Highlands and The Isle of Skye - 3 day tour
Highlands and the Isle of Skye
3 day/2 night tour
There are so many famous sights to be seen on this popular three-day tour, including Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe, then sail "Over the sea to Skye" to reach Portree, your island home for two nights. Explore the beauty of the Isle of Skye in comfort, including the soaring peaks of the Cuillin Hills, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. Back on the mainland, see Eilean Donan Castle and go monster-spotting at Loch Ness. There is so much to enjoy on this popular tour.
Glen Coe - take in the unforgettable views of Scotland’s most famous glen
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
Eilean Donan Castle - enjoy views of this picturesque castle sitting on its little island on Loch Duich
Loch Ness - gaze out across the dark and mysterious waters, for signs of “Nessie”
Movie locations - The Quest for Fire, Being Human and Outlaw King
Guest house accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh - Glen Coe - Inverness
This Isle of Skye tour begins with a drive towards Stirling, where there are sweeping views of its mighty castle, once a great Royal residence of the Stuart kings and queens.
Next, we take the historic cattle drovers’ route towards Doune and the pretty town of Callander, where there is a stop for refreshments.
The Pass of Leny is a narrow gorge with a fast-flowing river. As we reach the northern end, we enter the Highlands.
Enjoy views over Loch Tulla as the coach climbs the Black Mount to reach the plateau of Rannoch Moor, a land of heather, peat and lochs extending over 50 square miles. We learn the tragic story of Glen Coe when we stop to view the hauntingly majestic beauty of Scotland’s most famous glen.
From Fort William, we follow the legendary Road to the Isles towards the fishing port of Mallaig. If conditions allow, there’s a stop at Glenfinnan Viaduct, instantly recognisable from the Harry Potter films.
A short ferry crossing takes us “over the sea to Skye” and our base for the next two nights in Portree. Here, colourful harbourfront houses and sea views welcome us in time to relax before dinner.
Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye (2 nights)
Day 2 - Exploring the Isle of Skye
Today we experience the breathtaking scenery, rich history and vibrant Gaelic culture of the Isle of Skye.
The jagged skyline of the Cuillin Hills forms a constant backdrop 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 like 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 - Loch Ness - Edinburgh
This morning, we bid farewell to the Isle of Skye and cross the Skye Bridge back to the mainland.
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.
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.
Next comes the deep, dark waters of Loch Ness. There’s time to stretch our legs in Fort Augustus, while keeping an eye out for the ever-elusive Nessie.
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. Click here for more information.
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.
Will there be stops for meals and are they included in the price of the tour?
Meals are not included in the tour price, but we will make stops where you can get refreshments and something to eat.
If you wish, you can bring a packed lunch or pick up lunch items at a previous stop.
Vegetarian food is widely available.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 2 nights guest house or hotel accommodation
- Location: Portree, Isle of Skye (2)
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (2)
Tour Essentials
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
60 High Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1TB
Check-in: 07:30 hrs
Tour Departs: 07:45 hrs
Tour Returns: 18:00 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 5 to 16 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 5 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Book Assured
Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 8 days notice before travel. Click here for more information.
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes guest house accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Luggage Allowance
One medium-sized suitcase/bag per person (maximum weight: 15 kilos)
Admission Prices
To provide maximum flexibility, admission fees are not included in the tour cost.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
HET 00005
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (4 /5) 15 May 2018
Hello and thank you for the tour. To start with, we loved the guest house (The Ach Aluinn) in Inverness.We took the freestyle tour. There was lack of information about what time and where we would be picked up. (and also what the freestyle tour is, when we first booked) This might make some guests uncomfortable. Maybe a whatsapp number that people can easily reach, can be better than mailing. The driver/guides were also nice. Especially the driver on 10th May was very informative. I think the last day of the tour can be improved. Until we meet the motorcoach, the driver was less informative, we didn't know the place of where we stopped or if there was any stories about that area, unlike others. and after we met the motorcoach, it was more like letting people rest and it felt like the tour was finished half-day. On itinerary there was the views of Blair Castle but we didn't get to go know when we passed it by neither went nearby the castle. I would prefer to see inside the Blair castle. Kindest Regards Thank you Sezen Umitli
SEZEN from ANKARA, Turkey
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Rating: (4 /5) 09 Apr 2018
Could have spent more time in places like isle of skye and skip places like cow feeding and other less interesting places. Felt the time spent in isle of skye is too rushed. Also a little too much driving around. Maybe reduce number of bus stop spots and allow more time each spot.
Kanit from Bath, United Kingdom
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Rating: (5 /5) 21 Sep 2017
The tour was amazing with a homely accommodation(Scorrybreac - the landlady Sandra is Wonderful and Lovely women she made the Best English Breakfast I have ever had). I would come back again to tour with you guys if I ever get a chance. Driver-Guides were Brilliant and knowledgeable. Day1 - Mike & Louis; Day2 - Victoria(Vicky); Day3 - Alison; I really had a fantastic time the whole 3 days and have loads of Beautiful memories made and met new people, was amazing... Thanks guys.
DEEPIKA from CHESTERFIELD, , United Kingdom
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4 day tour from £ 790.00