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.

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.

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.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

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.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

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.

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The Quiraing

© The Hebridean Explorer

Isle of Skye

5 Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Private Tour

Immerse yourself in the history and landscapes of Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye on this comprehensive 5 day private journey –from the jagged peaks of the Quiraing to the ancient standing stones of Kilmartin Glens.

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Day 1 — Inverness to Isle of Skye

Departing Inverness, we follow the legendary banks of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle, where we go inside the medieval ruins to explore its storied history and enjoy commanding views over the Great Glen. Our journey continues through the dramatic landscapes of Glen Moriston and Glen Shiel, arriving at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle to uncover its historic past. After crossing the bridge to Skye, we pause at the old bridge at Sligachan for a magnificent view of the Black Cuillin peaks before arriving in the colorful harbor town of Portree, our base for the next two evenings.


Day 2 — Isle of Skye

From Portree, we explore the Trotternish Peninsula, pausing for views of the Old Man of Storr and the coastal cascades of Kilt Rock. We then ascend the ancient cattle pass to the Quiraing; looking out over the village of Staffin toward the Northwest Highlands, this remains a definitive highlight of the 'Misty Isle.' After a visit to the Museum of Island Life at Kilmuir, the afternoon is dedicated to Dunvegan Castle. As the ancestral seat of Clan MacLeod and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, it offers grand history and exquisite gardens to explore before our return to Portree.


Day 3 — Isle of Skye to South-West Highlands

Departing Portree, we journey south to Armadale for a scenic ferry crossing across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig. We follow the famous 'Road to the Isles' to Glenfinnan, where we explore the Jacobite monument and view the iconic railway viaduct. After passing through the shadow of Ben Nevis at Fort William, we enter the coastal beauty of Argyll. We pause for a vista of the tidal Castle Stalker before arriving in the picturesque harbour town of Oban, our home for the final two nights.


Day 4 — South-West Highlands

Today we journey through millennia of Highland history, moving from prehistoric mysteries to grand clan seats. We head south to explore Kilmartin Glen, a mystical landscape of Neolithic standing stones, burial cairns, and stone circles. After a visit to Kilmartin Museum to view their wonderful collections ranging from Neolithic artefacts to medieval Celtic crosses, we follow the shores of Loch Fyne to Inveraray Castle, the grand ancestral home of the Clan Campbell. Our return to Oban includes a viewpoint stop at the evocative ruins of Kilchurn Castle on the banks of Loch Awe.


Day 5 — South-West Highlands to Inverness

On our final day, we travel north to explore the haunting beauty of Glen Coe. We delve into the chronicles of the 1692 massacre and visit a reconstructed traditional 17th-century turf house. We pause at the River Coe and Loch Achtriochtan for some of Scotland's most dramatic photography. Our return journey takes us north-east along the Great Glen, stopping at Fort Augustus to watch the boats navigate the staircase locks of the Caledonian Canal before concluding our tour in Inverness.


Price on Request

Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

March — October

Book now

Contact details

The Hebridean Explorer

Inverness
Inverness-shire
Scotland
IV1 1HG
View tour provider details

Tour information

Starting

  • Inverness

Length

5 Days

Transport

  • Driver guide

Type

  • Bespoke
  • Private

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Ancestry
  • Archaeology
  • Castles
  • History
  • Island Hopping
  • Landscapes
  • Wildlife

Tour Stops

Tour gallery

The Hebridean Explorer

Tour company information

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.

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Visit The Hebridean Explorer

Opening times

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

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by 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.

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.

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.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

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.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

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