Isle of Skye, Glencoe & Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh – 3 Days
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- Duration
- 3 days
- Guiding Style
- Fully Guided
- Hotel Rating
- B&B Ensuite
- Start / End
- Edinburgh → Edinburgh
- Group Size
- Min 1 / Max 16
- Physical Rating
- Easy Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Highlights
Skye's reputation as a land of legendary, otherworldly beauty is well earned. The rugged terrain and rich nature of the Scottish Highlands unfold here, where mist-covered mountains meet crashing seas and even the shifting light feels magical.
Spend your evenings in Portree, a harbour town full of history, as you venture into the wild. The journey itself is memorable, passing through the majestic Glencoe and the famed Loch Ness.
- Travel from Edinburgh through Trossachs National Park and the dramatic valley of Glencoe, passing Stirling Castle, Doune Castle, and the slopes of Ben Nevis en route to Skye
- Cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye and spend two evenings in Portree, the island's charming harbour town, with its colourful waterfront and lively local pubs
- Explore the wild Trotternish Ridge with its striking Old Man of Storr, dramatic Kilt Rock, and the extraordinary landscape of the Quiraing
- Stop for a closer look inside the legendary Eilean Donan Castle — perched on its own tiny island and one of Scotland's most filmed landmarks — on the return journey
- Walk to the shores of Loch Ness in Fort Augustus, pass through the Cairngorms National Park, and catch a final view of the UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge on the way back to Edinburgh
3-Day Isle of Skye, Glencoe & Eilean Donan Castle Itinerary
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Day 1
Edinburgh to Skye
Departing from Edinburgh, you head west into the Lowlands, passing Stirling Castle and Doune Castle — both known for their striking architecture and film appearances. As you cross Scotland's ancient fault line, the landscape transforms. Farmland gives way to the rugged hills and wooded valleys of Trossachs National Park. A quick stop at a loch or village offers a moment to rest.
The journey continues north, through Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount, before arriving in Glencoe. Surrounded by steep cliffs and dramatic scenery, there's time for photos or a short stroll. In Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, you break for lunch (not included) and enjoy free time — explore the town, try some local fare, or drop into a museum.
Driving onward through the Great Glen, you pass the Five Sisters of Kintail and Eilean Donan Castle, with photo opportunities and brief stops along the way. After crossing the bridge to Skye, the route follows the coast, stopping at viewpoints to take in the Cuillin mountains. You reach Portree by early evening, with time to explore the town at your leisure.
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Day 2
Exploring Skye
Skye offers stunning scenery around every turn, and your driver-guide will make the most of the island's sights and shifting weather. You might head north toward the Trotternish Ridge, home to striking sights like the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing. This area impresses with sharp cliffs, unusual rock formations, and sweeping Highland views.
After time to explore, you'll stop in a nearby town for lunch (not included) and a chance to relax before continuing. In the afternoon, your guide may take you to Dunvegan Castle, rich with history and legend.
By evening, you're back in Portree. Whether you unwind by the harbour, find a cosy spot for dinner, or enjoy live music in a local pub — the evening is yours to enjoy.
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Day 3
Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus & Perthshire
Heading south, you pass the Cuillin mountains and the Sligachan Bridge, then cross back to the mainland for a closer look at Eilean Donan Castle. Perched on a tiny island, this well-known site — featured in many films — offers rich history and scenic views. Take time to stroll by the loch, relax at the café, or explore the castle's rooms and clan relics inside.
The road continues past glistening lochs and the towering Five Sisters of Kintail. Soon, you reach Fort Augustus, a peaceful village nestled along the banks of Loch Ness. We stop here for lunch (not included), with time to spend as you choose. Watch boats navigate the locks on the Caledonian Canal, try local dishes in a cosy café, or walk to the loch's edge in hopes of spotting the elusive monster.
As you head further south, enjoy the timeless beauty of the Highlands. Passing through the Cairngorms National Park, there are chances to stop for photos. Among Perthshire's tall trees, you'll take a final refreshment break in Pitlochry. Continuing south, you pass rolling hills and fertile farmland in the Kingdom of Fife. Your final highlight is the view of the iconic UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge on the way back to Edinburgh.
What's Included
Accommodation
- 2 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast
What should I expect from a B&B?
B&Bs are traditionally small family owned and run properties offering a handful of guest rooms. They are usually residential properties, so they tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20–30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants.
It's unusual for a B&B to offer any additional services like concierge, porterage, evening meals or room-service. Wi-fi is usually, but not always available and it's worth bearing in mind that access can be unreliable in more remote locations.
If you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room (subject to availability, upon request only) as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
Guide
- Experienced English-speaking driver and guide throughout
Meals
- 2 breakfasts
Transport
- 16-seat mini-coach throughout
- Passengers are entitled to 1 piece of checked luggage (14 kg / 31 lbs). Checked luggage will be stowed in the luggage compartment and is not accessible until drop-off.
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Arrival & departure transfers
- Food and drinks
- Entry fees to visitor attractions unless specified
- Other activities and services not listed under Included
Additional Information
- You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
- This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
- Tour reference code: 315555
Dates & Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes 2 nights en-suite B&B accommodation in Portree with daily breakfast, and transportation by 16-seat mini-coach with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide throughout. Entry fees to visitor attractions are not included unless specified.
The tour starts and ends in Edinburgh. You depart from Edinburgh on Day 1 and return to Edinburgh on the evening of Day 3, passing the iconic Forth Rail Bridge on the way back.
You stay in Portree, the harbour town on the Isle of Skye, for both nights — with B&B en-suite accommodation and daily breakfast included. B&Bs are traditionally small, family-owned properties usually located on the outskirts of towns, so guests should be prepared for a short walk to local facilities. Lifts are not available; if you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room in advance (subject to availability).
Your driver-guide will make the most of the island's sights and shifting weather. Highlights may include the dramatic Trotternish Ridge with the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing, as well as an afternoon visit to Dunvegan Castle, rich with history and legend. The exact itinerary may adapt on the day to make the most of the conditions.
Yes. On Day 3 you stop for a closer look at Eilean Donan Castle — perched on a tiny island and featured in many films. You'll have time to stroll by the loch, relax at the café, or explore the castle's rooms and clan relics inside. You also pass it briefly on Day 1 with photo opportunities en route to Skye.
Yes. On Day 3 the tour stops in Fort Augustus, a peaceful village nestled along the banks of Loch Ness. You'll have free time for lunch, to watch boats navigate the Caledonian Canal locks, or to walk to the loch's edge in hopes of spotting its elusive resident.
The tour passes Stirling Castle and Doune Castle on Day 1. Eilean Donan Castle features on both Day 1 (photo stops en route to Skye) and Day 3 (a full stop with time to explore). Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye may be visited on Day 2, subject to your guide's itinerary for the day.
The tour starts from US $806 per person, reduced from the standard price of US $1,260 — a saving of 36%. Price may vary by departure date.