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Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye Tours

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5-Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Jacobite Steam Train from Edinburgh

Badge of ExcellenceEdinburgh, United Kingdom

From $1,246.35

Select Date and Travelers

Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
Edinburgh Tours
All Edinburgh Tours
Audio Guides
Likely To Sell Out
Private and Luxury
Unique Experiences
  • 5 days (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Experience the dramatic beauty and history of the Scottish Highlands on this 5-day trip from Edinburgh. Aboard a luxury coach, enjoy the scenery of Cairngorms National Park and the mysterious Loch Ness. Visit famous sites like Stirling Castle and Eilean Donan Castle, hear bloody histories like the battles of William Wallace and the massacre of Glen Coe, and journey on the famous Jacobite Steam Train from Harry Potter. Four nights in 3-star lodging and daily breakfasts included.
  • 5-day Highlands and Isle of Skye trip from Edinburgh with an expert guide
  • Sit back and relax on a scenic drive through Stirling and the wild Rannoch Moors
  • Admire the legendary Scottish Highland scenery in Trossachs National Park
  • Take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, known as Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express from many of the Harry Potter films
  • Visit attractions and landmarks such as Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Clan Donald Skye and Culloden Battlefield
  • Enjoy a choice of 3-star guesthouse or hotel accommodation in Oban, the Isle of Skye and Inverness

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

A jam-packed itinerary means no time is wasted—ideal for first-time visitors to the Scottish Highlands.

What's Included

  • Transport by air-conditioned midi-coach
  • Local Scottish English Speaking Guide
  • 4 nights of B&B or Hotel accommodation
  • Jacobite Steam Train' ride from Fort William to Mallaig
  • Ferry ride to the Isle of Skye
  • Loch Ness boat cruise
  • Whisky Tasting
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • Edinburgh
    26 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

08:45 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Your 5-day excursion of Scotland’s rugged Highlands and the Isle of Skye begins in Edinburgh, where you’ll meet your guide and group. You’ll set off in the morning by luxury van to your first destination: Stirling Castle. During the next days, you’ll travel by coach, ferry and on the famous Jacobite Steam Train. Witness the best of the region, from brooding historic landmarks like William Wallace monument, Eilean Donan Castle, Clan Donald Skye and Culloden Battlefield to the stunning natural settings of Loch Ness and the Rannoch Moors. Enjoy group tours by day and free time to explore Oban, Isle of Skye and Inverness by night.

Your tour includes round-trip transport, four nights stay in a 3-star hotel or guesthouse and daily breakfasts. Also included is admission to the Loch Ness boat cruise and Tomatin whisky distillery.
Day 1

Edinburgh to Oban

4 Stops

The Kelpies & The Helix

Marvel at the stunning Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures dedicated to the horse-powered heritage of Central Scotland, designed by Andy Scott. They also celebrate the mythological transforming beasts living in our lochs, rivers and streams, who possess the strength and endurance of 100 horses.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Callander

We make a stop in the Highland village of Callander for a quick coffee break before continuing further into the Highlands.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kilmahog

Next, we arrive in Kilmahog to meet some friendly locals - hairy coos! Snap a few photos before heading to Glen Coe.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Glencoe

Our route takes us through the stunning rugged landscape of Glencoe, once used as a backdrop in James Bond Skyfall and the Harry Potter movies and the scene for 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Overnight in the picturesque fishing port of Oban.

Meals: Not included

Day 2

Oban to the Isle of Skye

4 Stops

Fort William

Take the steam train from Fort William and discover why this spectacular trip has been voted the best train journey in the world by Wanderlust Magazine. Cross the Glenfinnan viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies and take in the sweeping views of Loch Shiel.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Mallaig Harbour Authority

We arrive in Mallaig and take the ferry ‘Over the Sea to Skye’. Look out for dolphins!

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles

Visit Armadale Castle, former home of the Clan MacDonald on the Isle of Skye.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Quiraing

Enjoy the spectacular view of the Quiraing; a stunning display of dramatic cliffs, rock pinnacles and breath-taking views on Skye’s Trotternish peninsula.

Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Overnight in Portree, the main settlement on the Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3

Isle of Skye to Inverness

5 Stops

The Old Man of Storr

The 'Old Man' is a large pinnacle of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lealt Falls

In lush surrounds, this waterfall cascades into a gorge with nearby cliffs overlooking the sea.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kilt Rock

The famous Kilt Rock is said to resemble a kilt, with vertical basalt columns to form the pleats and intruded sills of dolerite forming the pattern.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most easily recognised castles in Scotland and probably appears on more calendars than any other.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Invermoriston Falls

Comfort break in this lovely highland town.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Overnight in Inverness, the 'capital of the Highlands'.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4

Inverness & Highlands

4 Stops

Loch Ness

Hunt for the elusive monster with a cruise on Loch Ness

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Beauly Priory

Visit the stunning Beauly Priory, built in the 1200s for an order of monks. Spend time in the town as well.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Culloden Battlefield

Site of bloody last battle of Jacobite Rising, with a visitor centre and interactive exhibition.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

Clava Cairns

The Clava cairn is a type of Bronze Age circular chamber tomb cairn, named after the group of three cairns at Balnuaran of Clava, to the east of Inverness in Scotland.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Spend a second night in Inverness

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5

Inverness to Edinburgh

3 Stops

Highland Folk Museum

We visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Blair Athol Distillery

Blair Atholl Distillery is a distillery in Scotland that distills Blair Athol single malt whisky. It is used in Bell's whisky,

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Dunkeld

Visit Dunkeld with its mighty cathedral.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Breakfast

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Minimum age is 5 years, we are unable to carry any children under this age
  • Each traveller is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase weighing no more than 33lbs (15kg) and 1 carry-on bag
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • 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
  • Please note that most fellow travellers on your tour will be staying at B&B accommodation.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

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

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Traveler Tips

One suggestion is to get to the towns earlier to allow for exploration before everything closes.
This is the tour to check all of your Highland boxes.
This is the tour to check all of your Highland boxes.
Reviews
5.0
213 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 213 reviews
Great tour of the highlands!!
katrinahumble, Aug 2019
Tour guide was friendly, helpful, very knowledgeable and welcoming to all. Great for families, couples or traveling friends. We stayed in lovely BnBs and always had something to do wether it was with the group on the road or in the evenings by ourselves.
1 traveler found this review helpful
FANTASTIC TOUR!!!
RalphieBoy, Aug 2019
This was a fantastic tour! First tour for my wife and I, we chose this tour for its value and overall itinerary. My wife has Scottish DNA, so she especially was excited about this tour. We would do this tour again in a heartbeat! The only negative was we wish we had stayed in Edinburgh 1 or 2 days prior to the trip to see the many Edinburgh city sites!
Response from Host, Aug 2019
Thanks for your review. It is brilliant to hear you had such a good time on tour and that your wife could explore her heritage. We hope to see you back in Scotland soon! Kind Regards, Emma
Explore with Purpose
angelawaine, Jul 2019
Wow! This 5 day tour is awe inspiring. What a fantastic way to explore The Highlands. Ask for Ross as your tour guide/driver. This trip wouldn't have been the same without him. It was hard to say goodbye (for now) to Ross and all of our travel companions.
Use all Five Senses in The Highlands
angelawaine, Jul 2019
Look no further when making your Scotland plans. This is the tour to check all of your Highland boxes. Perfect amount of time at each stop. All five senses will be used when taking time for The Highlands.
Fantastic!
BDouglas_W, Jul 2019
Our host Caroline was amazing! Totally exceeded my expectations! Definitely worth every penny! You will not regret such a wonderful experience!
Fun Trip
Todd_B, May 2019
This was a 5 day/4 night trips around the Scottish Highlands. Tour began Monday morning and left pretty much on time. There were 15 tourists and one guide/driver, Iain. He was an excellent driver. The tour proceeded from Edinburgh in a clockwise fashion, as most do. We went to all the usual/expected towns. The price also included a ride on the Jacobite steam train (train to Hogwarts for Harry Potter fans). Iain has worked for the company for a year, but this was his first time guiding this tour. His knowledge base was pretty shallow; he compensated by telling folklore tales and jokes. He was humorous and interesting, so I didn't mind too much. I'm sure he'll improve with time and studying. The hotels were very nice, comfortable, clean and had plenty of hot water. One suggestion is to get to the towns earlier to allow for exploration before everything closes. Each day had a "fluff" stop or two that could be easily eliminated to allow for this. Overall, an enjoyable trip and a good value. I recommend it to others unreservedly.
A great 5 days, .
stephen_R, Aug 2018
Our tour guide was funny and knowledgeable. We had a great time. We had an excelent train ride. The castles were amazing.
A Different Way to Travel and Get to Know Scotland
MGNovaes, Jul 2018
I had never traveled with the following characteristics: - The Driver is also the Guide - Stop places are sufficient in time - You're dropped off at the Hotels and then picked up to continue the journey - The stops for lunch / lunch and others depend on the time we are at that moment due to traffic or our additional stops. But that did not make the trip any bad or disorganized, but very good and practical.
Excellent Tour!
Brent_R, Jul 2018
We had a great experience - this tour was easy to book, simple to confirm, and much easier than planning everything ourselves. The van was comfortable, the people were friendly, the guide was fun, and the pace was leisurely with many different stops. I would definitely recommend it. For us, the steam train ride was a highlight.
We had a great guide which made all...
Thomas H, Dec 2017
We had a great guide which made all the difference. We saw Loch Ness, Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, the Jacobite Steam Train, the Kelpies, the battlefield of the Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and many other awesome sites. All were impressive! In addition, our hotel accommodations were good and some were excellent. More rest stops on some routes would have been helpful. We also had a great group with whom we enjoyed travelling for the five days. We highly recommend this tour of Scotland.
Just an incredible trip!! Sinclair...
kathleen f, Oct 2017
Just an incredible trip!! Sinclair, our driver and guide, made this the most memorable trip ever! Such full days - learned so much about Scottish history, enjoyed the gorgeous scenery, and shared the trip with a fabulous group of people from all over the globe!
This trip was for my step-daughter...
Patrick H, Sep 2017
This trip was for my step-daughter, so here are her thoughts below: First things first, our tour guide Caitlin was absolutely amazing. She made our trip so enjoyable, taught us so much about Scotland and went above and beyond all expectations. If you can take a tour with her, I absolutely recommend it. The tour itinerary itself was great. The Highlands are absolutely beautiful and you get to see a lot in a short amount of time. Some of my favorite places/things we did were Oban, Portree, the Jacobite Steam Train, and Loch Ness. Because you see so much in a short of amount of time, you don't have a lot of time at each destination. Be aware of that. Also, at a lot of the stops, the museums/exhibits are at an extra cost usually a pound or two, so I would bring the extra pocket money because it is definitely worth it. Also, due to time constraints, I do recommend seeking out quicker places to eat for lunch versus sit-down restaurants as you usually only have an hour or less. You definitely can enjoy a sit-down dinner every day. The accommodations weren't bad. We stayed in hotels, and as the week went on they got better. Honestly, it didn't matter to us much because we were only there to sleep. We didn't spend much time in our overnight accommodations. Some other thoughts: It rains a lot in Scotland, so if you're looking for somewhere with warm weather than you're probably looking at the wrong tour destination! I wouldn't recommend flying out the same night the tour ends because you get back to Edinburgh on the later side, so you will be rushing to get to the airport if you do. Take advantage of your tour guide and ask about the best places to eat/go in the evenings. They are happy to give you recommendations and they are truly great ones! Lastly, something we were really worried about was having enough cash on us. Most places in the Highlands take credit cards and have ATMs. You only really need cash for the very small villages you pass through and some of the gift shops. I think we used about 200 pounds in cash for the entire trip, but use your judgement. Overall this trip was absolutely amazing and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. I didn't want to leave Scotland, it was so beautiful.
There were many problems with this...
Carole C, Sep 2017
There were many problems with this trip. I put down our difficulties to inadequate training for the driver but possible it is company policy. On the first night the driver did not know where our B and B was. Five of us ended up following up him, largely uphill, dragging our suitcases for more than 20 minutes until he found the B and B. Both that night and the following night we were up a sharp from any area where food was available. We were left at the B and B door with the expectation we would make our way down the hill. There was no consideration of the age or abilities of anyone on the bus trip. The bus driver did not stand at the door of bus to assist anyone off or on the bus. The itinerary was changed with no explanation as to why we didn't go to a certain place. When we got to a site no explanation of the distance or terrain was provided. Thank God the scenery was beautiful.
Everything was organized very well...
Heidi G, Oct 2016
Everything was organized very well, great tour, Gill our guide was the BEST.
Could we have asked for a better...
John R, Sep 2016
Could we have asked for a better guide than a red-haired, bearded, kilted Scot with a degree in Scottish history? Dave gave us a great tour, pointed out pubs and restaurants for our lunches and dinners, made lots of photo stops and really helped everyone connect to Scotland's history and culture.
excellent tour and guide - took us...
Gerald L, Aug 2016
excellent tour and guide - took us to many nice places - however, the rooms were very spartan to say the least the first two nights - hence only 4 stars
Yvonne was a wonderful guide. Her...
Alec_M, Aug 2016
Yvonne was a wonderful guide. Her stories and knowledge of Scotland's history was very impressive. The B and B's were great and an impromptu night out in Inverness was fantastic. Lots of stops for pictures and breaks in each town and did not feel rushed at all.
This is a great tour and a great way...
Elizabeth T, Jul 2016
This is a great tour and a great way to see the highlands! The guest houses were great as well. Everything was well organized and professional. We had a great time!
Great trip and must congratulate Jamie...
nest, Jun 2016
Great trip and must congratulate Jamie and Highland tours for this excellent package. Great sites visited and the excellent knowledge of Jamie brought each to life in a historical sense or visionary picture. From Oban to Inverness a pictorial delight with lochs, mountain ranges, castles, great music in the evening and food. A tour must
very good if you want to discover...
Esam K, Oct 2015
very good if you want to discover many places in short time, the bus was nice and clean the driver Dafy was very great guy and full of information , the Jacobite train was a great experience but not in rainy days you will of see anything from the windows. there was so much wasting of time in the last 2 days, we could se much more of the nature but we visited so much small towns and spend more time than needed, so if you like to take photography this not for you. the Loch Ness cruise was nice but short and there nothing to do in the rest of the day, the hotels was very nice in good location.
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Product code: 5211SKYE5D

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