Isle of Skye Explorer - 3 day tour
Isle of Skye Explorer
3 day / 2 night tour
Scotland’s wild and wonderful Isle of Skye is yours to explore on this fantastic short tour. Enjoy a relaxing two night stay in colourful Portree, the perfect base to discover the delights of the Magical Isle, including the vast landscape of the Trotternish Peninsula, Kilt Rock and magical Fairy Glen. There is more to this tour than Skye though. Amongst the many other attractions are Glen Coe, Loch Ness and the chance to explore iconic Eilean Donan Castle!
Price range: £279-£436
Loch Lomond - explore the pretty village of Luss to experience beautiful views of the “bonnie, bonnie banks”
Isle of Skye - discover the Cuillin Hills, in all their breathtaking splendour, and the lunar landscape of the Quiraing
Dunvegan Castle - visit the historic stronghold of the Clan MacLeod, home to the Clan Chief for over 800 years!
Eilean Donan Castle - enjoy time to visit this breathtakingly picturesque castle
Fort Augustus - take a stroll along the banks of mysterious Loch Ness.
Movie locations - On a Clear Day, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and The BFG
Guest house accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh/Glasgow - Glen Coe - Isle of Skye
After a short drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow we leave the Lowlands behind and enter the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
After enjoying a break in the village of Tyndrum we make our way through sprawling Rannoch Moor, a wilderness of forbidding mountains and enveloping peat bogs. The natural desolation of the moor provided a safe refuge for the great Scottish freedom fighters - Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.
Awesome Glen Coe is known as the "Glen of Weeping” after the infamous massacre in 1692 of 38 MacDonalds by Campbell troops who had been their guests for not forswearing the Jacobite cause. Today the glen is a much more peaceful place and is a popular venue for outdoor pursuits. We’ll make a stop so that you can enjoy a short walk amongst the stunning scenery that surrounds us.
After break for lunch in the typical surroundings of a Highland village we will stop to enjoy the panorama of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.
The Great Glen is a dramatic and picturesque valley that is famed for its fast-flowing rivers and deep lochs. This is a land of bitter clan disputes and as we enter the village of Invergarry we will see the "Well of the Seven Heads” monument that commemorates a particularly gruesome incident!
Glen Shiel is flanked by a mountain range known as "The Five Sisters of Kintail”, four of which are over 3,000 ft (915 m) and they provide a spectacular aperitif of our crossing "Over the sea to Skye”. The island "capital” of Portree will be our home for the next two nights.
Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye (2 nights)
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Multi-Day Tour
For the discerning traveller a Signature Multi-day Tour offers amazing value for money, comfortable accommodation, well-paced sightseeing and luxury travel.
All of this combines to create the definitive Scottish experience.
Each tour is hosted by a professional driver/guide, who has been chosen for their extensive knowledge as well as their driving skills. And being locals you are sure to get that extra insight too.
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 as well as comfortable mini/midicoach travel many feature memorable railway or ferry journeys.
Having somewhere pleasant to stay after an exciting day of discovery is an important 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.
On many tours you can choose to upgrade to hotel accommodation, at extra cost, if you wish.
A tasty Scottish breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
What options are available on this tour and what is the 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:
Dunvegan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle
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?
The cost of accommodation in a comfortable guest house/B&B is included in the cost of your tour.
The guesthouses and B&Bs are family run and offer comfortable accommodation in bedrooms that have en-suite bathrooms, tv, tea/coffee making facilities and other amenities. Bedding, towels and basic toiletries are provided.
Some guesthouses and B&Bs 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 the guesthouses/B&Bs are seldom more than a 10/15 minute walk from the town or village centre.
The coach will drop you off at or close to your accommodation each night and will pick you up in the morning, after breakfast.
Where does my tour depart from and return to?
Our tours depart from a central location in Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile/High Street which is easily reached by public transport.
Full information on the departure time and place of your tour will be shown on your tour confirmation.
What meals are included ?
A full Scottish breakfast is included from day 2 onwards.
This hearty meal can consist of fruit juice; a choice of cereal; bakery basket; cooked items such as eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomato and, maybe, a taste of haggis! plus tea or coffee. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available.
Lunch and dinner are not included in the price.
During the touring day there will be a stop where you can enjoy lunch in a local pub or restaurant. Your driver/guide will be happy to suggest a conveniently located restaurant where you can enjoy good food for dinner.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 2 nights guest house accommodation
- Location: Portree, Isle of Skye (2)
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (2)
Tour Essentials
- Transportation by luxury air-conditioned mini/midicoach
- 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
From Glasgow
From outside The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, opposite Buchanan Street Bus Station
19 Killermont Street
Glasgow G2 3NX
Check-in: 10:00 hrs
Tour Departs: 10:15 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:30 hrs
From Edinburgh
From The Ensign Ewart
521-523 Lawnmarket
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh EH1 2PE
Check-in: 08:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 09:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 19:30 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 4 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 4 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.
Flexi-tour
If booked in advance you can depart from Glasgow and return to Edinburgh. This facility is available at no extra charge! Please make your selection during the booking process
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
TB 01420
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (5 /5) 03 Sep 2021
I would recommended this tour to my friends and Our tour guide Andrew, he is brilliant , friendly and very knowledgeable .
Rudi from London , GB
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Rating: (5 /5) 06 Feb 2020
I would definitely recommend this tour to family and friends. We were very fortunate to have a great tour guide as well as a very small group (my husband and I along with 2 other people).
Heather from Almonte, CA
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Rating: (5 /5) 02 Oct 2019
Beautiful countryside even in the rain. So green! Travel distances are really short (especially for Australians I think!!) Interesting castles, lovely quirky accommodation in Portree. And the long, long twilights were wonderful to behold.
Janice from Sydney, AU
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