Discover Edinburgh & The Isle of Skye

Escorted Tours

Begin in Edinburgh, exploring landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, and historic Holyrood Palace.
Journey north past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument en route to the Isle of Skye.
Visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle before arriving in colourful Portree, Skye’s lively capital.
Discover Skye’s dramatic landscapes, from the Old Man of Storr to windswept Neist Point and Dunvegan Castle.
Return via Loch Ness and Perthshire’s charming villages before ending your adventure back in Edinburgh.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,317 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,317 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Rural Charm

Highlights countryside settings rich in character, culture, and tranquillity.

Escorted Tours

Journeys shared alongside a small group of fellow travellers.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Rural Charm

Highlights countryside settings rich in character, culture, and tranquillity.

Escorted Tours

Journeys shared alongside a small group of fellow travellers.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in Edinburgh & Secrets of Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Walking Tour

DAY

Full Day Small Group Outlander Adventure

DAY

Edinburgh to Skye and Portree

DAY

Exploring Skye to Portree

DAY

Explore Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus, Perthshire and returns to Edinburgh

DAY

(Private) Half-Day Edinburgh Tour with Lunch

DAY

Depart from Edinburgh

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Edinburgh & Secrets of Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Walking Tour

Transfer

Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh - City Centre

Your Accommodation

Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket

This modern hotel is a 4-minute walk from the EICC (Edinburgh International Conference Centre) and a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Haymarket train station. Relaxed rooms feature free Wi-Fi, pillow-top mattresses, and en suite bathrooms with showers, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities, TVs, and desks. Family rooms add sofabeds. Kids aged 15 and under eat and stay free with paying adults. There's a casual restaurant/bar offering classic pub fare and a full English breakfast. Parking is available for a fee.

Duration

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

Day Tour

Secrets of Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Walking Tour

Book this tour if you’d like… - A unique journey round the sites, stories and secrets of the Old Town you might otherwise miss - A tour led and loved by Mercat historians - A wonderful introduction to Edinburgh, it’s past and people - A guided visit to Edinburgh Castle Our beautiful city is waiting for you… This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. The first secret you’ll learn? That you can skip the line at Edinburgh Castle! Discover an Edinburgh beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. A beautiful city steeped in awe-inspiring history that has been perfectly preserved to this day, in the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Take a journey through time with them, and explore the lives of Edinburgh residents from generations past and gone – from historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, to the everyday folk who never left the city’s walls their entire lives. Hang on your tour Storyteller’s every word, as they walk you through the crime and culture to the politics and everyday events, and show you the evidence that has survived to this day, throughout the Royal Mile. Want to visit Edinburgh Castle? Skip the line with Mercat Tours. The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its great ancient rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it. Visit Edinburgh Castle with your Mercat Tours Storyteller, and from the Royal Mile you’ll walk straight over the drawbridge, and straight past the ticket line – to continue your journey into Edinburgh’s history uninterrupted.

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DAY

Full Day Small Group Outlander Adventure

Day Tour

Small Group Outlander Adventure - 1 Day

Time for your own Outlander adventure! You leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of film locations featured in the Outlander TV series. First, we travel to a place that needs no introduction: Midhope Castle, known as Jamie's beloved home, Lallybroch. While the cozy interior of the house has been recreated in the film studios, visitors can't explore the castle's ruins. However, you can sit on the iconic steps of Lallybroch and imagine waiting for Jamie or Claire to walk through the beautiful archway in the courtyard. Mid Morning Blackness Castle, West Lothian We then journey through the charming countryside to Blackness Castle. It's an impressive fortress that's known as the ‘ship that never sailed' because it resembles a giant stone boat. You'll have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall—just hope you don't run into him! Alternatively, you can stroll along the coast and take in the stunning views of the Firth of Forth. Afternoon Linlithgow for lunch, Doune and Culross Next is Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, also known as Wentworth Prison. Here, you can have lunch, explore the town, or wander around the loch. Continuing north, we visit Doune Castle, known as Castle Leoch in Outlander, home to Colum MacKenzie. You can learn about its history and get an audio guide detailing its role in Monty Python and the Holy Grail or stroll along the river to admire the castle's setting. Finally, we head to Culross, a virtually unchanged 16th-century village that represents the fictional town of Cranesmuir. You can visit Claire's herb garden, explore the palace, or wander the ancient streets, imagining life 400 years ago. Early Evening Culross, Kingdom of Fife to Edinburgh Say goodbye to the Outlander locations as we begin our return journey through the Kingdom of Fife. We'll cross the Firth of Forth via the Queensferry Crossing, enjoying views of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before arriving back in Edinburgh. You return to Edinburgh at approximately 5.45pm.

DAY

Edinburgh to Skye and Portree

Multi Day Tour

Edinburgh to Skye - Portree

You depart from Edinburgh and head west, embarking on a journey that is a dream for history lovers. As you make your way through the Lowlands, you pass the majestic Stirling Castle and Doune Castle, renowned for its distinctive architecture and appearances in films and television shows. After crossing the ancient geological fault line that runs through Scotland, you enter Trossachs National Park, in the majestic Highlands. The flat, fertile plains of the Lowlands give way to rugged mountain peaks and forest-filled glens. A quick break by a shimmering loch or in a charming Highland village refreshes you for the next leg of your journey. As you continue north, you'll encounter the wild and desolate landscapes of the Black Mount and Rannoch Moor before arriving at Glencoe, one of Scotland's most famous natural landmarks. Renowned for its dramatic, rugged slopes, this breathtaking area has been featured in numerous films and is steeped in history. You'll have time for photo stops or a short walk to fully appreciate the stunning scenery. Next, you'll visit Fort William, a charming Highland town nestled at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. You've got time for lunch and exploration, so you can decide what you want to do. Sample local cuisine, wander the streets of the town centre, or visit a local museum to learn more about the area's rich history. Continuing along the Great Glen, you'll pass the iconic, rugged mountains of the Five Sisters of Kintail and the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle, with opportunities for photo stops and short breaks along the way. As you cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye, one of Scotland's most mesmerizing islands, you'll follow the dramatic coastline, stopping at iconic viewpoints to admire the stunning outlines of the Red and Black Cuillins. From there, you'll continue toward the island's capital, Portree, where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening, giving you plenty of time to venture out and explore the charming town. Overnight in Portree.

Your Accommodation

B & B with Ensuite Portree

We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.

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DAY

Exploring Skye to Portree

Multi Day Tour

Exploring Skye - Portree

Every horizon in Skye conceals something astoundingly beautiful. So today, your driver-guide makes the most out of your time and weather in this marvel-studded landscape. Exploring Skye feels like stepping into a dream, with countless places to explore. You might head north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond, where you'll encounter geological wonders such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the breathtaking Quiraing mountain pass. This part of the island enchants visitors with surreal rock formations, dramatic cliffs, vast open spaces, and an overwhelming sense of wilderness. After all this exploration, you'll pause in one of the island's towns for lunch to recharge for the second part of the day. In the late afternoon, your driver-guide may take you back in time, sharing stories about the legends and clan culture surrounding Dunvegan Castle, the 13th-century ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod. You'll return to Portree in the evening, giving you the freedom to decide how to spend your time. Will you have dinner and take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque harbour? Or will you seek out pubs and venues hosting traditional Scottish music sessions? The choice is yours. Overnight in Portree.

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

B & B with Ensuite Portree

We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.

Show on Map

DAY

Explore Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus, Perthshire and returns to Edinburgh

Your Accommodation

Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket

Duration

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

Multi Day Tour

Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus & Perthshire

You travel south, passing the Cuillin Hills and Sligachan Bridge, before returning to the mainland for a closer look at Eilean Donan Castle. Perched on a small island, this iconic castle, which has recently gained fame as a movie location, has many old stories to tell. You can enjoy refreshments at a local cafe and stroll along the loch to admire the castle from the outside. Alternatively, you can explore its chambers, where you'll discover a collection of artifacts belonging to the MacKenzie and MacRae clans. You travel past shimmering lochs framed by the rugged mountains of the Five Sisters of Kintail. After this visual feast of towering peaks, you arrive in the charming village of Fort Augustus, nestled along the banks of Loch Ness. Stop for lunch in Fort Augustus, giving you the freedom to decide how to spend your time. You can stroll along the Caledonian Canal and watch the boats navigate its locks, enjoy Scottish specialties in one of the cozy cafes or restaurants, or wander to the banks of the legendary loch in hopes of catching a glimpse of the elusive monster. Your journey south is filled with classic Highland scenery. As you travel past the broad peaks of Cairngorms National Park, you'll enjoy various photo stops along the way. Gradually, the dramatic mountains soften and become cloaked in lush forest. Among the towering trees of Perthshire, you'll take a final refreshment break in Pitlochry. You continue south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife. Your last highlight is the view of the iconic UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge on your way to Edinburgh. You return to Edinburgh at approximately 7:00pm

Meal

Breakfast

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DAY

(Private) Half-Day Edinburgh Tour with Lunch

Day Tour

Half-Day Edinburgh Tour with Lunch

Edinburgh is an incredibly historic city, and you will have an exciting and unique experience while in town. Appreciating that you may be short on time to see and do everything Edinburgh has to offer, this Mini Mack adventure visits a host of notable UNESCO sites and hidden gems while you snap away on your cameras and phones. Led by one of two local brothers, Rowan and Andy Mackie, you will have the opportunity to see and do more than what is listed in guide books. While Rowan and Andy may not be licensed historians, their local knowledge of Edinburgh and inside scoops on what's fun and interesting to do in the city is second-to-none, making for the perfect day out. After discovering a range of Edinburgh's top highlights including Calton Hill and Arthurs Seat - among many others - you will then settle in for a tasty meal in a charming local pub that features fresh, locally-sourced cuisine before being returned to your hotel. The perfect half-day sightseeing experience in Edinburgh, an additional treat is that your transportation between sites is in a well-maintained and comfortable Mini Cooper.

Your Accommodation

Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

Be a guest and relax in their stylish city-center Edinburgh hotel. You’ll find the hotel on Jeffrey Street in the city’s Old Town, close to Waverley Train Station. They are a short stroll away from the capital’s landmarks including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park and many other local hotspots.

Duration

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Room Only

Show on Map

DAY

Depart from Edinburgh

Transfer

Edinburgh - City Centre to Edinburgh Airport

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Isle of Skye

Edinburgh's Royal Mile

The Cuillin Mountains at Sligachan

The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

EdinburghPartly Cloudy

17°C / 63°F

55mm / 2.2"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,317 Reviews

Verified

We decided to go to France for 3 weeks in September and knew we needed help planning the trip (we made this decision in August so a very short time frame. We had traveled with Goway a few years ago and were hoping they could help. Our specialist, Farnaz Bagheri, was fantastic, she listened to what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go. She literally arranged everything with her French partners. The guides and drivers were wonderful the accommodations were excellent. Communication was easy from the first discussion to the time we got home. Farnaz planned for us an exceptional trip in a very short time frame. Promise next trip we will contact Goway much earlier. Thanks againSue Blake

Verified

Our experience was amazing! The booking process went great. We just had to pack our clothes and everything else was taken care of thanks to Goway Travel… Lori Mezzomo!!! Lori was fantastic. Everything from flights to transfers to excursions was perfect! Can’t wait to go back and i would definitely use Goway Travel again!!!Marie Idol

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Maria Spitman provided exemplary service to us! Her expertise, attention to detail, timely replies and kindness were unmatched. We will definitely recommend her to others who we know are considering travel to Asia. Alice Staniforth

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Michael Keon and his crew did a fine job coordinating our trip to Turkey. His contact in Turkey, Mr. Omer was in contact with us almost daily reminding us of our schedule and pick up info. He was terrific. Very informative and insightful guides. And large comfortable vehicles on every trip. Awesome trip. Tom and Sharon Tom and Sharon, Toronto, Canada

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We loved the trip itinerary and everything was organized so well! Lori was always very responsive and answered our questions promptly. Thank you for an amazing trip!Jelena Poprzen

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As a travel advisor, I recently booked a group of clients on a Goway tour in China following their paddleboat competition, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Christine and Tanya in the groups department were incredibly helpful and made the entire process seamless. Their support was greatly appreciated! The feedback from my clients was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the local tour guides, who helped make the trip so memorable. Everyone had a wonderful time. Thank you, Christine, Tanya, and the Goway team, for taking such great care of my clients. I would happily recommend Goway and look forward to working with them again!customer

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I wanna start off by saying that Farnaz our agent was excellent!!! she planned the whole experience from start to finish. We did not have to worry about one thing the entire trip. All the hotels were great. Our transfers from hotels to fairies to airports were all available and always on time. The excursions she planned for us were all top-notch. I was a little skeptical, but just finding GOWAY online stumbling across it. But I’m so glad I made the choice to use them. I hope they definitely using the company again and especially our agent Farnaz!!! Thank you do mych for a wonderful experience! Catherine

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Our goal for this trip was a stress free honeymoon where we did not have to think about anything! Goway made that successful. Everything was planned and ready for us. We just had to show up. Brooke recommended fantastic accommodations that were in great locations, clean and comfortable. The tours were took with Thompson's Africa were incredible as well. Brooke was helpful throughout the entire booking process & we wouldn't have had such an incredible experience without her. We really loved our South African holiday and hope to travel there or other locations again with Goway.Taylor

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October 9, 2026, was our 50th wedding anniversary. To celebrate, I wanted to take my bride to Europe for 50 days. Also, other than the flight over, I wanted to make the trip by train. I contacted Farnaz at Goway. The trip we planned ultimately extended to 60 days. It was absolutely flawless. We had great hotels, great tours. Even though this trip was complex and had a lot of moving parts, there were no problems. Farnaz and the folks at Goway done a great job. I highly recommend them and will definitely use them on any future tripsDaniel Graff

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We had a fabulous Croatia vacation with a cruise from Dubrovnik to Split, followed by land tours on Split and Opatija. Lodging was always comfortable and conveniently located. Tours and activities were perfectly suited to our interests. We have used GoWay for 2 vacations and are currently working on another. Karen

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What do the experts say?

Rebeka Cameron

Team Lead

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For somewhere a little lesser known, make sure to visit Dunfermline, the old capital of Scotland. Rich in history, it’s home to the impressive Dunfermline Abbey where many Scottish kings and queens are buried, including Robert the Bruce.

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Rebeka Cameron

Team Lead

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Many tourists don’t realize how diverse Scotland’s regions are, each area has its own distinct culture, accents, and traditions. For example, the Outer Hebrides have a strong Gaelic heritage that’s still thriving.. Also, Scotland has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Europe, especially on the west coast and islands.

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Danette Jeoffroy

Destination Specialist

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Scotland hosts two amazing events - Edinburgh Tattoo in August, and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). Edinburgh hosts one of the world’s biggest and most iconic New Year’s celebrations!

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Danette Jeoffroy

Destination Specialist

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The best times to visit Scotland are late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the landscapes are especially beautiful

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