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2026

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Who is travelling?

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From
US $512 per person

5 Day Ultimate Highland Adventure

Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
5 days
From Inverness to Bannockburn
4.9 (1,025 reviews)
From
US $512 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Jul
Aug
Sep
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2027

Jan
Feb
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May
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Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Jul
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
City & Culture
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity
Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 27
Ages 18-39
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Edinburgh to Inverness

    Edinburgh to Inverness
    Start point
    15 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW (Please check in at Castle Rock Hostel from 8.30 for a 9am departure, 09:00)

    Included Activities

    • Cross the Forth Bridges
    • Forest walk in Dunkeld
    • Visit Culloden
    • Swim in Loch Ness

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Hermitage/Killiecrankie
    • Visit Clava Cairns
    Landmarks
    Forth Bridges
    Hermitage/Killiecrankie
    Culloden
    Clava Cairns
    Loch Ness
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  2. Day 2

    Inverness to Isle of Skye

    Inverness to Isle of Skye

    Included Activities

    • Walk over Corrieshalloch Gorge
    • Cross to Isle of Skye via ferry

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Rogie Falls
    • Visit Kinlochewe
    • Visit Eilean Donan Castle
    Landmarks
    Rogie Falls
    Corrieshalloch Gorge
    Kinlochewe
    Torridon
    Eilean Donan Castle
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  3. Day 3

    Isle of Skye

    Isle of Skye

    Included Activities

    • Hike to distinctive rock formation on Skye
    • Guided tour of Skye with local folklore

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Sligachan
    • Visit Cuillin Ridge
    • Visit Portree
    • Visit The Old Man of Storr
    • Visit Kilt Rock
    • Visit Quiraing
    • Visit Faerie Pools
    Landmarks
    Sligachan
    Cuillin Ridge
    Portree
    The Old Man of Storr
    Kilt Rock
    Quiraing
    Faerie Pools
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  4. Day 4

    Isle of Skye to Oban

    Isle of Skye to Oban

    Included Activities

    • Ferry from Isle of Skye
    • Visit Glenfinnan Viaduct

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Armadale
    • Visit Sands of Morar
    • Visit Bonnie Prince Charlie monument
    • Visit Glen Coe
    Landmarks
    Armadale
    Sands of Morar
    Glenfinnan Viaduct
    Fort William
    Glen Coe
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  5. Day 5

    Argyll - Trossachs National Park - Edinburgh

    Argyll - Trossachs National Park - Edinburgh
    End point
    15 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW (Castle Rock Hostel, 17:00 - 18:00)

    Included Activities

    • Visit St. Conan's Kirk
    • Travel through Argyll and Trossachs National Park
    • Learn about William Wallace country and Scotland's fight for independence

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Kilchurn Castle (Summer months only - entrance fee applies)
    • Visit Doune Castle (entrance fee applies)
    • Visit Wallace Monument (entrance fee applies)
    • Visit Bannockburn Battlefield (entrance fee applies)
    • See Hairy Coos along the way
    Landmarks
    St. Conan's Kirk
    Kilchurn Castle
    Callander
    Doune Castle
    Wallace Monument
    Bannockburn Battlefield
    Trossachs National Park
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3

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What's Included

Expand All
  • Guide
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Optional

Operated by

MacBackpackers

Platinum Operator
Rating
4.9 (2,864 reviews)
Response time
12 hours
Response rate
96%
Tour of the Year Winner
2016
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.9
Overall rating based on 1025 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.9
  • Transport
    4.9
  • Guide
    5.0
  • Accommodation
    4.4
  • Food
    4.4
  • 4.9

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  • Karlie5.0June 2026
    Such an amazing time, a life-changing trip for me. Loved the mix of being on the bus and being out in nature. The...
    Show more
    Traveled in June 2026
  • Georgi
    Georgi4.0May 2026
    My wife and I recently completed a backpacking tour through some of Scotland’s most beautiful destinations, including...
    Show more
    Traveled in May 2026
  • Bailey5.0May 2026
    The 5-day Skye & Highland Fling tour was one of the best vacations I have ever been on! Our tour guide Mark, made the...
    Show more
    Traveled in April 2026
  • Katie5.0May 2026
    I went on the 5 day trip with Mark and 12 other solo travelers, and it was an absolute incredible experience! The...
    Show more
    Traveled in April 2026
  • Serena5.0May 2026
    Neil was an outstanding guide on our 5-day MacBackpackers tour through the Highlands in Scotland. From the very...
    Show more
    Traveled in April 2026
  • Salem
    Salem5.0November 2025
    Led by Neil
    Brilliant operation, Neil was a high energy character with a story for every occasion and a great blend of gauging...
    Show more
    Traveled in October 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    We are so glad you enjoyed your stay!
    Show more
  • Kieran5.0September 2025
    Led by Neil
    Great tour, and our guide Neil was fantastic - knowledgeable and engaging! Have lived in Scotland for a while but...
    Show more
    Traveled in September 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    Wow we are so glad to hear you are falling more in love with Scotland! Thank you for coming with us.
    Show more
  • Adrian5.0September 2025
    Take this tour! The ideal length of time. I had as much fun on the bus as I did walking the sites. Accommodations...
    Show more
    Traveled in September 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    What lovely photos! We are so glad you had such an amazing time.
    Show more
  • Mohammed
    Mohammed2.0September 2025
    Led by Neil
    There were many amazing places we were unable to go to cuz it was too crowded and the bus wasn't allowed to park...
    Show more
    Traveled in August 2025
    Reply from: MacBackpackers
    Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry some stops felt rushed and that parking restrictions limited your time at certain sites. There is a problem with crowds in summer and we do our best to navigate the Island safely while taking you to see as much as we can. We do our best to balance travel times with exploring, but we understand it can feel short. We’d love to welcome you back for an even better experience next time, possibly in the autumn, winter or spring if your priority is seeing every site.
    Show more
  • Alexandre5.0August 2025
    Led by Mark
    Absolutely fantastic.
    Traveled in August 2025

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Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
  • From Monday
    10 Aug, 2026
    To Friday
    14 Aug, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US$525 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    17 Aug, 2026
    To Friday
    21 Aug, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    From:
    US$525 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    24 Aug, 2026
    To Friday
    28 Aug, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    From:
    US$525 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    31 Aug, 2026
    To Friday
    4 Sep, 2026
    English
    From:
    US$525 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    7 Sep, 2026
    To Friday
    11 Sep, 2026
    English
    From:
    US$525 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    14 Sep, 2026
    To Friday
    18 Sep, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    From:
    US$525 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    21 Sep, 2026
    To Friday
    25 Sep, 2026
    English
    From:
    US$525 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    28 Sep, 2026
    To Friday
    2 Oct, 2026
    English
    From:
    US$525 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    5 Oct, 2026
    To Friday
    9 Oct, 2026
    English
    From:
    US$525 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    12 Oct, 2026
    To Friday
    16 Oct, 2026
    English
    From:
    US$525 per person
    Price based on Shared Room

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    • Rated excellent on
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • S

    Sylvia

    Asked on July 1st, 2026

    I would just like to clarify the stops along the way that will need an overnight stay. These would be Edinbraugh, Inverness, Portree?

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten July 2026

      We can reserve accommodations for you on the 5 day tour. We overnight at Lochside hostel at Loch Ness, Lochbuie Guest House in Kyleakin and Oban Backpackers in Oban. If you choose to book your own accommodation, please remember to be within walking distance of the pick up points mentioned above and let us know in advance where you are staying.

  • B

    Brian

    Asked on June 9th, 2026

    Could you please let me know whether a checked-in bag is allowed, or if only a cabin bag is permitted? I could not find any information regarding the luggage allowance for the trip.

    Transport
    • B

      Brian

      TravelerWritten June 2026

      I would like to request accommodation in a ladies' dorm, if possible.

    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten June 2026

      Yes, you are welcome to bring a checked bag with you on the trip.

    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten June 2026

      We will also put a note on your booking that you have requested a female-only dorm room.

    • 2 more answers
  • J

    Jeremy

    Asked on June 8th, 2026

    Is this an active trip? Are the routes through natural areas? How many kilometers do you walk per day? I'm worried it's a trip on the bus constantly.

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten June 2026

      Yes, our tours are more active and are designed in a way that allows us to spend as much time off the bus as possible doing hiking, walking, swimming and exploring. The hikes we do are usually anywhere between 1 to 3 hours long. However, Scotland is bigger than people expect so naturally there is still some time on the bus. The longest continuous drive you will have on the trip is about 1.5-2 hours and it is in the beginning of the trip when you need to leave Edinburgh to get to the Highlands and same again when you are leaving the Highlands to get back to Edinburgh.

  • S

    Sheila

    Asked on June 6th, 2026

    Are there any deals/rooms set aside at the Castle Rock Hostel before and after the trip to ease departure?

    Accommodation
    Price / Availability
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten June 2026

      If you book a stay with any of the hostels mentioned below, you can use the code MACCYBEES to receive a 10% discount.

      Castle Rock Hostel
      High Street Hostel
      Royal Mile Backpackers

  • D

    Donald

    Asked on June 2nd, 2026

    Does the trip start and end in Edinburgh at the Castle Rock Hostel, or does it go from Inverness to Bannockburn? I'm asking because both options are mentioned in the description.

    Tour Details
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten June 2026

      Yes it starts and ends in Edinburgh at Castle Rock Hostel.

  • C

    Carrie

    Asked on May 23rd, 2026

    I have a disability and need to have a nearby bathroom at all times. That's why I preferably would like to have a private room and bathroom in the hostel, or just to share with 1-2 more people. Moreover, I would like to know more in regards to the meals, as I have some dietary restrictions. Where are we having breakfast, lunch and dinner? How long are we stopping to eat?

    Accommodation
    Meals
    Travel Support
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten May 2026

      The hostels we work with unfortunately do not have private rooms. Some have smaller dorms available but not all of them and they all have shared bathrooms. You could however, book your own accommodation near by where the rest of the group are staying, to ensure you have the privacy you are looking for. We can also provide you with a list of alternative accommodation nearby which have private room options for you. Or you can also mix and match, so that you are staying in smaller dorms in some of the places and private accommodation in others. We are very flexible in that sense. Please note that you are travelling in remote areas of Scotland and you may have to go longer periods of time without a bathroom. Meals are entirely your own responsibility. The driver will make a supermarket stop during the day so that you can grab something to feed yourself. If you do choose the stay in the accommodation we provide, you get a breakfast included in that. We ask that you let us know of any allergens or dietry restrictions, so that we can pass the information on to the hostels, so they may accommodate you. Lunch is often on the go on our tours as we like to make the most out of the day and see as much as possible. So you can eat whenever you like, either on the bus or at any of the stops you make.

  • A

    Arthur

    Asked on May 19th, 2026

    Do you happen to know what would be the approximate additional cost in Canadian dollars for the hostel night stays? And what are the other possible additional costs?

    Accommodation
    Price / Availability
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten May 2026

      The accommodation for the tour is an extra £38 per night which is approximately 70 Canadian Dollars. So for a 5 day tour you are in looking at about 280 Canadian Dollars. Please remember that this is an estimation and will differ depending on conversion rates at the time of booking. There should not be any other additional costs. However, please keep in mind that food is not included in the tour and you will have to account for meals during the tour. Also, whilst we try our best not to visit places which have entry fees, the guide may choose to take you somewhere that does have an entry fee. The guide will let you know in advance if this is the case and entry into those places is alwasy optional, however, the entry fees will be your own responsibility if this is the case.

    • A

      Arthur

      TravelerWritten May 2026

      Will I get an itinerary once I book on where I am to meet the tour guide? And is there a phone number I can call if I get lost? And any recommendations on anything I should bring with me on my trip?

    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten May 2026

      You will receive all the details about where to go and when the tour begins once you make the booking. However just in case, the tour begins at 9am and departs from Castle Rock Hostel in Edinburgh. There is an example itinerary on our operator page, however, we allow our drivers the freedom to change the itinerary if they feel it will enhance your experience, so nothing is set in stone. If you get lost on your way to begin the tour, you can phone Castle Rock Hostel reception on [phone visible after confirmation]. If you somehow get lost whilst you are on tour, you can phone the MacBackpackers office at [phone visible after confirmation]. Make sure you pack comfortable shoes or boots to hike in, waterproof layers, a swimsuit and warm clothing.

    • A
      2 more answers
  • J

    Joseph

    Asked on May 6th, 2026

    I am very interested in this trip! I was just wondering if the price of the trip includes everything, or is it just a baseline fee and the hostels we still have to pay for as an addition? Also what is the age group relatively?

    Accommodation
    Age Range
    Price / Availability
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten May 2026

      The price is just for the tour, accommodation can be added for just £38 per night which also includes breakfast. All other meals are not included and we will drop you off at different local spots for cafes, supermarkets and we can also recommend some pubs for dinner (or you can cook in the hostel). The ages are varied but the most common is between 22-32.

  • D

    Daniela

    Asked on May 6th, 2026

    What's the availability for May 2026 in the Scottish Highlands? I'm travelling solo and are open to both shorter (3-day) and slightly longer (5-day) options depending on what fits best. What accommodation setup do you have for solo travellers? Any key differences or standout elements in your tour?

    Accommodation
    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten May 2026

      We currently have availability throughout May 2026 on our tours which depart every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, although two departures are not available (22nd & 25th May).

      For your preferred date of Monday 18th May 2026, there is currently availability on our 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling tour. This is our ultimate Highlands adventure. It includes 1 night near Loch Ness, 2 nights on Skye and 1 night in Oban — a lively coastal town with great pubs and the chance to experience a traditional Scottish ceilidh. The extra time also allows travellers to see more of Scotland and spend longer getting to know others on the tour.

      For a shorter option, our 3-day tours are; the 3 Day Isle of Skye tour, which includes 2 nights staying on Skye and gives plenty of time to explore the island; and, the 3 Day Loch Ness & Skye Magic tour, which includes the first overnight stay on the shores of Loch Ness, followed by a second night on Skye. This tour also visits Glenfinnan.

      All three tours visit Glencoe, Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. The 5-day and Loch Ness & Skye Magic tours also include Glenfinnan (Harry Potter bridge) as well as many other gems along the way. Accommodation on all tours is hostel-style and shared. We get lots of solo travellers joining our trips, so it's a very social atmosphere and easy to make friends along the way.

  • J

    Jacob

    Asked on May 1st, 2026

    Do you have a "Harry Potter Tour"??

    Tour Details
    • MacBackpackersOperatorWritten May 2026

      We do not have a Harry Potter tour.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at MacBackpackers with your enquiry, they usually respond within 12 hours.
From
US $512 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 255

  • Currency
    £
    Pound Sterling
    Scotland
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

    Type G
    Scotland
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before October 5th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after October 5th, 2026, a minimum payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking with MacBackpackers. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and MacBackpackers will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "MacBackpackers" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Videos

  • Neil Exploring Spean Bridge and Ben Nevis
  • Richard on top of a Blustery Old Man of Storr
  • Neil Sight Spotting from Wester Ross
  • Relaxing Clouds overlooking the Old Man of Storr
  • What happens when you set the guides free at the beach...
  • Who are MacBackpackers?
  • Neil showing off the Old Man of Storr
  • Western Europe Travel Guide
  • 3 Day Loch Ness & Skye
Neil Exploring Spean Bridge and Ben Nevis

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec