From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye & The Highlands 3-Day Tour

Our Skye High tour is the perfect way for travelers short on time to see most of Scotland. In just three days, go hunting for the Loch Ness Monster, see ruined castles and stunning lochs, and listen to Celtic myths in a proper Highland pub.

Day 1 Leaving Edinburgh early morning, take in views of the spectacular Forth Bridges and journey north to Shakespeare's Macbeth County. Visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay. Drive further into the Highlands and enter the Great Glen.

Stop at Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness and search for a glimpse of the legendary beast. Our journey to the Isle of Skye passes one of the most photographed castles in Scotland – Eilean Donan. Our home for the night is the small village of Portree on the Isle of Skye. (Overnight: Portree)

Day 2 Today we explore the Isle of Skye, also known as the ‘Misty Isle’: a bucket-list destination thanks to its heart-stopping scenery. This wee island is packed with ruined castles, breathtaking views, and faerie stories. Home to the legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans, hear Celtic myths and Viking legends from the past millennia. Explore the windswept landscape, coastline, and mountain ranges. In the afternoon, explore Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod before returning to Portree.

Day 3 Our first stop of the day is the beautiful Armadale Castle, Gardens, and Museum of the Isles before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig.

Have the option to be a wizard for the day and board the Jacobite Steam Train aka “Hogwarts Express” to Fort William (Summer itinerary, April to mid-October - must be purchased at check-in), one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and a must for all Harry Potter fans. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands.

We head south through the dramatic scenery of Glen Coe, wild Rannoch Moor then the heart of Rob Roy country before arriving back in Edinburgh late evening - leaving time to grab a dram and toast your adventure with new found friends.

Not suitable for

• Children under 18 years
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users

What to bring

• Camera
• Comfortable shoes
• Passport or ID card
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

• Alcohol and drugs
• Smoking in the vehicle

Know before you go

• Collapsible wheelchairs are allowed if you are accompanied by someone to assist with boarding
• Each traveler may bring 1 suitcase (max 33lbs/15kg) and 1 carry-on
• From 5th May until 24th September, the tour returns at 6pm. For the rest of the year, the return time is 8pm
• If you are using an audio guide, please bring your headset
• Please note that itinerary order may change
• Return times are approximate and subject to weather/travel conditions - allow at least 3 hours for onward travel or reservations
• The accommodation is in a mixed-gender multi-share hostel dorm, where minimum age to stay is 18 years old
• The tour may operate with our sister company, Highland Explorer Tours
• Travel insurance is recommended
• We advise you to organise transport to the departure point in advance and make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in; late arrivals cannot be refunded and we cannot delay departure