Scotland: Highlands and Islands

Discover the wild grandeur of Scotland, from Edinburgh’s cobbled streets to the Highlands and outer islands. Cruise Loch Ness, wander centuries-old castles, and cross to the Isle of Skye, where rugged mountains meet the sea. Sail onward to islands known for dramatic cliffs and puffin colonies, then unwind at a secluded country estate with carefully selected hotels, memorable dining, and private transportation throughout.

  • June 10 – June 20, 2027
  • 11 Days | 10 Nights | 15 Meals
  • From $5,950 per person 

  • Discover Edinburgh Castle, journey through the Scottish Highlands, cruise Loch Ness, wander the ruins of Urquhart Castle, visit historic Culloden Battlefield, sample whisky at Glenmorangie, experience the Isle of Skye, and sail to Scotland’s islands for spectacular scenery and unforgettable wildlife getting up close and personal with the adorable puffins!

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View Itinerary
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
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LOCH NESS, SCOTLAND, MAY 23: Cruise ship on lake Loch Ness full of tourists in Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit, Inverness, UK
Leanach Cottage, Culloden, Inverness
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Staffa is an uninhabited island of the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. It's an entirely volcanic island,known for its unique geological features such as the many caves and the unique shape of the basalt columns which are also found in the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland .
group of puffins

Itinerary | Pricing | What’s Included | Hotels and Flights | Photos | Reviews | Reserve Now

Itinerary

Day 1 | Hilton Edinburgh Carlton

Arrive in Scotland

Your Scottish journey begins in Edinburgh with a stay at the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton. Visit Edinburgh Castle, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, with entrance included. Take in the historic setting and sweeping views before returning to the heart of the city. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and celebrate the start of an extraordinary journey through Scotland’s Highlands and islands. D

Day 2 | Kingsmills Hotel

Blair Castle & The Highlands

Travel through the scenic Scottish Highlands to Blair Castle and Gardens, where centuries of history unfold amid elegant rooms, sweeping grounds, and a striking Highland setting. After your visit, continue north to Inverness and settle into the Kingsmills Hotel for a two-night stay. B

Day 3 | Kingsmills Hotel

Loch Ness, Culloden, & Whisky Tasting

Cruise the legendary waters of Loch Ness before visiting the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle along its shores. Continue to Culloden Battlefield, where one of Scotland’s most pivotal chapters comes into focus. Later, visit Glenmorangie Distillery for a guided tour and two-dram whisky tasting, offering a closer look at one of Scotland’s best-known traditions. Return to Inverness for a second night at the Kingsmills Hotel. B

Day 4 |Skeabost Country House

Eilean Donan Castle & Isle of Skye

Visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, set on a small tidal island surrounded by Highland scenery. Continue to the Isle of Skye, where dramatic landscapes and a slower pace set the tone for the next two nights. Settle into a Garden Room at Skeabost Country House and enjoy dinner at the hotel. B, D

Day 5 | Skeabost Country House

Dunvegan Castle

Visit Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod, before enjoying free time to take in the beauty of the Isle of Skye at your own pace. Spend the afternoon wandering, sightseeing, or simply appreciating the island’s dramatic scenery before returning to Skeabost Country House for dinner and a second peaceful night on Skye. B, D

Day 6 |Oban Bay Hotel & Spa

Journey to Oban

Travel through Scotland’s western landscapes to the coastal town of Oban, known for its harbor setting and views across the surrounding islands. Settle into the Oban Bay Hotel & Spa for a one-night stay, with time to relax and enjoy the town at your own pace. B

Day 7 | Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa

Ferry to the Isle of Mull

Board the ferry to the Isle of Mull and take in the coastal scenery along the way. Settle into the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa for a three-night stay, giving you time to enjoy the island’s peaceful setting and natural beauty. In the evening, gather for dinner at the hotel and begin your stay on one of Scotland’s most scenic islands. B, D

Day 8 |Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa

Sacred Isle of Iona

Take a day trip to the peaceful Isle of Iona, one of Scotland’s most treasured spiritual and historic destinations. Known as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, this small island has drawn pilgrims for centuries with its ancient abbey, carved stone crosses, and serene coastal setting.  B

Day 9 | Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa

Staffa, Lunga & the Treshnish Isles – Puffins!

Set out by boat for Staffa and Lunga on the Big Bird Trip through the Treshnish Isles. Spend plenty of time ashore on Lunga, renowned for its puffin colonies and remarkable seabird life for an up close encounter. The excursion offers exceptional opportunities for birdwatching and photography amid the rugged beauty of Scotland’s western islands. B

Day 10 | Hilton Edinburgh Carlton

Return to Edinburgh & Farewell Dinner

Return to Edinburgh for a final night in Scotland and settle back into the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton. Enjoy time in the city before gathering with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Raise a glass to the castles, islands, landscapes, and shared memories that made this journey through Scotland so special. B, D

Day 11

Departure

Check out and transfer to Edinburgh Airport by private coach for your flight home, bringing your journey through Scotland’s castles, Highlands, and islands to a close.

Dates and Prices

Tour Dates:
June 10 – June 20, 2027

Pricing:*
Double: $5,950 per person
Single: $7,600 per person

Tour Deposit: $300 per person

To reserve your place please follow the link below to signup. The tour manager will then contact you to complete your reservation and tour deposit. *Non-refundable deposit*

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Questions about the tour? Schedule a call with the tour coordinator or email jack@guidester.com

What's Included

  • Full-time services of expert tour host Jack Baumann with over 15 years of travel experience.
  • 10 nights premium accommodation
  • All tours and activities listed in the itinerary
  • Private transportation by luxury motor coach
  • Personal Guidester travel guide to help you make the most of your free time
  • Airport transfers to and from the hotel on arrival and departure
  • 15 meals (10 breakfasts and 5 dinners)
  • Welcome dinner in Edinburgh
  • Admission to Edinburgh Castle
  • Scenic journey through the Scottish Highlands
  • Admission to Blair Castle & Gardens
  • Scenic cruise on Loch Ness
  • Admission to Urquhart Castle
  • Visit to Culloden Battlefield
  • Guided tour of Glenmorangie Distillery with a two-dram whisky tasting
  • Admission to Eilean Donan Castle
  • Two-night stay at Skeabost Country House on the Isle of Skye
  • Admission to Dunvegan Castle
  • Free time to enjoy the Isle of Skye
  • Overnight stay in the coastal town of Oban
  • Ferry journey to the Isle of Mull
  • Three-night stay on the Isle of Mull
  • Day trip to the Isle of Iona
  • Boat excursion to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles
  • Big Bird Trip to Staffa and Lunga with more than four hours ashore on Lunga
  • Opportunities to see puffins and spectacular seabird wildlife
  • Farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle dominates over the historic old town, hewn from the rough rock
Edinburgh Castle
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Hotels - 4* Centrally Located, Premium Accommodations

Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, Edinburgh (or similar)

Hilton Edinburgh Carlton pairs historic character with modern comfort in the heart of Edinburgh. Set along North Bridge at the corner of the Royal Mile, the hotel offers comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, and the city’s Old Town. Its central location makes it an ideal base for beginning and ending your Scottish journey.

Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness: (or similar)

Kingsmills Hotel blends historic Highland character with modern comfort in a peaceful setting near central Inverness. Originally built as a grand house in 1785, the hotel offers elegant rooms, landscaped grounds, on-site dining, and leisure facilities. Its convenient location provides a relaxing retreat between days spent visiting Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, and the surrounding Highlands.

Skeabost House Hotel, Isle of Skye (or similar)

Skeabost House Hotel offers refined country-house comfort in a peaceful setting on the Isle of Skye. Set near the shores of Loch Snizort, this historic boutique hotel features welcoming rooms, elegant dining, and warm Highland hospitality. Surrounded by quiet landscapes and within easy reach of Portree, it provides a memorable retreat during your time on Skye.

Oban Bay Hotel & Spa, Oban Bay (or similar)

Oban Bay Hotel & Spa offers contemporary comfort along the scenic shores of Oban Bay. The hotel features inviting rooms, waterfront dining, spa facilities, and sweeping views toward the islands of Mull and Kerrera. Its seafront setting creates a relaxing place to unwind before continuing by ferry to the Isle of Mull.

Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, Isle of Mull: (or similar)

Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa combines island tranquility with contemporary comfort overlooking Craignure Bay. The four-star hotel features stylish rooms, coastal dining, and the restorative Driftwood Spa, complete with a swimming pool and views across the water. Its peaceful setting offers a welcoming retreat after days spent discovering Mull, Iona, Staffa, and the Treshnish Isles.

Portree, Isle of Skye
Eilean Donan Castle
old mann of storr on isle of skye
Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
Isle of Mull
Oban harbor
Fingals Cave
Iona Abbey
Puffins on Lunga
Edinburgh Royal Mile

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What Our Guests Say

We take pride in giving our tour guests the best experience. Read what they have to say.

WOW! I just returned from the Wild Wales tour and it was amazing! It had everything! Beautiful beaches, charming castles, astounding cathedrals, quaint villages, and fantastic food. It was a small group of travelers so I got to know everyone. I was most impressed by Jack's willingness to share his vast knowledge of Wales and his love of travel. He is a special person. If you are looking for a fantastic tour company, give Guidester a call.
Teresa W.
Our second trip with Jack was the Wild Wales Tour. We wouldn't go with anyone else! He spoils us with his knowledge, kindness, and care. Our trip to Wales was wonderful!
Linda F.
Had a great trip to Italy. The group was small, 17 people, and we were able to get the full experience of the major attractions as well as off the beaten path places. The restaurants Jack selected were outstanding. And going to places that tourist don't normally go to was great. Jack is very knowledgeable about history and secured local tour guides that were also knowledgeable as well as entertaining. The tour had both busy days as well as down time. The tour was very well planned. We are definitely look at booking another guidester tour for next year.
Bob K.
Having taken 3 trips with Jack, I always appreciate the attention to detail and quality that Jack has for the trips he leads. Time is balanced between scheduled, group events and free time to explore the city, using the guide we’re provided before the trip begins. It’s clear that Jack has a love of all things Europe, which he works to impart onto those on the trip.
Adam B.
I just returned from Guidester’s Classic Germany trip, and what an incredible experience it was! A small group of friendly fellow travelers, excellent accommodations, knowledgeable and personable local guides, comfortable transportation, excellent food in authentic and historic venues, and Jack’s extensive knowledge of European history, which he shares freely. The trip was well-planned to include the main sights you shouldn’t miss, and the unique experiences that most tour companies can’t provide, like a farmhouse cheese dinner, wine tastings and a table at Oktoberfest Jack makes his trips easy and fun, taking excellent care of his travelers from start to finish. I can’t wait for my next trip!
Margie O.
There is no way I could have put together the adventure that Jack organized for us on the taste of Italy tour. To pack so much in, not feel rushed, have amazing place to stay just would not have happened I have always been a do it yourself person no matter what it is on this occasion at a friends advice joined Jacks tour. The experience exceeded my expectations fro the first hotel to the last day of departure. The advice on what to see when to see where to eat what sights to prioritize was invaluable in using my vacation time in the best way possible. Jack I also appreciated the personal time you were able to give everyone and the individual attention to their interest. Well done and thank you!
Jim F.
This was our 2nd trip to Europe. We definitely didn't want a cookie cutter trip, on a tour bus, that took us past 7 cities in 8 days. Jack plans his tours very carefully and he is very knowledgeable regarding the sites we visited. The groups are small so you have a chance to get to know your fellow travelers. And, Jack is a lot of fun, he makes everyone feel at ease.
Elaine K.
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