5-Day Oban, Isle of Skye, St Andrews, & North West Highlands Tour

5-Day Oban, Isle of Skye, St Andrews, & North West Highlands Tour

6 Views
2 Days From

$381

$363

5-Day Oban, Isle of Skye, St Andrews, & North West Highlands Tour

2 Days

Visiting: United Kingdom

Tour operator:

The Hairy Coo

Tour code:

308156

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $381 $363 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$18

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through Scotland's stunning landscapes with the Oban, Isle of Skye, St Andrews, and North West Highlands Tour. This adventure begins in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, whisking you away to the charming coastal town of Oban, the mystical Isle of Skye, and the historic town of St Andrews. Experience the rugged beauty of the North West Highlands, with opportunities to explore local attractions such as the Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery and Kilmuir Museum. While accommodation and meals are not included, you'll have the freedom to choose from a variety of recommended guesthouses and hotels in Oban, Portree, and Inverness. Capture breathtaking scenery and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Scotland, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a guided tour. Don't forget to pack warm clothing and your camera for this unforgettable Scottish adventure!

Highlights

  • Oban, a picturesque coastal town known for its stunning sea views.

  • Explore the enchanting Isle of Skye, with a stay in Portree.

  • Discover the historic town of St Andrews, famous for its university and golf courses.

  • Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the North West Highlands.

  • Visit the Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery for a tour and tasting.

  • Enjoy a seal-watching trip with Calum's Seal Trips in Plockton.

  • Explore the Kilmuir Museum to learn about local history and culture.

Itinerary

What's Included

  • Luggage Allowance

    You are permitted to bring along both a carry-on bag and one larger piece of luggage per person, such as a suitcase or backpack, weighing up to 15kgs.

  • Tour Bus Departure

    The tour bus departs from outside Hotel Malmaison, on the north side of St Andrew Square, 22 St Andrew Square, EH2 1AY.

What's Not Included

  • Food and Drink

    Food and drink are not included in the tour package.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is not included and must be booked separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for your Driver Guide are not included.

  • Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting

    The Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting is not included and is available for those aged 18 and over.

  • Kilmuir Museum

    Entry to Kilmuir Museum is not included in the tour.

  • Calum's Seal Trips, Plockton

    Calum's Seal Trips in Plockton are not included in the tour.

  • Optional Extras

    Optional extras can be purchased directly on the day of your tour from your Driver-Guide.

Booking Notes

DEPARTURE

Please meet your Hairy Coo tour bus:
Outside Hotel Malmaison, on the north side of St Andrew Square, 22 St Andrew Square, EH2 1AY.
You can find the meeting point using the following links: what3words, Google Maps
• Check-in is at 8:00am. The bus departs at 8:15am.
• We recommend you arrive early if you have a preference of where you would like to sit.
We are unable to wait for latecomers under any circumstances and there will be no refunds for missed tours. It is vitally important that if you are arriving at the departure point by taxi or local bus that you leave enough time to get there for the departure time.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

  • Food & drink
  • Accommodation
  • Gratuities for your Driver Guide
  • Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting (18+)
  • Kilmuir Museum
  • Calum's Seal Trips, Plockton
  • Optional Extras can be purchased directly on the day of your tour from your Driver-Guide.

ON TOUR

• We recommend you bring warm and/or waterproof clothing, no matter what the forecast appears to be…Scotland’s weather is very unpredictable!
• Don’t forget your camera to capture all the lovely scenery and wildlife you’ll encounter on your tour, which you can later share with us online. #JoinTheHerd
• We must remind you that while picturesque and quaint, many of the suppliers in smaller towns across the Highlands do still prefer cash payments
• You are permitted to bring along both a carry-on bag one larger piece of luggage per person, such as a suitcase or backpack. This can weigh up to 15kgs per passenger and does not need to stick to any dimension restrictions as we understand those vary.
• Food is readily available at the majority of stops on tour, but you are more than welcome to bring snacks and cold packed lunch on board.

ACCOMMODATION ON TOUR

Now that you have booked your 5-day tour, it’s time to book your accommodation (Bed & Breakfasts book up quickly in the Highlands).
We are more than happy to help with recommendations for accommodation and below is a list of partners we work closely with on our tours. Please make sure to mention The Hairy Coo when contacting them. We recommend you do this urgently as accommodation does get booked up quickly.
It is our advice to always book directly with a provider, rather than using a large online booking site such as booking.com. These companies charge small businesses such a large amount of commission and we love to support them where we can!
For the 5 day Hairy Coo tour, you will require one night in Oban (night 1), one night in Portree on the Isle of Skye (night 2) and two nights in the city of Inverness (nights 3 and 4). Our meeting points will be:
  • Oban – Station Road, PA34 4LN
  • Portree - Somerled Square, IV51 9BS
  • Inverness - Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN.
If our recommendations are fully booked or you would like to research other places to stay, we would kindly ask that you use our city/town centre drop-off/pick-up points to check how far away your choice will be.
Oban - Night One
  • Guesthouse [Alltavona Guest House, Oban] (https://www.alltavona.co.uk) This B&B offers stunning sea views and a very high standard of accommodation. . (+44) 1631 565067
  • Guesthouse [Glenmoore Guest House, Oban] (www.https://glenmooreguesthouse.innstyle.co.uk) The perfect resting place, less than a minutes walk from central Oban.
  • Guesthouse [Killorn Guesthouse, Oban] (https://killornguesthouse.com/). Guest house offering sea views in the heart of Oban. +44 (0) 7470156257. Mention the Hairy Coo when booking to ensure an early breakfast.
  • Guesthouse and Hostel [Corran House] (https://corranhouseoban.co.uk/) +44 (00 1631 566 040.
  • Hostel [Oban Youth Hostel] (https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/oban/). +44 (0) 1631 562 025.
  • Hotel [Premier Inn, Oban] (https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/argyll.html). Just down the road from our meeting point and close to most of Oban’s attractions. +44 (0) 330 135 9041.
Portree, Isle of Skye - Night Two
  • Hostel [Portree Youth Hostel] (https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/portree/). +44 (0) 1478 612 231
  • Hotel [Tongadale Hotel] (https://www.tongadalehotel.co.uk). (+44) 1478 612115
  • Hotel [Portree Hotel] (https://theportreehotel.com/contact). +44 (0) 1478 612 511
  • Hotel [Bosville Hotel] (https://perlehotels.com/the-bosville/). +44 (0) 1478 612 846
We strongly recommend that you make a dinner reservation in Portree if you would like to dine in a pub or restaurant as it can be very busy (you will arrive in Portree at approximately 18.30pm).
Inverness - Night Three and Four
  • Hostel: [Black Isle Hostel] (https://www.blackislebrewery.com/accommodation/black-isle-hostel). +44 (0)1463 233 933
  • Hotel: [Black Isle Bar & Rooms] (Bar Rooms Inverness — Black Isle Brewery) +44 (0) 1463 229 920
  • B&B: [Ardross Glencairn Guest House] (https://www.ardrossglencairn.co.uk). Please mention you are travelling with The Hairy Coo when you book with them. Please call +44 (0) 1463 232 965
  • B&B: [Adrians' Guesthouse] (https://www.adriansguesthouse.co.uk) This is a newly refurbished and highly recommended guesthouse please book online or call +44 (0) 1463 232 953 to discuss rates. Mention that you are a Hairy Coo guest to ensure an early breakfast and a discounted overnight rate is offered to ALL direct bookings!
  • B&B: [Aye Stay Bed & Breakfast] (https://ayestay.com/) Award winning boutique, family run B&B. Book online or call +44 (0) 7951 288 235
  • Hotel: Premier Inn Centre (River Ness) +44 (0) 3333 219 235
  • Hotel: [Columba Hotel Inverness] (https://www.columbahotelinverness.co.uk). +44 (0) 1463 231 391
We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with a flexible cancellation policy. Cancellations are highly unlikely during the summer season, but for your own peace of mind we recommend that you book accommodation that is fully cancellable. On rare occasion, our tours may be re-scheduled or cancelled due to unforeseeable circumstances.
The Hairy Coo cannot be held liable for accommodation cancellation charges in the event of tour cancellation.
Once you have booked your accommodation, we ask you contact us before your departure with the address for our records.
We would also expect everyone to bring one larger piece of luggage, a suitcase or backpack, which we will put in the hold of the bus during transit. This can weigh up to 15kgs per passenger and does not need to stick to any dimension restrictions as we understand those vary. The luggage restriction has been included to ensure that not all guests join the tour with excessive luggage as our vehicles do not have the space to hold too much.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes transportation via a tour bus departing from St Andrew Square, Edinburgh. Guests are allowed to bring a carry-on bag and one larger piece of luggage, with a weight limit of 15kgs per person.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the tour package. Guests are advised to book their own accommodations in Oban, Portree, and Inverness, with recommendations provided for guesthouses, hostels, and hotels in these locations.

Check out our Q&As

  • What should I bring with me on the tour?

    We recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothing due to Scotland's unpredictable weather. Don't forget your camera to capture the beautiful scenery and wildlife. You are also allowed to bring a carry-on bag and one larger piece of luggage, such as a suitcase or backpack, weighing up to 15kgs.

  • Are there any specific recommendations for accommodation during the tour?

    Yes, you will need to book one night in Oban, one night in Portree on the Isle of Skye, and two nights in Inverness. We recommend booking directly with providers to support small businesses and ensure availability. Mention 'The Hairy Coo' when booking to potentially receive benefits like early breakfast.

  • Is food included in the tour package?

    No, food and drink are not included in the tour package. However, food is readily available at most stops, and you are welcome to bring snacks and a cold packed lunch on board.

  • What is the policy on luggage for the tour?

    You are permitted to bring one carry-on bag and one larger piece of luggage, such as a suitcase or backpack, per person. The larger luggage can weigh up to 15kgs and does not need to adhere to specific dimension restrictions.

  • What happens if I am late for the tour departure?

    The tour bus cannot wait for latecomers under any circumstances, and there will be no refunds for missed tours. It is important to arrive on time, especially if you are using a taxi or local bus to reach the departure point.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Reduced capacity. Compulsory Masks. Hand Sanitiser available onboard.

  • What is your minimum age?

    Our minimum age for all tours is 7 years old.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Before Covid-19, we were awaiting

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    We do not book accommodation on behalf of guests but are happy to provide recommendations upon request.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We are happy to amend bookings as many times as is required as long as the request is sent to us within the cancellation period for your tour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Hairy Coo has been operating since 2010.

Reviews of this operator

Mrinalini G (Google Reviewer)  

Had the good fortune of...

07-Oct-2024

Had the good fortune of choosing The Hairy Coo and having Lucky as our tour guide for the 3 day Scottish highlands tour. The tour and locations themselves were breathtaking, it has been planned out very well and nothing feels too much or too fast. Lucky was absolutely phenomenal, he’s truly the one who made the trip what it was. I so enjoyed his storytelling, quick wit and humorous retellings. He’s full of recommendations and knowledge of the entire area. He was extremely friendly and forthcoming and made the tour all the more worthwhile.

Natasha Sakulyanonvitaya (Google Reviewer)  

Our tour guide, David H.,...

12-Oct-2024

Our tour guide, David H., was so much fun. He was very knowledgeable about the Highlands, the lands and the history. We also got to hear stories from his own life. He was humorous and very friendly, giving us many tips for our longer stops. David also stopped at extra places where we could get more pictures, the views were stunning!! They are called the Hairy Coo so of course we got to see hairy coos!! They’re absolutely Adorable. We brought our own lunches, which saved us time in Fort Augustus to explore, but they do give us two hours in the town: one for food, one for optional cruise on the Lochness. I definitely recommend the Highlands tour!

La Ra (Google Reviewer)  

Booking the one-day Highland Tour...

19-Mar-2024

Booking the one-day Highland Tour with a visit to Loch Ness through The Hairy Coo turned out to be an unforgettable experience, much of it thanks to our driver and guide, Brian Smith. The day was filled with fascinating sights, engaging stories, and just the right amount of entertainment during the bus ride, ensuring it was never dull but also not overwhelming. Brian did an excellent job of blending information about Scotland's natural landscapes and cultural history with light-hearted entertainment. The mix of listening to music together and learning about Scotland when the music was off made the journey feel special and well-rounded. I would wholeheartedly recommend booking with The Hairy Coo for anyone looking to explore the Highlands, and if possible, ask for Brian to be your guide. His approach to guiding—informative, engaging, and entertaining—significantly enhanced our experience. I'd gladly book another tour with them, especially if Brian is leading the adventure. Overall, it was a highly recommendable trip for anyone looking to get a deeper understanding of Scotland while enjoying a day full of entertainment and education.

Angie Vourliotakis (Google Reviewer)  

Our trip to the Scottish...

31-Jan-2025

Our trip to the Scottish Highland was absolutely unforgettable, and a huge part of that was thanks to amazing guide Colin. he was incredibly knowledgeable, keeping us engaged with fascinating history, good jokes, and fantastic selection of Scottish songs. Even though we spent many hours in the bus, we hardly noticed because we were completely mesmerised by the idyllic scenery – winding through the Scottish mountains, shimmering lakes, and snow capped peaks felt like something out of a dream. The photo stops were perfect, and we loved every little detail. All in all, this was the perfect experience, and we couldn’t recommend it more! Scotland is pure beauty! ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ayush Dutta (Google Reviewer)  

I took a solo trip...

16-Feb-2024

I took a solo trip to Edinburgh and booked a tour with The Hairy Coo. Honestly, it was the best decision. Our guide/driver/DJ/storyteller, Stephen, was just amazing. His tales, jokes, banter and insights kept us entertained throughout, and made the entire trip memorable. I would gladly book another tour with them and highly recommend it to anyone who's in Scotland. PS: Unless you like living dangerously, avoid wearing white trainers. Or else you'd go home with brown trainers.

Shae Bampton (Google Reviewer)  

Lucky was one of the...

15-Nov-2024

Lucky was one of the most accommodating, charismatic, hardworking men I have ever met. He made our tour of Scotland so enjoyable. It’s always nerve wracking going to a new country and experiencing it for the first time, however he made all of us feel right at home from day 1. If you happen to be on one of the smaller group tours, be sure to sit on the single seats to the left of the bus for uninterrupted views and a little more comfort. You won’t miss anything on the right but you will have to look over others to see. We could not recommend The Hairy Coo enough! And if you’re ‘lucky’ enough to have a tour guide like ours, you’re in for plenty of insight into the history of Scotland, brilliant driving skills, food recommendations and last but not least, laughter. Thank you Lucky!

geraldinefok (Google Reviewer)  

My husband and I had...

11-Jul-2024

My husband and I had a great time on the 3 day Hairy Coo tour, with our driver guide Peter Richardson. Our driver guide did an amazing job in getting us to places on time and safely, while sharing the rich history of Scotland. We also enjoyed the Scottish tunes along the way. Peter truly made the whole experience so much better with his warmth and knowledge. Will definitely recommend Peter to anyone looking for an enjoyable tour of the beautiful lands of Scotland!

Glenda Casimir (Google Reviewer)  

Amazing day out with our...

15-Sep-2024

Amazing day out with our driver/tour guide, Wee Stevie, on the One Day Loch Ness tour. He did a fantastic job sharing history, stories, keeping us all engaged and ensuring our day was memorable. The tour was well organized, plenty of opportunities to get out, take photos, use facilities, and things like pre-arranging our boat tour tickets on the bus rather than lining up at the location. One of the things I looked forward to was feeding the highland coos and unfortunately the farm was going to be closed. Stevie called ahead and arranged for food to be left for us so we didn't miss out! Wonderful day!

Christal Kelso (Google Reviewer)  

What a great tour! We...

27-Oct-2024

What a great tour! We did the 1 day Highland tour to Loch Ness and had a blast. David H was a lovely and informative guide. He kept the day light and interesting while teaching us some Scottish history and throwing in some personal anecdotes along the way. The Fall colors were beautiful and I highly recommend the optional boat cruise of the Loch to look for Nessie while sipping some whisky. Will be booking Hairy Coos again!

Alicia Hatmaker (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 1-day Loch...

08-Jun-2024

We did the 1-day Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands tour, and WOW! I was skeptical at first about being on a tour for the entire day, but our driver/DJ/storytelling extraordinaire, Fraser, was amazing and kept everyone engaged the entire tour. He definitely has a gift for captivating an audience, and it was so obvious how much he loves Scotland! I appreciated his depth of knowledge which included history lessons, movie facts, music, as well as some funny stories! This was the highlight of our trip so far, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone else!

1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
$437 $416 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$21 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$437 $416 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$21 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

May 07, 2025 - May 08, 2025
$484 $461 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$23 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

May 21, 2025 - May 22, 2025
$484 $461 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$23 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025
$484 $461 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$23 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025
$484 $461 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$23 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Jun 25, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025
$484 $461 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$23 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025
$484 $461 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$23 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025
$484 $461 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$23 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Jul 30, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025
$484 $461 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$23 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025
$484 $461 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$23 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Aug 27, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025
$484 $461 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$23 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025
$484 $461 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$23 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025
$437 $416 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$21 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Nov 05, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025
$381 $363 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$18 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Dec 17, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025
$484 $461 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$23 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Mar 11, 2026 - Mar 12, 2026
$484 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.