Two Day Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools and Castles Tour from Inverness
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Overview
This two-day coach tour from Inverness gives you time on the Isle of Skye that a single day cannot. A driver-guide leads you through Loch Ness, the Highlands and the island, with stops at the Fairy Pools, the Highland castles and Skye's best viewpoints, and a night on the island. The default option does not include accommodation, so you arrange your own stay on Skye; other options add one night in a shared double, twin or family room, or a single room. Meals, castle entry and tips are not included.
Highlights
- Two days on the Isle of Skye instead of a rushed single day
- Time for the Fairy Pools below the Cuillin mountains
- Visits to Highland castles, including Eilean Donan and Dunvegan in season
- Overnight stay on Skye, depending on the option you choose
- Scenic stops along Loch Ness and the Highlands
- Driver-guide with live commentary and digital translations
- Air-conditioned coach; one medium suitcase per person
Full Description
Two days on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides, joined to the mainland by the Skye Bridge, and a two-day tour from Inverness gives you the time that many visitors wish they had. Instead of a long return drive on the same day, you spend an evening and a morning on the island, with more daylight for photographs and a gentler pace. Many travellers ask whether two days is better than one day on Skye, and for most, the answer is yes.
The tour is led by a driver-guide who explains the landscape, clan history and Gaelic culture, and who plans stops according to the weather. Late spring to early autumn gives the longest days, while winter is quieter but shorter and more changeable.
The Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools are a series of clear pools and waterfalls on the River Brittle below the Black Cuillin, near Glenbrittle. A stony path leads from the car park, with several stream crossings, and the walk takes about half an hour each way. The water is cold even in summer, but the colour and the mountain backdrop make it one of the most photographed places on Skye.
With two days you can spend longer here, in the best light. Wear shoes with grip and bring a waterproof layer, because the path can be wet. Visiting on a quieter day or at the edge of the day helps you avoid the biggest crowds.
Eilean Donan and Dunvegan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle stands on a tidal island where three sea lochs meet, linked to the shore by a stone bridge. A fortress has been here since the thirteenth century; the castle was destroyed in 1719 and rebuilt in the early twentieth century. Entry to the interior is an optional extra, not included in these options.
Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, on the west of Skye, is the long-time seat of Clan MacLeod and one of the oldest continuously inhabited castles in Scotland. Entry is also an optional extra, and the visit is available in summer only, so ask your guide about timing. Both castles give a very different view of Highland history.
Loch Ness, the Highlands and a night on Skye
The first part of the journey follows Loch Ness, the long, deep loch of the Great Glen, with views and the legend of the monster. The route then crosses the Highlands, passing lochs, glens and mountain passes towards Skye. The coach has air conditioning and live commentary, and digital written translations are available.
In the evening you stay on the island, usually around Portree, where restaurants can be very busy, so it is wise to book a table in advance. The default option does not include accommodation, while the other options include one night in a double, twin or family room shared between guests, or a single room.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Meet in central InvernessMeet your driver-guide at the meeting point shown on your voucher; the coach leaves at 8:00 AM.
- Day 1: Loch Ness and the HighlandsScenic stops along Loch Ness and the road west, with commentary.
- Day 1: Eilean Donan CastleA stop at the castle on Loch Duich; entry is an optional extra.
- Day 1: Skye and the Fairy PoolsCross to the island and explore, with time at the Fairy Pools.
- Day 1: Overnight on SkyeEvening and night on the island; accommodation depends on your option.
- Day 2: Skye sights and Dunvegan CastleMore scenic stops on the island and the castle in season, entry optional.
- Day 2: Return to InvernessDrive back across the Highlands to Inverness in the evening.
What's included
- Transport in an air-conditioned bus
- Driver-guide
- Live commentary
- Digital written translations
Not included
- Accommodation
- Entry to Eilean Donan Castle (optional extra)
- Entry to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens (optional extra, summer only)
- Meals and snacks
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 4–16
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes 2 days
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Children under four years, who are not permitted on this tour
- Wheelchair users
- Travellers who need hotel pickup, which is not included
- Guests who prefer a single day on the road, as a short single-day Skye tour is available
Meeting point
This tour does not include hotel pickup. You meet your driver-guide at a meeting point in central Inverness, and the exact location is shown on your voucher after booking. The coach leaves at 8:00 AM on day one, so please arrive about fifteen minutes early. The tour returns to the same area at the end of day two.
Important information
- Children under four years are not permitted on this tour.
- The default option does not include accommodation; you arrange your own stay on Skye for the night.
- Other options include one night in a double, twin or family room (shared between guests) or in a single room.
- Restaurants in Portree get very busy; book a table for your evening before you travel.
- One medium suitcase of 63 to 67 cm is allowed per person; slightly larger bags depend on space.
- Entry to Eilean Donan Castle and Dunvegan Castle is an optional extra, and Dunvegan is open in summer only.
- Meals, snacks and tips are not included.
- Collapsible lightweight wheelchairs may be accommodated, subject to availability and with an assistant.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the two-day Isle of Skye tour cost?
The price depends on the option and the number of travellers. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child, for the date you choose.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet your driver-guide at a meeting point in central Inverness, and the exact location is on your voucher after booking.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts two days, leaving Inverness at 8:00 AM on day one and returning on day two.
Is accommodation included?
It depends on the option. The default option does not include accommodation. The other options include one night in a double, twin or family room, or in a single room.
What is the difference between the options?
All options include the coach, driver-guide and commentary. They differ in accommodation: none, a double, twin or family room, or a single room.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged four and over can join. Age categories and child prices are shown in the booking panel.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and layers with a waterproof jacket, and pack one medium suitcase. Bring snacks, water and money for meals.
Can I book the tour for today or tomorrow?
Yes, when seats are available. Choose your date in the booking panel to see whether the departure is open.
Are the Fairy Pools worth visiting?
Yes. The clear pools and waterfalls below the Cuillin are among the most photographed sights on Skye.
What is the best time to visit the Isle of Skye?
Late spring to early autumn offers the longest days and easiest roads, and Dunvegan Castle is open in summer.
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