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

5 days Cancellable until 22 days beforeMin 2 participantsMeet on locationInstant confirmationMin age 5+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 a chance to explore some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes and attractions. Suitable for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this journey includes a scenic diesel train ride over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a cruise on Loch Ness, and a ferry crossing to the Isle of Skye. Participants will also visit the Culloden Visitor Centre, providing insight into Scotland's rich heritage. With a passionate local guide leading the way, this tour emphasizes immersive experiences in the Scottish Highlands, making it a distinctive choice for those seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.

Inclusions

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

Exclusions

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

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 time. 
  • Please have travel insurance
  • The train will not be running on 8 June, 25 June, 6 July, and 24 August
  • We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. 
  • Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
  • All attractions are subject to availability. Third party suppliers have the right to close attractions/suspend operations at any time
  • Adults / Students must be over 18 at the time of travel.
  • Students must hold a valid ISIC/ISE/ITIC card. 
  • **The Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle are not suitable for individuals with mobility difficulty because of the steps to the dock and the steps to Urquhart ruins.
  • Please note that we cannot guarantee that people who have booked together will be seated together. We do not 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. Our coach cannot wait for you.
  • 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 : This tour must be cancelled 22 days prior to departure date in order to receive 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.
  • The summer and winter itinerary vary slightly.

Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 22 days before start

Non-refundable after 22 days before start