7-day luxury Scotland vacation: Highlands and Isle of Skye

Highlights

• Kick off your Highlands and Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh with a beautiful train journey to Inverness, before crossing the bridge to Skye.
• Stand in the dramatic landscapes of Skye and the Scottish Highlands, as you hear stories about the human and geological forces that created them.
• Be captivated by your Scottish Tour Leader’s stories as you visit castles and towering peaks, historic homes and traditional craftspeople, and a dramatic hidden loch.
• Stay at three welcoming hotels (two nights at each): a Georgian mansion outside Inverness, a former hunting lodge on Skye and a loch-side retreat at Port Appin.
• Taste some of the finest food in Scotland with traditional meals made from quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Overview

Live the stories and traditions of Scotland on our 7-day, 6-night Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh as part of a small group (maximum 10 guests). You’ll explore the history, geology and traditions of Scotland in the Highlands of Argyll and on the Isle of Skye.

Travel from Edinburgh to Inverness to take in the sights and sounds of the Highlands, before exploring the enchanting Isle of Skye. Afterwards, journey to a loch-side hotel to discover the scenic beauty of the Appin district.

This Scotland vacation package encompasses loch-fringed coastlines, towering mountain ranges and hidden-away gems, all in the company of your Scottish guide, who will bring to life Scotland’s history, culture and geology.

You will visit castles laden with tales of conflict, clans and courage. You’ll dig deep into the local landscape, marvel at the landscape’s rugged beauty and uncover its deep-time origins.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the tour is Skye itself. Known as the ‘Misty Isle’, this island, just off the Scottish mainland holds so much history, culture and traditions that you’ll be enthralled the moment you set foot on the island. Our Skye vacation takes you from one end of the island to the other, from hundreds of millions of years ago to the present, from peaceful ports to jagged mountain peaks, with all the richness of island life in between.

Start/finish

Your tour starts and finishes at Waverley railway station, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Activity Level

Leisurely to moderate, with a range of optional walks and hikes across the Scottish landscape between 1 and 3 miles long (view our activity level definitions). You will also need to board a boat via a ramped pier.

Transport

• Getting there: First-class rail travel between Edinburgh and Inverness, with a pre-ordered taxi to/from your hotel.
• Getting around: Comfortable minibus with air conditioning; passenger boat trip on Skye.

Weather

Accommodation

• Two nights’ stay at the Coul House Hotel, Strathpeffer, a welcoming 18th-century mansion.
• Two nights’ at the Cuillin Hills Hotel, Portree, on Skye, with one of the best views of the island’s landscape and mountains.
• Two nights’ stay at The Pierhouse Hotel, Port Appin, a loch-side hotel with excellent views and a menu rich in local seafood options.
• A la carte dinner is included at your hotel, on each night of the trip.

Testimonials

"We had never been on a private tour before and I had my trepidation, but you could not have picked a better guide for us than Ali Motion…her knowledge, her enthusiasm, her flexibility, her sense of humor, her joy at what she is doing, and her personality all made for an exceptional experience…but above all, Ali listened and did her best to modify plans and have the days match our desires with some surprises that delighted – like the unexpected walk with the Highland Coos!

I would not hesitate to use GeoCultura again and have highly recommended you to our friends."

Scotland and Isle of Skye | Gina & Dave B, June 2024

"We had the absolutely best trip to the Highlands! We have been on many tours, and our guide, Ali, was one of the best ever! We would highly recommend this adventure!"

Scottish Highlands, Scotland | Lisa H, September 2023

"We thoroughly enjoyed the Highlands tour. Learned so much about the landscape, the history of the Clearances, the Clans and the Battle of Culloden. I got home and ordered a small selection of books for further reading! The company was great and the accommodation was excellent, especially the Coul House Hotel. Amazing hospitality there, beautiful grounds, walks from the doorstep, and great food."

Scottish Highlands, Scotland | Ron F, September 2022