Scotland Highlands Tours

The Scottish Highlands are a world of postcard views, dramatic peaks, and haunting ruins. They’re alive with stories older than empires. Join our small-group highland tours and go beyond the scenery, into lochs, legends, castles, and glens filled with tales your driver-guide brings to life.

What’s Included On A Highland Tour?

The Highlands span thousands of square miles, each region offering its own character and stories. Each specific tour provides different views, but here's what you can expect to discover:

Glencoe Tours: Scotland's most dramatic valley, where steep mountains frame a glen steeped in clan history. You’ll see the site of the 1692 massacre, the Three Sisters peaks rising, and stunning viewpoints, including the Meeting of Three Waters.

Loch Ness & the Great Glen: Scotland's most famous loch, home to the legendary Nessie. You’ll experience the Urquhart Castle ruins, Fort Augustus with its scenic canal locks and charming village atmosphere, and the geological fault line that slices Scotland in two. Take a look at our Loch Ness tours for opportunities to search for the monster.

Cairngorms National Park: Britain's largest national park showcasing Scotland's wildest landscapes. Explore the Ancient Caledonian pine forests, home to rare wildlife, and the mountain plateaus that reach over 4,000 feet, as well as charming villages like Aviemore, Tomintoul, and Carrbridge.

Isle of Skye Tours: The Misty Isle with its jagged Cuillin mountains and dramatic coastline. Experience the Old Man of Storr, a striking rock formation visible for miles, Fairy Pools with their crystal-clear mountain waters, Quiraing's rocky pinnacles and hidden plateaus, and the harbour town of Portree.

West Highlands: See stunning sea lochs like Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven, Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland's most photographed fortress, coastal villages and working harbours, as well as views across the Inner Hebrides islands. As well, you’ll see The Road to the Isles passing the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express bridge).

Speyside & the Scotland Whisky Tour: With over 50 malt whisky distilleries producing Scotland's finest drams, we can’t have a highlands tour without whisky. See rolling hills, forests, and the River Spey, as well as charming distillery towns offering tastings and tours, and the Speyside Cooperage, where barrels are crafted by hand.

North Coast 500 Route: Scotland's answer to Route 66, circling the northern Highlands. With remote beaches featuring white sand and turquoise waters, dramatic coastal cliffs and sea stacks, and tiny crofting communities that preserve Highland traditions.

Orkney Tours & the Northern Isles: Prehistoric sites older than Stonehenge, including Skara Brahe. Explore Viking heritage and Norse place names, dramatic coastal scenery and abundant seabird colonies, the Italian Chapel, a remarkable WWII legacy, and standing stones and ancient burial chambers.

Outer Hebrides: Remote islands with Gaelic culture still thriving, pristine beaches, and Traditional blackhouses showing historic island life. Experience Harris Tweed weaving, local craftsmanship, and the mysterious Callanish Standing Stones.

Take a look at our Scotland tours for more options.

What Is The Best Tour Of The Scottish Highlands?

Our most popular Highland tour is the Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands day tour, departing from Edinburgh or Glasgow. It combines the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, the mystery of Loch Ness, and the wild beauty of the Highlands in one unforgettable day. For extended adventures, the 3-day Isle of Skye tour ventures deeper into Highland landscapes and across to Scotland's most dramatic island.

For more, take a look at our Best Scottish Highland Tours.

What Landscapes Will I See In The Highlands?

The Highlands don’t do subtle. Vast moorlands stretch to the horizon, mountains rise sharply against shifting skies, and deep lochs shimmer with reflected weather. Ancient Caledonian forests shelter red deer and pine martens. Coastal cliffs meet storm-tossed seas. Everywhere, the light plays tricks, turning the familiar into something mythical.

On our small-group tours, you’ll have time to truly experience these landscapes, not just glance at them through a coach window.

What Is The Prettiest Village In The Scottish Highlands?

There is no single answer, as there are a few beautiful villages, all with their own story. Plockton, with its palm trees and waterfront setting, consistently charms visitors. Dunkeld, nestled in Perthshire with its cathedral and riverside walks, captures Highland elegance. Fort Augustus, sitting at the southern tip of Loch Ness, combines canal-side beauty with monster-hunting opportunities. Ullapool's whitewashed buildings and harbour views make it a favourite on the North Coast 500 route.

On our tours, your driver-guide will introduce you to charming communities along the way, sharing local history and recommendations. Learn more about What We Love About Scotland's NC500 Route.

Which Highland Castles Can I Visit?

Highland castles are storytellers in stone, shaped by siege, rebellion, and clan rivalry.

• Urquhart Castle: overlooking Loch Ness, with ruins that reveal centuries of conflict.

• Eilean Donan Castle: perhaps Scotland’s most photographed fortress, guarding the meeting of three lochs.

• Dunrobin Castle: a fairytale palace offering a window into Highland aristocratic life.

Many tours include castle visits or viewpoints, and your driver-guide will share the tales of blood, betrayal, and bravery that shaped these strongholds. Castle enthusiasts can immerse themselves fully in our four-day Scottish Castles Experience.

Can I Experience Highland Wildlife On Your Tours?

Absolutely! The Highlands are a sanctuary for Britain’s most iconic wildlife.

• Red deer roam the glens

• Golden eagles soar above remote ridges

• Red squirrels dart through ancient pines

• Seals bask on rocky shores

• Dolphins and whales appear in coastal waters

While sightings can’t be guaranteed, your driver-guide knows the best spots and keeps a keen eye out. The wilder and more remote your route, the better your chances of unforgettable encounters. For more, take a look at our collection of Scotland wildlife tours.

What's Special About Highland Hospitality?

There's a reason the Scots have a reputation for warmth. In Highland villages and remote inns, you’ll find genuine welcomes, hearty meals, and cafés serving home baking that tastes like someone’s gran made it. People are proud of their communities and love sharing local tips, stories, and a good dose of humour.

Our tours also support local businesses, from whisky distilleries to coastal seafood shacks, so you enjoy authentic experiences while helping Highland communities thrive.

How Long Do I Need To Explore The Scottish Highlands?

That depends on how deeply you want to venture:

• 1 day: A perfect introduction covering iconic locations such as Glencoe, Loch Ness, and classic Highland landscapes.

• 2–4 days: You can combine the mainland Highlands with island adventures, visit multiple whisky distilleries, or explore both the western and northern coasts.

• 5+ days: You can venture to Orkney's prehistoric sites, explore the remote Outer Hebrides, or tackle the legendary North Coast 500 route.

• 8–17 days: Combine the Highlands with Scotland's most spectacular islands, creating journeys that showcase the full diversity of Scottish landscapes and culture.

Quality beats quantity, and our small-group tours ensure you experience each destination fully. Take a look at our Best Single Day Adventures from Scottish Cities or plan your trip with the Top 10 Things to See in Scotland.

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit The Scottish Highlands?

There is no best time of year to travel, as every season brings its own magic to the Highlands:

• Spring: Wildflowers, fresh greenery, hillsides carpeted in purple heather, and baby animals.

• Summer: Long days, warmer weather, bright lochs, and great for wildlife.

• Autumn: Rich colours, quieter trails, and crisp air.

• Winter: Snow-capped peaks and cosy evenings.

Our tours run year-round, so choose the season that matches your interests. For more guidance, read our blog on the best places to visit in each season.

What Should I Bring On A Highland Tour?

Scotland's weather can be unpredictable, so layers are your friend. A waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and warm clothing are essential, even in the summer. The Highlands can be breezy, and mountain weather changes quickly.

For day tours, bring water, snacks, and any medications you need. Your camera will get a workout, so ensure it's charged. Binoculars enhance wildlife spotting. And cash comes in handy for small Highland cafés and attractions.

On multi-day tours, pack light as you'll be moving between accommodations. We allow 44lbs (20kg) of luggage per person. Check your specific tour details for any additional recommendations.

Where Do Your Highland Tours Depart From?

Our Highland tours depart from five Scottish cities, making it easy to explore the Highlands from wherever you're based:

• Tours from Edinburgh: Edinburgh serves as the perfect gateway to the Highlands.

• Tours from Glasgow: Glasgow offers tours into the Highlands, each showcasing different aspects of this magnificent region.

• Tours from Inverness: Already in the Highland capital? We offer tours departing from Inverness, putting you right in the heart of Highland country.

• Tours from Aberdeen: These tours showcase the eastern Highlands and beyond.

Tours from Aviemore: Based in the heart of the Cairngorms? You can explore Scotland's malt whisky heartland amid spectacular mountain scenery.

Learn more about our Departure Points here.

Why Tour The Scottish Highlands With Us?

With groups capped at 16 passengers, you’re never lost in a crowd. Our comfortable mini-coaches reach the scenic back roads big buses can’t, and our driver-guides are storytellers who bring each glen and loch to life.

We're also committed to responsible travel. By supporting local businesses, taking scenic back roads, and limiting group sizes, we help preserve the places we love while ensuring you experience the authentic Highlands. For every tonne of carbon we use, we donate £10 to environmental and community projects.

Have any questions or need any help? Take a look at our FAQs or contact us; our team would love to hear from you!

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