3-Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
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Overview
This three-day small-coach tour takes you from Edinburgh through the Scottish Highlands to the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. An experienced local driver-guide gives live commentary and stories of Scottish history, and you stop at iconic viewpoints along the way. Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle; accommodation for two nights in Inverness and meals are not included. It suits adults and children from seven who want to see the Highlands in a compact, well-planned route.
Highlights
- See the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the majesty of Glencoe
- Explore the Isle of Skye's dramatic landscapes
- Loch Ness and the Highlands with live storytelling
- Film locations from Bond, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and Outlander
- Small coach with an experienced local driver-guide
- Stories of Scottish heroes such as Rob Roy and William Wallace
Full Description
The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is the star of this tour, a rugged island of sea cliffs, peaks and moorland famous for its dramatic light. Depending on the day, stops can include the fairytale landscapes near the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and Portree, the island's colourful harbour town, and viewpoints looking to the Cuillin mountains.
Visitors often ask whether one day is enough for Skye. On this tour Skye gets a full day, which lets you see the highlights without a rush. The weather changes fast, so bring a waterproof, layers and sturdy shoes, and be flexible if mist or rain changes the plan.
Glencoe and the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Glencoe is one of Scotland's most dramatic glens, with steep mountains and a moving history, and it has appeared in many films. The route also stops near Glenfinnan, where a curved railway viaduct crosses a green valley; it is well known to fans of Harry Potter and photographers alike.
These are places where you step out, breathe the air and take photos. Guides share the stories behind the landscape, including clan history and the tale of the Jacobites. Timing depends on traffic and weather, and stops may change in order.
Loch Ness and Inverness
Loch Ness is the largest loch in Britain by volume and the setting of the famous monster legend. The tour stops beside the water, with views of the loch and the ruins of Urquhart Castle depending on the route, and time for a hot drink.
Inverness is your base for two nights, a lively Highland city on the River Ness. Accommodation is not included, so you book your own hotel, ideally within walking distance of the drop-off and meeting point. Many travellers ask about a Loch Ness cruise; an optional boat trip on day three is available at extra cost.
Pitlochry and the drive back to Edinburgh
On the return you pass through the Highland scenery of the Cairngorms and stop in Pitlochry, a Victorian town with cafes and shops where you can grab a bite. Your driver-guide continues with stories of William Wallace, Rob Roy MacGregor and Scotland's kings and battles.
The arrival back in Edinburgh is around six in the evening, but delays are possible, so allow at least two hours for onward travel. A medium suitcase up to 15 kg per person can be carried, plus a smaller bag. Group bookings are limited, and larger groups can contact us for private options.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Edinburgh to the HighlandsDepart Edinburgh and cross the Highlands with stops such as Glencoe and Glenfinnan, ending in the Inverness area.
- Day 2: Isle of SkyeA full day exploring Skye's landscapes, viewpoints and villages, returning to Inverness.
- Day 3: Return to EdinburghTravel south through the Cairngorms, with time in Pitlochry and stories on the way.
- Arrival in EdinburghExpected around 6 pm; please allow at least two hours for onward travel.
What's included
- 3-day Highlands tour
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Experienced local driver-guide
- Live commentary and storytelling
- Photo stops at iconic locations
Not included
- Accommodation for 2 nights in Inverness (booked separately)
- Food and drinks
- Optional Loch Ness boat cruise on day 3
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes 3 days
- You need hotel pickup — you meet at the meeting point
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Children under 7 years
- Travellers who need toilets on board, as the coach has none
- Anyone unable to sit for long journeys
Meeting point
The tour begins in central Edinburgh at the meeting point given in your booking confirmation. Accommodation is not included: you need a two-night stay in Inverness, ideally within walking distance of the drop-off and meeting point at Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street. Please provide a working phone number for the lead traveller so the guide can contact you.
Important information
- Accommodation is not included; you must book two nights in Inverness yourself
- You can bring one medium suitcase up to 15 kg per person, plus a small bag
- Children must be at least 7 years old; there are no exceptions
- Food and drinks are not included; a stop is made for meals along the way
- There are no toilets on board; the coach makes regular stops
- Arrival in Edinburgh is estimated at 6 pm; allow at least two hours before onward travel
- Weather can change quickly, and the day order and stops may change with road and weather conditions; bring waterproofs, layers and comfortable shoes
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the 3-day Isle of Skye tour cost?
The price depends on the passenger type: adult, child or student. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each type, and accommodation and meals are not included.
Is accommodation included?
No. You need to book your own two-night stay in Inverness.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts three days, with an arrival back in Edinburgh at around 6 pm on the final day.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet at the Edinburgh meeting point in your confirmation and are dropped back there, and Inverness stops are near Inverness Cathedral.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes for children aged seven and over. Younger children cannot join.
What should I wear and bring?
Waterproof jacket, layers, comfortable shoes, a small day bag and your medium suitcase.
Are meals included?
No. Food and drinks are not included, but the tour makes stops for meals.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often not, because accommodation must be planned. Choose your date in the booking panel to see current availability.
Is the Isle of Skye worth visiting?
Yes. Its cliffs, mountains and villages are among the most photographed landscapes in Scotland.
Is the Loch Ness cruise included?
No. An optional Loch Ness boat cruise on day three is available at an extra cost.
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