7-Day Scottish Highlands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Scottish Highlands tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaScottish Highlands travel expert at TourRadar

• 6 Day Scotland Itinerary, incl. Edinburgh and Isle of Skye

  Nine destinations unfold across 6 days, from Edinburgh through the Hebrides to Skye. A 2.5-hour Summer Isles ferry crossing leads to two nights in Portree, with visits to Arnol Blackhouse and Calanais Stone Circle. Five nights in guesthouses and daily guided excursions included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Edinburgh to Ullapool

    Check in at Edinburgh Bus Station by 8:15 AM for your journey north. You'll pass the Forth Rail Bridge and head into the Highlands, stopping at Dunkeld Cathedral in the morning. After lunch in the Spey Valley, you'll visit Loch Ness. The best spots to look for Nessie are near Urquhart Castle. Your day ends in the fishing port of Ullapool. A recent visitor wrote: "Watching the sunset over Loch Broom while enjoying fresh seafood was a perfect introduction to the Highlands."

    
  • Day 2

    Ullapool to Stornoway

    Take the 2.5-hour ferry to Stornoway. Sit on the port side for great views and possible dolphin sightings. You'll spend the afternoon exploring Lewis's northwestern coast and the Butt of Lewis lighthouse. Bring waterproof clothing - the headland gets very windy, even in summer. Make sure to try the local black pudding from Charles Macleod's butcher shop in Stornoway.

    
  • Day 3

    Lewis and Harris

    Visit Arnol Blackhouse to experience traditional island life. Wear sturdy shoes as the floors can get muddy. While the Callanish Standing Stones are closed for preservation until Spring 2026, you'll have extra time to explore the beautiful western beaches. Visit the 2000-year-old Dun Carloway broch for amazing views. Be careful on the internal staircase as the old stones can be slippery.

    
  • Day 4

    Harris to Portree

    Spend your morning at Harris's beaches. You can't miss Luskentyre with its white sand and turquoise water. Pack both lunch and extra clothing as the wind can pick up quickly. Take an afternoon ferry to Skye and arrive in Portree's colorful harbor. Book dinner at Dulse & Brose restaurant ahead of time for excellent local seafood.

    
  • Day 5

    Isle of Skye

    A full day to see Skye's best spots. Start the Quiraing walk early to avoid crowds. It takes about 2 hours and you'll need proper hiking boots since the path gets muddy after rain. Stay well back from the edge at Kilt Rock waterfall - strong gusts are common. One visitor noted: "The boat trip to Loch Coruisk was the highlight - the isolation and mountain scenery were incredible, but wear waterproof layers as you'll get splashed."

    
  • Day 6

    Return to Edinburgh

    Leave Portree early. Stop at Eilean Donan Castle for photos - morning light works best. You'll pass Ben Nevis (usually hidden in clouds) before reaching Glencoe. Learn about the historic 1692 massacre while surrounded by mountains. You'll reach Edinburgh Bus Station around 7 PM. Book any evening flights with caution since Highland traffic can be unpredictable.

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• 6 Day Scotland Itinerary, incl. Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides

  Majestic Highland landscapes reveal themselves over 6 days, from Glen Coe's dramatic valleys to Ben Nevis's peak. Hostel accommodations complement visits to Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Cuillin mountain range. Stops include Cairngorms National Park and iconic Highland castles.

  

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  • Day 1

    Edinburgh to Inverness

    Leave Edinburgh from St Andrew Square at 8:30 AM. Your route north passes the impressive Kelpies sculptures and Stirling Castle. The journey continues through Glen Coe valley where weather changes quickly so pack layers. Stop at Loch Ness in the afternoon. One traveler notes: "The views across Loch Ness were incredible, but bring a windproof jacket—it gets quite blustery by the water." Spend your evening in Inverness by River Ness where you can find local pubs with live traditional music.

    
  • Day 2

    Inverness to Stornoway

    Visit Corrieshalloch Gorge in the morning to take in Highland views. Drive to Ullapool for the 2.5-hour ferry to Stornoway. Pick a seat on the port side to spot dolphins. Make time for the Harris Distillery tour but book your tasting ahead as it fills up fast. Stay overnight in Stornoway near the harbor for great seafood restaurants. A recent visitor shared: "The fresh catch at the harbor restaurants was amazing. Try the local scallops—they're incredible."

    
  • Day 3

    Lewis and Harris Exploration

    Head to the Iron Age Dun Carloway broch early when the morning light is best for photos. Visit Gearrannan Blackhouse Village to see what 17th-century island life was like. Take an afternoon trip to the Butt of Lewis lighthouse. The coastal paths can be slippery so wear good shoes. You'll drive on single-track roads so remember to use passing places to let faster traffic by.

    
  • Day 4

    Stornoway to Portree

    Leave Stornoway in the morning with time to stop at the island's beautiful beaches. Take the ferry to Skye which runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Stay in Portree where the colorful harbor makes for great photos. Book your dinner spots early since good restaurants fill up quickly in summer.

    
  • Day 5

    Isle of Skye

    Use the full day to see Skye's best spots. Start at Sligachan for Cuillin mountain views. Early morning light works best for photos. Stop at Eilean Donan Castle (entry costs about $14). Spend your afternoon on the Trotternish Peninsula seeing Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. One visitor suggests: "Get to Kilt Rock before sunset—the light on the cliffs is spectacular, but bring a warm layer as the viewpoint gets chilly."

    
  • Day 6

    Portree to Edinburgh

    Spend your last morning on Skye before taking the ferry to Mallaig. You can upgrade to the Jacobite Steam Train but book well ahead for summer trips. Choose the right side of the train for the best views of Glenfinnan Viaduct. Return through Cairngorms National Park to Edinburgh arriving in the evening.

    

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• 6 Days in Scotland, incl. Edinburgh and Isle of Skye

  The 6-day Highland route showcases Corrieshalloch Gorge, Ben Nevis, and Glencoe's dramatic valleys. Comfortable mini-coach travel, 5 nights' accommodation, and expert guidance through Scotland's most spectacular mountain scenery create an ideal mix of scenic drives and optional walks.

  

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  • Day 1

    Edinburgh to Ullapool

    Leave Edinburgh Bus Station at 8:30 AM. Your route takes you north past the Forth Rail Bridge and into the Highlands with a stop at Dunkeld Cathedral. After lunch in the Spey Valley you'll visit Loch Ness for a chance to spot Nessie. A recent traveler shared: "Bruce was thoughtful and helpful, always giving good advice like 'don't fall off any cliffs!'" Your day ends in Ullapool. Book your dinner spot early since restaurants in these small Highland towns fill up fast.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Lewis and Harris

    Take the morning ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway. The trip takes about 2.5 hours. Sit on the port side for great views and possible dolphin sightings. You'll explore Lewis's dramatic northwest coast including the Butt of Lewis lighthouse. Visit Dun Carloway broch and Arnol Blackhouse to learn about traditional island life. The Callanais Standing Stones are closed for preservation until Spring 2026.

    
  • Day 4

    Harris to Isle of Skye

    Your morning is dedicated to Harris's beautiful landscapes. Make sure to visit Luskentyre Beach. One visitor noted: "The beaches here rival anything in the Maldives." Take the afternoon ferry to Portree on Skye. You'll need dinner reservations in Portree. Most good restaurants are fully booked after 6 PM.

    
  • Day 5

    Isle of Skye

    Start early to explore Skye's highlights before the crowds arrive at the Quiraing walk. Visit Kilt Rock waterfall before noon for the best photo light. The weather on Skye changes quickly so bring layers and rain gear even on nice days. Your guide might change plans if conditions are poor since places like the Quiraing can be unsafe in bad weather.

    
  • Day 6

    Skye to Edinburgh

    Leave Skye via the bridge and stop at Eilean Donan Castle. Visit Glencoe early to avoid the busy tour buses. You'll reach Edinburgh around 7 PM. One traveler suggests: "Don't plan anything too early the next day - it's a long but rewarding final drive."

    

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