I’ve just come back from my one day Scottish Highland tour from Inverness and it was WONDERFUL!
Exploring Scotland without a car can be a bit of a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a downer. Since I don’t drive, I found the best way for me to see the Scottish Highlands was by booking a tour. But let me tell you, it wasn’t as easy as it sounds! I spent a good chunk of time planning, comparing prices, and trying to figure out which tour company to go with. If you search “Scottish Highland Tour from Inverness” on Google, you’ll see what I mean—it’s a bit overwhelming with all the similar-sounding options out there.
I finally decided to go with Rabbie’s Tours – one of the top-rated tour companies in Scotland—and honestly, it was a decision I didn’t regret at all! I’ll share more about the tour itself and throw in some super helpful tips for exploring the Scottish Highlands at the end of this post. But first, let me take you through the highlights of my adventure with 10 of my favorite photos from the trip:
1. The magnificent Eileen Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is often called the most photographed castle in Scotland, and it’s easy to see why. The entrance ticket was just £6 with a group discount, and honestly, it was worth every penny. The part that left the biggest impression on me was the castle’s kitchen. They’ve set it up with models of servants, food, dishes, and cooking tools to show how an elite party would’ve been prepared back in the day. It felt like stepping back in time!
Even if you decide not to go inside the castle, just walking around it is a treat in itself. Eilean Donan Castle sits at the junction of three sea lochs, with the stunning Isle of Skye in the background. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous, and the surrounding landscape makes for a peaceful and memorable experience.
2. Portree – Isle of Skye
We made a quick stop in Portree, the capital town of the Isle of Skye, for a bite to eat. This charming little town is perched on a hill and is full of cute, colorful houses lining the coast. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and there are some fantastic viewpoints where you can catch glimpses of the nearby islands.
3. Kilt Rock
4. The Quiraing Walk
5. Sligachan – Ideal viewpoint for Black Cuillin Mountains
6. Loch Ness and other mesmerising lakes
7. Picturesque highland terrains
8. Dreamy, mystic and fairy-like landscape
Choosing a Scottish Highland tour
Choosing the right Scottish Highland tour was a bit stressful, especially since I was working with a tight student budget.
Initially, I considered booking a 3-day Highland tour from Edinburgh, but after doing some research, I realized it would be cheaper to travel to Inverness and take a one-day tour from there.
I spent hours reading about what each tour company had to offer before finally deciding on Rabbie’s Tours for the following reasons:
- They’re highly ranked and positively reviewed on Tripadvisor
- They give student discounts for their tours
- Their business philosophy resonated with me. They make an effort to support local communities by stopping at independent businesses along the way. Plus, they’re committed to reducing their environmental impact, donating £10 per tonne of carbon to projects that benefit the environment and local communities.
Therefore, though I was torn between Rabbie’s and Haggis Adventures, which was a bit cheaper, I went with Rabbie’s in the end—and I’m so glad I did!
Isle of Skye and Eileen Donan Castle tour with Rabbie’s
Rabbie’s has a variety of one-day Scottish Highland tours from Inverness, and I decided to go with the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour. It kicked off at 8:00 AM and we were back in Inverness by 8:00 PM. Twelve hours might sound like a long day, but honestly, the time flew by!
I’ve left a very positive review on Tripadvisor for this one day Scottish Highland tour from Inverness with Rabbie’s. Still, I feel like I need to emphasize why I was so satisfied with the tour:
- I have to highlight just how incredible the tour guide was—unfortunately, I forgot his name, but he was truly the spirit of the tour. He was knowledgeable, humble, humorous, and genuinely thoughtful. His storytelling was brilliant, and he even played the flute! I was mesmerized by his tales, especially the one about Loch Ness. He recounted stories of people searching for the monster and wrapped it up with a quote from his grandmother about how the monster might change shape, just like the waves turning into white horses dancing on the Loch’s surface. His stories were so enchanting that I bought a Scottish Fairy Tales book right after the tour!
- I’d read on TripAdvisor that long tours can sometimes drag, but thankfully, Rabbie’s included frequent stops—about every hour—which made the journey feel anything but boring.
- The 16-seat bus was super comfy, and the tour guide played relaxing Scottish music throughout the trip, which kept the atmosphere enjoyable.
- With just 16 people on the tour, we all bonded easily and didn’t have to wait for anyone who might have gotten delayed, which is often a hassle in larger groups.
Important tips for your Scottish Highland tour from Inverness
Here are some other tips for you when going on a one day Scottish Highland tour:
- If you can, try to book your tour on a weekday. Many local shops along the route are closed on Sundays, which means you might miss out on some fantastic local food and souvenirs.
- Definitely bring a waterproof jacket (and pants, if you can). There are some stops where you’ll want to climb hills for photos, and if it’s rainy and windy, an umbrella just won’t cut it.
- Avoid buying souvenirs in Edinburgh—wait until you reach the Isle of Skye for the best keepsakes from your trip.
- Rabbie’s Tours includes a one-hour stop in Portree for lunch. It can get pretty crowded at the cheaper eateries around that time, so you might want to either grab a quick sandwich from the Co-op or budget for a nicer meal. If you’re watching your budget, packing your own lunch isn’t a bad idea at all.
- And remember, the weather can be unpredictable. Be ready to snap photos whenever you get the chance, and dress warmly—it’s usually colder and windier than on the mainland.
It’s been a month since my Scottish Highland tour, and I’m still daydreaming about that stunning land! The memories I made are so vivid, I’ve even turned some of my favorite photos into customized photo cards to remind me of the trip every day. I’m sure you’ll feel the same way once you’ve been there.
If you have any photos from the Scottish Highlands or additional tips to share, I’d love to hear from you—just drop a comment below!
Note: This article contains an affiliate link, which means I earn a small commission if you book through it, but it won’t cost you any extra. All opinions expressed here are my own and not sponsored.
I actually heading to Scottland for the first time in September. Unfortunately, I’m only spending two days there and will only see Edinburgh. I’m really into hiking though so I think I will have to book another trip and focus on visiting the highlands. When is the best time of year to visit? Weather wise that is.
It’s not yet too cold in September so I think your trip will be alright (though of course, it will still rain a lot). May to August is the most popular time for visiting Scotland because it’s warm 🙂 but I think maybe it’s better to visit around October or April to avoid the crowd.
May is usually a good month as is September. Usually midge free too.
Thanks for this great overview of the best escapes of Scotland; really liked the layout of this post. We didn’t visit it on our last trip in United Kingdom, but hopefully we’ll visit this gem on our next vacation. We’d love to visit the Eileen Donan Castle for sure!!
I have been dying to go to Scottland, I really love greenery and this just seems like the perfect place for me. Thanks for sharing tips too. I try not to do weekend tours ever because they’re so crowded, sometimes it’s too difficult though.
I have always wanted to go to Scotland but I’ve mostly seen photos of beautiful architecture in Edinburgh and other major cities. The highlands have plenty more to offer although a different kind of travel experience. The Donan Castle is as beautiful as it is eerie. Meanwhile, Kilt Rock is such a magnificent natural feature!
I’m fortunate enough to live in the Highlands and never tire of the beautiful scenery! I’m so glad you had such an enjoyable trip, your photos are stunning. 🙂
Beautiful! Hopefully I can get there some day.
Wow gorgeous! So dreamy landscape! But the bad weather is to be expected I guess! I dont know why but Scotland makes me think of ghost!😂
Great pictures!
Oh – My – Goodness! Your photos are incredible and make me want to pack my bags and head up to Scotland right now! So green and lush! And that castle! ❤️
Wow! Your pictures are amazing. I am dying to make it to Scotland one day. Everything about it looks incredible.
I am alway intrigue of what is lifestyle in living in Scottish highlands. Their sceneries are so beautiful and unique. I guess spending the summer would be nice here. Glad you made it!
I love the pictures of Scottish Castles. It always strikes me as a gorgeous hiking destination. I hope to get there over my next visit to UK. Fingers crossed!
I keep saying that I will visit Scotland sometimes soon but I never make it. I guess that after I’ve read your post and seen those amazing photos i need to book a plane ticket to Inverness. It’s one of my UK bucket list to reach the Isle of Sky.
Best. Post. Ever. I took a tour of the Scottish Highlands in 2009 and I fell in love with Scotland. I didn’t have my own car either so a tour was the only way to go for me. But it was so worth it for all the great stories you get to hear, it really adds ambiance to the already-beautiful scenery.
One of my friend also took Rabbie tours to explore Scotland! Indeed they are pretty good. I’ve only been to Edinburgh in Scotland and haven’t explored the highlands! Kilt rock is so picturesque! That bridge at Inverness looks stunning!
You took some very nice photos of Scotland. The country really seems like a fairytale. The landscape is so beautiful. I read another blogger that used Rabbies tour and had a great time as well.
Scotland is beautiful any time of year. Thete are so many places to go especially if you are an outdoor person. Just need to be prepared for rain which can happen even on a cloudless day 😀
Those photos are really inspiring
Great tips especially about choosing a tour on the weekday. Ireally enjoyed reading this post. It brought back fond memories of my visit to Scotland. Thank so much!
The pictures are beautiful I have always admired Scotland and wanted to visit it but never got a chance till now. I hope i do visit and make sure to add these places in my itinerary 🙂
The Isle of Skye looks like it could be in the Caribbean with those bright colors. I love how this looks like a fairy tale dream come true. Great tips, as weekday travel is almost always a winner, provided attractions are open.
So much green it makes my head spin, but in the best kind of way. Thanks for sharing, especially because I was considering doing a trip like this myself. Cheers!
Amazing pictures! Scotland has such rich nature and lovely landscapes! I’ve never been there but would love to travel the different towns and hike some mountains!
Absolutely GORGEOUS! I love the houses in Portree, the colours are so cute! Scotland has been appearing in my feed more & more lately… I think it’s a sign I need to return!
I just came back from Scotland – although the weather was mixed and the midges wanted to eat us alive – it was an amazing trip – the landscapes were so spectacular. So nice to bring back the memories by looking at your beautiful photos 🙂
What a incredible photos! I can’t believe I haven’t visit Scotland yet and I am loving in London right now! Its so beautiful there! I love all those castles, mountains and lakes! amazing !
Although I have seen many posts on Scotland, every time I see them, they fill me with awe. I think the first time I saw them in the movie Braveheart, so there is an added epic feel to it for me.
I’ve heard such good things about Rabbies Tours. I;ve never used them as I’m from Scotland and have a car, but their tours all looks so great!
Nice photos! I was in Scotland last year and visited some of the same site. It really brought back the memories, so pretty up there.
I have to totally agree that these are breathtaking pictures. These are tempting me to go explore this part of the world. It shows scotland is so very beautiful
This post looks full of green. And awesome photos.
The photos are indeed breathtaking. And you have given good tips for the Scottish Highland Tour!
Oh my gosh, this is amazing. The jealousy is real, Scottish castles and Loch Ness even. I need to see this at some point in the very near future.
Truly! It left me in awe. I wish I could go there someday.
Wow. Very beautiful! And I love your pictures. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I wish I had seen more of the Highlands when I lived in Scotland! I love the coloured houses especially.
That’s brought back lots of fabulous memories. You’ve given some great tips on the tour experience too. When we went, we took the overnight sleeper, and then spent a few days driving around the local area in a hire car. You saw many of the same places, and it’s focused my mind on returning soon. And you even got a picture of Eilean Donan without it rising from the mists!
I don’t know why Scotland has yet to go off on my radar, but I have been seeing so many gorgeous photos lately. The colorful houses are dreamy and I would definitely try to find my way to get up close and personal with them.
You’ve captured my favorite place so beautifully! I studied abroad in Edinburgh in 2003 and Scotland will forever remain my favorite country in the world.
The Scottish Highlands always take my breath away. I love the options of what to do and where I can go. I haven’t seen some of the things you mentioned. Thank you.
I’ve never been to Scotland but I really would love to visit it one day! The houses of the isle of Sky are so lovely!! I love that everything is so green and well preserved! I’d like to take a lot of pictures of that beautiful nature 🙂
I just loved the greenery, the castle and the mountains. Scotland is now on my bucket list.Thanks for sharing.
Dying to visit Scotland! My younger sister just got back and if her pics didn’t make me jealous enough, these definitely did! You take amazing photos 🙂
Why is Scotland so beautiful. From the landscape to architecture there is something so amazing about it, top of my list of places to visit. Definitely saved to my Pinterest.
The capital town of the Isle of Skye looks like the place I’d like to retire out for at least 2-3 days! So pretty! Now the castles and grasslands of Scotland are calling us and we don’t wanna wait for long.
Your pics are gorgeous! I’ve never been to the scottish highlands but I really like the sceneries and hillscapes. would love to visit those destinations!
I haven’t visited Scotland yet but I’ve seen the pictures and it looks beautiful. I likeed idea how they showed feast tradition in the castle. And shoe colorful houses are super cute
WOW! Your pictures are gorgeous. I have heard lot of good things about Scottish Highlands and was, in fact, looking forward to a trip this September with Rabbie’s but some how things didn’t materialise. But there’s always the next time 🙂
Dreamy images and very inspiring. Great job
I’d never herd of Eileen Donan Castle, it’s stunning from your picture and I understand why it’s the most photographed in Scotland. Thats a good tip about preparing for rain and wind, I know how the weather can be in the Highlands. The Highlands are so green and picturesque, so many Instagram opportunities!
This is so gorgeous!! What an amazing trip. I loved both Ireland and Scotland when I went. I didn’t know the tip about not buying souvenirs in Edinburgh. The Isle of Skye looks incredible! I hadn’t been there yet. Great post and absolutely beautiful photos
What an awesome breakdown of your trip to the Highlands. I have been wanting to go to Scotland and see as much as I can see. I totally understand the rain and weather situation, when I went to Ireland it rained a few days I was there, but was totally worth it.
Scotland is a delight. There is so much to enjoy. This tour looks wonderful. I will keep this company in mind for a trip in the future.
These pictures are so beautiful and you have really show the beauty of Scotland. Thanks for sharing.
I have only ever been to Edinburg, I need to explore way more of Scotland! These pictures just made me want to explore all the more.