Iconic Scotland & Isle of Skye: lochs & lore

Iconic Scotland & Isle of Skye: lochs & lore
From GBP £3,499.00
  • Duration: 6 Days (approx.)
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Product code: T038

Highlights

  • Our Isle of Skye vacation package takes you to some of the most iconic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye, including the Old Man of Storr, the Three Sisters of Glencoe, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
  • Uncover the stories behind Scotland’s legendary castles, from the picture-perfect Eilean Donan Castle, set where three lochs meet, to the evocative ruins of Urquhart Castle on the banks of the mysterious Loch Ness.
  • Step back in time on the Island of Lismore, where a local resident, geologist and artist will share what it’s like to live on this remote island and reveal the secrets of its ancient rocks and rural life.
  • Take a scenic cruise across Loch Coruisk, a narrow, inky blue freshwater lake surrounded on three sides by the dramatic Cuillin Mountains. Keep your eyes open for seals as you sail – or perhaps a kelpie.
  • Stay in top-quality accommodation, including a loch-side hotel at Port Appin, a former hunting lodge on Skye and a splendid Georgian mansion in the Highlands. Dinner at your hotel is included each evening.
  • Group size 6 to 10.



Overview

Immerse yourself in the dramatic beauty of Scotland on this six-day, five-night adventure. Starting in Edinburgh or London, you’ll travel to the Highlands and the Isle of Skye, experiencing the region’s landscapes, culture, history and geology.  

As part of a small group, you’ll see the most spectacular castles and famous sights of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye. Your Scottish Tour Leader, Ali Motion, breathes life into their history with her trove of stories and anecdotes, while our guest guide, Dr Noelle Odling – an artist and a geologist – spends a day showing you daily life on her home island of Lismore. As you learn about the region’s deep-time origins and fascinating human influences, the sense of awe you feel is sure to intensify even more. 

 

Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye tour activities 

Highlights of your Isle of Skye vacation package include boat trips to secluded lochs, a visit to the famous Talisker whisky distillery and short walks in sweeping glens with beautiful and atmospheric views. This is the Scotland everyone dreams about. 

As you explore, our experts will layer the tour with fascinating stories rooted in the geographical, geological and human history of Scotland. 

Accommodation on your Scotland & Isle of Skye vacation 

Between outings, you’ll stay in comfort at three of GeoCultura’s favourite Good Hotel Guide-recommended hotels, all with excellent a la carte dinners, scenic locations and a warm welcome after a day’s touring. 


Start/finish

Your tour starts and finishes in Edinburgh, Scotland. New for 2025, option to start from London with return rail travel to Edinburgh. See ‘Need to know’ section for details. 


Activity Level

Leisurely to Moderate, with a range of walks and hikes across the Scottish landscape between 1 and 3 miles long, with a slightly longer optional hike on Day 3 (view our activity level definitions). This tour also includes boarding a boat via a ramped pier.


Transport
  • Getting there: The tour will start in Edinburgh. 
  • Getting around: Luxury minibus; taxi; passenger boat. Rail travel from Inverness to Edinburgh on Day 5 is included.


Weather
The Isle of Skye’s weather is generally cool to warm throughout spring, summer and autumn, but there can often be a risk of rain. Skye has changeable weather (there’s a good, weather-based reason it’s known as the Misty Isle) but we find that this often enhances its craggy landscape – and therefore your experience – and won’t affect our itinerary.


Accommodation
  • Two nights at The Pierhouse Hotel, Port Appin, a welcoming restaurant with rooms with exceptional views and a menu rich in local seafood options.
  • Two nights at Cuillin Hills Hotel, Portree, on Skye, with one of the views of the island’s landscape and mountains.
  • Final night at Coul House Hotel, Strathpeffer, a welcoming 18th-century mansion.
  • A la carte dinner is included at the hotels 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