5-Day Isle of Skye, Oban, St Andrews and North West Highlands Tour

Edinburgh , Scotland

5-Day Isle of Skye, Oban, St Andrews and North West Highlands Tour

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(86 reviews)

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Breathtaking scenery, beautiful Highland lochs, mountains and glens, ancient castles and historical sites, large vibrant cities and stunning locations. In 5 days we’ll show you all of these plus more of this wee country than any other tour of its length. All lead by your The Hairy Coo Guide.

Be amazed by the landscapes on this tour. From the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and ancient standing stones of Kilmartin to Oban. We will take you to beautiful Glencoe, Glenfinnan and the Great Glen. Tour a Scotch whisky distillery, ancient castles, Loch Ness and spend a night on the Isle of Skye. Take a seal spotting cruise on Loch Carron, and step back millions of years among the geological wonders of Scotland’s far North West Highlands.

Delve into the Jacobite Rebellions at Culloden Battlefield and locations from Outlander, Harry Potter and James Bond. Stroll across the world famous links of St Andrews Old Course and wander among the buildings of Scotland’s oldest University.

Available options

5-Day Isle of Skye, Oban, St Andrews and North West Highlands Tour

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Regular Comfort Breaks

Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout

What's not included

Food & Drinks

Gratuities

Accommodation in Edinburgh, Oban, Portree or Inverness

Optional Extras, such as the Distillery Tour which is purchasable on tour.

Restroom on board

WiFi on board

Optional Seal Boat Tour

Optional Distillery Tour & Tasting

Museum of Island Life

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

81 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.

This is an active tour designed for the young at heart as there is active walking involved up to 1 hour at a couple of our stops, so it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.

This tour in an air-conditioned mini-coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board

No toilets on the bus

No WIFI

If you would like to research other places to stay, we would kindly ask that you use our city/town centre drop-off/pick-up points to check how far away your choice will be. Oban – Station Road, PA34 4LN Portree - Somerled Square, IV51 9BS Inverness - Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN We are more than happy to help with recommendations for accommodation please contact us directly for this. We recommend you do this urgently as accommodation does get booked up quickly. We strongly recommend that you make a dinner reservation in Portree if you would like to dine in a pub or restaurant as it can be very busy (you will arrive in Portree at approximately 18.30pm).

Luggage limit: 1x small bag and 1x medium suitcase weighing max 15kg (33 lbs) per passenger

Please note: there may be seasonal changes to the route and optional extras from November to March.

For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.

Meeting point

We meet in front of Burns Monument, at 1759 Regent Road, Edinburgh.
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CHECK-IN IS AT 8 AM, BUS DEPARTS AT 8:15 AM.

Important notes

- Edinburgh Check-In 8:00 AM Departs 8:15 AM PROMPT

We depart from 1759 Regent Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8DR, in front of Burns Monument. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined. If using Apple Maps, please reference the Burns Monument.

We are unable to wait for latecomers under any circumstances and there will be no refunds for missed tours. It is vitally important that if you are arriving at the departure point by taxi or local bus that you leave enough time to get there for the departure time.

Our morning on-call service is not available so we will not be contactable on the morning of departure. Most commonly asked questions are covered in our Essential Information/FAQ section of the website: https://www.thehairycoo.com/essential-info/

You will require 1 night in Oban (night 1), 1 night in Portree (night 2) & 2 nights in Inverness (nights 3&4). If you would like to research places to stay, we would ask that you use our central drop-off/pick-up points to check how far away your choice will be.

Oban - Station Road, PA34 4LN
Portree - Somerled Square, IV51 9BS
Inverness - 26 Queensgate, IV1 1DJ

We can email you a list of local providers we work with.

We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with a flexible cancellation policy. On occasion, our tours do get cancelled and re-scheduled so it is absolutely essential that you book accommodation that is fully cancellable.

The Hairy Coo cannot be held liable for accommodation cancellation charges in the event of tour cancellation.
Once you have booked your accommodation, we ask you contact us before your departure with the address for our records.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture