3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh

Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands is a dream for many travelers. This 3-day small-group tour from Edinburgh promises an unforgettable adventure, offering personalized attention and the expertise of knowledgeable guides. Visitors can expect scenic drives, comfortable accommodations, and the chance to enjoy Scotland’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether it’s discovering iconic sites like Glencoe and Loch Ness or wandering the charming streets of Portree, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• 3-day small-group tour from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands, with a maximum of 16 guests for a personalized experience.
• Scenic drives through Highland landscapes with stops at iconic locations like Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Eilean Donan Castle, and Loch Ness.
• Accommodation options include B&Bs and 3-star hotels in Portree, with daily breakfast included.
• Flexible full-day tour on Day 2 with stops at natural landmarks like Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock.
• High customer satisfaction ratings for knowledgeable guides, incredible scenery, and personalized experiences.

Tour Overview

This 3-day small-group tour from Edinburgh takes travelers to the stunning Isle of Skye and the renowned Scottish Highlands.

With a maximum of 16 guests, the tour provides a personalized experience. Scenic drives through Highland landscapes include stops at iconic locations like Glencoe and Loch Ness.

Accommodation options range from B&Bs to 3-star hotels in Portree, with daily breakfast included.

Travelers highly recommend this tour, with 97% of over 1,185 reviews praising the knowledgeable guides, incredible scenery, and personalized experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

The 3-day itinerary highlights a captivating journey through the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands.

On the first day, you’ll stop at Callander, Glencoe, and Ben Nevis before visiting Eilean Donan Castle and arriving in Portree on the Isle of Skye.

The next day offers a flexible full-day tour, with stops at the iconic Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and Dunvegan Castle & Gardens.

On the final day, you’ll explore Loch Ness and the town of Pitlochry before returning to Edinburgh.

This tour provides an immersive experience in Scotland’s stunning natural landscapes and historic sites.

Departure and Travel Details

The tour departs from Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and K, at St Andrew Square at 8:30 am.

Travelers will ride in a top-of-the-range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach. The luggage allowance is 14kg (31lbs) per person, one piece similar to airline carry-on.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children under 5 aren’t permitted.

Throughout the 3-day journey, the driver/guide will provide transportation and share their knowledge of the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands.

Accommodation for two nights, including breakfast, is included in the tour package.

Accommodations and Inclusions

Accommodation options for the tour include a B&B or 3-star hotel in Portree, with daily breakfast included.

The tour also covers the driver/guide, as well as gratuities and hotel pickup and drop-off. Meals outside of breakfast aren’t included, though guests are recommended to pre-book their evening meals.

Admission fees for attractions like Eilean Donan Castle and Dunvegan Castle are also excluded.

Travelers should plan to bring no more than 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person, similar to airline carry-on.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children under 5 aren’t permitted.

Exploring Glencoe and Ben Nevis

As travelers venture forth from Portree, the tour’s first stop showcases the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, a renowned Highland glen renowned for its natural beauty.

Towering mountains, shimmering lochs, and cascading waterfalls create a breathtaking backdrop.

Next, the tour heads to the base of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak.

Opportunities abound to hike, photograph, or simply marvel at the iconic mountain.

With stops at these geological wonders, the tour immerses guests in the awe-inspiring scenery that defines the Scottish Highlands, setting the stage for the upcoming exploration of the Isle of Skye.

Discovering the Isle of Skye

What awaits visitors upon arrival on the Isle of Skye? A day of flexible, guided exploration.

The tour spends a full day on the island, allowing time to visit iconic landmarks like the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. Travelers can also opt to explore Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, the ancestral seat of the Clan MacLeod.

With a maximum group size of 16, the experience is intimate and personalized. The guide’s expertise brings the island’s history and natural beauty to life.

From dramatic cliffs to serene lochs, the Isle of Skye showcases Scotland’s rugged, enchanting landscapes.

Loch Ness and Pitlochry

On the final day, the tour ventures to Loch Ness – Scotland’s most famous lake and home to the elusive Loch Ness Monster.

Visitors have 1.5 hours to explore the area, perhaps catching a glimpse of "Nessie" or browsing the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre.

The journey then continues to the charming town of Pitlochry, known for its Victorian architecture and outdoor activities.

Guests can wander through the town, visit the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, or enjoy a dram of whisky at a local distillery before the tour returns to Edinburgh, concluding the unforgettable exploration of the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands tour, with high ratings for the guides’ knowledge, storytelling, and driving skills. Travelers were impressed by the stunning scenery and personalized experiences. However, some expressed concerns about the quality of accommodation and dinner arrangements. The tour received excellent reviews, with many recommending it to future travelers. The feedback can be summarized in the following table:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend the Tour to Include More Islands?

You can likely extend the tour to include more islands, though this may require booking a separate multi-day island-hopping adventure. Check with the tour provider about customization options that fit your interests and travel plans.

Is There an Option to Self-Drive Instead of Joining the Group?

Unfortunately, this tour doesn’t offer a self-drive option. It’s a small-group tour with a driver/guide, which provides a more personalized experience. If you prefer to explore independently, you’d need to book a separate self-drive tour or rental car.

How Much Cash Should I Bring for Admission Fees and Meals?

Travelers should budget around £20-£30 per person for admission fees to attractions like Eilean Donan Castle and Dunvegan Castle. Plus, they should expect to spend £15-£25 per person for each dinner not included in the tour.

Can I Request Specific Dietary Requirements for the Accommodations?

Yes, you can request specific dietary requirements for the accommodations. The tour provider recommends pre-booking evening meals to ensure your dietary needs are met during the tour. Just provide your preferences when booking.

Is There a Discount for Booking Early or as a Group?

The tour doesn’t offer early booking discounts, but group discounts are available. Groups of 4 or more can get 5% off the total booking cost. It’s best to enquire directly with the tour operator for the latest offers.

The Sum Up

This 3-day tour from Edinburgh offers an immersive experience in the captivating landscapes of the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands. Travelers will enjoy personalized attention, comfortable accommodations, and the expertise of knowledgeable guides as they explore iconic sites like Glencoe, Loch Ness, and Dunvegan Castle. With scenic drives, stunning vistas, and rich history, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to discover the breathtaking beauty of this region.