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The Best Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh (Including Skye)

  • 25th July 2022
  • 8 minute read
Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh
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Are you ready to escape the capital and embark on a tour of the rugged, wild and free corners of the Scottish Highlands?… Or perhaps you are simply in the planning stages of your Scottish trip? Either way, this list of the best Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh will have you with more tabs open in excitement than you can narrow down. It’s going to be a tough choice!

Edinburgh is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the United Kingdom, and it’s a great place to start in Scotland. The bustling city is packed with people, history, culture, events and bagpipes, but it doesn’t quite showcase the true beauty of Scotland’s landscapes and authentic way of life. If you are interested in exploring outside of the city, then there are great options for day trips and multi-day tours to the Scottish Highlands & Islands.

Table of Contents
  1. Quick Picks: Highland Tours from Edinburgh
    1. Day Trip
    2. Multi-Day Excursion
  2. In Full: Scottish Highland Tours
    1. Best Day Tours from Edinburgh
    2. 2 Day Tours from Edinburgh
    3. 3 Day Tours from Edinburgh
    4. 5 Day Tours from Edinburgh
    5. Private Scottish Highland Tour
  3. In Full: Scottish Island Tours
    1. 3 Day Tour from Edinburgh
    2. 4 Day Tour from Edinburgh
    3. 5 Day Tours from Edinburgh
    4. 6 Day Tour from Edinburgh
    5. 9 Day Tour from Edinburgh
    6. 10 Day Tour from Edinburgh
    7. 12 Day Tour from Edinburgh
    8. 14 Day Tour from Edinburgh
  4. Scottish Highlands Google Map Legend

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Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye: The Old Man of Storr
Isle of Skye

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means that we receive a small amount but you still pay the same. The contribution helps to support the continued creation of these blogs – win, win! Nevertheless, I only recommend personal favourites that I’ve tried, tested or have first-hand knowledge of.

Quick Picks: Highland Tours from Edinburgh

Don’t have time to read the whole post? No problem! These are the top two of the best Scottish Highland tours from Edinburgh.

Day Trip

Don’t miss out on the very best of the Scottish Highlands with this popular introductory tour (includes Highland Cows too!).

Book Now

Multi-Day Excursion

Join the incredible 3-day road trip to see the magical ‘Hogwarts Express’ steam train and the almighty Isle of Skye!

Book Now

In Full: Scottish Highland Tours

Best Day Tours from Edinburgh

Do you only have one day to fit in as much of Scotland as possible? Look no further!…

Trainspotting on the West Coast

Explore – Glencoe, Mallaig, Pitlochry, Glenfinnan

Highlights – Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glen Shiel

This 13-hour-long road trip will showcase an abundance of Scotland’s iconic and stunning landscapes. It’s one of the best day trips and Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh, especially if you are a Harry Potter fan.

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Taste of the North

Explore – Pitlochry, Glencoe, Fort William

Highlights – Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Highland Cows

Witness the best of the Scottish Highlands on a guided tour from Edinburgh. If you only have a day, this journey will be a great taster of the north. All in all, the trip will be approximately twelve and a half hours with the optional extras of a Loch Ness boat ride and a visit inside the popular Urquhart Castle.

Find Out More
The Best Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh (Including Skye) 10

South West Highland Lochs & Castles

Explore – Luss, Inveraray

Highlights – Inveraray Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Doune Castle, Stirling Castle, Loch Lubnaig, Loch Awe, Loch Lomond

Venture only a little further north from Edinburgh to see some of the incredible castles and lochs that the southwest of the Scottish Highlands has to offer. As you pass through some really scenic drives, there will be some live commentary (and possibly even some Scottish tunes) to enhance the experience.

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2 Day Tours from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Inverness & Highlands

Explore – Pitlochry, Inverness, Cairngorms National Park, Glencoe

Highlights – Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Great Glen

Enjoy Scottish tales from a friendly guide aboard the Rabbies mini-coach tour. This particular excursion will show you the beauty of Loch Ness after passing through the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms National Park. You’ll return to Edinburgh from Inverness through the majestic mountains and valleys of Glencoe; all with plenty of time to hop out and explore a little too!

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Glenfinnan, Inverness & Highlands

Explore – Inverness, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park

Highlights – Doune Castle, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Culloden Moor, Ben Nevis, Clava Cairns, Blair Athol Distillery, Forth Rail Bridge

It may only be two days, but this exciting tour showcases the very best of the Scottish Highlands. From the mesmerizing mountain scenery to the iconic sights and lively towns; this is a great introduction to Scotland.

Find Out More

3 Day Tours from Edinburgh

Isle of Skye & Highlands

Explore – Glencoe, Isle of Skye, Cairngorm National Park

Highlights – Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, Fairy Glen, Quiraing, Neist Point Lighthouse, Dunvegan Castle, Five Sisters of Kintail

Discover some of the very best of Scotland within this 3 day tour from Edinburgh. This particular trip does not include accommodation, so you can have the freedom to choose your own.

Find Out More

Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train

Explore – Isle of Skye, Mallaig, Glencoe 

Highlights – Jacobite Steam Train, Loch Ness, Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Dunvegan Castle

Take three days of your Scotland trip to explore the beauty of the west, and ride one of the greatest train journeys in the world. As well to the live tour guide, this tour also provides a pre-recorded audio guide for alternative languages; including Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian and Portuguese too. This tour includes 2-nights of accommodation in a 3-star B&B with a full Scottish Breakfast and a ferry ride between the Isle of Skye and Mallaig.

Find Out More
The Best Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh (Including Skye) 11
Jacobite Steam Train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct

5 Day Tours from Edinburgh

Explore the Highlands

Explore – Isle of Skye, Ullapool, Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park, Applecross & Torridon, Dunkeld, Plockton

Highlights – Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Five Sisters of Kintail, Ardvreck Castle, Achmelvich Bay, Bealach an Ba, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Quiraing, Dunvegan Castle

Experience the romantic beauty between the North West Coast and the Isle of Skye before seeing the beautiful mountain ranges of the Cairngorm National Park.

Find Out More
The Best Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh (Including Skye) 12
Eilean Donan Castle
The Best Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh (Including Skye) 13
Dunvegan Castle
The Best Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh (Including Skye) 14
Eilean Donan Castle
ALSO: The Best Places to Visit in Scotland (A Local's Overview)

Private Scottish Highland Tour

Highlands & Isle of Skye

Explore – Isle of Skye, Oban, Inverness, Stirling, Glencoe

Highlights – Talisker Distillery, Loch Ness, Quiraing, Fairy Pools, Stirling, Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle

Enjoy a 4-day trip without the crowd of a typical tourist tour; this private excursion will reveal the wilderness of the Highlands and the Isle of Skye. The tour operators, Mad Goat, tailor their tours to the curious and independent travellers who would prefer to engage with the environment around them as opposed to a coach load of other tourists. Of course, this luxury does not come without the extra cost, but wouldn’t it be worth it as you arrive at any viewpoint where you’ll have the landscape to yourself?

In addition, this is one of the best Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh if you don’t speak English. Portuguese, Polish, Spanish and Italian are some of the alternatives available. Request the appropriate language before booking.

Find Out More
ALTERNATIVELY: The Best Highland Tours from Glasgow City Centre

In Full: Scottish Island Tours

If you can catch at least one day of clear weather you should see the Scottish Islands – they are beautiful! Tucked away on the edge of the Scottish Highlands are the Inner Hebrides, the Outer Hebrides, the Orkney Isles and Shetland (with the latter being much harder to reach with a tour).

Though the journey to any of the islands is more time-consuming, some Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh include them in their itinerary. The question is… How many days do you have to see the real and rugged Scotland?

3 Day Tour from Edinburgh

The Isle of Skye

Explore – Isle of Skye, Glencoe

Highlights – Eilean Donan Castle, Quiraing, The Old Man of Storr, Loch Ness

The Isle of Skye is one of the most accessible islands of Scotland as it’s connected by a large road bridge. Therefore, Skye is the most convenient and popular island for visitors who don’t have a lot of time. There is so much beauty out there that I doubt you’ll be sneaking in any road trip naps along the way!

Find Out More

4 Day Tour from Edinburgh

Isle of Skye & West Highlands

Explore – Glencoe, Isle of Skye, Mallaig

Highlights – Glenfinnan Viaduct, Eilean Donan Castle, Ben Nevis, Old Man of Storr, Neist Point

Explore Scotland’s west coast on your way to the most popular island, the Isle of Skye. One night will be spent at accommodation in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Whilst the other will be in Kyle of Lochalsh or Kyleakin.

Find Out More

5 Day Tours from Edinburgh

Intro to the Inner Hebrides

Explore –  Loch Lomond National Park, Oban, Mull & Iona, Glencoe, Isle of Skye, Plockton

Highlights – Staffa, Fingal’s Cave, Eilean Donan Castle, Quiraing, Elgol, Loch Ness

Squeeze in two of Scotland’s larger islands, as well as a decent part of the mainland with this multi-day itinerary. This tour of Iona, Mull and the Isle of Skye is the perfect mix of wildlife, landscapes, history and towns.

Find Out More

Outer Hebrides & Scottish Highlands

Explore – Cairngorm National Park, Inverness, Lewis & Harris, Ullapool

Highlights – Callanish Standing Stones, Luskentyre, Scone Palace, Royal Lochnagar Whisky Distillery, Loch Ness, Arnol Blackhouse

Dive into true Scottish heritage between the Outer Hebrides and the Scottish Highlands. This multi-day tour is a good variety from islands to mountains, and history to whisky.

Find Out More
The Best Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh (Including Skye) 15
Mull
The Best Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh (Including Skye) 16
Harris
The Best Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh (Including Skye) 17
Lewis

6 Day Tour from Edinburgh

Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides

Explore –  Isle of Skye, Inverness, Lewis & Harris

Highlights – Callanish Standing Stones, Jacobite Steam Train, Eilean Donan Castle, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Join an unforgettable group trip across the Highlands to discover some of the Scottish Islands. This journey will include some of Scotland’s most iconic locations as well as the hidden gems; from the world-famous Loch Ness to the remote corners of the Hebrides.

Find Out More

9 Day Tour from Edinburgh

Experience the Inner Hebrides & Orkney

Explore – Loch Lomond National Park, Oban, Mull & Iona, Orkney Isles, Glencoe, North Coast 500, Isle of Skye, Ullapool

Highlights – Fingal’s Cave, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Callanish Standing Stones, Luskentyre, Skara Brae, Summer Isles, Arnol Blackhouse

Experience a selection of the more accessible islands, as well as a drive along the world-famous North Coast 500.

Find Out More

10 Day Tour from Edinburgh

Orkney & Outer Hebrides

Explore – North Coast 500, Lewis & Harris, Orkney Isles, Inverness, Fort William, Glencoe

Highlights – Loch Ness, Callanish Standing Stones, Luskentyre, Skara Brae, Eilean Donan Castle

Marvel at prehistoric wonders in Orkney and witness the slow island life of the Outer Hebrides, both of which are fairly remote. You’ll see turquoise blue shores, white sandy beaches, geological wonders and well-preserved historical sites. This will be an unforgettable experience in the wilderness of Scotland.

Find Out More

12 Day Tour from Edinburgh

Scottish Island Highlights

Explore – Mull & Iona, Isle of Skye, Orkney Isles, North Coast 500, Outer Hebrides, Inverness, Islay, Glencoe, Loch Lomond National Park, Oban

Highlights – Bowmore Distillery, Staffa, Fingal’s Cave, Eilean Donan Castle, Skara Brae

Perhaps you’d prefer to learn about whisky on Islay, as opposed to experiencing the remote wilderness of the Outer Hebrides recommended in the following 14 day tour? This is still a mega tour of Scotland, but with a slightly different itinerary.

Find Out More

14 Day Tour from Edinburgh

Island Hopping Adventure

Explore – North Coast 500, Isle of Mull & Iona, Lewis & Harris, Orkney Isles, Glencoe, Isle of Skye, Oban, Ullapool, Inverness

Highlights – Loch Ness, Fingal’s Cave, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Lomond, Callanish Standing Stones, Luskentyre

In my opinion, this would be the ultimate guided tour of Scotland! With Rabbies, you’d visit more places than the average Scot would… That I know for sure!

Find Out More
The Best Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh (Including Skye) 18

Would you prefer to depart from Glasgow? There are plenty of guided tours from there too – check this guide to the best tours of the Scottish Highlands.

ALSO: Your Most Practical Guide to Edinburgh

Have you not found any suitable Scottish Highland Tours from Edinburgh? You could always visit the best places in Scotland independently. Gain access to the KatieGoes Scottish Highlands Google Map Legend for the key coordinates already pinpointed for your convenience.

Let’s go!
@katie.maree

Scottish Highlands Google Map Legend

Scottish Highlands Google Map Legend

This Google Map Legend showcases 140+ need-to-know coordinates within our bonnie Scottish Highlands & Islands:

  • Awesome Wild Camping Park-Ups
  • Best Walks, Viewpoints, Beaches
  • Bucket List Locations
  • Accessible Showers & Fresh Water Taps
  • Relevant Links to Online Travel Guides
Get Access Now

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Katie

Hey! I'm a Scottish backpacker turned digital nomad with a passion for the outdoors, van life, and international travel. My goal is to visit 100 countries before I am 30 years old.

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