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3 day tour
Glenfinnan, Skye and the Highlands
From
£519.00
Tour Summary
Glenfinnan, Skye and the Highlands
3 day/2 night tour
This Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh offers a well-paced introduction to some of Scotland’s most iconic sights. Over three days, you’ll explore spectacular landscapes, ancient castles and picturesque lochs, including mysterious Loch Ness. Enjoy a two-night stay in Portree and discover some of the Isle of Skye’s most famous attractions, including Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr and Dunvegan Castle. A highlight is a ride on the West Highland Line, the route followed by the famous Hogwarts Express, before returning to Edinburgh by way of Glen Coe and Rannoch Moor.
Loch Ness - gaze out across the dark and mysterious waters, for signs of “Nessie”
Isle of Skye - see the towering Cuillin Hills, impressive Old Man of Storr and visit ancient Dunvegan Castle
Portree - enjoy a relaxed two-night stay in this attractive harbour town
Glenfinnan Viaduct - cross the world-famous "Harry Potter Bridge" by train
Glen Coe - take in the unforgettable views of Scotland’s most famous glen
Movie locations - Harry Potter, Highlander and Macbeth
Guest house accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh - Loch Ness - Isle of Skye
This Isle of Skye tour begins with a drive across the Firth of Forth, enjoying close-up views of the historic Forth Bridge, then onwards through the ancient Kingdom of Fife to our first stop in the heart of Highland Perthshire. Dunkeld is a historic village on the banks of the River Tay, famous for its attractive 17th- and 18th-century houses and its romantic cathedral dating from the mid-1200s.
Next, we pass Blair Castle and climb through the Grampian Mountains to reach the scenic Cairngorms National Park.
We stop by the deep and dark waters of Loch Ness. There’s time to stretch our legs in Fort Augustus, and keep an eye out for the ever-elusive Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.
Continuing through the Highlands, there’s a stop at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about the inspiring conservation work of Trees for Life and their efforts to restore the ancient Caledonian pine forest.
Before long, we pause at iconic Eilean Donan Castle, sitting proudly on an island where three sea lochs meet. It’s one of the most photographed castles in the country, and once seen reflected in the water, you’ll understand why.
The final part of today’s journey leads us “over the sea to Skye” using the graceful bridge crossing the waters of Loch Alsh. Our island base for the next two nights is in Portree. Here, there is time to explore the colourful harbour front houses and sea views before dinner.
Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye (2 nights)
Day 2 - Exploring the Isle of Skye
Today, we experience the breathtaking scenery, history and vibrant Gaelic culture of the Isle of Skye.
The skyline of the Cuillin Hills forms a constant background to our island travels, their dark peaks rising sharply from the landscape. With the highest concentration of summits in Britain, they’re a magnet for climbers. There are plenty of stops to step out, admire the scenery and take photographs you’ll treasure.
There’s an option to visit Dunvegan Castle, beautifully set on the shores of Loch Dunvegan. Home to the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years, it is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Inside, discover Jacobite relics and the legendary Fairy Flag, while outside, the walled and water gardens offer pleasant woodland walks.
Travelling around the Trotternish Peninsula feels as if stepping back in time. We’ll hear the story of Flora MacDonald before encountering some of Skye’s most iconic landmarks - the Old Man of Storr, the landslipped cliffs of the Quiraing and the towering sea cliffs of Kilt Rock.
Day 3 - Isle of Skye - West Highland Line - Edinburgh
It’s an early start this morning as we retrace our trip through the Isle of Skye. Today, we’re heading to the little ferry port of Armadale, where a ferry awaits to transport us across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig. During the short sail, admire the views of the Cuillin Hills and look out for the dolphins that sometimes join the ferry on the crossing.
At Mallaig, we join the ScotRail train for a scenic journey on the West Highland Line. The train follows the same route as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies.
Departing the busy fishing port of Mallaig, the diesel train hugs the coastline past the silver sands of Morar, a filming location for “Local Hero”, before turning inland through dramatic Highland scenery.
Look out for the little island of Eilean na Moine as the train travels along the banks of Loch Eilt. It’s a Harry Potter filming location, as the site of Dumbledore's grave.
Next comes the highlight of the trip, the crossing of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the line curves gracefully above Loch Shiel. The banks of Loch Eil guide us towards journey’s end in Fort William.
Back on the coach, we travel to Glen Coe, where we learn the tragic story of the infamous massacre in 1692, when we stop to view the eerily majestic grandeur of Scotland’s most famous glen.
Next, we travel through Rannoch Moor, a land of heather, peat and lochs extending over 50 square miles. There are wonderful views of Loch Tulla as the coach descends The Black Mount.
After a refreshment break in Tyndrum, travel through the Pass of Leny, a narrow gorge with a fast-flowing river. As we reach the southern end, we leave the Highlands behind and return to the Lowlands.
Next, we take the historic cattle drovers’ route towards Stirling, where there are sweeping views of its mighty castle, once a great Royal residence of the Stuart kings and queens.
The last segment of our journey is by motorway back to the centre of Edinburgh and the end of our Highland adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Multi-Day Tour
For the discerning traveller, a Signature Multi-day Tour offers fantastic value for money, cosy accommodation, well-paced sightseeing and comfortable travel.
All of this combines to create the definitive Scottish experience.
Each tour is hosted by a professional driver/guide who has been carefully selected for their extensive knowledge and driving skills. As locals, you are sure to gain that extra insight. If you should have any problems during your stay, they’ll go out of their way to help.
You will want to see as much as possible, but you don’t want to be rushed. Our tours are carefully planned to strike the right balance, and in addition to comfortable mini/midicoach travel, many feature memorable railway or ferry journeys.
Having somewhere pleasant to stay after an exciting day of discovery is an essential part of your holiday experience. Comfortable guest house accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, tv and other amenities is included in the price of all tours.
Breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
What are the optional extras on this tour and how much do they cost?
To give you complete choice admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. The tour itinerary has been carefully designed to provide sufficient time for you to visit these attractions:
If you click on the links above, they will provide you with more information on each attraction, including current admission prices. In some cases a special discount is offered to tour passengers, your driver/guide will provide details if this applies.
Please note that credit/debit cards are not always accepted so it is recommended that you carry sufficient cash with you should you want to make a visit.
Tell me about my accommodation and which type of room should I choose?
Accommodation is included in your tour price.
The guesthouses and B&Bs are carefully selected and offer comfortable accommodation in bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, tv, tea/coffee-making facilities and other facilities. Bedding, towels and basic toiletries are provided.
Some guesthouses and B&B’s offer enhanced facilities, such as a resident’s lounge where you can relax with other guests.
Accommodation is spread throughout the communities that we stay in and is seldom more than a 10/15 minute walk from the town or village centre.
Should I make dinner reservations for an evening meal in Portree?
Yes! Portree is the capital and main town on the Isle of Skye, and therefore is a very popular destination, especially in the summer months. There are many excellent restaurants in Portree, and they tend to get pretty busy, so we strongly recommend making reservations for your evening meal to avoid disappointment.
We advise not making your dinner reservations for any earlier than 7pm to allow plenty of time for the coach to return to Portree, after a full day of exploring the wonders of the Magical Isle.
You can also check out our Portree blog for more tips and information.
What will the journey on the West Highland Line be like?
You will be travelling on the public train, operated by our National train operator – ScotRail, from Mallaig to Fort William (or v.v.). The train follows exactly the same route as the Jacobite Steam Train, which played the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies.
The West Highland Line is considered by many as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the World. On the journey, you will pass Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain, cross the Caledonian Canal, see picturesque Loch Eilt and admire the silver sands of Morar.
The journey’s highlight is crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, just like the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies.
Please note: ScotRail's service is operated by a diesel train. You will not be travelling on the Jacobite Steam Train.
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