Some places are just too vast and beautiful to cram all it has to offer in one day, and bonnie Scotland is no exception! So what better way to take in the mesmerizing sights of the scenic highlands than a multiday tour from Edinburgh?
Whether you want to explore mountains, beaches, historical castles, vast lochs, quaint little coastal villages, and a whisky tour or two – we’ve got you covered!
Behold – the best five-day Scotland tours from Edinburgh that are sure to include everything on your Scottish bucket list, and so much more!
Read More: 10 Day Scotland Road Trip: The ULTIMATE Itinerary
5 Day Scotland Tours Table of Contents
- Highland Explorer: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour
- Rabbies: Iona, Mull & the Isle of Skye 5-Day Tour
- Highland Experience: 5-Day Best of Scotland Experience from Edinburgh
- Heart of Scotland: 5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland
- Haggis Adventures: Five-Day Highland Fling
- Pin 5-Day Scotland Tours from Edinburgh
Highland Explorer: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour
- From £829 pp
- Drive through the majestic Highland scenery
- Stay in the scenic towns of Oban and Inverness
- Ride the stunning Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William
- Enjoy a Whisky Tasting by sampling the ‘Water of Life’
- Learn the fascinating history of the Highland Clans and their last stand at Culloden
This five-day Highlands tour allows you to travel through the countryside of Scotland and covers the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and Inverness. Not only that, but you’ll get to ride the infamous (and super-glamorous) Jacobite steam train, see Eilean Castle, cross historic Rannoch Moor, learn about the old Scottish fight for independence, enjoy a whisky tasting experience, and so much more.
You will depart from the historic city of Edinburgh and head to the Kelpies, where you will get your first taste of the highlands by passing through Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and on to the fishing port of Oban, where you’ll stay overnight.
This trip will also allow you to jump aboard the Jacobite steam train from Fort William, which will cross the iconic viaduct featured in the movies, where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands.
Next, you’ll take a ferry to Skye, where you can explore its striking cliffs and mountains, before driving north to your overnight destination, which will also be on the beautiful Isle of Skye.
You’ll get to explore more of the mysterious island that’s famous for its awe-inspiring mountains, myths, and legends, before returning to the mainland to view Eilean Donan Castle and then wind your way along the Great Glen to the one and only Loch Ness. Will you get a glimpse of Nessie?!
Read More: Practical Tips for Taking Pictures of Scotland
Rabbies: Iona, Mull & the Isle of Skye 5-Day Tour
- From £415 pp
- Walks
- Ferry/optional boat trip
- Abbeys and castles
- Gaelic Culture
- Lochs
- Mountains
- Trossachs National Park
Here at Voyaging Herbivore, we love a Rabbies tour!
The Scottish isles are some of the most mysterious and beautiful in the world, so if you’re looking for a peaceful and cultural five-day break to the remote parts of this other-worldly country, this tour is the one for you.
You’ll start your beautiful five-day Scotland tour from Edinburgh by traveling north from Edinburgh past Stirling Castle and to the region of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where you’ll explore the stunning mountains of the West Highlands and the magnificent whitewashed 18th-century town of Inveraray, home of the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll. You’ll then head to the heart of Argyll, before arriving in the lively town of Oban for the first two nights.
There’s also the opportunity to take a small boat for an (optional) trip to the island of Staffa and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalized by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture “Fingal’s Cave”. Plus, it’s one of the best places to see puffins in Scotland and is where the puffin photos in this article were taken!
Read the Complete Guide on Puffins here: Puffins in Scotland: Where, When & How to See Them
The next day you’ll ramble north along the west coast around Appin, passing the infamous Castle Stalker. Next, you head to the gorgeous Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks, and you’ll get to learn all about the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years….
You can ascend the Quiraing along Trotternish Ridge and be rewarded with spectacular views. Alternatively, you could drink in the scenery at Loch Corruisk or drive through the dramatic Red Cuillin to the little hamlet of Elgol.
In Perthshire, you stop for a bit to eat before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Firth of Forth.
@voyagingherbivore Day 1: Leave Edinburgh and head to the Isle of Mull with stops in Callander and Glen Coe before catching two ferries to get to Mull. Finish the day in Tobermory, your home base for the next few days. Day 2: Catch a boat to the Isle of Staffa to see puffins and Fingal’s Cave. If you have time, take the ferry to Iona to explore the Abbey. Day 3: Head to Dervaig to see stunning views and take a walk. Spend the afternoon exploring Tobermory or walking further afield. Day 4: Take the ferry to Oban, whale watching along the way! Finish the drive back to Edinburgh. We took this incredible tour with a company so no one had to drive and we could all enjoy the views – more details at the link in my bio! Follow @voyagingherbivore for more Scotland travel tips. #scotland #lovescotland #instascotland #thisisscotland #hiddenscotland #scotlandsbeauty #igersscotland #loves_scotland #scotlandlover #explorescotland #scotland_greatshots #scotland_insta #igscotland #scotlandisnow #scotlandexplore #scotlandhighlands #unlimitedscotland #scotlandshots #scotlandtravel #scotlandphotography #mull #isleofmull #iona #staffa ♬ original sound – Alysa
Highland Experience: 5-Day Best of Scotland Experience from Edinburgh
- From £650 pp
- 4 nights of accommodation
- Professional guide
- Transport by air-conditioned mini-bus
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel pickup and drop off at the beginning and end of the tour
The ultimate tour for taking in all that scenic Scotland has to offer.
Get a comprehensive look at Scotland during this 5-day journey through its rugged and rural landscapes. Travel through the Lowlands, Northern Highlands, West Coast, and the Isle of Skye, including a stop at Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle.
This trips offers overnight stays in Oban and Loch Ness, and a 2-night stay on the Isle of Skye, with daily breakfast included, a 5-day tour of Scotland’s highlights, departing from Edinburgh Journey through beauty spots such as Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Visit famous sights including Kilmartin Glen, Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Culloden Battlefield – all of the most famous and historical Scottish locations packed into five fantastic, fun-filled days!
See a multitude of rural landscapes on this 5-day Scotland and Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh by traveling with a small group in the comfort of a minivan, which comes with a personalized commentary from an expert guide, who will detail the sights. Visit Scottish glens, mountain peaks, lochs, and mysterious castles along a vividly scenic route.
Oh, and we almost forgot – you’ll get to learn how whisky is made and taste the finished product in Dalwhinnie. (Dalwhinnie may be substituted for another distillery on the day).
Heart of Scotland: 5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland
- From £ 330-£395 pp
- Average group size of around 12
- Culloden Battlefield and Clava standing stone circles
- Loch Ness and Inverness
- Achmelvich beach
- Unique Highland landscape of Assynt
- Eilean Donan Castle
- Isle of Skye full day tour
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
This classic five-day tour showcases the best of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. From dazzling white beaches, with crystal-clear water, to the moody mountain landscapes of Skye and Assynt, this Grand Tour will make you feel like a Highlander, born and bred!
As part of a small tour group in the Wee Red Bus, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy world-famous sights like Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle, as well as some hidden gems that many tourists never get to see.
Famous mountains such as Suilven and Stac Pollaidh are never far from view, and there can be few more scenic roads in the country than that from Badnagyle to Lochinver, where you will stop for lunch, before heading onto stunning Achmelvich beach to enjoy the wild coastline and beautiful glossy sands.
There’s an option to take a one-hour boat trip with views of Urquhart Castle, or alternatively, you can choose to spend time at the loch-side village of Drumnadrochit for souvenir shopping and/or a visit to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.
Haggis Adventures: Five-Day Highland Fling
- From £369 pp
- 4 nights hostel multi-share accommodation
- Legendary local HAGGiS Guide
- All transport and ferry crossings
- Highland whisky tasting
A highland fling?! Ooo-err!
Explore the vast wilderness and magical sights of Scotland with a five-day trip, decamping from Edinburgh and heading first to Oban to learn all about the bloody history that happened behind the walls of the Castle, before then heading to the iconic Glencoe. Enjoy fresh seafood in the bustling coastal town of Oban in the evening, and maybe even a nip of local whisky to warm the cockles!
Next you’ll visit the Isle of Skye, but not before catching glimpses of Ben Nevis and the Glenfinnan Viaduct (made famous as the journey to Hogwarts!). Enjoy an evening of festivities and local food in Portree.
Next stop – Inverness! Learn all about the Celtic myths that lace the land of Inverness, which include tales of Vikings, faeries, and ancient monarchs. You’ll then return to the mainland in the evening, but not before making a pitstop at the one and only Loch Ness!
This trip also includes Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, and Beauly. You’ll also get to visit the Highland Folk Museum too. Before you head back to Edinburgh on the last day, you’ll get to toast your fabulous experience with a whisky tasting experience!
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