Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh
Explore the best that Scotland has to offer with an Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh
When you travel across Scotland to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh, the places you’ll visit and the sights you’ll see will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Edinburgh city itself, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is a great place to start your journey. Edinburgh Castle is a must see when visiting Scotland. But the city, with all its galleries and museums, will capture your heart and fill your first few days. And there is so much more to enjoy in this beautiful part of the country, not least the Isle of Skye.
Your truly memorable 4-day Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour
Our Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh is the perfect opportunity to open your heart and mind and experience the best that Scotland has to offer.
On our luxury 16-seater coach, you’ll be able to sit back and relax in comfort as you immerse yourself in the splendid views that surround you.
Our expert tour guides are travel-loving locals, brimming with knowledge and ready to show you the most amazing sights, whilst sharing fascinating tales and intriguing secrets of all the marvellous destinations you’re about to experience.
Our tours are tried and tested to show you the best of our incredible country, to meet its friendly people and to fulfil your dreams for exploring the wonder of the Scottish Highlands.
Check out some of the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh tour highlights:
- Fairy pools of Skye
- Glencoe
- Loch Ness
- Eilean Donan Castle
- Glenfinnan
- Quiraing
- Neist Point
- Portree
- Culloden
- Whisky Tour
Ready to book your Edinburgh to Isle of Skye experience? Book now to secure your spot.
Questions? Scroll down to browse our FAQs, or get in touch with our expert Scottish tour guide team who will be happy to assist you.
Tour Details and Cost
- Departs: 8:00 from Edinburgh
- Returns: 18:30 (approx.) to Edinburgh
- Departure/Return Point: Edinburgh – Stance ZE, Waterloo Place
Simply choose the type of accommodation from the options below when you book your tour and we will make your reservation. You will then pay for accomadation on your arrival.
The cost of accommodation is not included in the tour price.
- Average costs per night below:
- Hostel: £20– £30
- B&B: £70 -£100 Single B&B: £80 – £150 Double
- B&B: £250 – Family room
- Hotel: £130 – £300 Single
- Hotel: £160 – £380 Double
- Hotel: Family room up to £450
If you wish to book your own accommodation for our Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh, there is an option to do this. It must be in Portree on Skye for 2 nights (nights 1 and 2), and within the city of Inverness for one night (night 3).
Your Edinburgh to Isle of Skye itinerary
Starting your journey from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye, your itinerary will be filled with some of Scotland’s finest sights. Our expert tour guide’s suggestion for the first leg of the journey is to spend a while in the ancient town of Stirling, where there are many great attractions to admire.
From Stirling Castle, known as the ‘key to the kingdom of Scotland’, to the town’s famous landmark the National Wallace Monument, there is much to take in and plenty to photograph.
Continuing north on your journey to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh, you’ll pass through the spectacular Glencoe. We strongly recommend you plan ample time to enjoy this wonderful Scottish Highlands village, so that you can take in the mountain air and venture along the well-marked hiking paths.
Travelling onward through the Scottish Highlands, your journey will naturally lead you to the world famous Loch Ness. Whether you stop off for a spot of monster hunting, take a boat trip out onto the enchanting freshwater loch, or visit the remains of the 13th century Urquhart Castle, you’re sure to leave with lasting memories. Want to know more? Take a look at the full day-by-day itinerary below.
Your Full Edinburgh to Isle of Skye Tour Itinerary
Departing Edinburgh to Isle of Skye
We will be departing from the bustle of Edinburgh to start this classic tour.
Leaving Edinburgh, we will be travelling north west on the motorway (freeway) and will soon arrive at a quieter area as we reach the outskirts of Stirling.
First Stop – Callander and Refreshments
It’s then onto the picturesque town of Callander, situated on the banks of the River Teith in the heart of the Trossachs. We will have time here to stop for refreshments and facilities.
As we continue north, the glorious mountains and tranquil lochs will provide us with a dramatic backdrop on our journey to Glencoe, one of the highlights of our Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour.
The Beauty of Glencoe
This is probably one of the most well known of Scotland’s glens with an important story to tell. This narrow valley is also where the bloody massacre of the Macdonalds took place in 1692.
Our guides will be able to enlighten you with tales from this part of the country and why it will never be forgotten.
We will have time to stop at the Glencoe National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre and enjoy some panoramic views whilst refuelling on some tasty food at the café.
Onward to Fort William and Ben Nevis, and Harry Potter Country
In the afternoon, we will travel further north west, passing by Fort William. During this section of the journey we should be able to catch sight of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.
From there we will be following the Road to the Isles, which will lead us on to the town of Mallaig.
On the way we will visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct where the Hogwarts Express train thundered over the bridge in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets film. It also features on subsequent Harry Potter films, The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire.
Mallaig to Isle of Skye
As we arrive at Mallaig, we will get ready to take the ferry* leading us over the sea to Armadale on the Isle of Skye.
When we reach the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh, we will be travelling to the town of Portree and taking you on to your selected accommodation.
*Please note there’s a £10 supplement per person for ferry crossing. This is a seasonal ferry and subject to timetable variations. Alternative routes may be taken.
Exploring the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh
This is an entire day dedicated to exploring the Isle of Skye.
Our day begins with a scenic journey alongside the dramatic Trotternish Ridge* and includes stops at the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock.
After a walk at the Quiraing, amongst the unique and unusual rock architecture, we drive on to reach the magic of Fairy Glen. It’s a delightful miniature Highland landscape and legendary home of the ‘wee people’.
Next we drive to the most westerly point on Skye and walk to Neist Point lighthouse. From here we will have marvellous views over the ocean to the Outer Hebrides.
Our final stop of the day will be to visit and walk beside the crystal clear water of the magical Fairy Pools. You will have impressive views of the Black Cuillins from this area.
This is a beautiful spot to take some fantastic pictures to show your friends, or even dip your toes in the water if you’re brave enough.
We return to Portree in the early evening where you can select from one of the local dining options for food and refreshment before returning to your accommodation.
*On our Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh, we will visit all of the areas listed, but not necessarily in this order, allowing for weather advantages on the day.
Isle of Skye from Edinburgh – Day Three
The Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh is the perfect pace to maximise you experience
On day three, we will have a leisurely start to the day.
Once you are collected from your accommodation and ready for the road, we will resume our adventure with a fond farewell to the Isle of Skye as we cross the Skye bridge, taking us back over to the mainland.
In just a short while we will reach Eilean Donan Castle where we will stop and take some time to explore.
As one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, it’s definitely one to be visited and photographed. It’s simply gorgeous and has appeared in countless famous movies.
On our way to Loch Ness
On leaving the castle, the journey towards Loch Ness follows some incredible scenery.
We will be following a route through Kintail and passing the Five Sisters, a high mountain ridge rising steeply from Glen Shiel to a breathtaking height of just over three and a half thousand feet.
The Five Sisters are recognisable by their five distinctly pointed summits. This area is known for its exceptional scenery and is protected against any inappropriate development.
Our next stop will be at the famous Loch Ness, best known for its sightings of a mysterious monster. You will have the opportunity to do your own monster spotting on the shores of the Loch.
We will be stopping in Forth Augustus which is situated at the most southern tip of Loch Ness. Here you will have the chance to walk by the shores of the loch, or along the Caledonian canal and lock system.
There will be plenty of time here to enjoy the canal side and marvellous views of the loch. There are a number of dining and shopping opportunities in this area in which to indulge.
Experience Inverness
This Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh includes the wonderful city of Inverness and our journey here will continue along the south side of Loch Ness.
We might be lucky enough to see something happen in the loch, or to even knock on the door of a man who has some inside information to share with us.
Steve Feltham is a real Nessie hunting legend who has made his name known to many people worldwide. Steve has been searching for the Loch Ness Monster for the last 28 years.
On now to Inverness for a quiet night in, or a late night out. You will be staying close to the city centre.
On arrival in the city we will get you checked into your accommodation for the evening and provide you with some suggestions of places to eat and drink whilst in Inverness.
We think that you’ll find it to be a warm and friendly small city with lots to offer, and one of the main highlights of your tour to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh. Many of the pubs and restaurants have live traditional music and great value meals. Some of our favourites include the Waterfront, McGregors and Hootananny Inverness.
The Final Day of our Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh
After collecting you from your accommodation for the final leg of our four day Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh, we will be sharing with you tales from the catastrophic battle between Jacobites and Government troops at Culloden Battlefield.
You will be able to set foot on the site of the last pitched battle on British soil and appreciate the true scale of the momentous clash. From this experience, you will find out why this battle that lasted only one hour changed the way of life of the Highlands and Islands forever.
On to Clava Cairns and the Cairngorm National Park
Not too far from Culloden, we will next visit Clava Cairns. We will delve even further back and discover the importance of the prehistoric 4,000 year old stone circles and burial mounds here.
This is a hugely significant and exceptionally well preserved site which has undoubtedly been the inspiration for Craig na Dun in Diana Gabaldon’s popular Outlander books.
Leaving Clava Cairns, we will head due south and through the Cairngorm National Park. The views in this area are simply stunning. You’ll hear some more about the wonderful wilderness of this area and why it has become such and important part of the Highlands.
Highland Folk Museum Stop-Off
The next stop on our Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh is the Highland Folk Museum.
You will get the chance to experience how Highland people lived and worked from the 1700s up until the 1960s. Furthermore, this outdoor museum displays over 30 historical buildings, some of which have been built from scratch on site and others moved here from other places nearby.
There’s even a replica highland township from the 1700s which was used as a filming location for the hugely successful TV series ‘Outlander’, based on the popular books by Diana Gabaldon.
You will have time for lunch at the Folk Museum and the opportunity to the explore the area at your own pace.
If the idea of visiting a Whisky Distillery is of interest to you then your guide will offer you this as an option.
Last Stop – The Hermitage
Finally, our last stop on day four will be a gentle walk through big tree country to the famous waterfall and salmon leap at The Hermitage.
This part of the country is quite sublime with a range of some towering Douglas Fir trees set beside a series of waterfalls of the river Braan.
On the final leg of our return journey from the Isle of Skye back to Edinburgh, we will cross over the River Forth and get a bird’s eye view of the famous Railway Bridge.
This bridge amazed the world when it was finally completed in 1890 and has become an enduring symbol of Scotland’s engineering heritage.
When we arrive back in the city, it’s time to pick up our bags and bid our fond farewells as we complete this amazing Isle of Skye from Edinburgh tour.
Award Winning Isle of Skye from Edinburgh Tours
Book Your Isle Of Skye Tour from Edinburgh
- £465 (full price) | £445 (Children aged from 6-12 and students)
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Edinburgh to Isle of Skye Tours FAQs
We’re often asked, ‘can you do an Isle of Skye tour in two days?’ And here’s our answer.
The Isle of Skye is a truly amazing island, a real must-see destination for anyone visiting our beautiful country of Scotland. The island itself is possibly a lot bigger than one might imagine, with plenty to explore and capture on film. And the journey through the stunning Scottish Highlands on your way to the island really is one to be treasured.
We believe that your personal journey from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye deserves more than just two days.
For this reason, our expert tour guides here at Heartland Travel recommend either a three-day or four-day Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour.
Our tours are set at the perfect pace for the discerning traveller who wishes to experience the Scottish Highlands in all their authentic splendour. We also provide entirely private, bespoke, luxury tours of Scottish Isles.
Our four day classic Isle of Skye from Edinburgh tour costs £465, with a concession price of £445 for children under 12 and students.
All of our tours include transport by luxury mini coach, and the services of a Heartland Travel tour guide/driver.
Our prices do not include entrance fees to any tourist attractions we visit on the Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour.
Our three-day and four-day tour costs do not include accommodation – we simply book your accommodation for you and you pay the provider on arrival.
If you wish to book your own accommodation for our Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh, there is an option to do this. It must be in Portree on Skye for two nights (nights 1 and 2), and within the city of Inverness for one night (night 3).
You will also find that we offer ‘optional extras’ for a small fee, like the scallop fishing trip at Strome Ferry for £10. Again, you just pay the provider directly if you want to take part.
We welcome children who are over 6 years old. Sorry, but for this tour we do not carry younger children or infants as this can be unsettling for other passengers.
Our four day classic Skye and Inverness tour leaves from Stand ZE, Waterloo Place in Edinburgh at 8.00am, and then from Stirling Railway Station at 9.45am.
Our four day Isle of Skye from Edinburgh tour returns to Waterloo Place in Edinburgh, and also offers drop off points in St Andrews, Dundee and Stirling.
No. The cost of accommodation is not included in the tour price. Simply choose the type of accommodation from the options below when you book your tour and we will make your reservation.
Average costs below:
- Hostel: £20– £30
- B&B: £70 -£100 Single B&B: £80 – £150 Double
- B&B: £250 – Family room
- Hotel: £130 – £300 Single
- Hotel: £160 – £380Double
- Hotel: Family room up to £450
If you wish to book your own accommodation for our Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh, there is an option to do this. It must be in Portree on Skye for 2 nights (nights 1 and 2), and within the city of Inverness for one night (night 3).
If you wish to cancel your tour booking up to 21 full days prior to departure, there will be a 90% refund. If you cancel within 21 days, no refund applies. If you wish to change your tour dates, we will try to accommodate your requirements as best we can.
Apart from a camera to record all the memorable sights you’re going to see on your Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour, and possibly a pair of binoculars for wildlife spotting, you’ll also need to be mindful with clothing.
Whilst Scotland’s weather is beautiful, it can be changeable, so be sure to dress in layers that can be added to or taken away as needed. Ensure you have waterproof walking boots, a waterproof jacket, and a hat and gloves too. Even in summer, the hilltops we may explore can be both wet underfoot, and breezy too.
On the other hand, during the summer months, you’ll be well advised to pack some sunscreen and insect repellent.
We ask that you limit your luggage to a single small suitcase of maximum weight 15Kg per person.
There’s some further useful information here about what you’ll need for your tour.
If you’d like to ask us anything else about booking an Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour, simply email us at [email protected] or call us on +44 131 241 3018. We’d love to hear from you!
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