Tour Overview
Experience the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye on our Isle of Skye, the Highlands & Loch Ness 3 Day Tour from Edinburgh.
This small-group adventure takes you deep into Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes, from the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and the haunting beauty of Glencoe, to the magical scenery of Skye and the legendary waters of Loch Ness.
On the first day we travel west from Edinburgh to Glasgow, where we collect additional passengers before continuing north into the Highlands. From here the journey takes us through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the wild landscapes of Rannoch Moor, and the famous glen of Glencoe before reaching Glenfinnan, where the viaduct, monument and views across Loch Shiel combine Highland history with a touch of film magic.
Crossing the Skye Bridge, you’ll spend two nights on one of the world’s most captivating islands, giving you time to explore its dramatic coastlines, mountain scenery and legendary landscapes.
Day two is dedicated to the best of Skye, including the beautiful Fairy Pools, the colourful harbour town of Portree, and the spectacular landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula, home to the Quiraing, Kilt Rock, Mealt Falls and the Old Man of Storr.
On the final day we leave Skye behind and return through some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery, stopping at Eilean Donan Castle, the shores of Loch Ness, and the vast wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park before returning to Edinburgh in the evening.
From Glenfinnan and the Isle of Skye to Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and Glencoe, this 3 day tour combines legendary landscapes, famous landmarks and island scenery at a relaxed pace.
Why Choose This Tour
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✔ Small Group Experience
Travel in a comfortable 16-seat mini coach for a more personal small-group journey through Skye and the Highlands.
✔ Two nights on the Isle of Skye
Enjoy more time to explore Skye’s dramatic coastlines, mountain scenery and famous landmarks.
✔ Iconic Highland Landscapes
Visit Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye on one memorable journey.
✔ Expert Driver-Guides
Our knowledgeable Scottish guides bring Scotland’s landscapes, stories and history to life.
Tour Highlights Video
Tour Route
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Loch Lomond → Glencoe → Glenfinnan Viaduct → Skye
Your adventure begins as we depart Edinburgh, travelling west through Glasgow and into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Our first stop is the beautiful Highland village of Luss, set on the famous bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and capture postcard-perfect views.
As we continue north, the rugged beauty of the Highlands unfolds before us. We cross the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, a remote landscape of dramatic peat bogs, rolling hills and wild open scenery. Your driver-guide will point out Buachaille Etive Mòr, the famous peak featured in Skyfall.
Next, we arrive at the hauntingly beautiful Glencoe, where you’ll have time to enjoy the dramatic scenery of Scotland’s most famous glen. Your driver-guide will share the tragic story of the Glencoe Massacre of 1692, one of the most haunting events in Highland history.
We continue through Fort William, nestled beneath Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, before arriving at Glenfinnan. Here, you can walk to a nearby viewpoint, where one side looks out across Loch Shiel and the other reveals the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct curving through the glen. In 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard here, marking the start of the Jacobite Rising. Today, the viaduct is known around the world as the route of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.
Before reaching Skye, we travel through Glen Garry and enjoy stunning views of Loch Duich and the dramatic Five Sisters of Kintail. Crossing the Skye Bridge, we arrive on the mystical Isle of Skye, where we settle in for the night.
Day 2 – Fairy Pools → Portree → Fairy Glen → Quiraing → Kilt Rock
Today is dedicated to the enchanting Isle of Skye, a land of rugged coastlines, ancient legends and otherworldly landscapes. Your driver-guide will shape the day’s route to make the most of the weather and ensure you experience the very best of the island.
One of Skye’s most famous sights is the dramatic Black Cuillin mountain range. At its base lie the beautiful Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear waterfalls and rock pools that have become one of the island’s most iconic natural attractions.
The walk to and from the Fairy Pools is moderate, scenic and rewarding. Each pool seems more beautiful than the last, glinting in the light beneath the mountains. Brave visitors sometimes take a dip, while others simply pause to enjoy the magic of the setting.
Later, we enjoy free time in Portree, Skye’s colourful harbour town, where you’ll have time for lunch, a stroll around the waterfront and a chance to browse local craft shops.
In the afternoon we explore the spectacular Trotternish Peninsula, home to some of Skye’s most famous landscapes. We take in the strange beauty of the Fairy Glen, enjoy panoramic views at the Quiraing, and stop at Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock, where a waterfall plunges into the sea beside striking basalt cliffs.
We also pause for photos at the famous Old Man of Storr, one of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks, before returning to our accommodation on Skye after a remarkable day of island scenery and adventure.
Day 3 – Eilean Donan → Loch Ness → Cairngorms → Perthshire
Leaving the Isle of Skye, we cross the Skye Bridge back to the mainland and stop at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Standing on a small island where three sea lochs meet, this iconic castle is famous for its breathtaking setting and appearances in films including Highlander and James Bond: The World Is Not Enough.
Next, we travel to Fort Augustus, a charming village on the southern shore of Loch Ness. Here you can enjoy lunch, stroll beside the Caledonian Canal, or take an optional cruise on Scotland’s most legendary loch. Keep your camera ready — Nessie might make an appearance.
We then continue through the wild landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park, passing ancient forests, open moorland and towering peaks as we make our way south through the Highlands.
Along the way, we catch a glimpse of Blair Castle before stopping in Perthshire for a final refreshment break. Crossing the Queensferry Crossing, we enjoy views of the iconic Forth Bridge before returning to Edinburgh in the evening, bringing your unforgettable 3-day journey through Skye and the Highlands to a close.
Your Tour at a Glance
DAY 1
Journey to Isle of Skye
Loch Lomond • Glencoe • Glenfinnan Viaduct • Highland Scenery • Isle of Skye
Overnight: Isle of Skye (Kyleakin/Breakish/Broadford)
DAY 2
Explore Skye
Fairy Pools • Portree • Trotternish Peninsula • Quiraing • Kilt Rock • Fairy Glen • Old Man of Storr
Overnight: Isle of Skye (Kyleakin/Breakish/Broadford)
DAY 3
Return to South
Eilean Donan Castle • Fort Augustus • Loch Ness • Cairngorms • Perthshire
Return to Edinburgh
Good to Know
- Eilean Donan Castle is an optional visit and payable locally.
- The Loch Ness cruise is optional and your driver-guide will arrange this for you the day before you visit Loch Ness.
Before You Go
Your tour departs from Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, opposite Howies Restaurant.
Waterloo Place
Edinburgh
EH1 3BQ
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Your Isle of Skye 3 Day Tour from Edinburgh departs at 08:00.
Please arrive in good time before departure. Final check-in closes at 07:45, 15 minutes before departure, to allow your driver-guide to complete the safety briefing. If you arrive after this time, we may not be able to accommodate you on the tour.
The tour returns to Edinburgh at approximately 19:00.
You can choose to depart from Edinburgh and return to Glasgow when booking, giving you extra flexibility when planning your trip. Guests returning to Glasgow will arrive later, after the Edinburgh drop-off.
Please note that return times may vary slightly depending on traffic, weather and other circumstances beyond our control.
Accommodation is not included in the tour price. You’ll spend 2 nights on the Isle of Skye, staying in Broadford, Breakish, or Kyleakin.
At the accommodation stage of the booking process, select “I already have accommodation” if you’ve arranged your own stay. Otherwise, if we have partner accommodation available for your dates, select “I would like to choose from your partner accommodation” to view the available properties.
If no partner accommodation is displayed, you can still complete your tour booking by selecting “Please contact me about accommodation”, and we’ll help find suitable accommodation for you.
If you select accommodation through us, payment is made directly to the accommodation provider. Details of how and when to pay will be shown with each accommodation option during the booking process.
We’ll normally drop you off and collect you from your accommodation. If our mini-coach cannot access a property directly, your driver-guide will arrange a convenient meeting point close by.
Passengers may bring one piece of luggage similar to an airline cabin bag, with a maximum weight of 18kg.
Suggested maximum size:
65cm × 45cm × 30cm
(25in × 18in × 12in)
You may also bring a small personal bag for items needed during the journey.
Due to vehicle weight limits this policy cannot be adjusted.
We regret that we cannot carry children under the age of 5 years on our scheduled tours.
- Travel in a comfortable 16-seat mini coach
- Air-conditioned vehicle with onboard air purification system
- Experienced local driver-guide sharing stories and local knowledge throughout the tour
- Accommodation on Skye
- Visitor Attraction Entry Fees
- Loch Ness Cruise (optional)
- Meals and refreshments
Scotland’s weather can change quickly, so we recommend bringing:
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers of clothing
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- A camera to capture the scenery
Most places we visit accept card payments, but we recommend bringing some cash for smaller purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Fairy Pools are included in the itinerary, although the exact timing and order of stops may vary depending on weather and local conditions.
There are opportunities for short walks during the tour, including at places such as the Fairy Pools and scenic viewpoints around Skye. Some paths can be uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Yes. On the final day of the tour, we stop at Eilean Donan Castle, where you will have time to explore the castle and enjoy its spectacular setting before continuing south through the Highlands.
Yes. This tour operates in a comfortable 16-seat mini coach, providing a more personal small-group experience.
Yes. There are opportunities to purchase food and refreshments throughout the tour, including lunch stops, evening dining on Skye and refreshment breaks along the route.
Scottish weather can change quickly, but the tour runs in most conditions. In fact, changing weather often makes the landscapes even more dramatic.
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