Isle of Skye, Inverness & Highlands: 3-Day Tour with Glenfinnan Viaduct

Summary

Scotland’s wild landscapes, ancient stories and the magic of Skye

You’ll travel from Edinburgh through misty Highlands to Isle of Skye and Inverness with a local guide who knows every story along the way. Expect moments by ancient castles, harborside lunches in Portree, and glimpses of steam trains over Glenfinnan Viaduct — plus plenty of laughter (and maybe rain) between stops.

What’s the experience like?

“If you see the clouds hugging Ben Nevis, you know it’ll rain in five minutes,” our guide Callum grinned as he checked the sky, one hand wrapped around his battered thermos. I’d barely left Edinburgh when I realized this trip wasn’t just about scenery — it was about people and their odd little wisdoms. The Forth Bridge looked almost redder in that morning light, and someone behind me whispered something about Harry Potter — but honestly, I was more caught up in the way the air smelled like wet stone and diesel as we rolled north.

Pitlochry was our first proper stop. There’s something about small Scottish towns — everyone nods at you like they’ve known you for years. I grabbed a coffee that tasted faintly of peat (maybe my imagination), and then we wandered through Cairngorms. The hills there aren’t soft; they’re sharp and old, and even though I had layers on, the wind found its way in. At the Highland Folk Museum, Callum told us how families used to share one smoky room with their animals. The smell of woodsmoke clung to my jacket all day — not unpleasant, just… grounding.

The next day was all about Isle of Skye. We crossed that long Skye Bridge after a quick coffee stop at Kyle of Lochalsh (the barista had opinions about midges), and suddenly everything felt wilder. Portree’s harbor looked like a paintbox spilled across grey water — blue boats, pink houses, gulls screeching overhead. Lunch was fish and chips by the water; greasy fingers, cold wind, perfect haddock. Somewhere between Quiraing’s jagged ridges and Eilean Donan Castle standing stubborn against the loch, I realized I’d stopped checking my phone entirely.

Our last day started early at Loch Ness — no monster sightings (unless you count Dave’s attempt at a selfie). The Commando Memorial was quiet except for wind rattling the flagpoles; someone left poppies tucked into a boot at its base. We timed Glenfinnan Viaduct just right: steam train chugging over like something out of a dream or movie set. Callum told us how Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard here — he made it sound personal somehow, not just history from a book.

I keep thinking about Culloden Moor — how silent everyone went as we walked through the grass where so many fell. Even now back home, sometimes I catch that same silence when it rains hard against my window. Scotland sticks with you like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Edinburgh to Inverness journey

• Depart Edinburgh, view Forth Bridge
• Visit historic Pitlochry village
• Drive through Cairngorm National Park
• Visit Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore
• Explore Culloden Moor battlefield
• Walk among Clava Cairns standing stones
• Arrive Inverness, evening free

Day 2 — Isle of Skye roundtrip tour

• Pass Sligachan River, hear folklore
• Stop at Kyle of Lochalsh, photo Skye Bridge
• Explore Trotternish Peninsula rock formations
• Visit Quiraing for scenic photos
• Lunch in Portree harbour town
• Photograph Eilean Donan Castle shores
• Return to Inverness, evening free

Day 3 — Inverness to Edinburgh return

• Visit northern Loch Ness, optional boat cruise
• Stop at Commando Memorial viewpoint
• View Jacobite Steam Train at Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Drive through Glencoe valley, hear history
• Pass Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument
• Cross Forth Bridges back to Edinburgh

Top questions

How long is the 3-day Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh?

The tour lasts three days with two nights in Inverness (accommodation not included).

Is accommodation included on this tour?

No, accommodation is not included; travelers arrange their own stays in Inverness.

Does this tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is provided; departure is from central Edinburgh.

What are some highlights on this Isle of Skye tour?

You’ll visit Forth Bridge, Pitlochry, Cairngorms, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Isle of Skye (Portree & Quiraing), Eilean Donan Castle & Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Are meals or lunch included?

No meals are included; there are regular stops for food at local cafes or pubs along the route.

Is there a local guide on board?

Yes, an experienced Scottish driver-guide provides live commentary throughout your journey.

Can children join this tour?

The minimum age is 7 years old; children ages 7-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

What type of vehicle is used for this tour?

The tour uses an air-conditioned mini or midi-coach for comfort during travel.

Is there luggage storage on board?

You can bring one medium-sized bag (up to 15kg) stored in the hold plus a small onboard bag.

What’s included

Your three days include comfortable travel by air-conditioned coach with live storytelling from your Scottish guide; all taxes and fees are covered along with regular comfort breaks at scenic spots and villages such as Pitlochry or Portree for meals or snacks before returning to Edinburgh in the evening.