3-Day Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh
Visit Skye, Loch Ness, Glencoe, the Highlands and more on this best-selling, small-group tour
- Max 16 travellers
- Storytelling guides
- 25% deposit
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- Storytelling guidesThe stories behind every glen and castle, from a guide who gets out and walks the stops with you.
- Never more than 16Time for questions, room to see out of the window, and a group that gets to know each other.
- Two nights in PortreeYou stay on the island, with a full day to explore the north and west of Skye.
“This was hands-down the best tour I’ve ever done! The 3 Day-Isle of Skye tour leaving from Edinburgh was the highlight of our trip …”
Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye in 3 Days via Glencoe and Loch Ness
On this three-day Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh, you sleep two nights on the island in Portree and spend a whole day exploring it: the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Dunvegan Castle, Duntulm’s ruins and the Fairy Glen.
On the way, you’ll head west via Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, and come back via Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Pitlochry and the waterfall walk at The Hermitage.
- Duration3 days2 nights in Portree
- DepartsEdinburgh, 7:30amback approx. 7–8pm
- Group sizeMax 16small scheduled group
- Ages12+younger? ask about a private tour
- WalkingShort walks every dayDay 2 is the most active; uneven paths
- GuideStorytelling expert guidehistory, folklore, the best viewpoints
The guide is the part people remember
Skye is the destination, but in our reviews it’s the guide that travellers talk about most. Our guides are storytellers first. They’ll tell you about the Glencoe Massacre as you drive through the glen and share Skye’s legends of giants, fairies and selkies.
- They walk the stops with you. Your guide leads the walks, so you’re never left to work out where to go.
- Everyone’s included. Your guide makes sure everyone, including solo travellers, feels part of the group from the first morning.
- They know the little things. Where to stand for the best photo at Eilean Donan, and when to eat so you’re not rushed.
“His deep knowledge of Scottish history, legends, and landscapes brought every stop to life. Matt struck the perfect balance between informative and entertaining.”
Your 3-day Isle of Skye tour itinerary from Edinburgh
Route map: Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Pitlochry and back to Edinburgh.
Route shown is approximate. Your guide may change the order of stops or the roads taken on the day, depending on weather, traffic and road conditions.
Day 1Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye
Loch Lomond · Rannoch Moor · Glencoe · Fort William · Skye Bridge
Head west from Edinburgh, collecting any Glasgow travellers on the way, and into the Highlands.
- Loch Lomond & Luss
Your first proper stop. Walk round the village of Luss and down to the shore for the views across Loch Lomond.
Guide tip Look out to the islands on the loch. One of them is home to a rather unexpected creature: ask your guide which island, and what lives there.
- Rannoch Moor
One of the best places to see how vast and remote the Highlands are. Your guide explains how glaciers shaped the moor.
- Glencoe
Hear the story of the Glencoe Massacre of 1692 as you drive through the glen, with a stop for the mountains and the Glencoe Visitor Centre’s replica turf house.
- Fort William & the Skye Bridge
Pass beneath Ben Nevis, then cross the Skye Bridge as your guide introduces the island.
- Portree
Your base for two nights. There’s time to explore the colourful harbour and the waterfront.
Guide tip In summer, book dinner well ahead, as Portree’s restaurants fill up. Fish and chips by the harbour is an easy plan B.
Day 2A full day on the Isle of Skye
Dunvegan Castle · Old Man of Storr · Kilt Rock · Duntulm · Fairy Glen
The most active day of the trip, exploring the north and west of the island.
- Dunvegan Castle
The seat of Clan MacLeod, with generations of history inside and gardens to explore.
Winter closure: Dunvegan Castle is closed from 16 October to 31 March. On tours between those dates you won’t be able to go inside the castle or gardens. From 1 April to 15 October, entry is paid separately.
- Old Man of Storr
One of the more demanding walks on the tour, and the views make the effort worth it. Go as far up the path as you like.
Guide tip Wear boots with good grip and bring a waterproof jacket. The path can be muddy and the weather changes quickly.
- Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
A short stop, but a dramatic one: basalt cliffs and a waterfall dropping straight towards the sea.
- Duntulm Castle
Ruins on Skye’s northern coast, with the castle’s history and legends from your guide.
- Fairy Glen
Miniature-looking hills and winding paths in one of Skye’s most unusual landscapes.
Guide tip Leave the roadside and explore the formations on foot. The best views are from the paths.
Weather and road conditions can change the exact route.
Day 3Skye to Edinburgh via Loch Ness
Eilean Donan · Fort Augustus · Loch Ness · Pitlochry · The Hermitage
Cross back over the Skye Bridge for the journey home through the Great Glen.
- Eilean Donan Castle
One of Scotland’s most recognisable castles, on its own island where three lochs meet.
Guide tip Get your photo from the viewpoint first, then go in if you’d like to.
Entry not included
Closed dates: Eilean Donan Castle is closed throughout January and on 1, 7, 8 and 15 November and 4 December 2026 and 14 February 2027, and it can close at short notice for private events. On those dates you’ll still see the castle from the shore, but you can’t go inside.
- Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
Lunch by the loch and a walk along the Caledonian Canal, or take the optional Loch Ness cruise.
Guide tip If you’re taking the cruise, have a quick lunch first so you’re not rushed.
Cruise optional, paid separately
- Creag Meagaidh
If there’s time, your guide may add a short stop at this nature reserve by Loch Laggan on the way to Pitlochry.
- Pitlochry
A Victorian town to stretch your legs and pick up anything you need for the road home.
- The Hermitage
A woodland walk beside the River Braan to the Black Linn Falls, the last stop before heading back to Edinburgh.
The itinerary is a guide and can change with weather, road conditions, seasonal closures or attraction availability.
Is this tour right for you?
A great fit if
- You want to see Skye and the Highlands without driving yourself.
- You’re travelling solo. Around a third of the people on this tour are, and you’ll be part of a small group from the first morning.
- You’re a couple or friends who’d rather someone else handled Skye’s single-track roads.
- You like to get out and walk, especially on Day 2.
Think again if
- You have limited mobility. There’s walking on uneven ground most days. A private tour can be planned around you.
- You’d like more time at each stop. The 5-day Skye tour and the 7-day Skye & Outer Hebrides tour slow things down.
- You’re travelling with children under 12. Ask us about a private tour instead.
What travellers say about this Skye tour
4.9 out of 5 from 290+ reviews of our 3-Day Isle of Skye tour on Google, TripAdvisor, Viator and GetYourGuide.
I was traveling solo, but our guide made me feel welcome from the very beginning… She balanced fun, information, and downtime perfectly, and you could tell she genuinely cared about giving everyone a great experience.
I’m not usually a guided tour person, but this one might have changed my mind. The tour was well paced and packed in SO much to see, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed or exhausted… John is unbelievably knowledgeable… a wonderful story teller of Scottish history and folklore.
Our guide, Derek, was phenomenal… There were only seven people on our tour… Instead of only stopping for photos at the Old Man of Storr, we had time to hike part of the trail.
I’m a 39 year old female solo traveler so it was really nice to be able to have an option to travel with others (and especially nice not to have to rent a vehicle and drive)… the tour guides, Matt and Aila, were fantastic! We got to see so much in three days.
We had Aila and Matt as our guides and both were extremely knowledgeable about the history and legends of the places we visited which made the trip all the more special. The small group was perfect for ensuring everyone had enough time to explore and enjoy each stop.
What really stood out was his storytelling — he brought Scotland’s past to life with fascinating stories, humour, and little details that made every place we visited much more meaningful.
Accommodation on Skye: two nights, not included
You spend both nights in Portree on the Isle of Skye. Accommodation isn't included in the tour price. Around 80% of our guests ask us to book their accommodation, or you can arrange your own.
Let us arrange it
- We arrange your room after your tour booking is confirmed.
- Twin, double, single or family rooms with trusted partners; breakfast is normally included.
Book your own
- Contact us before you reserve so we can confirm where the group is staying.
- Your accommodation should normally be within about 3 km of the group's location.
| B&B, double or twin room shared with your travel companion | £80–£110 per person per night |
| B&B, single room | £100–£160 per night |
| Hotel, double or twin room shared with your travel companion | £100–£160 per person per night |
| Hotel, single room | £155–£255 per night |
These prices are a guide only. Skye prices change with the season, demand and how close to departure you book, so we can't guarantee them.
Solo travellers: when we arrange accommodation, we aim for a single room. Accommodation questions: info@scotlandswild.com
What's included, and what the trip costs
Included
- Expert Scotland's Wild guide for all three days
- Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
- Guided short walks and active sightseeing stops
- Small group, maximum 16 travellers
- Highland scenery, stories, myths and legends
Not included
- Two nights' accommodation on Skye (see above)
- Meals and snacks
- Loch Ness cruise (optional)
- Eilean Donan Castle entry (closed in January and on some winter dates)
- Dunvegan Castle & Gardens entry (closed 16 October – 31 March)
Your trip at a glance
- Tour
- From £248 per person
- Pay today
- From £62 per person (25% deposit). The balance is taken 15 days before departure.
- Two nights on Skye
- Not included. Typically from around £80 per person a night for a double or twin B&B room shared with your travel companion; single rooms and hotels cost more. We can arrange it, or you book your own.
- Optional extras
- Dunvegan and Eilean Donan castle entry, the Loch Ness cruise, meals and snacks.
Getting from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye
Portree, Skye’s main town, is about 235 miles (380 km) from Edinburgh. That’s roughly 5 to 6 hours’ driving without stops. There’s no railway on Skye, so by public transport you’ll need at least one change, and the journey usually takes 8 hours or more.
Our 3-day tour
No driving and no connections. Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Eilean Donan and Loch Ness are stops on the way, with two nights in Portree.
Driving yourself
About 5 to 6 hours each way. Skye has single-track roads with passing places, and parking at the busiest sights fills early in summer.
Train and bus
Train to Inverness or Kyle of Lochalsh and a bus to Portree, or a Citylink bus via Glasgow or Inverness. Plan on 8 hours or more with changes.
3, 5 or 7 days on Skye?
All three tours spend a full day exploring Skye with a small group. The longer tours add more places and a slower pace.
3 days
Skye’s highlights in a short trip
Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness, with two nights in Portree.
From £248 pp
5 days
A slower pace and more towns
Adds Kilmartin Glen, a night in Oban, a night in Inverness and Culloden.
From £444 pp
See the 5-day Skye tour →7 days
The most time, and the islands
Adds the Outer Hebrides (Lewis & Harris) and Inverness, with the most time at each stop.
From £556 pp
See the 7-day Skye & Outer Hebrides tour →Good to know before you book
- Day 1 is a long day. It’s a full day on the road from Edinburgh to Skye, with stops along the way. Your guide goes through the plan on the first morning.
- The Fairy Pools aren’t on this tour’s itinerary. They appear in a lot of Skye photos, including ours, but they’re a stop on our 7-day tour. Please don’t book this tour for the Fairy Pools alone.
- Rain doesn’t stop the day. Bring a waterproof jacket. Skye and Glencoe can be even more atmospheric in the rain.
Where to meet your guide in Edinburgh
Outside The Jolly Botanist
256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT
Please arrive by 7:15am. Scheduled tours leave on time and can't wait for late guests. The meeting point is outside, and the bar may not be open that early.
- Check-in7:15amplease arrive by then
- Departs7:30amtours leave on time
- Backapprox. 7–8pmon Day 3
Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh: your questions
How far is the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh?
About 235 miles (380 km) to Portree: 5 to 6 hours’ driving without stops, or 8 hours or more by train and bus.
Can you visit the Isle of Skye as a day trip from Edinburgh?
It’s possible, but you’d spend most of the day on the road and very little time on the island. We recommend at least three days, so you can spend two nights in Portree and a full day exploring Skye.
Is 3 days enough for the Isle of Skye and the Highlands?
Yes. Three days gives you a full day on Skye plus Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness on the journey there and back. If you have more time, the 5-day and 7-day Skye tours go at a slower pace.
What does the 3-Day Isle of Skye tour cost?
From £248 per adult (25% deposit, balance 15 days before departure). Prices vary by season. Accommodation on Skye is booked separately, and we can arrange it.
Is there a youth price?
Yes. Travellers aged 12 to 17 pay a youth price, from £228, and must travel with an adult. The calendar shows the youth price for your dates when you choose your travellers.
How far ahead should I book?
Most of our guests book about three months ahead, and summer dates fill first. If you’re travelling between May and September, book as early as you can.
Is this tour good for solo travellers?
Yes. Around a third of the people on this tour travel solo. You’ll be part of a small group from the first morning, and if we arrange your accommodation, we aim for a single room.
Do you visit the Fairy Pools?
No, the Fairy Pools aren’t on this tour’s itinerary. They’re a stop on our 7-day Skye & Outer Hebrides tour. On this tour, Day 2’s main walk is at the Old Man of Storr.
How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 16 travellers on every scheduled departure.
Will the tour run if only a few people book?
Each departure needs at least 4 travellers to run. If we have to cancel your tour for any reason, we’ll offer you another tour or a full refund.
When is the best time to visit Skye?
May, June and September have the best balance of daylight, weather and quieter roads. July and August are the busiest, and winter departures have shorter days.
How much walking is there?
Short walks are built into every day, and Day 2 is the most active. The Old Man of Storr is the most demanding walk, and you can go as far up the path as you like. You should be comfortable on paths that can be rough, wet or uneven. Walks are optional if you’d rather stay by the vehicle.
What if the weather is bad?
Rain alone never cancels a tour. Safety comes first, so your guide may change the route, timings or individual stops if weather, road or attraction closures require it.
Does this tour run in winter?
Yes. From November to March, most departures are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Days are shorter, and snow or ice can close Highland roads, so your guide may change the route or timings, with safety first. Dunvegan Castle is closed from 16 October to 31 March, and Eilean Donan Castle closes throughout January.
What is the cancellation policy?
16 or more days before departure: 90% refund of the total tour cost. 15 days or less before departure, or a no-show: 100% of the tour cost is payable. Full terms & conditions.
Can I take this tour from Glasgow?
Yes. We run the same 3-day Isle of Skye tour departing Glasgow. Edinburgh departures also collect travellers in Glasgow on the way north.
What should I bring?
Waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, warm layers, hat and gloves in colder months, midge repellent between April and September, and sun cream for bright days.
How much luggage can I bring?
One suitcase or travel bag up to 15 kg (33 lb), about 56 × 43 × 25 cm (22 × 17 × 10 in), plus a small personal bag. You need to be able to lift your own bag, and you may need to carry it between the vehicle and your accommodation in Portree.
Are meals included?
No. There are chances to buy food at stops each day, and your guide will recommend places to eat. In Portree, book dinner ahead in the busy summer months.
Are there age limits?
The minimum age is 12. Travelling with younger children? Ask us about a private tour instead.
Are there regular bathroom breaks?
Yes. There are comfort stops throughout each day, and your guide will tell you when the next one is coming.
Ready for Skye?
Check live dates and prices, secure your place from £62 per person, and we'll help with the rest.
Questions first? Call +44 131 241 8292 (7am to 9pm UK time, every day) or email info@scotlandswild.com.
Prefer to start in Glasgow? The same tour departs from Glasgow →
Not sure how many days? Compare all Isle of Skye tours (3, 5 or 7 days) →
