Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle tour from Inverness

Two of Scotland's most photographed landmarks in a single day from the Highlands.

A twelve-hour guided tour from Inverness covers Eilean Donan Castle, the Isle of Skye, and Portree village, with stops at Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock for photos. The tour includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and live guide commentary; children from age 4 are welcome. Eilean Donan Castle is closed to visitors December 22–February 1, though the exterior and bridge remain accessible for photos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

• Pause at Invermoriston for photos and toilet
• Visit Eilean Donan Castle and explore surroundings
• Cross Skye Bridge to Isle of Skye
• Lunch stop in Portree village
• Stop at Old Man of Storr for photos
• Pause at Kilt Rock for photos
• Refreshments stop at Kyle of Lochalsh
• View Strome Castle at Loch Carron

The Experience

The day starts with a drive north from Inverness past Loch Ness, pausing at Invermoriston for photos and a restroom break before reaching Eilean Donan Castle. The castle sits on its own island at the head of Loch Duich and is one of Scotland's most photographed buildings; you'll have time to explore the castle grounds and its surroundings before the group moves on.

From there, the route crosses the Skye Bridge onto the Isle of Skye and heads to Portree, the island's small harbour village and capital, where you stop for lunch surrounded by rocky cliffs and rolling hills. The afternoon takes in two of Skye's most recognizable rock formations: the Old Man of Storr, a towering sea stack, and Kilt Rock, named for its columnar basalt formations. The return journey includes a stop at Kyle of Lochalsh for refreshments and, weather permitting, a view of Strome Castle across Loch Carron.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and the driver provides live commentary throughout the day. Digital translations are available on request in eight languages. Arrive fifteen minutes before departure; if driving, the Old Town Rose Street Multi-Storey Car Park is next to the departure point.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Inverness.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• live guide commentary.
• stops at Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Kyle of Lochalsh and Loch Carron.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Timberbush Tours

Is this one for you?The tour departs from central Inverness with hotel pickup included, so you don't need a rental car or arrange your own transport to reach the Isle of Skye and its landmarks. The fixed itinerary and guide handle the route and timing, letting you spend the day photographing and exploring instead of navigating.

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Top questions

What is the Old Man of Storr and why do people stop there?

The Old Man of Storr is a distinctive sea stack rock formation on the Isle of Skye, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Scottish Highlands. The tour stops here for photos.

Can I visit inside Eilean Donan Castle on this tour?

From December 22 to February 1, Eilean Donan Castle's visitor centre and facilities are closed, though you can still photograph the castle exterior and cross the bridge to it. Outside those dates, you have time to explore the castle and its grounds.

Does the tour include lunch or drinks?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. The group stops in Portree village, where you can buy food and drinks, and there's a refreshment stop at Kyle of Lochalsh on the return journey.

How long is the drive from Inverness to the Isle of Skye?

The tour is twelve hours total from Inverness, including all stops and the drive to Skye. The journey to Eilean Donan Castle takes several hours, then another stretch to reach Portree on the Isle of Skye.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Children are welcome from age 4 and up. The tour operates in all weather, so dress appropriately. Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if a passenger is accompanied by someone to assist with boarding and disembarking.

What happens if I don't have a car in Inverness?

Hotel pickup is included in the tour, so you don't need to arrange your own transport to the departure point. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you're staying outside the hotel pickup area.