Glasgow: 7 Day Scottish Highlands and Islands Tour

Planning a trip to Scotland and wondering if a guided tour is the right way to soak in as much as possible? This 7-day adventure through the Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye, and Outer Hebrides might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t done this exact tour myself, I’ve looked into it closely and can share a detailed picture of what you can expect.

One thing I really appreciate about this experience is the small group size, limited to just 8 travelers. That means more personalized attention and a more intimate feel—perfect if you’re not a fan of large, bustling tours. The knowledgeable guides and the focus on storytelling seem to be big highlights, making the scenery even more meaningful. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that some of the attractions, like dinner in Portree, might be challenging to secure due to busy schedules and first-come, first-served dining.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love scenic drives, historic sights, and a relaxed pace. If you’re comfortable with a moderate amount of walking, and enjoy small-group travel, you’ll probably find it to be a very rewarding way to see Scotland’s highlights.

Key Points

• Small group size (max 8 people) for a more personal experience
• Includes ferry rides between islands, offering unique perspectives
• Focus on scenic highlights and cultural stories, not just ticking boxes
• Diverse destinations from the Highlands to the Outer Hebrides, with plenty of photo stops
• Guided storytelling adds context to historic sites and stunning landscapes
• Price reflects a well-rounded, 7-day adventure with transportation and expert guiding

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting in Glasgow and heading into the Highlands

The journey begins at the Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. From there, the first stops—Loch Lomond and Glencoe—are emblematic of Scotland’s rugged beauty. Loch Lomond’s tranquil waters and scenic villages kick things off, giving you a gentle introduction to the country’s natural charm, while Glencoe’s dramatic cliffs and history give a real sense of the wild landscape. Many reviews mention how the guide’s live commentary adds depth, sharing stories behind the sweeping views.

Crossing the Harry Potter Bridge and exploring Glenfinnan

One of the tour’s standout moments is visiting the Harry Potter Bridge—also called the Glenfinnan Viaduct—famous for its appearances in the Harry Potter films. It’s a picture-perfect spot, and hearing about how it relates to the Jacobite uprising makes it more than just a postcard view. Travelers often comment on the guide’s storytelling, making the connection between scenery and history.

The Isle of Skye: Fairy Pools, Dunvegan Castle, and Old Man of Storr

Next, the tour dives into the Isle of Skye, a highlight for many travelers. The Fairy Pools are a firm favorite—crystal-clear streams and waterfalls set against striking landscape, perfect for photos or just soaking in the magic. Dunvegan Castle provides a glimpse into clan history with its gardens and memorabilia, though entry tickets aren’t included, so plan accordingly.

The Old Man of Storr, with its towering rock formations, is an iconic sight. The views from here are breathtaking, and many reviews note how the landscape feels surreal—almost otherworldly. The Quiraing and Fairy Glen add to the sense of wonder, with unique geological features and whimsical hills.

More Great Tours Nearby

Traveling to the Outer Hebrides

A ferry ride from Uig to Tarbert takes you to the Outer Hebrides, a remote and fascinating part of Scotland. The journey itself is part of the adventure, offering chances to spot marine life and enjoy Scotland’s maritime scenery. Once there, the tour visits Port of Ness, the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, and traditional Hebridean sites like the Arnol Blackhouse. These stops shed light on local life and history, with some reviews describing the Blackhouse as a well-preserved glimpse into traditional Hebridean living.

Exploring Lewis and Harris

The Outer Hebrides are full of surprises—from tales of Guga hunters to ancient standing stones at Callanish. Dun Carloway Broch offers a peek into Iron Age architecture with sweeping views, and the Callanish Stones are often compared to Scotland’s answer to Stonehenge. These sites are steeped in legend, and your guide’s commentary helps bring them to life.

From the islands to Inverness and Loch Ness

Getting back to the mainland, you’ll cross from Stornoway to Ullapool, again by ferry—making this tour as much about the journey as the destinations. In Inverness, the focus shifts to more local history, with a visit to Culloden Battlefield and the chance to walk along Loch Ness. Many travelers find the tales of Nessie amusing and the castle ruins fascinating, though some note that the castle entry isn’t included in the tour price.

Concluding with the Cairngorms and Edinburgh

Your last days take you through the Cairngorms National Park—an area praised for its stunning mountain views and peaceful walks. Shopping at the House of Bruar and strolling in The Hermitage add some relaxing, scenic moments before ending your trip in Edinburgh. It’s a classic way to wrap up, with enough time to reflect on the diverse landscapes and histories you’ve experienced.

What’s Included and What to Expect

For $1,076 per person, this tour covers most essentials—transportation, ferry rides, a knowledgeable guide, and many iconic stops. The small group size helps ensure a more personal experience, with live commentary enriching the scenery and history.

However, it’s important to note that meals, entry tickets to sites like Dunvegan Castle, Urquhart Castle, and Culloden Battlefield, and specific activities like distillery tours are not included. This means you should budget extra for meals and entry fees. The optional accommodation booking can be convenient, but it’s wise to choose flexible options with good cancellation policies, especially if your plans change.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

Traveling in a fully air-conditioned vehicle suited for just 8 people makes the journey comfortable but intimate—allowing the guide to tailor stories and answer questions easily. The ferry rides between islands add a special touch, giving you different perspectives of Scotland’s coastlines and marine life.

Timing and Practicalities

The tour is scheduled over 7 days, with departure times and arrival times in Edinburgh estimated. Be prepared for some early mornings and a busy itinerary—this isn’t a leisurely, relaxed holiday but rather a well-paced exploration with a good balance of sightseeing and travel time.

Suitability and Considerations

This tour is not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users. If you’re comfortable with a moderate pace and enjoy in-depth storytelling combined with scenic driving, you’ll find it engaging. Remember, booking dinner in Portree can be challenging, so plan accordingly.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Multiple reviews mention the expert guides as a major plus—sharing stories that bring the landscape to life. One reviewer appreciated the “live commentary and storytelling,” which made the scenery more meaningful. Others found the dolphin sightings near Skye to be a delightful bonus, showing how the tour incorporates the natural environment into the experience.

On the flip side, a few travelers noted that some attractions, such as Dunvegan Castle or Culloden, require separate entry tickets not included in the package. This might be an extra expense and something to keep in mind when planning.

The Sum Up

This 7-day Scottish Highlands and Islands tour offers a well-rounded, immersive look at Scotland’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and unique culture, all with the benefit of expert guides and small-group intimacy. It’s a good choice for travelers who appreciate scenic drives, storytelling, and a mix of nature and history.

While it’s not a tour for those on a tight budget—since some attractions aren’t included—it does provide a lot of value through transportation, guiding, and visiting remote, beautiful locations that would be hard to see alone in such a short time. The ferry rides, visits to iconic sites, and the chance to explore the Outer Hebrides make this a memorable, varied adventure.

If you love discovering new landscapes, hearing stories about Scotland’s past, and want a guided experience that balances comfort with adventure, this tour could suit you well. Just be prepared for some early mornings, a fair amount of travel, and the need for a bit of extra planning for meals and attractions outside the tour.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 12, mainly due to the nature of the itinerary and the small group setup.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals and snacks are not included, but your guide will point you toward dining options or pre-booked restaurants.

Do I need to pay for entry tickets?
Yes, several attractions like Dunvegan Castle, Urquhart Castle, and Culloden Battlefield require separate tickets, which are not included in the tour price.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, making it a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, water, and rain gear—Scotland’s weather can change quickly.

Is this a full-day tour?
Most days involve significant travel and sightseeing, with some early starts and long days but plenty of time at key locations.

Can I book accommodation through the tour provider?
Yes, they offer options to book your stay, but it’s wise to choose flexible cancellations.

What’s the best way to understand the sites visited?
Your guide provides live commentary and storytelling, offering context and background that bring each location to life.

In summary, this tour is best for those who want a comprehensive taste of Scotland’s natural beauty and history with the benefit of expert guidance and a small group. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with some travel and want to avoid the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

You can check availability for your dates here: