5-Day Isle of Skye and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh

5 days Free CancellationMeet on locationInstant confirmationMin age 18+Guided Operated by Highland Explorer Tours 4.9 from 356 reviews

Why we love it?

The 5 Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and Inverness tour offers travelers an immersive experience into Scotland’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage. Ideal for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, the tour includes a scenic cruise on Loch Ness, a journey across the historic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and guided visits to iconic sites like the Kelpies and the Isle of Skye. Accommodations are provided in single occupancy B&Bs, ensuring a comfortable stay while allowing participants to fully engage with the captivating scenery and local lore. This tour is particularly distinctive for its combination of breathtaking vistas and the chance to ride a diesel train over the famous viaduct, though travelers should note specific dates when the train will not be operational.

Inclusions

  • Loch Ness Cruise
  • Diesel Train Journey over the Glenfinnan Viaduct *The train will not be running on 8 June, 25 June, 6 July, and 24 August
  •  Local Scottish Guide 
  • B&B Single Accommodation
  • Ferry Crossing
  • Crossing ‘Over the Sea’ to the Isle of Skye 
  • Culloden Battlefield 
  • Clava Cairns

Exclusions

  • Whisky tasting
  • Culloden Visitor Centre (pay on arrival at location)
  • Museum of the Isles (pay on arrival at attraction)

Itinerary

Day 1

Edinburgh to Oban

  • We leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies

    We leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. We then head north past Stirling and take in views of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. We will make a stop in Callendar before entering the Highlands and stopping at the lovely village of Killin, with its famous waterfall. Later in the day we journey through famous Glen Coe, then head to the quaint fishing town of Oban. (Overnight: Oban)

Day 2

Oban to Isle of Skye

  • Today we start bright and early and head north to Fort William

    Today we start bright and early and head north to Fort William. There we’ll take a diesel train* on the stunning West Highland Line and cross Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter movies. As we cross, we’ll take in the sweeping views of the Scottish Highlands and Loch Shiel. We arrive in Mallaig and take the ferry to the Isle of Skye before driving to our overnight destination in Portree. (Overnight: Portree)

    *Please note the train ride is not on the Jacobite Steam Train. The train will not be running on 8 June, 25 June, 6 July, and 24 August

Day 3

Isle of Skye to Inverness

  • We explore more of the mysterious Isle of Skye with its awe-inspiring mountains, stunning coastline, and local folklore before returning to the mainland. On the way to Loch Ness, we stop at the incredibly photogenic Eilean Donan Castle and wind our way along the Great Glen where we also visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest and then on to Inverness, home for the next two nights. (Overnight: Inverness)

Day 4

Inverness

Day 5

Inverness to Edinburgh

  • Leaving Inverness, we visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Scottish Highland life from the past centuries before heading to a local whisky distillery for a tour and a taste of the ‘water of life’. For our final stop we visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village, on to the River Tay and make a visit to the cathedral. Our tour returns to Edinburgh in the evening.

Please Note

  • Check-in closes 15 minutes before the departure 
  • Please have travel insurance
  • The train will not be running on 8 June, 25 June, 6 July, and 24 August
  • Adults / Students must be over 18 at the time of travel.
  • All attractions are subject to availability. Third party suppliers have the right to close attractions/suspend operations at any time
  • Students must hold a valid ISIC/ISE/ITIC card. 
  • Please note that we cannot guarantee that people who have booked together will be seated together. We do ot allocate seats.
  • It is very important to return to the coach on time at itinerary stops. Your guide will display the time that the bus departson a clock that will be visible. 
  • The minimum age for a Highland Explorer Tour passenger is 5 years old.  
  • Those who are 17 year old pay the adult price, but need to be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over.  
  • Cancellation of Extended Tours: extended tours must be cancelled 22 days prior to the departure day for a refund. 
  • Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark.
  • Highland hotels and guesthouses do not have lifts/elevators. Guests should be able to walk up steps in order to access rooms.

Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 1 day before start

Non-refundable after 1 day before start