Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Places to go

Things to do

Accommodation

Travel & planning

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter

© The Hebridean Explorer

Sleat Peninsula, Isle of Skye

7 Day Clan Grand Macdonald Private Tour

Discover the history of one of Scotland's greatest clans - the Macdonalds - with a seven day tour from Inverness that includes the Isle of Skye, the West Highlands and the ancient heartland of the Macdonald Lords of the Isles in Islay.

Day 1 — Inverness to Isle of SkyeStarting from Inverness we visit Culloden Battlefield to explore the bloody history surrounding Charles Edward Stuart and his Jacobite supporters (which included the Macdonalds of Keppoch, Clanranald, Glengarry and Glencoe). We then follow the Great Glen down the banks of Loch Ness before turning west to Glen Shiel and the Five Sisters of Kintail mountains. Arriving at Eilean Donan Castle (which was involved in a 'less than successful' Macdonald uprising in the 1530s) we enjoy a viewpoint break before we cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye on our journey north to Portree for our overnight stay.


Day 2 — Isle of SkyeA full day touring clan Macdonald lands throughout Skye begins with a drive to the Trotternish Peninsula including stops at the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. Continuing north we pass the ruins of Duntulm Castle, a former clan stronghold, before arriving at Kilmuir, the final resting place of one of the clan's most celebrated figures - Flora Macdonald. The afternoon takes us south to the Sleat Peninsula to explore the Museum of the Isles along with the ruins of Armadale Castle, the last ancestral home of the Macdonalds of Sleat before our return to Portree for our overnight stay.


Day 3 — Isle of Skye to Mallaig/ArisaigAfter a little free time in Portree we return to the Sleat Peninsula to catch the midday ferry (40 minute sailing) from Armadale across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig. The afternoon takes us south into the remote lands of Moidart where we enjoy a distance viewpoint stop at the ruins of Castle Tioram, ancestral home of Macdonalds of Clanranald. Located on a tidal island it may be possible to walk closer to the castle if it is low tide. After a visit to Loch nan Uamh – where Macdonalds initially greeted Charles Edward Stuart on his arrival in the Highlands – we return to either Mallaig or Arisaig for our overnight stay.


Day 4 — Mallaig/Arisaig to ObanDeparting from Mallaig or Arisaig we journey along the 'road to the Isles' to Glenfinnan where the many Macdonalds stood with Charlie Edward Stuart as the Standard was raised in 1745. After a visit to the Jacobite monument and museum, we detour north through the lands of the Macdonalds of Keppoch and the ancient church of Cille Choirill. The afternoon takes us through the lands of the Macdonalds of Glencoe, home to stunning Highland scenery and historic tragedy, before we head south towards Oban for our overnight stay.


Day 5 — Oban to Isle of IslayDeparts from Oban as we head south through the stunning historical landscapes of Kilmartin Glen, where we explore the traditional West Highland grave slabs that were prominent during the height of the Lordship of the Isles. We continue on a scenic drive that takes us past the ancient Dunadd hill fort from where the early Gaels ruled the lands of Dalriada, before we arrive at Kennacraig where we board the afternoon ferry for a 2¼ hour sailing across to the Isle of Islay, where we will stay for the next two nights.


Day 6 — Isle of IslayA full day on the Isle of Islay begins with a visit to Finlaggan, the ancestral heartland of the Lords of the Isles. From Loch Finlaggan the descendants of Somerled, the chiefs of Clan Donald, ruled a lordship that at its height in the mid-fifteenth century encompassed most of the Hebrides and a large swathe of the Highlands. The afternoon takes us south to explore the ruins of Dunyveg Castle the ancient stronghold of the Macdonalds of Dunyveg. Before returning to our overnight accommodation there is the option to enjoy one of Islay's most famous export - whisky!


Day 7 — Isle of Islay to InvernessDeparts from Islay as we take the early morning sailing back to the mainland. It is then a scenic drive back toward to Oban. After a late lunch stop we continue north through Fort William and visit the nearly 800 years old ruins of Inverlochy Castle, location of two famous Macdonald battle victories. The late afternoon takes us through the lands of the Macdonalds of Keppoch before reaching the ancestral lands of the Macdonalds (Macdonells) of Glengarry where we stop at the ruins of Invergarry Castle before our return to Inverness.

Prix sur demande

Dates de départ

  • Lundi
  • Mardi
  • Mercredi
  • Jeudi
  • Vendredi
  • Samedi
  • Dimanche

Mai — Septembre

Réserver maintenant

Coordonnées

The Hebridean Explorer

Inverness
Inverness-shire
Scotland
IV1 1HG
Voir les coordonnées du prestataire

Tour information

Point de départ

  • Inverness

Durée

7 Days

Transport

  • Driver guide

Type de circuit

  • Bespoke
  • Private

Langues

  • English

Étapes de l’excursion

The Hebridean Explorer

Information sur le prestataire

The Hebridean Explorer

John Alasdair Macdonald, PhD (The Hebridean Explorer) is a Scottish Highlands historian and a private tour guide with over eighteen years experience specialising in multi-day guided tours for small groups (up to 3) from Inverness to the Isle of Skye, Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland and throughout the Scottish Highlands.

Réseaux sociaux

Visitez The Hebridean Explorer

Horaires d'ouverture

March to October, Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm

Autres circuits du même prestataire

Visitez:4 Day Outer Hebrides Private Tour
4 Day Outer Hebrides Private Tour

4 Day Outer Hebrides Private Tour

Point de départ: Inverness

Discover the 'Islands on the Edge' with a four day Outer Hebrides private tour f...

Durée:

4 day(s)

Prix à partir de:

Sur demande

Visitez: Site internet
Visitez:3 (or 4) Day Orkney and Highlands Private Tour
3 (or 4) Day Orkney and Highlands Private Tour

3 (or 4) Day Orkney and Highlands Private Tour

Point de départ: Inverness

A journey into the Neolithic heart of Orkney: Immerse yourself in the ancient my...

Durée:

3 day(s)

Prix à partir de:

Sur demande

Visitez: Site internet
Visitez:5 Day Shetland and Highlands Private Tour
5 Day Shetland and Highlands Private Tour

5 Day Shetland and Highlands Private Tour

Point de départ: Inverness

Explore the remote beauty and unique heritage of the Shetland Islands on this fi...

Durée:

5 day(s)

Prix à partir de:

Sur demande

Visitez: Site internet
Visitez:3 Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Private Tour
3 Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Private Tour

3 Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Private Tour

Point de départ: Inverness

Immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage of the Isle of...

Durée:

3 day(s)

Prix à partir de:

Sur demande

Visitez: Site internet

Le contenu de cette page de produit provient non pas de VisitScotland mais de l’opérateur tiers du produit concerné. VisitScotland n’accepte aucune responsabilité pour (1) toute erreur ou fausse déclaration contenue sur cette liste page, et (2) le contenu de tout lien externe conteny sur cette page ((1) et (2) ensemble ci-après dénommés le « Contenu »). VisitScotland exclut toute responsabilité en cas de pertes ou de dommages potentiellement causés par ledit Contenu. Ledit Contenu est fourni à titre d'information uniquement et n’est pas soumis à la responsabilité de VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Places to go

Things to do

Accommodation

Travel & planning

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter