Full-Day Private Isles and Skye Tour from Inverness with Fairy Pools
Lochs, castles and a cold-water dip
Ride through the Highlands with a guide who tells the legends of the loch as you go. This private tour from Inverness runs past Urquhart and Eilean Donan Castles, out to the Fairy Pools on Skye, and into Portree's painted harbour. Air-conditioned transport and stops for coffee, wildlife and craft shops make it a day you can shape as you go.
Step-by-step itinerary
Full-day tour from Inverness to Skye
- Pick up and start 12-hour journey
- Stop for photos and coffee breaks
- Hear legendary tales at Loch viewpoint
- See Urquhart Castle from viewpoint
- Stop for wildlife sightings
- See Eilean Donan Castle from viewpoint
- Enjoy spectacular views and spot Selkies
- Walk to Fairy Pools and explore
- Explore Portree and take photos
- Return to Inverness with scenic stops
- Highland House of Fraser passing by
- Loch Ness Region 15m
- Urquhart Castle 15m
- Eilean Donan Castle 20m
- Kyle of Lochalsh 10m
- Fairy Pools 2h
- Portree 4h
What’s included
- Private transportation.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Driver-Guide.
- Every day 08:30
Information
Spend the day with a private guide from Inverness past Urquhart and Eilean Donan Castles to the Fairy Pools and Portree on Skye, with photo stops.
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The experience
Your day begins at the meeting point, and before long the lochs and hills of the Highlands open up around you. Your guide spins tales of monsters and of the rewards for catching a good photograph, along with about 200 million years of history since the loch was created and a few legendary visitors who came to its shores. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and ample stops for toilets, food and coffee are built into the route.
At Urquhart Castle you look down from a viewpoint while your guide explains why this strategic spot mattered so much in the past. Eilean Donan Castle comes next, seen from grand viewpoints, and you will recognise it as the famous movie location. Keep your eyes on the water, because there is a good chance of spotting selkies, and stops for eagles, deer, wild goats or otters can come up along the road.
Then comes the Fairy Pools. The walk runs about 2 km out into an old volcano's crater, and the pools and waterfalls are cold, around 4 degrees Celsius, so the brave can take a swim. Pack hardy footwear and waterproof jackets, and watch for a rare white-tailed sea eagle. In Portree you have an hour to warm up with a coffee or a dram and photograph the colourful houses at the harbour. You will also be looking out for Highland cows, and there is time for souvenirs from genuine Scottish craft shops.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 5 years).
Can I swim at the Fairy Pools?
Yes, for the brave there is a chance to swim in the river pools and waterfalls, which sit at about 4 degrees Celsius.
How long is the walk to the Fairy Pools?
The walk is about 2 km, out into an old volcano's crater, so bring hardy footwear and waterproof jackets.
Will we see Eilean Donan Castle up close?
You see it from grand viewpoints there, including the spot that is the famous movie location.
Do we stop to look at Urquhart Castle?
You see Urquhart Castle from a viewpoint, where the guide explains the history of this strategic castle.
Will we see wildlife on the road?
Stops for scenery and possibly wildlife are part of the route, with eagles, deer, wild goats or otters possible.
How much time is there in Portree?
About one hour, enough for a coffee or a dram and a photo of the colourful harbour houses.
Operated by Storyteller Tours. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Isles and Skye Private Tour from Inverness: Fairy Pools
12h · EN
from £ 350 per person
≈ US$ 471 in your currency
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