Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

Eleven hours across two castles and Scotland's most dramatic peninsula

This full-day tour from Inverness travels to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle, visiting the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the village of Portree, with a live guide, lunch stop and hotel pickup included. The itinerary covers the North West Mountains, allows time to explore Eilean Donan Castle's grounds, and returns via Loch Ness and the Five Sisters mountain pass. Entry to Eilean Donan Castle costs £20 and is optional, giving you the choice of whether to add it at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

• Travel through North West Mountains
• Visit Old Man of Storr
• View Kilt Rock formation
• Lunch in Portree village
• Explore Eilean Donan Castle
• Glance at Urquhart Castle
• Return via Five Sisters pass and Loch Ness

The Experience

Eleven hours means the day starts early and holds together without gaps. The route leaves Inverness and climbs into the North West Mountains, passing rural scenery before the Isle of Skye comes into view. Two major stops anchor the morning: the Old Man of Storr, a rock pinnacle that rises from the Trotternish Peninsula, and Kilt Rock, a columnar basalt formation on Skye's east coast. The guide narrates both, and you have time to stand in front of each one.

Lunch happens in Portree, Skye's main village, where you can eat and wander for an hour. After that, the tour heads to Eilean Donan Castle, which sits on an island at the meeting of three lochs. You have time to explore the castle and its grounds; entry is £20 if you choose to add it. The return route passes the Five Sisters mountain pass and gives you a glimpse of Urquhart Castle across Loch Ness before you reach Inverness.

The guide is live and speaks English throughout. Hotel pickup is included, so you don't arrange transport to the meeting point. Infants and small children can travel in a pram, stroller or specialized infant seat.

What’s included

• The tour includes a live guide speaking English throughout the day.
• hotel pickup from Inverness.
• stops at the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the village of Portree for lunch.
• time to explore Eilean Donan Castle's location and grounds (castle entry is optional at £20).
• and views of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle on the return journey.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Kilted Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to cover both Skye's major landmarks and Eilean Donan Castle in one day; choose a half-day tour if you prefer a slower pace or shorter commitment.

Top questions

What is the Old Man of Storr and why is it on this tour?

The Old Man of Storr is a distinctive rock pinnacle on the Trotternish Peninsula of the Isle of Skye, formed by ancient volcanic activity. It's one of the iconic sights the tour visits, and you have time to view and photograph it.

Do I have to pay extra to enter Eilean Donan Castle?

Entry to Eilean Donan Castle costs £20 and is optional. You can add it to your booking at checkout or skip it and explore the castle grounds from outside. Either way, the tour includes time there.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You stop in Portree for about an hour and can buy food there, but you arrange and pay for your own meal.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

The tour suits all physical fitness levels. Walking varies by stop—some sites involve short walks to viewpoints, while others like Portree and Eilean Donan Castle allow you to set your own pace. The tour is designed to be accessible.

Will I see Loch Ness on this tour?

Yes. On the return to Inverness, you travel along Loch Ness and get a glimpse of Urquhart Castle across the water. It's part of the scenic route back rather than a dedicated stop.

What time does the tour start and finish?

The tour is 11 hours long. Hotel pickup is included, so the driver collects you from your accommodation in Inverness. The exact start time depends on your hotel location and the pickup schedule.