5 Days in Scotland: A Private Tour Itinerary

Five days is the sweet spot for Scotland. It is long enough to reach the main Highland landmarks, short enough that every day feels purposeful, and perfectly suited to a private tour with a driver-guide who knows the roads and the stories behind them. This itinerary runs from Edinburgh through Inverness, Skye, Speyside and the Cairngorms. Every detail can be adjusted to your interests and pace.

Day 1: Edinburgh to the Highlands

We collect you from your Edinburgh hotel or the airport and drive north. The route follows the A9 through Perthshire, one of Scotland's most scenic corridors. We stop at Blair Castle or the House of Bruar to stretch your legs, then continue through the Cairngorms National Park towards Inverness. The drive is around three and a half hours in total, but broken into comfortable stages with scenery that improves by the mile. You arrive in Inverness in the early evening with time to settle in and explore the city.

See our private tours from Edinburgh for options starting from the capital.

Day 2: Loch Ness, Culloden and Clava Cairns

Morning begins at Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last pitched battle on British soil in 1746. The visitor centre tells the Jacobite story with clarity and dignity. Nearby are the Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age burial site that predates Culloden by four thousand years. Fans of Outlander will recognise the inspiration.

In the afternoon, we head to Loch Ness. Options include a boat cruise on the loch, a visit to the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the shore, or both. The evening is yours in Inverness. This is a day of contrasts: ancient stones, Jacobite history and the drama of Scotland's most famous loch.

Day 3: Isle of Skye

An early start from Inverness takes us west to the Isle of Skye, around two and a half hours with a stop at Eilean Donan Castle en route. On Skye, the priorities depend on weather and your preferences: Portree harbour, the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing ridge or the Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle. This is a long day but a spectacular one. Your chauffeur handles the single-track roads and timing so you can focus on the landscape.

We return to Inverness in the evening, or you can overnight on Skye if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

Day 4: Speyside Whisky Trail

Today is about whisky and the gentle Spey valley. We visit two or three distilleries depending on your interest. Options include The Macallan, Glenfiddich or smaller craft distilleries where the tours are more intimate and the stories richer. The pace is deliberately relaxed, with time for tastings and a walk along the river.

The great advantage of a private Speyside whisky tour is simple: everyone in the car can enjoy the whisky. Your chauffeur handles the driving.

Day 5: Return south via the Cairngorms

The final day takes a scenic route south through the Cairngorms. We pass through Aviemore with views of the high plateau and ancient Caledonian pine forest. An optional stop at Dalwhinnie Distillery, Scotland's highest, adds a final dram to the journey. We continue south via Pitlochry or Perth, arriving in Edinburgh or Glasgow for your departure.

Can you do Scotland in fewer days?

If you have longer, our 7-day Scotland itinerary adds Stirling, Glencoe, and a full day on Skye. If five days is more than you have, we offer day tours from Inverness and shorter multi-day options including 2 and 3-day itineraries. For longer stays, our guided multi-day tours extend to a week or more, covering the NC500, Orkney or the Hebrides.

What is included?

Your tour includes a dedicated driver-guide, a luxury Mercedes V-Class, fuel, parking and tolls. Accommodation, meals and attraction entry fees are separate, but we advise on all of these and can help with booking. We know the hotels, the restaurants and the routes. Everything is tailored to you.

Private tours from Inverness start and finish at your hotel or the airport. Request a quote for a bespoke 5-day itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

Is 5 days enough to see Scotland?

Five days gives you a thorough overview of the Highlands, including Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, Speyside whisky country and the Cairngorms. It is enough to see the major highlights at a comfortable pace. If you have longer, the itinerary can be extended to include the NC500, Orkney or the west coast.

Can you start from Glasgow instead of Edinburgh?

Yes. We regularly adjust routes to start and finish in Glasgow. The first and final days are reworked to account for the different starting point, but the core Highland itinerary remains the same.

What about accommodation?

We advise on hotels, country houses and B&Bs suited to your budget and style. We can help with booking logistics and recommend properties we know well across the Highlands.

Can you customise the itinerary?

Completely. This is a sample route to give you a sense of pacing and geography. Every tour we run is tailored to your interests, whether that is history, whisky, wildlife, golf or simply the scenery.

How far in advance should I book?

For peak season (May to September), we recommend booking 2 to 3 months ahead. Shoulder season dates are more flexible, but early booking ensures your preferred dates and accommodation choices.