Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye
Uncover the best of the Scottish Highlands and the largest island of the Inner Hebrides on this 4-day group tour from Edinburgh. See the Glenfinnan Viaduct (of Harry Potter fame), visit Glencoe and admire The Kelpies sculpture. On the Isle of Skye, let your guide choose the best available activities and hiking routes to get the most from your visit to this beautiful island. Take in the historic Eilean Donan Castle, Ben Nevis and Dunkeld on your return journey to Edinburgh.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Rannoch Moor, Glencoe & Fort William
Day 1 Rannoch Moor, Glencoe & Fort William
Edinburgh - Glencoe - Fort William. As we head out of Edinburgh, we travel north west, stopping to admire The Kelpies. These 30-metre high sculptures depict horse heads, and opened to the public in 2013. We make a lunch stop before continuing our drive, passing by lochs, rivers and lush forests. We cross eerily beautiful Rannoch Moor, stopping for photos at the most scenic spots. Reaching Glencoe, we have time to admire the mountain vistas and learn about the 1692 Glencoe Massacre. Around 30 members of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were slaughtered here for failing to pledge allegiance to King William III and Mary II.
Skirting the edge of Loch Linnhe, we reach our accommodation in Fort William, a highland town on the shore of the loch.
Please note: Check-in closes at 09:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
Accommodation: Sobhan B&B, Myrtle Bank B&B or similar
Day 2 Harry Potter & Isle of Skye
Day 2 Harry Potter & Isle of Skye
Fort William - Skye. We're in for a treat today, as we see the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. This is one of the world's most famous stretches of railway, having starred in the 'Harry Potter' series as the route taken by the Hogwarts Express en route to the magical school. We also see a famous monument commemorating the Jacobites who died fighting for their cause.
Reaching Mallaig, we take the ferry to the Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides (please note that during the winter months (October till the end of March) we take a scenic route through Kyle of Lochalsh and drive over the Skye Bridge instead of the ferry).
Our afternoon is spent exploring the dramatic Sleat Peninsula. Marvel at the cascading waterfalls of Glenbrittle and the scenic Cuillin Mountains before we reach our overnight base in the Lochalsh area.
Accommodation: Caledonian B&B, Duirinish B&B or similar
Day 3 Exploring the Isle of Skye
Day 3 Exploring the Isle of Skye
Today we will be exploring the remote Isle of Skye, but there is no fixed itinerary for the day. The weather can be unpredictable, so your guide will choose the best highlights to show you in accordance with the conditions and any events that may be happening on the island during your visit. We are likely to be hiking, in order to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the island. Options include The Quiraing hill walk and the Old Man of Storr Walk, probably the most famous trail on the island. We can also see the Neist Point Lighthouse. Spend the day taking photos, sampling the view and enjoying everything this pristine environment has to offer. In the late afternoon, we return to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Caledonian B&B, Duirinish B&B or similar
Day 4 Return to Edinburgh
Day 4 Return to Edinburgh
Skye - Dunkeld - Edinburgh. We depart the Isle of Skye today and enjoy a visit to see Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th century fortress, located on an island. We then journey south through Glen Shiel and past Loch Cluanie, enjoying views of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Passing through the dramatic Monadhliath Mountains, we stop in the historic town of Dunkeld where there is free time for you to see the ruins of the old cathedral. We then travel over the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh, where our tour comes to an end.
Please note: This tour ends at 18:30 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Accommodation
tobahn Guest House is conveniently located just above Fort William High Street, offering rooms with en-suite facilities and views over Loch Linnhe. Only a five-minute walk from the bus and train stations, Stobahn B&B is ideally situated for all outdoor activities.
On this tour, you will stay in bed and breakfast properties (B&Bs). These are usually smaller residential properties, with just a handful of guest rooms. You’ll have a bedroom, bathroom and often, access to a communal dining room for breakfast. Rooms will always be clean and comfortable, with a private bathroom. Bathrooms are usually en-suite, but on rare occasions, access may be via a communal hallway. This means that the bathroom will still be private and only for your personal use, but it is not en-suite (located in the room). You will need to leave the room to use the bathroom.
Situated in the heart of Portree, this unpretentious, family-run hotel is just a 3-minute walk from the harbour and 28 kilometres from the Talisker Distillery. The modest rooms feature en suite shower facilities and are equipped with flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making equipment, and Wi-Fi. A full Scottish breakfast is served in a cosy, country-style dining area.
Tour Reviews
Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye - 4 daysUncover the best of the Scottish Highlands and the largest island of the Inner Hebrides on this 4-day group tour from Edinburgh. See the Glenfinnan Viaduct (of Harry Potter fame), visit Glencoe and admire The Kelpies sculpture. On the Isle of Skye, let your guide choose the best available activities and hiking routes to get the most from your visit to this beautiful island. Take in the historic Eilean Donan Castle, Ben Nevis and Dunkeld on your return journey to Edinburgh.Handpicked41127It was not my first Tour, and it won't be my last! Sean Gordon was the epitome of a Driver/Guide. He cared about everyone's experience. You know, it's your driver who makes or breaks your Tour. My son and I were delighted with our whole trip. Every effort was made for our enjoyment.
Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye - 4 daysUncover the best of the Scottish Highlands and the largest island of the Inner Hebrides on this 4-day group tour from Edinburgh. See the Glenfinnan Viaduct (of Harry Potter fame), visit Glencoe and admire The Kelpies sculpture. On the Isle of Skye, let your guide choose the best available activities and hiking routes to get the most from your visit to this beautiful island. Take in the historic Eilean Donan Castle, Ben Nevis and Dunkeld on your return journey to Edinburgh.Handpicked41127The tour was great, our guide Robbie was very helpful, his. knowledge is amazing.
Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye - 4 daysUncover the best of the Scottish Highlands and the largest island of the Inner Hebrides on this 4-day group tour from Edinburgh. See the Glenfinnan Viaduct (of Harry Potter fame), visit Glencoe and admire The Kelpies sculpture. On the Isle of Skye, let your guide choose the best available activities and hiking routes to get the most from your visit to this beautiful island. Take in the historic Eilean Donan Castle, Ben Nevis and Dunkeld on your return journey to Edinburgh.Handpicked41127We had an amazing experience! Our guide, Stevie, was funny, informative, knowledgeable, a safe driver, and you could tell he loves his country and its history. We saw so many beautiful sights and weren't rushed a each stop. The accommodations were clean and very comfortable, with friendly staff.
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