How to Plan a Private Highland Tour from Inverness

A private Highland tour from Inverness puts the pace entirely in your hands. No fixed timetable, no shared coach, no waiting for other passengers. Planning one is straightforward if you think in terms of when, where and how long. This guide walks you through each step so you can make the most of your time in the Highlands.

Choose your dates

The Highlands change character with each season, and there is no wrong time to visit. We run private tours from Inverness year-round and adapt every route to the conditions and the light.

Summer (June to August) brings the longest days, with 18 or more hours of daylight in mid-June. Roads and attractions are at their busiest, and accommodation books well ahead. The weather is warmest, though rarely hot by international standards.

Spring (April to May) is quieter and often rewarding. Wildflowers appear along roadsides and in the glens. Mornings can be cool, but the light is soft and the landscape feels fresh. Lambing season adds a gentle backdrop to the drive.

Autumn (September to October) delivers golden colours across the birch and bracken. The midge season has largely passed, and visitor numbers drop. Days are shorter but still generous enough for a full touring day.

Winter (November to March) is dramatic. Short days of six to seven hours mean less driving time, but the skies can be extraordinary. Northern lights are possible on clear nights. Some attractions and smaller roads may be closed, and your driver-guide will plan accordingly. For more detail on timing, see our guide to the best time to visit the Highlands.

Pick your destinations

The right destinations depend on how many days you have and what interests you most.

Day tours from Inverness cover single regions or themes. Popular choices include Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and the Great Glen, Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns, Glen Coe via Fort William, and a full-day Isle of Skye circuit. For whisky, our Speyside whisky tour visits working distilleries in Scotland's whisky heartland. Browse the full selection of day tours from Inverness.

Multi-day tours open up more ground. The North Coast 500 is best over three days. The Isle of Skye benefits from two to three days with an overnight stay. The Orkney Islands need at least two days. For five to seven days, a comprehensive Scotland tour can run from Edinburgh or Glasgow through the Highlands and Islands. Explore our multi-day Scotland private tours for longer itineraries.

Decide on pacing

One of the main advantages of a private tour is that you set the pace. There is no schedule to keep beyond your own.

One day: plan around one to two major stops. This allows time for the drive, for walking, and for simply being in the landscape without rushing.

Two days: you can cover more ground comfortably, with an overnight stay at a carefully chosen hotel or guesthouse. Skye, for example, is far more rewarding over two days than one.

Three to five days: deeper exploration becomes possible. You can combine regions, linger where it matters, and reach places that a single day cannot touch.

Seven or more days: a comprehensive Scotland tour, from Edinburgh or Glasgow through the Highlands and Islands. For guidance on how long to spend, see our article on how many days in the Highlands.

How far in advance should you book?

Booking ahead is always sensible, particularly in peak season. From May to September, we recommend booking two to three months in advance. This is especially important if you need specific dates or want to secure the best accommodation nearby.

During the shoulder months of April and October, four to six weeks is usually sufficient. In winter, shorter notice is often fine, though early booking still helps us plan the best possible route and overnight options for your group.

What does a private tour cost?

Private day tours start from around £500 to £600 per day for up to seven guests. This is all-inclusive of your vehicle, driver-guide, fuel and parking. There are no hidden charges.

Multi-day tours can be quoted on request, depending on the itinerary, accommodation preferences and any special requirements. We provide a clear, detailed quote so you know exactly what to expect before confirming. Request a quote to get started.

What's included?

Every private tour from Inverness includes a dedicated, knowledgeable driver-guide, a luxury Mercedes V-Class (or similar) for up to seven guests, all fuel and mileage, all parking charges, and door-to-door pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Inverness or the surrounding area.

Not included: entry fees to attractions, meals, and accommodation on multi-day tours. We are happy to advise on restaurants, hotels and entry tickets. If you are travelling from further afield, see our chauffeur service from Inverness.

Can you combine a tour with airport transfers?

Yes, and it is one of the most popular things our guests do. A common pattern is to arrive at Inverness Airport and begin touring immediately, rather than taking a separate transfer. Your driver-guide meets you at arrivals and the day starts as soon as you are ready.

The same approach works if you are arriving into Edinburgh or Glasgow and heading north. Browse our airport transfers from Inverness or request a custom quote.

Frequently asked questions