Glasgow: 7 Day Scottish Highlands and Islands Tour

Discover the Wonders of Scotland on a 7-Day Tour

This 7-day guided journey through Scotland combines stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and unique island experiences. Priced at $1,076 per person, the tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive look at the Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye, and Outer Hebrides with a small group of up to 8 travelers. Starting from Glasgow and ending in Edinburgh, it offers a mix of nature, history, and local culture, with plenty of photo stops and insider stories along the way.

The tour is designed for travelers who appreciate expert guides, scenic drives, and diverse sights. While the itinerary includes many highlights, including ferries to island destinations and visits to castles, it is not suited for children under 12 or wheelchair users. It also requires a good level of physical activity—comfortable shoes and rain gear are recommended.

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Key Points

• 7-day guided Scottish adventure covering Highlands, Isle of Skye, and Outer Hebrides
• Small group size limited to 8 travelers for personalized experience
• Includes ferry rides between islands and scenic drives through iconic landscapes
• Visits major sights like Dunvegan Castle, Harry Potter Bridge, Old Man of Storr, and Callanish Stones
• Tour duration from Glasgow to Edinburgh with multiple overnight stops
• Cost includes transportation, live commentary, and photo stops; meals and entry tickets are extra

Starting in Glasgow and Exploring Loch Lomond

The tour begins in Glasgow, where travelers meet at the Taxi Rank within Buchanan Bus Station. From there, the first day takes visitors through Loch Lomond and Glencoe, two of Scotland’s most famous natural landscapes. The scenic drive features views of Loch Lomond’s tranquil waters and the rugged beauty of Glencoe, known for its striking mountain scenery and historical significance, including its 17th-century massacre.

After soaking in the views, the journey continues to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, an iconic structure linked to the Jacobite uprising and the Harry Potter movies. This stop offers a chance to learn about Scottish history and enjoy the dramatic scenery before heading to Mallaig, where the group crosses the sea to reach the Isle of Skye.

Exploring the Isle of Skye’s Iconic Sights

The Isle of Skye features prominently in this tour, with a full day dedicated to its treasures. Travelers visit the Fairy Pools, natural waterfalls and crystal-clear waters perfect for photos and short walks. The group also tours Dunvegan Castle, home to Clan MacLeod, with its gardens and a museum showcasing memorabilia of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The Old Man of Storr provides a dramatic backdrop of towering rock formations that are among Skye’s most photographed features. Nearby, visitors see Lealt Falls‘ waterfalls and the Quiraing, a landslip-shaped landscape with sweeping views. The day concludes in Portree, Skye’s largest town, known for its charming harbor and lively dining scene.

Ferry to the Outer Hebrides and Island Highlights

Travel between Skye and the Outer Hebrides involves a ferry ride from Uig to Tarbert. On the islands, the tour explores the traditional fishing village of Port of Ness at Lewis‘ northern tip, where tales of Guga hunters enrich the experience. Visitors also see the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse atop towering cliffs, offering sweeping Atlantic views.

The Arnol Blackhouse demonstrates traditional Hebridean life with its peat-thatched roof, while the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village showcases Harris Tweed weaving. The Dun Carloway Broch, an Iron Age stone structure, and the Callanish Standing Stones, dating back 5,000 years, reveal the deep history of these islands in a landscape filled with legends.

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Crossing to Inverness and Loch Ness

Next, the tour crosses from Stornoway to Ullapool by ferry, a scenic route where marine life sightings are common. In Inverness, the group explores Corrieshalloch Gorge, with its dramatic waterfalls and a suspension bridge offering panoramic views. A visit to the Singleton Distillery introduces participants to Scotland’s renowned single malt whiskies, with tastings included.

Overnight stays in Inverness provide time to enjoy the city’s relaxed atmosphere and local eateries. The next day, the journey continues with a boat cruise on Loch Ness, searching for the legendary Nessie creature, and visits to Urquhart Castle, a medieval fortress with commanding views over the loch.

Visiting Culloden Battlefield and the Cairngorms

The final segment brings visitors to Culloden Battlefield, site of the famous Jacobite defeat. The tour then moves into Aviemore, situated within Cairngorms National Park, offering mountain scenery and opportunities for walks among towering trees and waterfalls. Shopping at the House of Bruar for cashmere, tweed, and Scottish delicacies caps off the day.

The trip concludes in Edinburgh, where the tour finishes with a chance to reflect on the journey across Scotland’s historical and natural landscapes. The entire experience balances carefully curated stops with free time for personal exploration.

Practical Details and Included Highlights

The 7-day tour includes a knowledgeable and friendly driver/guide who offers live commentary and storytelling throughout. Transportation occurs in a fully air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort on long drives. Photo stops at key locations allow for capturing memories, while the itinerary includes a mix of scenic drives, castle visits, and island explorations.

While the price covers transportation, ferry rides, and guiding, it does not include meals, snacks, or entry tickets to attractions like Dunvegan Castle, Loch Ness cruise, Urquhart Castle, or Dun Carloway Broch. The tour also offers the option to have accommodations booked, but travelers should choose flexible cancellation policies.

The tour operates in English and maintains a small group limit of 8 travelers, ideal for those who prefer a more intimate experience. Meeting at the Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow makes for a straightforward start, and the tour concludes in Edinburgh with a minimum of two hours for onward travel.

Who Will Appreciate This Scottish Adventure

This tour appeals most to travelers eager to explore Scotland’s natural beauty and historic sites in a compact, guided format. The inclusion of ferries and walking at various stops suits those comfortable with some physical activity and unpredictable weather. It’s less suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility challenges, due to the walking involved and some limited accessibility.

The focus on small group size and expert storytelling enriches the experience, making it both educational and personal. For those wanting a well-rounded taste of Scottish Highlands, islands, and history, this tour offers a clear, organized way to enjoy the best sights without the hassle of planning multiple bookings.

The Sum Up: A Comprehensive Journey Through Scotland’s Highlands and Islands

This 7-day guided tour offers an in-depth look at Scotland’s rugged landscapes, historic castles, and island communities. With stops at Dunvegan Castle, Old Man of Storr, Callanish Stones, and Loch Ness, the itinerary balances scenic drives with cultural and historic insights.

The small group size enhances the experience with personalized commentary, while ferry rides between islands add an authentic maritime touch. The tour’s value lies in its all-encompassing route, expert guides, and thoughtfully curated stops, making it ideal for those who want to see Scotland’s highlights comfortably and efficiently.

While some entries and attractions require additional tickets, the focus on stunning scenery and storytelling makes this a rewarding option for travelers who enjoy nature, history, and local culture. Book with flexible accommodation options to maximize comfort and flexibility. This tour suits adventurers who appreciate a mix of outdoor exploration and cultural discovery, all wrapped up in a well-organized package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, ferry rides, live commentary, and photo stops. Meals, entry tickets, and optional activities like whisky tastings are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow and concludes in Edinburgh.

How many people are in each group?
The tour operates in a small group with a maximum of 8 travelers for a more intimate experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, and rain gear are recommended due to variable weather and walking at several stops.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
No, it is not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users, as some walking and uneven terrain are involved.

Are accommodations included?
No, but there is an option to have accommodations booked through the tour provider, with a recommendation for flexible cancellation policies.

What highlights are must-sees on this tour?
Highlights include Harry Potter Bridge, Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, Callanish Stones, Loch Ness, and Culloden Battlefield.

Is it possible to customize the itinerary?
The tour is fixed, but travelers can coordinate accommodation and optional activities separately.

How long is the ferry ride to the Outer Hebrides?
The ferry from Uig to Tarbert is part of the journey, connecting Skye to the Outer Hebrides, with scenic views and marine life sightings typical.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its small group size, comprehensive itinerary, and inclusion of ferry crossings and island visits make it a standout choice for exploring Scotland in depth.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby