Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle tour from Inverness
Four of Skye's most photographed landmarks in one day, without driving yourself.
This small-group day tour from Inverness takes you through the Isle of Skye and to Eilean Donan Castle in a 16-seat minibus with a driver-guide, visiting Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and Loch Ness. The tour departs early from Inverness Cathedral and runs 12 hours, with a lunch stop included. Children from age 5 are welcome, and luggage is limited to one carry-on-sized bag per person plus a small personal item.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Skye and Eilean Donan Castle
- Depart Inverness early morning
- Travel along Great Glen Fault Line
- Spot Loch Ness monster and view Castle Urquhart
- Visit and photograph Eilean Donan Castle
- Lunch stop near harbour
- View panoramic waterfalls and cliffs at Kilt Rock
- Visit Old Man of Storr viewpoint
- Explore the Quiraing landscape
- Refreshments in Kyleakin and see Castle Moil or Skye Bridge
- Loch Ness 10m
- Eilean Donan Castle 1h
- Portree Harbour 1h 30m
- Kilt Rock 15m
- The Old Man of Storr 10m
- Quiraing 15m
- Kyleakin 30m
What’s included
- Driver-guide in English.
- transport in a 16-seat Mercedes minibus.
- stops at Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Kilt Rock, Old Man of Storr and Quiraing.
- lunch stop with access to food and refreshments.
- Every day 08:00
Information
Leave Inverness early for a 12-hour loop through Skye's most dramatic peaks and coastlines, stopping at Quiraing, Old Man of Storr.
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The experience
You start before dawn from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, heading west along the Great Glen Fault Line toward Loch Ness. The first stop lets you look across the water toward Castle Urquhart's ruins, then the route continues to Eilean Donan Castle: one of Scotland's most photographed landmarks, sitting on a small island where three lochs meet. The castle is yours to explore (tickets purchased on the tour), or you can photograph it from the causeway and move on.
After lunch at a harbour stop, the coach climbs onto Skye itself. Kilt Rock appears first: a cliff face with columnar basalt that drops straight into the sea, with a waterfall spilling down the rock face. From there you reach Old Man of Storr, a rock pinnacle rising 160 metres above the landscape, surrounded by walking trails that range from a short loop to longer hikes across the ridge. The final major stop is Quiraing, a landslip valley with steep cliffs, grassy slopes and views that stretch across the island. Each stop has time to walk, photograph or simply stand in the landscape. The driver-guide navigates between them and handles the timing so you don't have to plan the day yourself.
The return route passes through Kyleakin for refreshments before heading back to Inverness. The minibus holds a maximum of 16 people, which means smaller crowds than a standard coach tour and more room to move around. Note that Eilean Donan Castle closes mid-winter (23 December to 1 February). During that period the tour includes a photo stop overlooking the castle but no entry, with extra time spent at the other locations instead.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's the actual hiking involved on this tour?
Old Man of Storr and Quiraing both have walking trails, but they're optional. You can walk as much or as little as you want at each stop. Kilt Rock is viewable from the roadside, and Eilean Donan Castle is accessible by causeway with no climbing required. The tour suits all fitness levels.
Do I need to book Eilean Donan Castle tickets in advance?
No, the tour reserves tickets for you, and you purchase them on the day while you're on the coach. If you prefer to skip the castle, you can do that too and spend the time at another stop instead.
What time does the tour leave Inverness?
The tour departs early in the morning from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street (postcode IV3 5NS). An exact departure time will be confirmed when you book.
Is lunch included in the price?
The tour includes a lunch stop at a harbour location where you can buy food and drinks, but meals aren't provided as part of the package. You'll order and pay separately at that stop.
Can I bring luggage on the tour?
Yes, you're allowed one piece of luggage per person (similar in size to an airline carry-on bag, roughly 55cm x 45cm x 25cm) plus one small bag for personal items onboard. The weight limit is 20kg per bag.
Operated by Rabbies Trail Burners. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated yesterday
Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle tour from Inverness
12h · EN
from £ 61.16 per person
≈ US$ 82 in your currency
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