5-Day Best of Scotland Tour from Edinburgh
5

5-Day Best of Scotland Tour from Edinburgh

By Highland Experience Tours
Recommended by 95% of travelers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Skip the stress of planning and fully relax on your visit to Scotland with this convenient 5-day tour of the country’s highlights. In addition to navigating, your guide provides historical background and local tales about each stop on the itinerary, including Oban, Glencoe, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and the seasonal Jacobite steam train. No need to worry about logistics: Overnight accommodations, breakfast, and transport are included.
Lowest price guaranteeFree cancellation

Ages 3-100, max of 35 per group
Duration: 5 days
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Go with a guide who can navigate and tell local stories
  • Free time to explore certain locations at your own pace
  • Four nights of accommodation and breakfast included
  • Small group size ensures a personalized experience

  • Breakfast
  • Breakfast
  • Breakfast
  • Breakfast
  • 4 nights of accommodation
  • Professional guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned mini-bus (up to 35 seats)
  • Entry/Admission - Loch Ness
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Hotel pickup and drop off at the beginning and end of the tour
  • Entry/Admission - Inveraray Castle & Gardens
  • Entry/Admission - Kilmartin Glen
  • Entry/Admission - Eilean Donan Castle
  • Entry/Admission - Urquhart Castle
  • Entry/Admission - Culloden Battlefield
  • Entry/Admission - Dalwhinnie Distillery


Start:
  • Caffè Nero, 1 Parliament Square, 192 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK
    Please check in with Highland Experience staff inside/outside Caffe Nero by 8.15am
End:
  • Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1, UK
    Please note: During August, and other times when there are events taking place at Edinburgh Castle we will use an alternative end point in Edinburgh's New Town.

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5256ULTIM5

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Luggage restriction: 1 suitcase 55x40x20cm - 15 kg & 1 backpack/handbag per person
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age 3 years old
  • If you are travelling alone, please choose the ‘Single Room’ option or we may not be able to accept your booking
  • Double/twin room: these rooms are for 2 people. If 3 people choose this option, you will be allocated a family room for 3, subject to availability. If you prefer 2 rooms, you must choose ‘Single Room’ for one person
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers

  • If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5256ULTIM5

From
$1,146.01
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • Highland Experience Tours
    6,638
    Edinburgh, Scotland
    Joined in June 2008
  • sophiagH8407WN
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Memorable and Beautiful Day
    Thank you to Dejan and Alan for a wonderful day. All of the locations were picturesque and beautiful. Dejan was very passionate and knowledgeable about Scottish history, we learned a lot from him. We felt very comfortable and safe with Alan behind the wheel, and the bus stopped an appropriate amount of times for breaks. We recommend this tour to anyone coming to Edinburgh and would take different tours from this company if we are ever in Scotland again.
    Written February 17, 2025
  • raeleney2017
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Tour
    Such a great tour including one full day at the Isle of Skye and lots of information about Scottish legends and folklore! Our tour guide ended up getting sick after day 1 and another guide Brody stepped in made the tour amazing and kept everything on track! Super accommodating and open to making amendments based on the small group!
    Written February 17, 2025
  • GoPlaces517469
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Highlands under the sun
    It was delightful to witness the Highlands shining under the sun. Our guide Dejan ensured that we experienced and learned as much as possible about the area. The boat tour on Loch Ness was truly unforgettable. We enjoyed a full day filled with beautiful views and a great deal of fun. Thank you once again, Alan and Dejan! Hope to see you soon again! Milène 💫
    Written February 17, 2025
  • judithlN8370IT
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent Scottish off season adventure.
    Thoroughly enjoyed this off season private adventure lead by the indomitable Alan Gillespie. Happy chappy, informative and despite lots of rain and cold our trio had freedom and flexibilty to brave the elements and see and explore as much of West Scotland and the Isle of Skye.
    Written February 16, 2025
  • Michael V
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing highland tour
    We truly enjoyed this tour with excellent guide Sam, who was witty, knowledgeable and entertaining. The Scottish highland was amazing and the bus stopped some extra places with super photo ops.
    Written February 16, 2025
  • B3285SAguys
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Made our trip!!!
    Dejan absolutely made our trip up to Scotland! Was my girlfriend and I’s first time visiting and wanted to go on this tour as we are big fans of Harry Potter, outlander etc and Dejan made sure it was a day to remember. Had endless knowledge, endless dad jokes and was just a pleasure to be around. Hope to see him again with our next trip up to Scotland!!
    Written February 15, 2025
  • FarAway402420
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The history of Scotlan, Glencoe Masacre.Loch ness monster and a lots more
    Dejan our tour guide did a wonderful by entertaining us and he was also very knowledgeable. Alan our driver was very good too. I will do it again either way my family when they come for my graduation in July from America.
    Written February 14, 2025
  • burtonn4
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an experience
    We absolutely loved the whole experience. Alan and Dejan were a delight. Dejan was very engaging, knowledgeable and funny. Both attentive to detail. We really recommend the experience!! My group and I are considering doing the 5day excursion of Scotland with them as we loved every minute of it. We want to return very soon. Thank you Alan and Dejan. We loved the views and Loch Ness is something we will never forget! The karaoke at the end was so much fun and feeding the highland cows! From the portugese crew!
    Written February 14, 2025
  • jjohanns03
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    1 day Scotland tour
    Terry our guide did a wonderful job of keeping us entertained. It was great to see and learn about the sights. And who doesn't love a Hairy Coo!!
    Written February 10, 2025
  • Sue B
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent
    Excellent tour Christina and Alan were superb Could not fault their knowledgable humour music and safe driving . Excellent tour and inventory Would recommend to anyone
    Written February 9, 2025
  • C1323WYsharong
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Scottish Highlands Amazing Day Trip
    Had an amazing day yesterday doing the Scottish Highlands tour. Our guide Dean was so full of information and lots of jokes. The scenery was amazing. Really recommend to get a real taste of Scottish Culture. Great driver Alan. Just sit back and enjoy the views. Sharon and Edel from Ireland
    Written February 8, 2025
  • T7264HGfrancoc
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing trip to loch ness
    Amazing trip, the guide was great telling a lot of stories about Scotland and so great driving by the bus driver Alan, we had a great time
    Written February 7, 2025
  • MALZAY2022
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must do experience
    I had booked for my Birthday on 4/2 but due to problems with Taxi I missed the bus but I was called at 7.50 to see where I was.I was booked on the next day trip and it was wonderful the hosts were brilliant and we had such a good day.It didn't feel like 12 hours until I got back to Hotel.I would highly recommend.A great way to see the best of Scotland
    Written February 6, 2025
  • kathyrO1785FM
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Inverness - Isle of Skye/eilean Donal castle
    Truly wonderful trip, Hugh was really friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, making us feel very welcome , even with the wheelchair, would come again to Scotland from wales just for this!
    Written February 4, 2025
  • carab704
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Highland experience.
    Today we took a trip to the Highlands and was it a great experience with a great tour guide Dejan. He was funny, knew his stuff and overall did everything so we could have a great day. It was such a great day and I had so much. Will definitely be booking with him again.
    Written February 1, 2025
See all 6,638 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles129 reviews
Excellent
114
Very good
9
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
1

Annette S
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
A must do !!!!
Where do we start….. oh yes Edinburgh, from the moment we were picked up for our highland experience we knew this was not going to be anything we thought it was going to be. All our worries about a guided trip stuck on a bus with strangers for 5 days soon faded as the laughter, jokes and stories flooded in.
Our fantastic tour guide Brodie was very knowledgeable, he gave us lots of historical and factual information and entertained us through the highlands.
I would recommend paying extra for the boat trip along Loch Ness the views are amazing whilst enjoying a hot chocolate with a wee tipple of whiskey.
My favourite was the Jacobite train as must for any Harry Potter fans.
Brodie went above and beyond and even back tracked on the journey to see Old Man Starr once the weather had cleared. So worth it !!! The views are breathtaking you will soon find yourself saying a lot of “oooohs and ahhhs”
Photos don’t do this trip justice but the memories will last forever thank you Highland Tours & the wonderful Brodie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Written August 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jannette, Thank you for taking the time to leave a kind and detailed review. I'm delighted to hear that your tour exceeded your expectations and that Brodie went above and beyond to provide a 5* experience for you and your fellow travellers. It's great to hear that your tour was full of laughter and enjoyment, and of course the amazing beauty of the Highlands! The cruise on Loch Ness is certainly a must do! The scenery along the Loch is breath-taking and even better when given the opportunity to cruise the loch on a boat. Same goes for the Jacobite Steam train which I'm so glad you enjoyed. It is a fantastic experience! Thank you again for your kind words and 5* rating. We hope to welcome you on another adventure in the future! Kind regards, Cameron Highland Experience Tours
Written September 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tomas G
Arlon, Belgium2 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
We booked, my wife and I, a 5 day trip, departing from Edinburgh. I can recommend you this trip, warmly. Our guide, Alex from the company Highlands Experience Tours was really helpful, friendly, professional as well as knowledgeable, and the hell of a driver; especially on these single tracks on the Isle of Skye. This trip is definitely well designed with truly enjoyable highlights such as Loch Lommond, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, the Isle of Skye (2 days), Loch Ness, Inverness or Pitlochry. Landscapes are beautiful and amazing. Scots we met on the trip are authentic and welcoming people. A truly beautiful and unforgettable experience that I warmly recommend to fellow travellers who want to visit Scotland.
Written May 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Thank you for your review, it's greatly appreciated! We're glad you enjoy your Isle of Skye tour with Alex and will be sure to pass on your kind words to him. We've noticed that we were one pointer away from full marks! So if you have the time, to help us understand what we can do better, please reach out to us at info@highlandexperience.com. Safe travels! Kind regards, Gracie Mae Highland Experience
Written May 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Keryn D
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Family
Just returned from the 5 day ultimate Scottish Highlands tour run by Highland Experience. It was absolutely the best! Our driver/guide - Iain - was awesome ! So knowledgeable, made it all so much fun and was the best tour I have been on in many years. The itinerary and stops were all fantastic, with incredible stories and information timed just perfectly before arrival at each stop. Iain is a very proud born and bred Scot, who was so happy and excited to be showing us his beloved Scotland including many stories of his family trips at many of the locations! Also, staff in office are also amazing - go above and beyond in communication, assistance and even assisted me with a passport issue (I left it behind in Inverness and didn’t realise for 2 days. The office organised one of their tour drivers to pick it up and bring it back to Edinburgh for me!) cannot speak highly enough of the whole organisation! I’ll be back and would recommend this company to everyone !
Written May 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jenbirge
Tucson, AZ15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Having never been on a bus tour this trip exceeded my expectations! Our driver /tour guide Alex was professional, packed with information, funny and best of all a true Scotsman who seemed to really enjoy showing us his country. The stops were well planned for high interest and were all spectacular. The accommodations nice but pack light because there were no lifts in any of the places we stayed. Instead of large impersonal hotels we were put up in some of the cutest bed and breakfasts I have ever been in. Our days were packed yet evenings past 6-7 free which gave a perfect balance to my day. Thanks Alex for a memorable week! Sheep’s are cute too!
Written July 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, We're so glad you enjoyed the trip and your accommodation! We'll be sure to pass your kind words along! Thanks, Audrey Highland Experience Tours
Written July 21, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Wendy S
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
The best of Scotland is a fantastic tour with so many beautiful amazing places to see. The pace was great, not too rushed. The accommodation was not too bad, however the B&B on the Isle of Skye ran by David was really lovely and he was a wonderful host. The Highlands, the Scottish glens, mountain peaks, lochs and castles are incredibly interesting and beautiful. However it was all made even more exceptional by our wonderful driver/guide Brodie. Brodie's work ethic and love for country is shown by his knowledge of Scotland and its history, also by the way he conducts himself. He was a careful driver, well organised, respectful, told great stories prior to arriving at particular places and played wonderful music throughout the tour. Thank you Brodie for making this such an incredible tour. Wendy and Holger (Australia)
Written May 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Thank you for leaving such a positive review, it really means a great deal to our company! I'm delighted to hear you enjoyed the scenery of the Scottish Highlands and all the wonderful, breath-taking scenery it has to offer, we love it here, so we're glad you loved it too! Your kind words shall be passed onto Brodie and we hope to see you on tour again soon! Kind regards, Gracie Mae Highland Experience
Written June 6, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

pt-laval
Laval, Canada88 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
We did the 5 day Scottish Choice tour with Jamie in June. We were 32 people on the bus. First it should be noted that there is quite a bit of walking on uneven surfaces/stairs which might limit some people. With Highland Experience the driver also acts as the guide which seems to be a tall task (!) but Jamie was fantastic. As he drove he was able to give us lots of information about the areas we were covering (history, food, local economy, terrain, wildlife, etc). This was interspersed with different music selections that were either of Scottish musicians or somehow related to the topic at hand. The bus does not have Wifi.

We were generally touring from 9:15 until about 18:30 with several stops during the day to visit sites, for lunch breaks, bathroom breaks, etc. Lodgings for the group were not all at the same place but were close by to each other – so we made a few stops to let people off/on. Most of the BnBs had stairs to access the rooms so limiting the size of your suitcase is a must! As we drove into the small towns Jamie would point to different places where we could have lunch/supper (however people sitting in the back of the bus had a bit of a hard time to note these different places – photocopies of simple hand-drawn maps or downloads before departure on the tour would have been more convenient). Although we were in popular tourist areas many of these towns had limited access to restaurants/cafés (possibly due in part to lack of personnel since the pandemic?). For suppers reservations were sometimes needed, a point that could have been communicated to us by the company so that we could prepare before departure.

All the sites mentioned in the itinerary were visited as explained on the website - the whiskey distillery stop was just for a quick tasting (a visit of the distillery with explanation of the whiskey making process would have been really interesting). Although the weather was often grey/misty with some rain (it is Scotland after all!), the scenery was still very beautiful and we really enjoyed the tour. Jamie’s love of Scotland and nature mixed with his relaxed manner and humor made a huge positive impact on our visit to the Highlands. We definitely recommend this tour.
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you so much for your positive and constructive feedback! We're delighted to hear you had a great time travelling with us! We do hope to welcome you on another tour soon. Kind regards, Maria
Written July 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tobias H
1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
I went on the 5 day tour and I absolutely loved it! Barry did a great job with funny facts, historical stories and always being blunt with us if some points on the itinerary wouldn’t be the greatest and offered us alternatives. So I deducted one star because of the organisation of the tour by the office. Some accommodations didn’t work out, once for me, several other times for other guests. Barry still figured it out but the confusion and the fear that everything would be alright at the end of the day was always present. Also: Covid measures were announced in information mails beforehand but have never been applied…
But ending on a good note: Got to see some stunning world class scenery.
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you so much for your feedback! We're glad you had a pleasant experience on your tour and we're always looking for ways to make our trips more enjoyable for our passengers so your response is greatly appreciated. Best wishes, Maria
Written August 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kyra
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Solo
This was the second time I joined a tour from Highland Experience Tours. I had such a great time last year, that I really wanted to come back this year. Although the scenery of the highlands speaks for itself, this tour wouldn’t be as fun without such a great group.
Iain was our guide and he was amazing. He told all the background and stories and did so with great humor and enthusiasm. You can really tell he is proud of his country and that makes you fall in love with Scotland even more. And even though the roads seem very challenging with a big bus, he still managed to talk about fairies and unicorns. Thanks for such an amazing trip and maybe see you next year!
Written September 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there! Thank you very much for taking the time to write a kind and detailed review of your time on our 5-day Best of Scotland Tour! I'm delighted to hear that you chose to return for another tour with us. The Highland scenery certainly does speak for itself but it's so great to hear that Iain made your trip extra special with his enthusiasm and passion for Scotland. I will be sure to pass your kind words onto him. We hope to see you again next year! Kind regards, Cameron Highland Experience Tours
Written September 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Todd P
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Family
Overall tour exceeded our expectations! We love to be busy and active, and the tour was well paced with a great combination of driving, stops for attractions and walks, and rest stops.

The most important part of this tour though was Alex our guide. Alex was a tremendous driver (safe), was always punctual, was friendly, outgoing, and communicated exceptionally well.

Alex’s key strength is that he has an amazing ability to tell a story providing you with not only factual history of upcoming tour stops, but also mixed in with humour.
Written June 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! It is wonderful to hear that you had a 5* experience exploring the Highlands with Alex. He will be delighted to hear that you enjoyed his driving, jokes, and his fantastic stories! It sounds as though you have many new stories about your time in Scotland as well as some new historical facts. Thank you for choosing Highland Experience for your Highlands adventure, we hope to welcome you on another tour in the future! Kind regards, Cameron Highland Experience Tours
Written June 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Byron R
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The trip was everything I hoped for and much more.
Our driver/guide Jamie Stewart was excellent and went out of his way to make us feel welcome, informed and cared for
We were fortunate to have great weather the entire 5 days. It allowed us to do everything on the itinerary and more.
The scenery is beautiful. The history is fascinating and Jamie explained it all very clearly
Our accommodations each night were also top notch
I would do the trip again and highly recommend the experience
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you for your shining feedback - We're delighted to hear you had a great time with Jamie! We do hope to welcome you on another tour soon. Kind regards, Maria
Written September 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

5-Day Best of Scotland Tour from Edinburgh provided by Highland Experience Tours

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