Add dates

Scottish Highlands Bus & minivan tours

Our most recommended Scottish Highlands Bus & minivan tours

Inverness: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

1. Inverness: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Join an open-top double-decker bus tour for an insight into the development of the city from the original street between Castle and Kirk, with the oldest building Abertarff House, to the recently completed Highland Archive Center. Inverness has had 5 castles through the centuries with many famous visitors, not all welcome, Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie among them. Plan your day from the top of a double-decker bus, with 360-degree panoramic views of the city. Visit the many churches, including St Andrews Cathedral, one of local architect Dr Alexander Ross’s finest buildings. On the Western outskirts of the city, see Tomnahurich Hill and the Caledonian Canal, hop-off for great panoramic views of Kessock Bridge, The Black Isle and the Inverness Firth out to Fort George. Discover the flight of 5 locks at Muirtown, constructed in 1822 by Thomas Telford to bring the Caledonian Canal to sea level. Finally, pass by the South side of Inverness Castle to see Flora MacDonald’s statue, the 3 Graces, then along General Wades road by Bellfield Park to Holm Mills shopping village. Red Route Tour stops: 1. Bus Station 2. Bridge Street 3. Castle Street 4. Bellfield Park 5. Bishops Road - opposite Cathedral 6. Bught Drive 7. Dochgarroch 8. Telford Street Blue Route Tour stops: 1. Bus Station 2. Old Perth Road - Opposite Filling Station 3. Culloden Battlefield 4. Stadium Road 5. Cromwell Road 6. Bus Station

From Inverness: Scottish Highlands Small-Group Day Tour

2. From Inverness: Scottish Highlands Small-Group Day Tour

Leave Inverness and travel to the fantastic shores of magical Loch Ness. Stop for a short walk around the lake's shores, take some photos of the fantastic scenery and maybe even catch Nessie the Loch Ness Monster out for an early morning swim, before paying a visit to the magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the shores of Loch Ness. Then travel on to Cluanie Dam before arriving at the dramatic Glen Shiel, encircled by steep mountains, where The Battle of Glen Shiel took place on 10 June 1719. Next, head to Eilean Donan Castle which is recognized internationally as one of the most iconic images of Scotland, before traveling over the road bridge to the Isle of Skye. Visit the village of Broadford which is nestled beneath the motherly shape of Ben na Calliach (the hill of the old woman). Enjoy postcard-worthy views of the Red and Black Cuillin with Glen Sligachan between them. Afterward, make a quick stop at Talisker Distillery, the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, to sample their sweet, full-bodied single malt whiskey.  Next, make your way to the Fairy Pools, the highlight of the tour, where fairies live between beautiful rock pools and waterfalls. Enjoy an optional 2.4-kilometer walk along the banks of the rock pools, towards the largest waterfall, or walk further up the path and explore some of the smaller pools which lie ahead. If your feeling adventurous, take a swim in the pools' icy, crystal-clear waters.  Finish your tour with a visit to the island's capital, the fishing village of Portree, situated on the east side of Skye overlooking a sheltered bay, before heading back to Inverness.

Inverness: Full-Day Fort William and Glencoe Tour

3. Inverness: Full-Day Fort William and Glencoe Tour

Your tour will begin with a Loch Ness photo opportunity. Also known affectionately as "Nessie", you can take your chances spotting the beast out in the brine. Your next stop will be the magnificently-situated Urquhart Castle, on the shore of Loch Ness. Here you can continue to soak up the atmosphere of one of Scotland’s most famous lochs. You will next travel on to Ft. Augustus. Lying on the impressive 60-mile long Caledonian Canal, halfway between Inverness and Fort William, Fort Augustus offers spectacular views down Loch Ness. Your next stop will be the Commando Memorial, which is a Category-A-listed monument in Lochaber, Scotland, dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during World War II. You will then move on to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line that has been featured in the filming of the second and third Harry Potter books. Afterwards you will visit the Glenfinnan Monument, which is tge famous location where Prince Charles Edward Stuart ("Bonnie Prince Charlie") raised his standard on the shores of Loch Shiel. You will visit the famous Neptune Staircase, with is the longest staircase lock in Britain and comprises of 8 locks on the Caledonian Canal. Afterwards you will visit Old Inverlochy Castle, which is now a ruin. The castle is located on the south bank of the River Lochy at the strategically important entrance to the Great Glen. Moving onward, you will approach Fort William, situated on the shores of Loch Linnhe. It’s known as a gateway to Ben Nevis, the U.K.’s highest peak. You will finally visit the base of the Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the British Isles (standing at 1,345 meters above sea level).

From Glasgow or Edinburgh: Scottish Whisky Tour

4. From Glasgow or Edinburgh: Scottish Whisky Tour

Discover the ultimate tour for whisky lovers and get a real taste of life in the Highlands and Scottish countryside. Your driver, a Scottish whisky ambassador, will share their knowledge and stories with you along the way, and may even stop for an extra dram or 2 along the way. Begin your adventure by heading across the Forth River and heading up to the Highlands where you will stop at your first distillery, the world-famous Dalwhinnie Distillery, which was built in 1897 and is Scotland's highest distillery. Break for lunch at the famous House of Braur, where you can also pick up gifts and souvenirs from your time in Scotland. Afterward, head to your second distillery, Blair Atholl, which is the oldest working distillery in Scotland and was founded in 1798. If time permits, stop at one more distillery on the way back to your hotel for one final tasting.

Private Scottish Lowlands Countryside Tour

5. Private Scottish Lowlands Countryside Tour

Get picked up from your accommodation by your knowledgeable local guide. Drive to Trossachs National Park to take in some of the most breathtaking views in Scotland. See the famous Loch Venachar backed by low, rugged mountains and plenty of sheep. Stop in at the picturesque village of Callander and indulge your fantasies of Scottish countryside life.  Drive on to Blackness Castle, recently featured in the Mary Queen of Scots movie, or Linlithgow Palace, Queen Mary's actual birthplace. Check out Doune Castle (featured in Game of Thrones, Outlander, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail) or visit Stirling Castle, the historic site of the Battle of Banockburn where Robert the Bruce defeated King Edward's army. From there, it's a quick journey to the impressive monument built in memory of Sir William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish hero. Last but not least, a stop at Deanston Distillery to sample the world-famous 18-year-old single malt is not to be missed. Let your guide know what interests you most and be sure to get the most out of your time in Scotland. 

Frequently asked questions about Scottish Highlands

What top attractions are a must-see in Scottish Highlands?

Other Sightseeing Options in Scottish Highlands

Want to discover all there is to do in Scottish Highlands? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Scottish Highlands

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 10,990 reviews

Out of season is the best season! Fantastic and well organised trip to Isle of Skye. Majestic views, comfortable transport and experienced guide made our day unforgettable! Thank you Billy for this. Looking forward for another trip! Highly recommend! Anna, Marek, Mitchell.

An amazing day. We got to see so many beautiful views of Scotland's landscape, no pictures can capture the beauty. The guide was very nice and took us through the landscape and its history. A very good day that we will carry with us for a long time.

This was a delightful experience. We saw so much, and William was a very accommodating and knowledgeable guide. I would certainly recommend this to anyone looking to get the most out of day trip to the Highlands.

We had a fantastic tour with our guide Billy. We visited many stunning places and took millions of incredible pictures. Highly recommend everyone who wants to see the beauties of Scotland.