18-39s 3 Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour From Edinburgh
Overview
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3 days
Mobile ticket
A 3 day tour of the Isle of Skye and Highlands exclusively for 18-39 year olds who yearn for adventure!
The 3 Day Isle of Skye is the perfect introduction to our country and a wonderful way to enjoy the best of Scotland while making new friends along the way.
With over 25 years of experience, MacBackpackers prides itself on creating the most fun, unserious, youth based tours of Scotland. We're a tour company that focuses on backpackers and students, with a great atmosphere on tour guaranteed.
So come join us for the #UltimateScottishAdventure.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Edinburgh - Isle of Skye
Accommodations
Not included in price of tour, but group stays overnight at Lochbuie Guest House in Kyleakin, Isle of Skye.
Edinburgh
Depart from right under the shadow of Edinburgh Castle and learn all about the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of The Old Town and the New Town while heading north towards the Kingdom of Fife.
Forth Bridge
Cross the Firth of the Forth towards Fife across the Forth Bridge while learning about why the bridges are so important to Scotland
Pitlochry
After driving through the Kingdom of Fife, arrive in the town of Pitlochry. Pitlochry is a small town surrounded by incredible forests, looming mountains and incredible whisky. Our stop here will be for lunch and supplies for your night in Skye, plus the chance to explore the high street.
Travel through the Cairngorms National Park, the second national park in Scotland, and admire your first taste of the Highlands. Guides may stop at Highlands sign, Loch Morlich or elsewhere depending on conditions.
Culloden Battlefield
Learn the harrowing tale of the Jacobite Rebellion and see where the rebellion ended at the Culloden Battlefield. Choose to walk the grounds for free or enter the museum at a cost of £16 per person.
Loch Ness
After a trip down the Great Glen, enjoy a stop on the mystical Loch Ness where you can choose to swim with Nessie or admire her waters from afar.
Eilean Donan Castle
Light permitting, stop at the indomitable Eilean Donan Castle en-route to the Isle of Skye for a picture stop. If not possible today, this will be done on day 3 as we leave Skye.
Isle of Skye
Arrive on the Isle of Skye and head to our accommodation for the night in Kyleakin. This small fishing village with incredible views of the Skye Bridge will be our home for the next two nights and has a few pubs and an Indian restaurant for those not wanting to cook. For those wanting to cook, the accommodation has a full kitchen and is privately hired for the tours.
Exploring the Isle of Skye
Accommodations
Not included in price of tour, but group stays overnight at Lochbuie Guest House in Kyleakin, Isle of Skye.
Kyleakin
Wake up early in Kyleakin for the included breakfast and admire the sunrise before hopping on the bus for your day of adventures
Sligachan Old Bridge
The beautiful Old Bridge at Sligachan is our first stop of the day as we get to admire the Black Cuillin range and, weather permitting, go for a hike up past the waterfalls. Take the chance to dip your face in this water to be granted eternal youth and to really wake yourself up for the day.
Portree
Our lunch stop for the day is the largest town on Skye, Portree. Spend an hour here enjoying some of the local produce as well as buying supplies for the rest of your day/night. Make sure you check out the colorful harbour houses before you leave to get the full Portree experience.
The Old Man of Storr
From Portree head north up the Trotternish Peninsula to our first hike of the day, The Old Man of Storr. Throw on your best shoes and something waterproof to climb up towards the basaltic column protruding from the land and get one the best views in all of Scotland.
Lealt Falls
Stop off at Lealt Falls to walk to the base of a waterfall and enjoy some fantastic photographic opportunites
Kilt Rock
Stop off at the aptly named Kilt Rock to see a waterfall flowing directly into the sea along jagged cliff edges.
Quiraing
Our second hike of the day (weather permitting) takes you to the top of the plateau where you can see incredible views along the landslip that they call the Quairang. One of the most magical places in all of Scotland.
Duntulm Castle
If the Quiraing road is closed or weather is too severe, head to the most northern spot on Skye and see the ruins of Duntulm Castle. On a clear day you can even see the Isles of the Outer Hebrides on the horizon.
Uig
A chance to visit the Skye Brewery in Uig and stretch your legs before our journey back to Kyleakin begins.
Kyleakin
Return to the town of Kyleakin for the night and enjoy the hostel or go out in town with your fellow travellers.
Isle of Skye to Edinburgh
Kyleakin
Wake up early to make the most of your day before boarding the bus to head back toward Edinburgh
Fort William
Head through the Adventure Capital of the Highlands with views of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak.
Glencoe
Stop at the hautingly beautiful Glencoe. The sight of scenes that have caused a divide amongst clans for generations. Admire the beauty of the area on foot.
Trossachs
Head through the Trossachs with a stop off for lunch in Tyndrum before hitting the roads with tales of faeries and lost Roman legions in this incredible part of Scotland
Stirlingshire
Explore the history rich area of Stirlingshire with possible stops at the Wallace Monument or Doune Castle, weather and opening times permitting.
Edinburgh
Return to Castle Rock Hostel in Edinburgh by 18:00
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Expert Scottish Guide
Accommodation costs of £34 per night for tour guest house
Food costs each day
Options
18-39s 3 Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour From Edinburgh
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Highlands and Skye 3 day 2 night adventure!
Expedition799155,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took 19 college students to the Highlands with Mark from MacBackpackers. It was an outstanding trip with a seasoned storyteller in Mark as our guide. We faced sunshine, rain sleet and on the final day ⛄️! Mark was incredibly joyful through out the adventure, punning his way through the history and folklore. The stops were perfect for bathroom breaks and snacks as well. He even took us to the Kelpies since a few of the students really wanted to see them. Mark kept us safe and warm and actually hiked with us. The hostel was clean, comfortable, and Scott had breakfast ready and a warm fire when we got back. Mark was keen on stopping for feral goats and hairy coos! If you want a fun, high spirited , and positive experience …ask for Mark! Places we saw in the pics along with a dip in the Nessie Waters.
Amazing trip around the Highlands
Livvy P,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My sister and I did the 3 day tour of Loch Ness and The Isle of Skye, it was absolutely fantastic. The itinerary was great and took us around to a variety of awesome must see spots in the Highlands. We had a small group which was really nice. We all got along great and really enjoyed hanging out and exploring with one another. Both of the hostels were awesome, I especially enjoyed the Loch Ness hostel quizz night, run by a fellow kiwi! Mark, our tour guide was AMAZING. He was so knowledgeable, passionate and absolutely hilarious. He really made our trip!
Best tour ever, Neil is the best
Nicole O,Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Completed the five day and it was absolutely amazing, Neil our guide was super friendly, polite, and knowledgeable about Scotland’s history. Definitely recommend to anyone wanting a beginner hike as well as explore Scotland and see the beautiful landscape. will definitely use them again in the future.
Definitely recommend
emancipated,Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00TL:DR Definitely recommend. Amazing trip. Neil - our tour guide and driver was absolutely fantastic. Eighteen souls and one bright pair, Set out to chase the mountain air. A bus, a guide, the winding way, Two golden nights, three silver days. Neil, the driver, voice of flame, A storyteller true to name. With laughter, lore, and secret skies, He led us where the magic lies. Each story spun, a thread of gold, The Highlands came alive, retold. No map in hand, no sat-nav near, Yet every road was crystal clear. He knew the bends, the secret ways, Where hidden beauty softly lays. Each night we found, to our delight, Warm beds that glowed against the night. Oh Skye! Oh hills of quiet streams, You linger still in all our dreams. And though the journey’s curtain fell, Its echo sings—we’ll never tell. So raise a cheer, let praises ring, For Neil, who gave the trip its wings.
5 day isle of skye
sandrav083,Jul 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an awesome time on this trip on Bus Driver and guide. Neil was super helpful and had plenty of stories. I really enjoyed this trip but definitely something magical about the mountains.
3 Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour
267ella,Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An incredible and unmissable tour of the highlands!! Stewart (aka stewie) was an incredible tour leader who made the experience phenomenal!!!
Must do if visiting Scotland
emily-robertson2103,Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was over in Edinburgh for business and a colleague and I decided to extend our trip. We set off on a Friday towards the isle of Skye while stopping at magical places along the way. We tried to see Nessie and explored a battlefield. We made it to Skye Friday night and had an absolute blast at the local pub eating fresh fish and chips. On Saturday we had gorgeous weather for hiking the Old Man of Storr (I literally got sunburned in Scotland). We saw some beautiful sights along the way & traveled all over the beautiful isle. On Sunday we had to leave, but not without seeing Ben Nevis at an incredible viewpoint. This was an incredible tour and our guide Mark was amazing. He had the best energy, was extremely knowledgeable, a great storyteller, and very friendly. He played Scottish music the entire time & when he wasn’t, he was telling a great story.
Full of laughs
E8288NLaleksandarp,Jun 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We didn't know what to expect when we got to the hostel but soon after boarding the bus we knew it was going to be great. Stewart, the tour guide, was hilarious and informative with the history of Scotland and played great Scotish music throughout the ride. Highly recommend going on this tour since you'll see amazing sights and meet great people throughout the three days
Best bus tour guide and company ever!
682kavyar,Jun 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Neill was one of the best tour guides I’ve ever met. His love for Scotland is so evident and he didn’t do the easy job of selling Scotland in a “tourist trap” way, but instead he was honest and authentic about the history of the land and the ways in which certain social norms impact the landscapes for better or for worse. His love for Scotland made me fall all the more in love despite having already lived here for 4 years. His knack for telling stories and the joy/fun/humour he infuses in them helped us all learn so much. His tips were super helpful throughout. Macbackers has set the standard so high for other bus tours and I’m not sure anything will top the experience I had. 100/10 recommend.
Incredible experience
240micp,Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an absolute blast on the tour with Neil - he was funny, informative, and a authentic Scotsman. The views were amazing, the accomodation was great, and the opportunity to meet other travelers lead to fun times. I would highly recommend for anyone looking to tour Scotland. My only regret (and some of my fellow travelers shared this) was that we did not do the 5 day tour - we would have seen more and had more chances to bond!
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