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

Summary

Glencoe’s mist, Skye’s cliffs and a search for Nessie from Edinburgh

You’ll leave Edinburgh behind for three days exploring Glencoe’s haunting valleys, Skye’s dramatic coastlines, and even try your luck spotting Nessie at Loch Ness. With a local guide sharing stories (and jokes), breakfasts included, and time built in for wandering or spontaneous stops — this trip feels both personal and wild. You might come back with muddy boots and a head full of misty hills.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the low hum of our mini-coach as we left Edinburgh, the city still waking up behind us. Our guide, Jamie — who had that dry Scottish humor that sneaks up on you — pointed out Stirling Castle through the drizzle. I didn’t expect to care about castles so much, but something about seeing them in that soft morning light made me feel like we were slipping into some old story. We stopped in Callander for coffee (the kind that warms your hands more than your insides), then wound our way through Glencoe. The hills there are huge and silent; Jamie told us about the massacre and I swear you could almost feel it in the air. It smelled like wet earth and sheep.

Crossing over to the Isle of Skye felt like entering another world — cliffs dropping into cold blue water, little white houses scattered along the shore. Portree is small but lively; I wandered its streets after check-in, found a bakery selling oatcakes and something called tablet (so sweet my teeth hurt). Next day was all Skye: Quiraing’s ridges hidden by quick-moving clouds, Kilt Rock with spray in my face, Old Man of Storr standing alone against the sky. Our group kept stopping for photos but honestly, sometimes it was better just to look. Jamie told us stories about clan feuds and fairies — half-true maybe, but I wanted to believe them anyway.

I liked how flexible things were; if we wanted to linger somewhere or take a detour because someone spotted seals (which happened), we just did. Lunches were casual — pub pies or soup, nothing fancy but filling after walking in the wind. On the way back to Edinburgh we stopped at Fort Augustus by Loch Ness. Some people scanned the water for Nessie (no luck), others just watched boats in the canal locks while eating chips from paper cones. The drive home was quiet — everyone tired in that good way you get after being outside all day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Edinburgh to Portree

• Depart Edinburgh heading west
• Pass Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument
• Stop in Callander for refreshments
• Visit Glencoe landscape
• Lunch and explore local town
• Stop at Eilean Donan Castle
• Cross bridge to Isle of Skye
• Arrive and explore Portree town

Day 2 — Flexible touring around Isle of Skye

• Travel north to Trotternish Ridge
• Photo stop at Old Man of Storr
• Visit Kilt Rock viewpoint
• Optional visit to Dunvegan Castle
• Return to Portree in evening

Day 3 — Return from Portree to Edinburgh

• Stop for lunch in Fort Augustus
• Explore Caledonian Canal and loch
• Refreshments in Perthshire village
• Travel past Perth and Firth of Forth
• Return to Edinburgh

Top questions

How long does the Isle of Skye & Highlands tour take?

The tour lasts 3 days, departing from Edinburgh and returning there on the third evening.

Is accommodation included on this 3-day Isle of Skye tour?

Yes, two nights’ B&B or 3-star hotel accommodation are included in Portree on the Isle of Skye.

Are breakfasts provided during the tour?

Breakfast is included each morning during your stay on this small-group tour.

Does this tour include a visit to Eilean Donan Castle?

You stop at Eilean Donan Castle; entry tickets can be purchased on tour if you wish to go inside.

Is pickup included for this Scottish Highlands tour?

The tour departs from inside Edinburgh Bus Station at St Andrew Square; hotel pickup isn’t included.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is limited to 16 people per mini-coach for a more personal experience.

Can children join this Isle of Skye & Highlands tour?

No, children under 5 years old cannot be accommodated on this trip.

What should I pack for this 3-day Scottish Highlands trip?

Luggage is limited to one carry-on sized bag (14kg/31lbs) plus a small onboard bag per person.

What’s included

Your three days include round-trip transport from Edinburgh by mini-coach with an experienced local guide at the wheel, two nights’ en-suite accommodation with breakfast each morning in Portree on Skye, flexible stops throughout Glencoe and along Skye’s coastlines (including photo opportunities), plus time at Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness before heading back to Edinburgh.