Isle of Skye Explorer - 3 day tour

Day 2 - Exploring the Magical Isle

The Island of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides and boasts some of the finest mountain scenery in Scotland. The history of the island includes Viking invasions, bloody clan feuds and, of course, the sad tale of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Today we’ll visit all the key sights and you’ll get insight as to why this is such a special place.

After breakfast enjoy some free time in Portree, which sits around its quaint harbour complete with multi-coloured houses.

Later we board our coach and make our way to ancient Dunvegan Castle, the 800 year old seat of the Macleods of Skye. There has been a castle on this site since the 13th Century and its treasures include the famous Fairy Flag, said to bring good luck to the Clan in time of trouble. Dunvegan also has beautiful gardens which provide a marvellous oasis.

The Cuillin hills are always part of the island’s scenery and can be seen from almost everywhere on the island. But the pinnacles of the Black Cuillins and the great slabs of the Red Cuillins are only part of the amazing scenery of Skye.

In the Trotternish Peninsula, our next destination we’ll find a ridge which runs for around 20 miles which creates an almost Jurassic landscape. Look out for the Old Man of Storr, a huge black monolith which stands on its own and is over 58 metres tall. Further on we’ll see Kilt Rock which, as the name suggests, resembles the pleats on a kilt!

During our drive we will stop to visit the grave of Flora Macdonald who famously helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape from the Government troops that were searching for him dressed as a maid.

After an enjoyable day of sightseeing we’ll return to Portree for our second night stay.

Day 3 - Isle of Skye - Loch Ness - Edinburgh/Glasgow

Our time of the Isle of Skye, sadly, comes to an end. As we make our way to the bridge to the mainland we are rewarded with our last views of the stunningly beautiful Cuillin Hills.

Eilean Donan Castle must surely be one of the most photographed castles in the world. Sitting on a little island where three lochs merge it presents a picture-postcard image. We’ll make a stop so you can walk over the archway and through the ornate gates to explore the castle and enjoy the wonderful views.

Loch Ness needs no introduction. We'll make a stop in Fort Augustus where, after lunch, you can take a stroll along the banks and gaze out over the mysterious waters that are said to be inhabited by the elusive Nessie, The Loch Ness Monster!

Our transit of picturesque Glen Spean will bring us to the ever-changing scenery of the Cairngorms National Park then onwards through the Drumochter Pass to Highland Perthshire, "big tree country". Our last stop of the day will be in Pitlochry which just oozes Victorian charm.

The last part of our journey together will take us through the Kingdom of Fie which has a long and rich history with many Royal connections. Finally we will cross the Forth Road Bridge which affords wonderful views of the iconic Forth Bridge and the new Queensferry Crossing. All too soon we will arrive in Edinburgh and the end of this fabulous tour.

If you started your tour in Glasgow the coach will pause at Edinburgh Waverley Station. Here you catch the express train back to Glasgow. The train operates every 30 minutes and the journey time is only 50 minutes or so. The fare is included in the cost of the tour.