Isle of Skye & Highlands: 3-Day Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

Summary

Three days through Scotland’s wild heart, castles, and island skies

You’ll cross moody Highland moors, wander Skye’s wild cliffs and waterfalls, share stories with your local guide, and end each day in cozy Portree. Expect laughter over mispronounced Gaelic names and moments of real quiet by ancient lochs — this isn’t just sightseeing; it’s Scotland under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the air — sharp, almost sweet, as we stepped out at Loch Lomond. There was this quiet hum of conversation from our small group, half-awake but already swapping guesses about the weather (nobody got it right). Our guide, Jamie, had that dry Scottish humor that sneaks up on you. He pointed out Luss village across the water — “blink and you’ll miss it,” he said — but honestly, I could’ve stood there for ages just watching the light shift over the hills. The drive north felt like slipping into another world: Rannoch Moor’s emptiness, then Glencoe with its brooding silence. I remember standing there thinking about those old stories Jamie told us — massacre and clan feuds — and feeling the wind tug at my sleeves.

Lunch in Fort William was quick (the café smelled like strong tea and wet wool), then we stopped for photos at Ben Nevis. It looked impossibly tall with clouds snagged on its peak. By the time we reached Portree on the Isle of Skye, I was tired but weirdly awake — maybe it was the sea air or just excitement. My B&B host in Portree had a laugh when I tried to pronounce “Quiraing” properly (I gave up after three tries). That night I wandered down to the harbor; gulls squabbling over scraps and a salty breeze that made me zip my jacket all the way up.

The next day was all Skye: Kilt Rock’s waterfall crashing below us, the Old Man of Storr jutting out like something from a dream. The path was muddy in places (my shoes still haven’t forgiven me), but nobody minded much. We stopped often — sometimes for photos, sometimes just because someone spotted a sheep doing something ridiculous. Jamie knew every twist in those narrow roads and seemed to have a story for each bend. Lunch wasn’t included but I grabbed a pasty from a bakery in Portree that tasted better than anything back home.

Heading back south, Eilean Donan Castle appeared out of nowhere — mist curling around its stone walls. Even though we couldn’t go inside (off-season), standing on that bridge felt like stepping into an old film set. Last stop was Fort Augustus by Loch Ness; no monster sightings but plenty of jokes about it from everyone on board. The ride back to Edinburgh was quiet — people dozing or scrolling through photos — but I kept thinking about that view from Quiraing, wind in my face and nothing but green hills ahead. Sometimes you don’t realize how much a place gets under your skin until you’re leaving it behind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Edinburgh to Portree

• Depart Edinburgh and collect Glasgow passengers
• Stop at Luss village by Loch Lomond
• Travel north via Tyndrum and Rannoch Moor
• Walk and admire Glencoe
• Lunch break in Fort William area
• Photo stop at Ben Nevis
• Arrive and check into accommodation in Portree

Day 2 — Full day spent in Skye

• Visit Kilt Rock waterfall
• See The Old Man of Storr rock formation
• Explore Trotternish Ridge and Quiraing
• Visit Dunvegan area, home of Clan Macleod
• Visit another waterfall

Day 3 — Travel from Portree to Edinburgh

• Visit Eilean Donan Castle
• Lunch and views at Fort Augustus by Loch Ness
• Photo stop at Ben Nevis

Top questions

How long is the Isle of Skye & Highlands tour from Edinburgh?

The tour lasts 3 days, including two nights’ accommodation in or near Portree on the Isle of Skye.

Is accommodation included in this Isle of Skye tour?

You can book with accommodation included (hostel, B&B or hotel) or arrange your own within 2km of Portree town centre.

What are some highlights visited during this tour?

You’ll visit Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Portree, Kilt Rock waterfall, Quiraing ridge, Old Man of Storr, Eilean Donan Castle and Fort Augustus by Loch Ness.

Does this tour include lunch or meals?

No meals are included; you’ll have breaks to purchase food along the route.

Where does the tour depart from in Edinburgh?

From December 3rd 2024 onward tours depart NCP Castle Terrace EH1 2EW in Edinburgh city centre.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes; children aged 4+ can join if accompanied by an adult.

Is there luggage storage available?

Luggage is limited to one medium suitcase per person; extra storage is available at third-party facilities in Edinburgh.

Will Eilean Donan Castle be open during winter?

Eilean Donan Castle is closed Dec 22–Feb 1; you can still stop for photos but visitor centre/toilets are shut.

What’s included

Your three days include transport by air-conditioned coach with live commentary from a knowledgeable driver-guide throughout Scotland’s Highlands and Isle of Skye, two nights’ accommodation if selected (or flexibility to book your own stay within Portree), options for hostel or hotel comfort levels, plus digital translation guides available upon request for several languages before returning to Edinburgh city centre.