Edinburgh:5-Day Isle of Skye, Inverness & Loch Ness Tour w/Hostel

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Overview

Available languages

English

120 hours

Mobile ticket

An awesome winter adventure through the Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye. Expect stunning scenery, incredible history, and epic Scottish experiences.

Go monster hunting on Loch Ness, hike in one of the last great wildernesses of Europe, and listen to tales of Scotland’s bloody history. By night and enjoy a wee dram after a day’s exploring.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.

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.

This tour may run in conjunction with our sister company, Highland Explorer Tours.

Minimum age to stay in the hostel is 18 years old.

In cases of extreme weather, the Loch Ness boat cruise may be cancelled on short notice. If you have purchased ticket for this you will be refunded.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Whisky Distillery Tour

Culloden Battlefield

Clava Cairns

Air-conditioned vehicle

Local English Speaking Guide

4 Nights Mixed Gender Multi-Shared Hostel Accommodation

Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Castle Admission Prices

Food & Drink

Loch Ness Cruise

What To Expect

Day 1

Edinburgh to Oban

Accommodations

Multi-shared dorm accommodation in Oban

1

The Kelpies & The Helix

We stop at a stunning spectacle of modern engineering, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott: The Kelpies. Kelpies are mythological beasts in Scottish folklore, and this epic equine landmark is the largest of its kind in the world.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Stirling Castle

Gaze upon the distant Highlands as we drive past Stirling Castle, a striking stone structure with an insanely interesting history.

Admission Not Applicable
3

National Wallace Monument

Marvel at the stunning National Wallace Monument, Stirling's renowned landmark commemorating the life of Sir William Wallace.

Admission Not Applicable
4

Glencoe

Stretch your legs at Glencoe and gaze at the sprawling peaks and crystal-clear rivers in the area.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
5

Oban

Oban is a bustling seaside town on Scotland’s west coast. Whether it’s fresh sea air or local seafood you’re craving, Oban’s got you covered.

5 hours • Admission Not Applicable
Day 2

Oban to Isle of Skye

Accommodations

Multi-shared dorm accommodation in Portree

1

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Take in views of the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct! Whether you’re a fan of the wee wizard Harry Potter or not, this bonnie bridge – with its 21 arches against a scenic Highland backdrop – is an insane sight to behold! For an extra cost you can have the opportunity to travel on the steam train. Please note that that the steam train journey is not included in the tour price.

2 hours • Admission Not Included
2

Eilean Donan Castle

Explore the surroundings of Eilean Donan Castle, where a picturesque stone bridge winds out to the stunning structure. Set upon a wee tidal island, against a backdrop of mountains and lochs, it is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and romantic sights in Scotland.

45 minutes • Admission Not Included
3

Portree

We arrive in pretty Portree, Skye’s main settlement and tourist town. The picturesque harbour with its colourful facades is where Bonnie Prince Charlie finally escaped on a French ship after the Battle of Culloden; never to return to Scotland.

5 hours • Admission Not Applicable
Day 3

Isle of Skye to Inverness

Accommodations

Multi-shared dorm accommodation in Inverness

1

Kilt Rock

Explore the crinkle-cut sea cliff and an epic waterfall Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls and learn how they were formed.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Sligachan Old Bridge

Stop at Sligachan, a small settlement with absolutely stunning views. The Cuillin mountains strike a pose behind the rocky river and picturesque stone bridge. When it comes to bonnie backdrops, it doesn’t get much better!

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
3

The Old Man of Storr

Gaze at this rock formation standing tall on Skye’s ancient landslip. Sometimes hidden by mist, this is a popular hangout for mischievous fairies!

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
4

Eilean Donan Castle

We visit one of the most iconic - and most photographed - castles in Scotland.

30 minutes • Admission Not Included
5

Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Learn about the Scottish Caledonian Forest and Trees for Life's rewilding efforts to restore the native pine woodland of the Highlands.

1 hour • Admission Included
Day 4

Inverness

Accommodations

Multi-shared dorm accommodation in Inverness

1

Loch Ness Region

It’s time to tick Loch Ness off your Scotland bucket list, as we head along the shores of the loch. A glimpse of ‘Nessie’ in the background is just an extra bonus!

Admission Not Applicable
2

Beauly

Spend some time exploring picturesque Beauly Priory. Used in the filming of Outlander. Beauly Priory from the French beau lieu meaning ‘beautiful place’ and abbey church which remains today is nestled in a charming, wooded, riverside location.

50 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
3

Culloden Battlefield

Visiting the battlefield is an evocative experience, as you learn about the Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army, and the destruction of the highland clan culture in the aftermath.

2 hours • Admission Included
4

Clava Cairns

We stop at the Clava Cairns, prehistoric burial cairns and the modern-day inspiration for Outlander's time travel plot.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 5

Inverness to Edinburgh

1

Highland Folk Museum

We visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. This open-air attraction brings to life the domestic and working conditions of earlier Highland peoples.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
2

Dunkeld

Explore the wee town Dunkeld and its beautiful cathedral. Discover all from rom the peaceful countryside setting to the impressive, arched ruins. Look inside the main building for the cursed tomb of the wicked ‘Wolf of Babenoch’, and wander down to the banks of the fast-flowing River Tay to soak up the surroundings.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Edinburgh:5-Day Isle of Skye, Inverness & Loch Ness Tour w/Hostel

Reviews

4.78

46 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

41
2
1
2
0
  • Beautiful scenery, lovely people

    Carmen S,

    Aug 26, 2023

    - Viator

    4.00

    Beautiful scenery. Our guide, Paul, was absolutely great. The locals were welcoming, really nice & friendly. Would recommend to forgo hostels & go w hotel or b&b accommodations. Plan for rain - expect to be damp - a lot! So take precautions against catching colds. Also expect a lot of destinations to be “just a short 5-10 minute walk away”. And expect in multi story buildings you will be dealing with stairs so think about what you’re willing to lug up & down when packing. In most places the super helpful & friendly staff will cheerfully assist you, tho.

From GBP 585

4.78
46 reviews