5-Day Scotland Tour from Glasgow: Skye, Oban & Loch Ness
Visit Oban, Glencoe, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness on a small-group tour, finishing in Edinburgh
- Max 16 travellers
- Storytelling guides
- 25% deposit
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- More time at each stopFive days from Glasgow to Argyll, Glencoe, Skye, Loch Ness and the Highlands, so the long drives are broken up.
- Two nights on SkyeYou stay in Portree, with a full day to explore the north and west of the island.
- Storytelling guidesStanding stones, clan castles, Glencoe and Culloden, with the stories behind them from a guide who walks the stops with you.
“I booked the 5 day trip to the Highlands and Isle of Skye and what a magical trip! All the stops, locations and landscapes were spectacular …”
A 5-day Scotland tour from Glasgow: Kilmartin, Oban, Glencoe, Skye and Loch Ness
Start beside Loch Lomond, less than an hour from Glasgow. On this five-day Isle of Skye tour from Glasgow, you explore the standing stones of Kilmartin Glen, spend a night in Oban and travel through Glencoe before two nights in Portree on the Isle of Skye.
A full island day takes you to the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Dunvegan Castle and the Fairy Glen. Then it’s Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness and a night in Inverness, with Culloden, the Cairngorms and The Hermitage on the way to Edinburgh, where the tour finishes.
Comparing routes? See all our multi-day tours from Glasgow: 3, 5 and 7 days to Skye, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides.
- Duration5 days4 nights: Oban, Skye ×2, Inverness
- DepartsGlasgow, 8:30amfinishes in Edinburgh approx. 7–8pm, Day 5
- Group sizeMax 16small scheduled group
- Ages12+younger? ask about a private tour
- WalkingShort walksup to about 1 hour, uneven paths
- GuideStorytelling expert guidehistory, folklore, the best viewpoints
The guide is the part people remember
Over five days, you get to know your guide and the rest of the group. Our guides are storytellers first, with the stories of the people who raised the standing stones of Kilmartin Glen, the Glencoe Massacre, Skye’s legends of giants and fairies, and Culloden, the last battle of the Jacobite Rising.
- They walk the stops with you. Your guide leads the walks, so you’re never left to work out where to go.
- Everyone’s included. Your guide makes sure everyone, including solo travellers, feels part of the group from the first morning.
- They know the little things. Where to stand for the best photo at Eilean Donan, and when to eat so you’re not rushed.
“Our guide, John Macrae, had an amazing knowledge of Scottish history … The van was frequently rolling with laughter because of his cracking sense of humour.”
Your 5-day Scotland itinerary from Glasgow: Oban, Skye and the Highlands
Route map: Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Inveraray, Kilmartin Glen, Oban, Glencoe, the Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden, the Cairngorms and on to Edinburgh, where the tour finishes.
Route shown is approximate. Your guide may change the order of stops or the roads taken on the day, depending on weather, traffic and road conditions.
Day 1Glasgow to Oban
Loch Lomond · Luss · Inveraray · Kilmartin Glen · Oban
Meet your guide in Glasgow and head for Loch Lomond and Argyll.
- Loch Lomond & Luss
Your first stop, less than an hour from Glasgow. Walk round the village of Luss and down to the shore for the views across Loch Lomond.
Guide tip Look out to the islands on the loch. One of them is home to a rather unexpected creature: ask your guide which island, and what lives there.
- Inveraray
A historic town on the banks of Loch Fyne, with time to visit Inveraray Castle (admission extra) or explore the town.
Winter change: Inveraray Castle is closed from 26 October 2026 until the end of March 2027. On tours between those dates we stop in Inveraray town instead, and you can still see the castle from the bridge on the way into town.
- Kilmartin Glen
Standing stones and burial cairns spanning thousands of years, in one of Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscapes.
- Oban
The harbour town known as the Gateway to the Isles, for your first night.
Day 2Oban to the Isle of Skye
Kilchurn Castle · Loch Awe · Glencoe · Skye Bridge · Portree
From the west coast through Glencoe and the western Highlands to Skye.
- Kilchurn Castle & Loch Awe
The ruins of a Campbell stronghold beside Loch Awe, in one of the most photographed settings in the Highlands.
- Glencoe
Your guide introduces Glencoe’s landscapes and tells the story of the Glencoe Massacre of 1692, with a stop for the views of the mountains.
- Fort William & the Skye Bridge
Pass beneath Ben Nevis, then cross the Skye Bridge as your guide introduces the island.
- Portree
Your base for two nights. There’s time to explore the colourful harbour and the waterfront.
Guide tip In summer, book dinner well ahead, as Portree’s restaurants fill up. Fish and chips by the harbour is an easy plan B.
Day 3A full day on the Isle of Skye
Dunvegan Castle · Old Man of Storr · Kilt Rock · Duntulm · Fairy Glen
The most active day of the trip, exploring the north and west of the island.
- Dunvegan Castle
The seat of Clan MacLeod, with generations of history inside and gardens to explore.
Winter closure: Dunvegan Castle is closed from 16 October to 31 March. On tours between those dates you won’t be able to go inside the castle or gardens. From 1 April to 15 October, entry is paid separately.
- Old Man of Storr
One of the more demanding walks on the tour, and the views make the effort worth it. Go as far up the path as you like.
Guide tip Wear boots with good grip and bring a waterproof jacket. The path can be muddy and the weather changes quickly.
- Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
A short stop, but a dramatic one: basalt cliffs and a waterfall dropping straight towards the sea.
- Duntulm Castle
Ruins on Skye’s northern coast, with the castle’s history and legends from your guide.
- Fairy Glen
Miniature-looking hills and winding paths in one of Skye’s most unusual landscapes.
Guide tip Leave the roadside and explore the formations on foot. The best views are from the paths.
Weather and road conditions can change the exact route.
Day 4Skye to Inverness via Loch Ness
Skye Bridge · Eilean Donan · Loch Ness · Urquhart Castle · Inverness
Cross back to the mainland and head east to Loch Ness and the Highland capital.
- Eilean Donan Castle
One of Scotland’s most recognisable castles, on its own island where three lochs meet.
Guide tip Get your photo from the viewpoint first, then go in if you’d like to.
Entry not included
Closed dates: Eilean Donan Castle is closed throughout January and on 1, 7, 8 and 15 November and 4 December 2026 and 14 February 2027, and it can close at short notice for private events. On those dates you’ll still see the castle from the shore, but you can’t go inside.
- Loch Ness
Travel along Scotland’s most famous loch, with the chance to see it from the water on a cruise.
Cruise optional, paid separately; availability can vary
- Urquhart Castle
The ruins of Urquhart Castle on their promontory above Loch Ness, with one of the classic views across the loch.
Entry not included
- Inverness
The capital of the Highlands, for your last night of the tour.
Day 5Inverness to Edinburgh
Culloden · Cairngorms · Aviemore · Highland whisky · The Hermitage
The journey south through the Highlands. The tour finishes in Edinburgh, not Glasgow.
- Culloden Battlefield
Where the last battle of the Jacobite Rising was fought in 1746. Your guide tells the story of the battle and what came after.
Paid Culloden experiences not included
- Aviemore & the Cairngorms
Head south through Cairngorms National Park, with a stop in Aviemore.
- Highland whisky stop
An optional Highland whisky tasting, paid on the day if you’d like one.
- The Hermitage
A woodland walk beside the River Braan to the Black Linn Falls, the last stop before the tour finishes in Edinburgh.
The itinerary is a guide and can change with weather, road conditions, seasonal closures or attraction availability.
Is this tour right for you?
A great fit if
- You want to see Skye and the Highlands from Glasgow without driving yourself, at a steadier pace.
- You’d like more than Skye: Argyll’s standing stones, Oban, Loch Ness and Culloden.
- You’re travelling solo and want to be part of a small group from the first morning.
- You like to get out and walk, especially on the Skye day.
Think again if
- You’re short on time. The 3-day Skye tour covers Skye, Glencoe and Loch Ness.
- You’d like to add the Outer Hebrides. The 7-day Skye & Outer Hebrides tour adds Lewis and Harris.
- You have limited mobility, or you’re travelling with children under 12. A private tour can be planned around you.
What travellers say about this Skye tour
Google reviews from guests on our 5-day Skye tour.
I booked the 5 day trip to the Highlands and Isle of Skye and what a magical trip! All the stops, locations and landscapes were spectacular (thanks to a sunny and dry weather!). Jim, our guide, is an exceptional guide who accompanied us in all activities from start to finish… His deep knowledge of the history of Scotland, Highlands and the Isle of Skye, filled with great stories and jokes, made this journey unforgettable.
I can’t say enough positive remarks about this tour. Jim was FANTASTIC! So accommodating, knowledgeable about the history and culture and just a cool guy to travel with. We did the 5 day isle of skye and it didn’t disappoint… Small tours so you really get the attention and camaraderie. Excellent! Thanks Jim!!!!
I did the 5 day Isle of Skye tour with them and it was the perfect length. We only had 4 people which was also great. Georgie, our guide, was super knowledgeable and added a ton to our tour. You see so much on the five day tour and still have time at each stop.
Accommodation: four nights in Oban, Skye and Inverness, not included
Four nights along the route: one in Oban, two in Portree on the Isle of Skye and one in Inverness. Accommodation isn’t included in the tour price, so you choose how to arrange it.
Let us arrange it
- We arrange each stay after your tour booking is confirmed, and send you the details and total price.
- Twin, double, single or family rooms with trusted partners in all three places; breakfast is normally included.
Book your own
- Contact us before you reserve so we can confirm the right areas.
- Your accommodation should normally be within about 3 km of the group's location, for morning collection and evening drop-off.
| B&B, double or twin room shared with your travel companion | £80–£110 per person per night |
| B&B, single room | £100–£160 per night |
| Hotel, double or twin room shared with your travel companion | £100–£160 per person per night |
| Hotel, single room | £155–£255 per night |
These prices are a guide only. They change with the season, demand, special events and how close to departure you book, so we can't guarantee them.
Solo travellers: when we arrange accommodation, we aim for a single room. If availability is limited, we may offer a shared twin with a traveller of the same gender, so tell us beforehand if you'd rather not. Accommodation questions: info@scotlandswild.com
What's included, and what the trip costs
Included
- Expert Scotland's Wild guide for all five days
- Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
- A full touring day on the Isle of Skye
- Guided short walks and active sightseeing stops
- Highland scenery, stories, myths and legends
- Small group, maximum 16 travellers
Not included
- Four nights' accommodation (see above)
- Meals and snacks
- Loch Ness cruise (optional)
- Eilean Donan Castle entry (closed in January and on some winter dates)
- Urquhart Castle entry
- Dunvegan Castle & Gardens entry (closed 16 October – 31 March)
- Inveraray Castle admission (optional, when the castle is open)
- Paid Culloden experiences and the Highland whisky tasting
Your trip at a glance
- Tour
- From £444 per person
- Pay today
- From £111 per person (25% deposit). The balance is taken 15 days before departure.
- Four nights: Oban, Skye ×2, Inverness
- Not included. Typically from around £80 per person a night for a double or twin B&B room shared with your travel companion; single rooms and hotels cost more. We can arrange it, or you book your own.
- Optional extras
- Castle entry (Dunvegan, Eilean Donan and Urquhart, plus Inveraray when open), the Loch Ness cruise, Culloden, the whisky tasting, meals and snacks.
3, 5 or 7 days on Skye?
All three tours spend a full day exploring Skye with a small group. The longer tours add more places and a slower pace.
3 days
Skye’s highlights in a short trip
Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness, with two nights in Portree.
From £248 pp
See the 3-day Skye tour from Glasgow →5 days
A slower pace and more places
Adds Kilmartin Glen, a night in Oban, a night in Inverness and Culloden.
From £444 pp
7 days
The most time, and the islands
Adds the Outer Hebrides (Lewis & Harris), with the most time at each stop.
From £556 pp
See the 7-day tour from Glasgow →Good to know before you book
- The tour finishes in Edinburgh, not Glasgow. Day 5 ends outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8DT, at approx. 7–8pm. Plan your last night or onward travel from Edinburgh.
- It’s a road trip. Some days have long stretches of driving between stops, broken up with short walks and regular comfort stops. Your guide goes through each day’s plan in the morning.
- The Fairy Pools aren’t on this tour’s itinerary. They’re a stop on our 7-day tour. Please don’t book this tour for the Fairy Pools alone.
- Some castles close in winter. Inveraray Castle, Dunvegan Castle and Eilean Donan Castle all have closed periods: see the itinerary for the dates.
- Rain doesn’t stop the day. Bring a waterproof jacket. Glencoe and Skye can be even more dramatic in the rain.
Where to meet your guide in Glasgow
17 Killermont Street
Outside Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, G2 3NX
Please arrive by 8:15am. Scheduled tours leave on time and can’t wait for late guests. The meeting point is beside Buchanan Bus Station, outside the Royal Concert Hall (not inside the bus station). The tour finishes in Edinburgh, outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8DT, on Day 5.
- Check-in8:15amplease arrive by then
- Departs8:30amtours leave on time
- Finishesapprox. 7–8pmin Edinburgh, Day 5
5-day Scotland tour from Glasgow: your questions
Is 5 days enough for Skye and the Highlands?
Yes. Five days gives you a full day on Skye, plus Kilmartin Glen, Oban, Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Inverness and Culloden, without rushing. If you have less time, the 3-day Skye tour from Glasgow covers the island’s highlights.
How much time do I spend on the Isle of Skye?
You arrive on Day 2, spend Day 3 exploring the island and leave on Day 4. That’s two nights in Portree and a full day for Dunvegan, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Duntulm and the Fairy Glen.
What does the 5-day tour cost?
From £444 per adult (25% deposit, balance 15 days before departure). Prices vary by departure date. Accommodation is booked separately, and we can arrange it.
Is there a youth price?
Yes. Travellers aged 12 to 17 pay a youth price, from £419, and must travel with an adult. The calendar shows the youth price for your dates when you choose your travellers.
Is accommodation included?
No. Your four nights aren’t included in the tour price: one in Oban, two on the Isle of Skye and one in Inverness. We can arrange rooms with trusted partners, or you can book your own after checking the right areas with us.
Where will I stay during the four nights?
In Oban, Portree on the Isle of Skye, and Inverness. Exact properties vary with availability and departure date. If you book your own, contact us first: it should normally be within about 3 km of the group’s location.
When does the tour run?
In 2027 it departs on Sundays from April to October, with a few departures in winter. The calendar shows every available date.
How far ahead should I book?
Summer dates fill first. If you’re travelling between May and September, book as early as you can.
Is this tour good for solo travellers?
Yes. You’ll be part of a small group from the first morning, and if we arrange your accommodation, we aim for a single room.
Do you visit the Fairy Pools?
No, the Fairy Pools aren’t on this tour’s itinerary. They’re a stop on our 7-day Skye & Outer Hebrides tour from Glasgow.
How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 16 travellers on every scheduled departure.
Will the tour run if only a few people book?
Each departure needs at least 4 travellers to run. If we have to cancel your tour for any reason, we’ll offer you another tour or a full refund.
Does this tour run in winter?
There are a few winter departures. Days are shorter, and snow or ice can close Highland roads, so your guide may change the route or timings, with safety first. Inveraray Castle is closed from 26 October 2026 until the end of March 2027, Dunvegan Castle from 16 October to 31 March, and Eilean Donan Castle throughout January.
What is the cancellation policy?
16 or more days before departure: 90% refund of the total tour cost. 15 days or less before departure, or a no-show: 100% of the tour cost is payable. Full terms & conditions.
Does the tour return to Glasgow?
No. It’s a one-way journey from Glasgow to Edinburgh. The tour finishes outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8DT, at approx. 7–8pm on Day 5, so plan your last night or onward travel from Edinburgh.
Can I take this 5-day tour from Edinburgh instead?
Yes. The same 5-day tour starts in Edinburgh at 7:30am and also finishes in Edinburgh.
Which attraction tickets aren’t included?
The Loch Ness cruise, Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Inveraray Castle (optional), paid Culloden experiences and the Highland whisky tasting.
Where and when does the tour start and finish?
Check in by 8:15am at 17 Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NX, outside Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and beside Buchanan Bus Station, for an 8:30am departure. The tour finishes in Edinburgh, outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8DT, at approximately 7–8pm on Day 5; traffic and weather can affect this, so avoid tightly timed onward travel. Glasgow departure information.
How much walking is there?
Short walks are built into every day. You should be comfortable walking for up to about an hour on uneven ground; paths can be rough, wet or muddy. Walks are optional if you’d rather stay by the vehicle.
What if the weather is bad?
Rain alone never cancels a tour. Safety comes first, so your guide may change the route, timings or individual stops if weather, road or attraction closures require it.
What should I bring?
Waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, warm layers, hat and gloves in colder months, midge repellent between April and September, and sun cream for bright days.
How much luggage can I bring?
One suitcase or travel bag up to 15 kg (33 lb), about 56 × 43 × 25 cm (22 × 17 × 10 in), plus a small personal bag. You need to be able to lift your own bag, and you may need to carry it between the vehicle and your accommodation. Luggage information.
Are meals included?
No. There are chances to buy food throughout the journey, and your guide will recommend places to eat. Evening restaurants on Skye may need booking ahead in busy periods.
Are there age limits?
The minimum age is 12. Travelling with younger children? Ask us about a private tour instead.
Are there regular bathroom breaks?
Yes. There are comfort stops throughout each day, and your guide will tell you when the next one is coming.
Ready for five days on Skye and the west coast?
Check live dates and prices, secure your place from £111 per person, and we’ll help with your four nights’ accommodation.
Questions first? Call +44 131 241 8292 (7am to 9pm UK time, every day) or email info@scotlandswild.com.
Prefer to start in Edinburgh? The same tour departs from Edinburgh →
Not sure how many days? Compare all Isle of Skye tours (3, 5 or 7 days) →
