3 Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh
Overview
Available languages
3 days
Mobile ticket
Discover the Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye with its outstanding natural beauty, Viking history, and ancient myths and legends. This is a journey packed with many of Scotland’s most iconic sights and scenery, as well as the chance to visit one of the most picturesque sights in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
Each traveller is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase weighing no more than 33lbs (15kg) and 1 carry-on bag.
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark
During April and October, this tour returns to Edinburgh at 8pm.
It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.
If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
Travel insurance is recommended.
What To Expect
Edinburgh to Portree
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3* guesthouse in Portree, Isle of Skye
Callander
We visit the charming village of Callander where you can go for a stroll or grab a coffee before we venture further into the Highlands.
Glencoe
Feast your eyes on stunning Glen Coe, and learn about the village's tragic history during this photo stop.
Fort William
We stop for a comfort break in Fort William before getting the chance to board the Jacobite Steam Train.
Jacobite Steam Train
Take the opportunity to ride the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train, recogniseable as the Hogwarts Express. With exceptional panoramic views, you will truly feel the magic of the Highlands. (Optional train ride)
Mallaig
We arrive in Mallaig, renowned for its fishing history. Here we have a bit of time before we make our way to the ferry teminal.
Isle of Skye
We make the journey over to the Isle of Skye by ferry, where we will be spending two nights.
Portree
Once in Skye, we make our way over to Portree in the early evening, where we can rest up and get ready for a full day of adventure.
Isle of Skye
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3* guesthouse in Portree, Isle of Skye
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
The Old Man of Storr
View the iconic Old Man of Storr
Kilt Rock
Visit Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall
Lealt Falls
Beautiful waterfall on the island coast
Sligachan Old Bridge
Learn myths and legends during your visit to Sligachan.
Portree to Edinburgh
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Eilean Donan Castle
We start day 3 with a photo stop at romantic Eilean Donan Castle perched atop a small island where two lochs meet. It's one-of-a-kind castle with its own intriguing history.
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre where we delve into the admirable work of Trees for Life, a charity committed to the revival of Scotland's ancient Caledonian Pine Forest.
Loch Ness
We get the chance to hunt for the elusive 'Nessie' at Loch Ness while exploring the shores of the Highland village of Fort Augustus.
Commando Monument
We stop at the Commando Memorial and enjoy views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. (Views are weather dependent.)
Dunkeld
Our final stop of the tour is the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay.
Options
B&B Single
Accommodation in a single room in a Bed and Breakfast or Guest House - 1 room with 1 single bed; suitable for 1 person.
B&B Double
Accommodation in a double room in a Bed and Breakfast or Guest House - 1 room with 1 double bed; suitable for 2 people to share.
B&B Twin
Accommodation in a twin room in a Bed and Breakfast or Guest House - 1 room with 2 single beds; suitable for 2 people in 1 bed each.
Hotel Single
Accommodation in a single room in a 3* standard of hotel - 1 room with 1 single bed; suitable for 1 person.
Hotel Double
Accommodation in a double room in a 3* standard of hotel - 1 room with 1 double bed; suitable for 2 people to share.
Hotel Twin
Accommodation in a twin room in a 3* standard of hotel - 1 room with 2 single beds; suitable for 2 people in 1 bed each.
What‘s Included
2 nights accommodation
Transport by climate controlled coach
Local English Speaking Guide
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Meals
Jacobite Steam Train
Dunvegan Castle entry
Tips
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,310 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The highlands has my heart
I3582JDerikg,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.003 Day Isle of Skye an Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh. Had an amazing trip with Nicky and Cara. 3 days felt like the right length as we got to see a number of things. The tour was very accommodating about bathroom breaks and stops. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.
Lots of love for the highlands and coos!
tatyanaa767,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guides Cara and Nicky were so great! Very knowledgeable, attentive and welcoming! Favorite parts was probably day 2 when we stopped at the fairy pools and day 3 with the highland cows. Passing through the highlands was absolutely breathtaking. Also the frequent stops for bathroom and food were great!
Amazing 3 days in the Highlands and Isle of Skye
MorganR1227,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The 3 day tour was fabulous. Laurie, our driver and tour guide, was relaxed, knowledgeable, and kept the tour fun. Accommodation was great and the group we were with were lots of fun. Would highly recommend booking with Highland Explorer Tours. Scottish weather did not disappoint. It was all exactly how I imagined if not better.
3 day isle of Skye tour with that quirky Scottish lass Laurie
chrishZ7658XO,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As soon as we arrived for the start of the tour we were greeted by Laurie and felt instantly welcomed. The trip was not only informative, but Laurie made it fun too. The stops we made broke up the travel perfectly which made the long days easily manageable. Laurie really made the tour a fantastic experience and I’d highly recommend it to all of my friends.
Fantastic guide, RICH Made my trip.
dalee900,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00RICH was a fantastic humorous guide who took care of everything and felt like a friend, he made sure everything went well and took extra care of my wife who had difficulty walking. Rich was the best guide /bus driver I've ever had with in all my travels, he was humorous and entertaining, we were never bored & that's huge on a the day tour. A Great trip with Amazing sites, so glad we booked.
Great Time with Torva!
968khaledz,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I had a wonderful time with Torva on our three day experience! He had awesome stories he regaled us with as we drove around Scotland. It was very affordable and the Accommodations in the hostels were excellent. I’d recommend this tour for anyone that was to explore the Scottish Highlands.
Steve is best tour guide!
austinlP8806JV,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a group of 7, and had an absolute blast! Steve made this experience so fun and informative. I would 10/10 recommend this tour and plus if you get to ride with Steve! Everything was breath taking and so lovely!
Fantastic tour with Stevie
F8607RAcraigg,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fantastic experience with Stevie. He was very professional and made sure we kept to the schedule. He also told us many things about the history of the areas we drove through and kept the atmosphere fun and light. I would happily recommend this experience and Stevie in particular to anyone.
Wonderful Tour / Incredible Scenery
joerK8766EV,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This 3-day tour was a great way to see all the highlights in the Highlands and Isle os Skye. Our guide (Stevie) was very knowledgeable and friendly, always happy to answer questions or have a chat. The coach/bus was clean and comfortable and plenty of stops were planned along the route each day. The landscapes are stunning and the locals were welcoming. Our accommodations at the Skye Inn (booked through the operator) were great. Rooms were nice and clean, and meals were enjoyable. The overnight village (Portree) was very walkable. Just remember the weather can change quickly so always pack rain gear!
Best of the Highlands
sclemensen,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Steve ran a tight ship and kept us on time with smiles on our faces. Excellent stories!
Related Experiences
Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd