The Experience
Day by Day
DAY 1: EDINBURGH TO OBAN
Our 5-day Scotland tour kicks off in Edinburgh as we head west to visit the stunning Kelpies. We pass Stirling and take in views of the towering Wallace Monument and its' stunning castle. Listen to stories about the incredible events which have taken place in this area throughout history.
Our next stop is Killin, with its dramatic waterfalls, then on to stunning Glen Coe. Tonight, we’ll stay in the bustling fishing town of Oban; enjoy fresh seafood and check out the local traditional music scene – the best way to bond with your new tour buddies. (Overnight: Oban)
Edinburgh → Oban
DAY 2: OBAN TO ISLE OF SKYE
Today we start bright and early and head north to Fort William. There we’ll take the train* on the stunning West Highland Line and crossGlenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter movies. As we cross, we’ll take in the sweeping views of the Scottish Highlands and Loch Shiel. We arrive in Mallaig and take the ferry to the Isle of Skye before driving to our overnight destination in Portree. (Overnight: Portree)
*Please note there won't be a train experience on the 8 Jun, 25 Jun, 6 Jul & 24 Aug 2026. Instead, we'll follow along the famous Road to the Isles by coach.
Oban → Isle of Skye
DAY 3: ISLE OF SKYE TO INVERNESS
We explore more of the mysterious Isle of Skye with its awe-inspiring mountains, stunning coastline, and local folklore before returning to the mainland. On the way to Loch Ness, we stop at the incredibly photogenic Eilean Donan Castle and wind our way along the Great Glen where we also visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest and then on to Inverness, home for the next two nights. (Overnight: Inverness)
Isle of Skye → Inverness
DAY 4: INVERNESS
Keep an eye out for the elusive monster, ‘Nessie’, while we take an optional cruise on Loch Ness before heading north towards the quaint town of Beauly. The ruins of Beauly Priory were used in the filming of Outlander and have a history stretching back to 1230AD.
After lunch we visit the mysterious chambered cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns; followed by Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle fought on British soil; both locations provided inspiration for the hit TV series Outlander (Overnight: Inverness)
Inverness → Inverness
DAY 5: INVERNESS TO EDINBURGH
Leaving Inverness, we visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Scottish Highland life from the past centuries before heading to a local whisky distillery for a tour and a taste of the ‘water of life’. For our final stop we visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village, on to the River Tay and make a visit to the cathedral. Our tour returns to Edinburgh in the evening.
Inverness → Edinburgh
Tour Highlights
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Day 2
Day 2
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Day 3
Day 3
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Day 4
Day 4
Day 4
Day 4
Day 5
Day 5
What's Included
In the Moment
Frequently Asked Questions
Your 5-Day Highland Fling tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. Check out our departure info page for more details on your pick-up location.
Yes, hostel accommodation (mixed-gender, multi-share dorm) is included in the tour price. Our tours often team up with Highland Explorer Tours, which means that some of your fellow travellers will stay at B&B accommodation instead of hostels.
If staying at a B&B sounds more like your cup of tea, go check out Highland Explorer Tour’s itineraries.
We have made some of the activities optional so you can shape your adventure to your liking:
Reserve at the time of booking
- Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Pay locally on arrival at attraction
- Culloden Battlefield
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences offered on our tours. They are chosen with great care based on the positive environmental or social impact they have on Scotland's communities and those who experience them.
This tour includes the following MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience:
Visit at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre is dedicated to restoring the Caledonian Forest, aiming to revive Scotland's ancient habitat that has dwindled to less than 1% of its original extent. During your visit, you will learn about the Caledonian Forest, rewilding efforts, and go on a relaxed woodland walk to see the rewilding success in action.
Our hostels are handpicked by our crew to ensure that all our travellers enjoy a warm Scottish welcome. The specific hostel may vary, so we can't provide the exact details in advance. Rest assured, wherever you stay will be a cosy introduction to Scotland!
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
Meals are not included in your tour. Most hostels offer cooking facilities, allowing you to prepare your own meals. Essential ingredients and read-made meals are available near your hostel and the stops we make during the day. Alternatively, your guide can provide fantastic restaurant and bar recommendations for a taste of local delights!
Some of our tours run in conjunction with our mates at Highland Explorer Tours, creating a diverse mix of couples, friends, and solo adventurers.