very lucky.”
Peter, traveled in September
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, Ullapool, Achmelvich, Lochinver, Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, Torridon, ApplecrossSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $3,787
45% Off- NZ$2,083You save $1,704
Hebrides, Skye & The Far West
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The stories and wonderful Scottish music added pure joy to this memorable trip.”
Norman, traveled in June
The Scottish adventure features visits to Eilean Donan Castle, the Hogwarts Express viaduct at Glenfinnan, and ancient Callanish Standing Stones. Charming B&Bs across Oban, Skye, and Stornoway serve as bases while visiting remote beaches, historic battlefields, and traditional Harris Tweed weavers.
Duration 8 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Kilmartin, Oban, Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Isle of Skye, Kilt Rock, Storr MountainsSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours From
45% Off- NZ$3,664
The Highland's dramatic Bealach na Bà pass rises 2,054 feet above sea level. Ancient brochs stand sentinel while Smoo Cave and hidden gems like Whaligoe Steps reveal Scotland's secrets. Traditional inns provide comfort with daily Scottish breakfast.
Duration 8 days Destinations Inverness, Dornoch, John O'Groats, Durness, Ullapool, Applecross Age Range Ages 17+ Operator Spirit Journeys Worldwide From
45% Off- NZ$3,454
5-Day Highland Explorer: Skye & Far North Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
45 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We recommend the tour but particularly because he made it.”
Maree, traveled in May
Highland highlights range from Ullapool's coastal charm to Skye's Old Man of Storr. Ardvreck Castle ruins, Bealach na Ba pass, and tropical Plockton await. Traditional B&Bs provide comfort while traveling in modern 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, Dores, Ullapool, Lairg, Achmelvich, Lochinver, Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature ReserveSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rabbie's Tours From $1,970
15% Off- NZ$1,675You save $296
Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh - 5 days
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The adversity of the bad weather for most days was well handled.”
Tracey, traveled in July
A 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach traverses the Scottish Highlands, with stays at characterful guesthouses like Foinaven in Ullapool. Monster-spotting at Loch Ness, hiking The Quiraing on Skye, and 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle create memories. Consistently rated 5.0/5.0 for guide expertise.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, Ullapool, Achmelvich, Lochinver, Applecross, Plockton, Isle of SkyeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $2,990
35% Off- NZ$1,944You save $1,047
Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer - 6 days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A lovely trip which is well organized. Enjoyed the companionship of the friendly tour mates 😊”
MUI, traveled in July
Highland wonders range from Corrieshalloch Gorge's waterfall to the ancient Dun Carloway fort. Charming guesthouses like Twenty Seven in Stornoway and Caledonian in Portree welcome visitors. Pristine Luskentyre beaches and dramatic Glencoe valley await with expert local guides.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Ullapool, Stornoway, Luskentyre, Portree, Isle of Skye, Ben Nevis, Glencoe Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $4,095
35% Off- NZ$2,662You save $1,433
6-Day Outer Hebrides & Skye Adventure Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
35 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour with lots of interesting sites and towns. He was so knowledgeable and answered all questions asked of him.”
Patricia, traveled in June
Highland treasures await from Corrieshalloch Gorge to Ben Nevis, with carefully selected B&Bs. Dramatic mountain passes, ancient stone circles, and pristine beaches fill the days. The package includes expert guide commentary, comfortable mini-coach travel, and essential entrance fees.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Grantown-on-Spey, Loch Ness, Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, Ullapool, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Carloway, CallanishSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rabbie's Tours From $2,697
15% Off- NZ$2,292You save $405
Walk the North West Highlands and Skye
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tour was great. She's so knowledgeable and looked after the group at all times.”
Gary, traveled in May
Iconic peaks like Stac Pollaidh and Bruach na Frithe in the Cuillin Hills offer daily hikes ranging 4-14km. Comfortable lodges in Ullapool and Sconser, plus hotels in Gairloch welcome hikers. Expert-guided groups of max 8 visit the UNESCO North West Highlands Geopark, ideal for ages 16+.
Duration 8 days Destinations Inverness, Ullapool, Gairloch, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
15% Off- NZ$6,240
Travel Scottish Highlands your way
Best tour companies for Scottish Highlands tours
Popular Scottish Highlands Cruise Ships
Best places to start your Scottish Highlands tour
Edinburgh works well as your jumping-off point for Highland trips, with 16 of our top tours starting from the capital. Inverness kicks off another 11 tours from its position as Highland hub, while Glasgow gets you going on 7 regular routes. If you're keen on coastal starts, Oban runs 4 different tours and Greenock offers something a bit different. The numbers show booking around 97 days ahead hits the sweet spot - you'll get the dates you want, which really matters in summer when the sun barely sets. Our regular travelers swear by packing layers no matter when you visit, since Highland weather loves to keep you guessing. The self-drive folks tell us exploring those single-track roads to hidden glens and tucked-away villages made their trip special, though they're quick to mention keeping an eye on the fuel gauge since stations can be few and far between out there.
Discover Scottish Highlands tours for every budget
Scottish Highlands tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Scottish Highlands travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers46 tours- Couples43 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)6 tours
- Seniors (50+)27 tours
Best time to visit Scottish Highlands
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings a different kind of magic to the Highlands, and we've adapted our most popular tours to work with shorter days. Small groups head north from Edinburgh, making their first big stop at the massive Kelpies horse sculptures before winding through the snow-dusted expanse of Rannoch Moor. The quiet winter roads to Skye let our guides pick perfect photo spots at mist-shrouded Glen Coe. Our travelers love warming up at the cozy Skye Inn in Portree after exploring the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock waterfalls. The guides know just how to adjust for winter conditions, often mixing in extra stops at highland pubs and also whisky distilleries.
- Spring 2026
Spring opens up our hiking tours with options from easy coastal walks to proper mountain climbs. The North West Highlands really come alive in April and May - you'll spot native orchids and thistles starting to pop up across Assynt. Our customers love how flexible these spring tours can be; if one trail's too wet, the guides always have great backup routes ready. The multi-day walks mix overnight stays in fishing villages like Ullapool with hikes up distinctive peaks like Stac Pollaidh. It's prime time for wildlife too - keep your eyes peeled for Atlantic seals, dolphins and also countless seabirds along the coast.
- March 2026 18 tours
- 39 tours
- popular 44 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer's long daylight hours make island-hopping across the Hebrides really special. Our fuller tours blend time on Skye with visits to Lewis and Harris, where you'll often have those white beaches completely to yourself. Some trips include a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct with Loch Shiel spread out below. You might spend one morning walking among ancient standing stones, then watch Harris Tweed being woven on traditional looms and also visit remote lighthouses where there's nothing but ocean between you and North America.
- popular 45 tours
- 43 tours
- 43 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Based on our travelers' feedback, Rabbies stands out for Scottish Highland tours, with guides Donald and Sean getting lots of mentions for sharing local insights and taking groups to less-visited spots like Corrieshalloch Gorge. The tours hit a sweet spot between good value and really getting to know the region. Highland Explorer has built up quite a following for their guides who weave Scottish stories and music into the journey, though a few of our customers noted some hiccups with seating on the Jacobite Steam Train. Over at Highland Experience, the guides Tommy and Fergus seem to have a gift for bringing Scotland's past to life - they clearly love sharing their homeland's history with visitors. What's nice about all three companies is how they focus on the real Scotland, not just tourist hotspots. Each has its own style: Rabbies excels at finding hidden corners, Highland Explorer nails the cultural angle with music and tales, and Highland Experience really dives deep into the historical side of things. Our travelers seem genuinely pleased with the value these tours offer, especially given how much ground they cover and the quality of the guides. It's worth noting these aren't just standard sightseeing trips - you're getting proper Scottish experts who know their stuff and love sharing it.
- popular 46 tours
- 36 tours
- November 2026 15 tours
Scottish Highlands travel guides - curated by our experts
The Scottish Highlands: Hiking, Maps & Weather
Learn everything you need to know for hiking the Scottish Highlands. Discover the basics, learn the trails and get all your questions answered.
How to get to the Scottish Highlands
This guide provides you all the best advice for getting yourself (and your gear) to the Scottish Highlands without the stress.
Best time to visit Scottish Highlands
Wondering what time of year to plan your visit to the Scottish Highlands? We're breaking down the best hiking seasons so you don't have to.
Scottish Highlands insurance, vaccinations, visa and permits
Use this check list to make sure you meet the basic requirements to climb the Highlands. Find out if you need permits, visas, vaccinations and insurance.
Contact our Scottish Highlands travel experts
Claire
Expert in Scottish Highlands at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned Scottish Highlands Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Scottish Highlands tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Scottish Highlands Tours & Trips
What's the Best Way to See Scotland's Amazing Landscapes Beyond the Cities?
You'll want to head out to Cairngorms National Park it's incredible with these ancient pine forests that just go on forever. Glencoe is another must-see where glaciers and volcanoes literally carved out this dramatic valley that'll take your breath away. The Isle of Skye's got these incredible Cuillin mountains and coastal cliffs that are just spectacular honestly. You can explore all this either with a guide book yourself a tour or just hop on Scotland's really good public transport network.
What Local Cultural Experiences Can You Actually Join In With?
There's nothing quite like experiencing real Gaelic culture at a traditional music and dance evening in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. If you're into whisky you've got to check out the distilleries along Speyside's Malt Whisky Trail they're fascinating. Over on the Isle of Lewis you can learn about ancient Hebridean crafts at Arnol Blackhouse it's actually part of this great 6-day tour from Edinburgh that covers Outer Hebrides and Skye. You can join organized tours or explore these experiences on your own its really flexible.
How Do You Get Around the Highlands and When Do Things Run?
Coach tours are really convenient they run from Edinburgh and Inverness and cover all the main spots. If you want more freedom grab a car and drive the North Coast 500 it's amazing how much you can discover at your own pace. The trains are brilliant too especially the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig it's actually featured in the Isle of Skye & Hebridean Hopper tour. The ferries connect you to all the islands and run pretty regularly especially in peak season when everything's buzzing.
Where Can You Find Amazing Places That Aren't Packed With Tourists?
You've got to check out Corrieshalloch Gorge near Ullapool the waterfalls there are incredible and hardly anyone knows about it. There's this amazing Iron Age structure called Carn Liath Broch right on the North Coast 500 route it's so well preserved. Smoo Cave near Durness is just magical this huge sea cave that's been forming for thousands of years. These spots are perfect if you want to experience Scotland's heritage without the crowds.