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.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

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

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

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

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

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

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

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

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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.

© The Hebridean Explorer

Wester Ross, Scottish Highlands

5 Day Far North and Highlands Private Tour

Guided by a John Alasdair Macdonald, a Highland historian with 18 years experience, this private 5 day tour is a relaxed, in-depth journey through Scotland's far north — Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross.

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📖 Read John's full guide: https://www.thehebrideanexplorer.com/insights/discovering-far-north-and-highlands.html before scrolling down to view the tour itinerary.


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Day 1 — Inverness to Wick

Departing Inverness, we travel north across the three firths — the Beauly, Cromarty and Dornoch — pausing in the picturesque cathedral town of Dornoch with its medieval sandstone cathedral and quiet historic centre. The afternoon takes us to Dunrobin Castle, the largest and grandest castle in the Highlands, with formal gardens overlooking the Dornoch Firth. Along the way we stop at Carn Liath Broch, a remarkably preserved two-thousand-year-old Iron Age roundhouse, before continuing north to Wick, our base for the night.


Day 2 — Wick to Tongue

From Wick, we explore the dramatic clifftop ruin of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, ancestral stronghold of the Earls of Caithness, perched on a narrow headland above the North Sea. We continue to John o' Groats, the traditional 'end of the road' from Land's End, with views out across the Pentland Firth to Orkney, pausing nearby at the Duncansby sea stacks. The afternoon takes us to Dunnet Head, the true northernmost point of mainland Britain, before a scenic drive along the northern coast road to Tongue, in the heart of Clan Mackay territory, for our overnight stay.


Day 3 — Tongue to Ullapool

Departing Tongue, framed by the mountains of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope, we travel west to Smoo Cave at Durness, one of the largest sea caves in Britain, cut into limestone with a waterfall dropping into its inner chamber. Our route continues through the wild scenery of Assynt, among the oldest mountains in Europe, to the evocative ruin of Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt, once a stronghold of Clan Macleod. We pause at Knockan Crag, where the visible rock strata transformed our understanding of how mountains form, before arriving in the harbour town of Ullapool for our overnight stay.


Day 4 — Ullapool to Gairloch

Our most relaxed day, leaving Ullapool we visit Corrieshalloch Gorge, a mile-long box canyon crossed by a Victorian suspension bridge, with the Falls of Measach dropping forty-five metres below. We continue along the coast to Gruinard Bay, a sweep of pink sand and turquoise water with views out toward the Summer Isles, before arriving at Inverewe Garden at Poolewe — a sub-tropical garden made possible by the Gulf Stream, remarkable this far north. We conclude the day with a short drive to Gairloch, our base for the night.


Day 5 — Gairloch to Inverness

On our final day, we travel along the shores of Loch Maree, one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, dotted with ancient pine-covered islands beneath the slopes of Slioch. Our route continues through Glen Torridon, among the oldest mountains on Earth, rising almost sheer from sea level, with a stop at the pocket-sized fishing village of Shieldaig on Loch Torridon. The afternoon takes us back east through Lochcarron on our return journey to Inverness.

Prezzo su richiesta


Giorni di partenza

  • Lunedì
  • Martedì
  • Mercoledì
  • Giovedì
  • Venerdì
  • Sabato
  • Domenica

Marzo — Ottobre

Contatti

The Hebridean Explorer

Inverness
Inverness-shire
Scotland
IV1 1HG

Tour information

Partenza

  • Inverness

Durata

5 Days

Transporto

  • Driver guide

Tipo

  • Private

Lingue

  • English

Temi

  • Ancestry
  • Castles
  • History
  • Landscapes

Tappe del tour

The Hebridean Explorer

Informazioni sulla compagnia

The Hebridean Explorer

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

Orari di apertura

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

Altri tour da questa compagnia

Visita:4 Day Outer Hebrides Private Tour
4 Day Outer Hebrides Private Tour

4 Day Outer Hebrides Private Tour

Partenza: Inverness

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

Visita:4 Day Orkney and Highlands Private Tour
4 Day Orkney and Highlands Private Tour

4 Day Orkney and Highlands Private Tour

Partenza: Inverness

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

Visita:5 Day Shetland and Highlands Private Tour
5 Day Shetland and Highlands Private Tour

5 Day Shetland and Highlands Private Tour

Partenza: Inverness

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

Visita: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

Partenza: Inverness

Guided by a PhD historian with 18 years experience, this private 3 day tour is a...

Il contenuto di questa inserzione è fornito dal relativo operatore terzo e non da VisitScotland. VisitScotland non si assume alcuna responsabilità per (1) eventuali errori o dichiarazioni errate contenute in questa inserzione e (2) per il contenuto di qualsiasi link esterno all'interno dell'inserzione ((1) e (2) insieme di seguito denominati 'Contenuto'). VisitScotland esclude ogni responsabilità per perdite o danni causati da qualsiasi affidamento fatto sul Contenuto. Il Contenuto è fornito solo a titolo informativo e non è approvato da 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.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

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

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

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

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

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

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

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

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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.