Top activities in Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh and beyond
Trip Inspiration
Book online or call: (888) 651-9785
Are you interested in?
3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour Including "Hogwarts Express" Ride
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
From $772.26
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
Edinburgh Tours
Attractions
Recommendations
- 3 days (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Venture to the Scottish Highlands and spend two nights on the Isle of Skye, including a steam train ride on The Jacobite of the West Highland Railway Line — aka the ‘Hogwarts Express’ of Harry Potter fame. This 3-day guided trip from Edinburgh takes you through Cairngorms National Park to regional highlights such as the Old Man of Storr and the Cuillin Mountains. Visit Eilean Donan Castle, ride the ferry to Mallaig and stop at the legendary Loch Ness. Enjoy daily breakfasts during your hotel or B&B stay in Portree.
- 3-day Highlands and Isle of Skye trip from Edinburgh
- See the legendary scenery including the Old Man of Storr and the Cuillin Mountains
- Ride the famous Hogwarts Express train (as seen in the Harry Potter films) from Mallaig to Fort William
- Choice of B&B or hotel accommodation
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
This tour takes a different route to and from the Isle of Skye for maximum sightseeing opportunities.
What's Included
- 2 nights accommodation in 3-star B&B or hotels
- Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William
- Breakfast daily
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
- Edinburgh26 Elder St, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, UK
From 1st April 2023, our departure point will be EDINBURGH BUS STATION, 26 ELDER STREET, EH1 3DX. Stances 15 and 16.
Start time
08:00 AM
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Experience the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye on this 3-day coach trip, round-trip from Edinburgh. You’ll visit Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle, explore Skye’s rugged Cuillin Mountains and cliffs of Trotternish Ridge with your guide, then ride the ferry to Mallaig where you’ll board The Jacobite steam train to Fort William.
Two nights’ accommodation includes a single, twin, or double room in a 3-star hotel or B&B in Portree, selected at booking. Enjoy daily breakfast; all other meals are at your own expense.
Two nights’ accommodation includes a single, twin, or double room in a 3-star hotel or B&B in Portree, selected at booking. Enjoy daily breakfast; all other meals are at your own expense.
Day 1
Edinburgh to Portree
4 Stops
Dunkeld Cathedral
We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay.
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fort Augustus Abbey
At Fort Augustus, there is time to explore the shores of Loch Ness and a chance to spot Nessie.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Eilean Donan Castle
The journey continues to the famous Isle of Skye but first, we take in spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous icons.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
Sligachan Old Bridge
Learn about some of the island's myths and legends at Sligachan
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight at a 3 star B&B or Hotel in Portree
Meals: Not included
Day 2
Isle of Skye
3 Stops
The Old Man of Storr
View the iconic Old Man of Storr
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Kilt Rock
Visit Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
A visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without learning the fascinating history and clan legend of Dunvegan Castle. Built during 13th and 14th centuries this Hebridean stronghold is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for the past 800 years
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
Accommodation: Overnight at a 3 star B&B or Hotel in Portree
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Portree to Edinburgh
3 Stops
Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles
Visit Armadale Castle, home to Clan Donald for almost 400 years, with its rich history and impressive gardens (pay locally)
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Board the Jacobite Steam Train in Mallaig and journey to Fort William, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands.
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Glencoe
We head south through the dramatic scenery of Glencoe and wild Rannoch Moor
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Please select room type when booking.
- Minimum age is 5 years, we are unable to accommodate children under this age
- Near public transportation
- 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 back the tour for late arrivals.
- Most travelers can participate
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
about cancellations.
Traveler Photos
See more
Traveler Tips
One word of advice about the train ride: sit on the right side to get a better view.
Isle of Skye and highlands were breathtaking (great weather during a heat wave too) However I would skip the "Hogawarts express" It looks cool on the outside so if you can catch it in the stations, take pics there.
Reviews
5.0
487 reviews
Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 487 reviews
The Klick Rock fountain. ...
may_c, Oct 2022
The Klick Rock fountain. And the lovely highland cow. The beautiful scenery, good accommodation and breakfast.
Scotland Highlands at their Best!
Judy_D, Aug 2022
Isle of Skye is a gorgeous area .....lots of scenery (especially when it's sunny.... we were very lucky!) Our driver was very knowledgeable and friendly, despite the fact that she had only been driving this route for @ 6 months! Despite the long distance riding in a bus, I would definitely recommend this trip as a way to get out of the city and see the spectacular countryside of Scotland!
Scottish Highlands Tour
Jessica_G, May 2022
We learned a lot about the history of the Scottish Highlands. The views were spectacular. Tom, our tour guide was very nice and accommodating.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Great tour with an amazing guide
James_E, Oct 2021
Amazing tour, and our guide Scott was amazing, possibly the best tour guide I've ever had! We travelled in the off season but still managed to see a lot of cool stuff, and he knew the area incredibly well and had some good alternatives for things that were closed. Lodging on the Isle of Skye at the Skye Inn was great. Bus was comfortable, not crowded, and Covid-19 precautions were well handled.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Awesome Highlands and isle of Skye tour!!
Sarah_C, Aug 2021
I had an absolutely amazing time traveling solo with my group tour, everyone was so friendly and kind, including out awesome driver, Rich! He was so funny and full of great stories to tell. We traveled from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye with stops in-between. The Hogwarts express ride was a personal highlight, being a huge Harry Potter geek.. I mean fan! Thank you for an incredible adventure! I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to experience the Highlands of Scotland including Harry Potter fans!
1 traveler found this review helpful
Perfect trip for few days
Kerry_O, Jun 2021
If you want a great taster for Scotland - but only have a few days - this is the trip to take! The itinerary covered lots of ground without feeling too rushed - Highlands and Isle of Skye are spectacular ... the train ride IS worth it - especially if you bring a bit of whisky to enjoy with friends! Our guide Charlie was awesome ! Highly recommend this trip!
2 travelers found this review helpful
The trip couldn't be better
Jiho_E, Jun 2021
It was such an amazing and exciting experience. Regardless of the weather, the nature of Highland and Skye is just magnificent and stunning. I couldn't stop taking pictures because I didn't want to miss a moment. Moreover, our guider, Caitlin, and other group members were lovely and friendly companions. Caitlin is the best driver as well as a talented storyteller. The histories and legends, She spoke, were so catching and realistic. Also, fortunately, I could enjoy the sunny weather in the Isle of Skye. The trip couldn't be better.
1 traveler found this review helpful
The best guide EVER
kerry_o, Sep 2019
A great tour with a good variety of stops and sights. The scenery was amazing, the guesthouse comfortable and the sights worth seeing. The best aspect of our tour was our driver/guide Caitlin. Her enthusiasm, knowledge, stories and story telling ability were brilliant and she interspersed her narrative with music that fitted the history or place. She was without doubt the best guide I have ever had on a tour and her driving ability astounded us all.
Magical & Memorable!
Julie_S, Sep 2019
My husband and I booked this tour from Edinburgh in August, while visiting Scotland for our 10 year anniversary. This was the perfect break from the fringe festival, to see the highlands and explore Skye. I had always wanted to visit and found Yvonne the perfect guide- sharing regional stories/folklore, recommendations for our solo downtime, and her impressive driving skills. The b&b we stayed at in Portree (Rosedale) was perfect. Loved the staff, view, food, and ambiance. The train ride was thrilling. We lucked out with sun for most outings to take in the stunning scenery, but well prepared for the occasional shower...part of the charm to experience so many seasons in 1 day. Overall, would highly recommend this trip and will cherish the thoughtful anniversary card we received from Yvonne.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Beautiful, relaxed tour of the highlands
cassondralm, Sep 2019
Great pacing on the tour, not rushed. Lots of time to explore. Beautiful scenery. Bed and breakfast was lovely. Tour guide Tom was extremely knowledgable.
1 traveler found this review helpful
...
Questions?
Product code: 5211SKYE3D
Attractions in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Rosslyn Castle (Roslin Castle) Tours & Tickets
- Georgian House Tours & Tickets
- Grassmarket Tours & Tickets
- Loch Lomond Tours & Tickets
- Gilmerton Cove Tours & Tickets
- Edinburgh Old Town Tours & Tickets
- Edinburgh Cruise Port at Leith Tours & Tickets
- Greyfriars Kirk Tours & Tickets
- Melrose Abbey Tours & Tickets
- Castle Rock Tours & Tickets
- Edinburgh Dungeon Tours & Tickets
- Scottish Parliament Tours & Tickets
- Blackness Castle Tours & Tickets
- Calton Hill Tours & Tickets
- Gladstone’s Land Tours & Tickets
- Newhailes House Tours & Tickets
- Royal Scottish Academy Tours & Tickets
- Scottish National Portrait Gallery Tours & Tickets
- Museum of Edinburgh (Huntly House) Tours & Tickets
- Falkland Palace and Garden Tours & Tickets
© 1997-2023 Viator, Inc.