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5 Day Ultimate Highland Adventure

Our most booked and loved tours
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5 days
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Start and end in Edinburgh
4.9 (1,026 reviews)
From
US $510 per person

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Price based on Shared Room

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2028

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

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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

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Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. 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

    • Guided tour across Forth Bridges
    • Forest walk
    • Swim in Loch Ness

    Optional Activities

    • Paid attraction tickets at visited sites (Culloden, Clava Cairns, or others) - availability and popularity dependent
    Landmarks
    Forth Bridges
    Dunkeld
    Hermitage/Killiecrankie
    Culloden
    Clava Cairns
    Loch Ness
    Inverness
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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

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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 (2,867 reviews)
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
90%
Tour of the Year Winner
2016
Cancellation policy
Learn more

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.9
Overall rating based on 1026 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.9
  • Transport
    4.9
  • Guide
    5.0
  • Accommodation
    4.4
  • Food
    4.4
  • 4.9

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  • Beat
    Beat4.0•September 2026
    Automatic translation available in English. View in English
    It was wonderful, even though the weather didn't always cooperate. During the tour, I felt like there wasn't enough...
    Show more
    Traveled in September 2026
  • Karlie5.0•June 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
    Georgi4.0•May 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
  • Bailey5.0•May 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
  • Katie5.0•May 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
  • Serena5.0•May 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
    Salem5.0•November 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
  • Kieran5.0•September 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
  • Adrian5.0•September 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
    Mohammed2.0•September 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

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Dates & Prices

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Select departure month

2026

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Oct
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2027

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Feb
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May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

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

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
We couldn't find results
Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • P

    Pam

    Asked on September 19th, 2026

    Please confirm availability for Sept 28th Mon-Friday for fit young man with a free week?

    Price / Availability
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written September 2026

      There is a 5 Day Ultimate Highland Adventure departure on the 28th September. It departs from Edinburgh at 9am, returning on the final day around 5pm (subject to road conditions). Must be aged 18+.

  • K

    Kimberly

    Asked on August 26th, 2026

    i am considering to enrol for this however just want to have more information as i would be travelling from overseas i would have a luggage suitcase and backpack . this should be fine right?

    Tour Details
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2026

      Yes, this should be okay. We recommend guests bring a hand luggage sizes suit case and a backpack for their travels.

    • K

      Kimberly

      Traveler•Written August 2026

      I am planning to stay a bit longer in Scotland for 10-12 days. It wouldnt be a hand luggage size but it would be a medium size checkin luggage. Would that be fine? And i plan to stay in hostels in most of them however if i would like to choose one of the place to be separate do i inform in advance once it is booked?

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2026

      That should be fine as well. Yes, if you are booking your own accommodation, please let us know the name and address of the accommodation you plan on booking. Please remember to book accommodation which is within walking distance of the bus meeting points.

    • K
      2 more answers
  • K

    Katie

    Asked on August 3rd, 2026

    I see prices for shared room, what would be the price if my husband and I want a single room for ourselves?

    Accommodation
    Price / Availability
    • K

      Katie

      Traveler•Written August 2026

      My husband has arrhythmia so if he can't go on long hikes- are spots at the bottom still worth the visit?

    • K

      Katie

      Traveler•Written August 2026

      Is it going to be too foggy from Sept 28th onwards?

    • K

      Katie

      Traveler•Written August 2026

      Pls suggest how we would be finding halal food on the tour

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2026

      The hostels we use unfortunately don't have private rooms available, so we wouldn't be able to accommodate a single room for yourself and your husband.

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2026

      Some places we visit are really remote and you would not be able to stay on the bus, so if the weather was poor, you might be stuck waiting up to 3 hours for the rest of the tour participants to return from the hikes. We highly recommend looking at other tour companies.

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2026

      We do often find that the weather shifts at the end of September and it becomes more rainy. However, we cannot predict the weather so we can't say for certain if it will be too foggy.

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2026

      As for the Halal food, the tour stops at grocery stores along the way to allow everyone to buy themselves snacks and groceries for lunch and dinner.

    • K

      Katie

      Traveler•Written August 2026

      I see that it includes Old man of storr, Quairaing, Gelncoe, Eilean Donan Castle and LochNess. So im assuming it will only involve one hike at the Storr? We can manage that.

    • K

      Katie

      Traveler•Written August 2026

      I saw your website and it mentioned we will be staying one night on the shores of LochNess. Can you confirm where will we be staying? WIll there be an indoor facility?

    • K

      Katie

      Traveler•Written August 2026

      Can you suggest private room guesthouses within walking distance of the Lochside Hostel (night 1) and Lochbuie Guest House (night 2)?

    • K

      Katie

      Traveler•Written August 2026

      As we're planning to stay in private rooms, we wont be able to make our own food like others in the hostel. Do you think there will be nearby cafes or restaurants from where we will get our meals?

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2026

      There isn't really anything walking distance close to the Lochside Hostel as it is rather remote, however, you could book something in the area of Drumnadrochit as that is where the driver stays overnight and they would be able to pick you up from there. It also has a lot more options for food as there are a few restaurants and pubs in that area.

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2026

      For accommodation on Skye, there is the Saucy Mary Lodge or the Kings Arms Hotel that are nearby and offer private accommodation. Regarding the meals, there is 2 pubs, a restaurant and even an inidan restaurant located in the village of Kyleakin or just outside (still walking distance)

    • K

      Katie

      Traveler•Written August 2026

      How does the hiking on this tour compare to the Loch Ness & Skye Magic tour?

    • K

      Katie

      Traveler•Written August 2026

      Roughly how long are the walks at Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing on Day 2?

    • K

      Katie

      Traveler•Written August 2026

      Would this tour still be manageable for us, given what we mentioned about not wanting overly intensive hikes?

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2026

      Both hikes would take 2-3 hours depending on your fitness levels. You are correct that we wouldn't have time to do a full 4 hour loop. These are the same as the 5-day tour. There is just more time spend doing pit stops and going to Oban on the 4th night of the 5-day for a night out and a ceilidh dance.

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written August 2026

      We cannot advise whether the hikes would be manageable for you. Only you can decide this. We do not know much about your husband's condition. The hikes are moderate with uneven terrain. The weather is unpredictable on Skye all year round. If you do not feel confident that your husband will be capable we would advise that you opt for a less adventurous tour. It is really up to you and your doctor and what you think is safe. We advise on our website that anyone with heart conditions or poor mobility should not join and we cannot accept responsibility for any incidents.

    • K
      K
      17 more answers
  • B

    Barbara

    Asked on July 15th, 2026

    Can you guarantee availability for the travel dates from July 20 to July 24?

    Price / Availability
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written July 2026

      Yes, the tour departing on the 20th of July still has availability and is definitely going ahead.

  • M

    Mary

    Asked on July 15th, 2026

    Can couples aged 39 and 43 join the trip?

    Age Range
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written July 2026

      Yes, we are happy to make an exception for them.

  • L

    Lynn

    Asked on July 11th, 2026

    I am 46 and would like to fo that tour cause I am travelling by myself and wish to see the most of Sctoland if possible. I am not marrried, neither I have kids, which implies that I have many friends below 30 and get along really well with most people.

    Age Range
    Group size
    Tour Details
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written July 2026

      We are happy for you to join the tour

  • 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
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written 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

      Traveler•Written June 2026

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

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written June 2026

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

    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written 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
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written 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
    • MacBackpackersOperator•Written 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

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at MacBackpackers with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.

Good to know

Tour ID: 255

The practical details for your trip across Scotland: money, plugs and flexible ways to pay, all in one place.

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  • £ - Pound Sterling

    You’ll encounter Pound Sterling in Scotland.

  • Plug type G

    You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in Scotland.

  • Currency

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    Scotland

  • Plugs & adapters

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

    • Type G

      Used in Scotland

  • Visa

    Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.

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From
US $510 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 departure month

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Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
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Sep
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2028

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Mar
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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AdultsAges 18 or above

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