Scotland and Isle of Skye vacation package: 6-day guided tour
- Duration: 6 Days (approx.)
- Location: Edinburgh
- Product code: T038
Highlights
- Photograph the incredible landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye as you learn about their deep-time origins and fascinating human influences.
- Explore hidden lochs and view towering peaks in the company of two Tour Leaders who are experts in history, geology, and photography.
- Enjoy a visit to a whisky distillery as well as a whisky tasting evening with a local expert.
- Stay in top-quality accommodation and experience a true taste of Scotland with dinner included each evening.
- Travel from Edinburgh by first-class rail and luxury mini coach as part of this small group exclusive tour (maximum 12 guests).
Overview
Immerse yourself in the breath-taking beauty of Scotland on this six-day, five-night adventure. Starting in Edinburgh, 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. Our Scottish Tour leader, Ali Motion, breathes life into their history with her trove of stories and anecdotes, while professional photographer Alex Hare shows you how to capture striking photographs to treasure.
Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye tour activities
Highlights of your Scotland tour include boat trips to secluded lochs, a visit to the famous Talisker whisky distillery, short walks in sweeping glens with beautiful and atmospheric views, and bespoke creative tips from GeoCultura’s photography expert, Alex Hare.
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As you explore, our experts will layer the tour with fascinating stories rooted in the geographical, geological, and human history of Scotland.
Capturing your Scotland & Isle of Skye vacation
Keen amateur photographers will have the opportunity to join Alex on an early morning trip to catch the sunrise at spectacular locations, and embark on evening outings for Scotland’s renowned sunsets.
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 1st class 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. First-class rail 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