The Isle of Skye Tour – 3 Days

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Glencoe Valley, Fort William and Eilean Donan Castle
Today we enjoy a day of stunning vistas as we travel from Edinburgh to Scotland’s West Coast and then through the Highlands to the Isle of Skye. This morning we pass Stirling with views of its imposing Castle and the towering Wallace Monument before a glimpse of Doune Castle, which featured in Monty Python’s “Holy Grail”. We then take refreshments in picturesque Callander on the edge of the Trossachs National Park before passing north through the desolate Rannoch Moor’s wild landscapes and Glencoe’s mountain pass, once the scene of the infamous Macdonald Clan massacre in 1692. Arriving on Scotland’s scenic West Coast, we pass through port town Fort William and gain views of Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, before continuing into the North West Highlands, where we’ll have the opportunity for a photo-stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous castles, jutting out into the Loch. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, we make our way to the island’s capital, Portree. After checking in to your accommodation, you have free time to explore this pretty harbour town and dine out at leisure.

• Accommodation: overnight in Portree, Isle of Skye
• Highlights: Stirling Views, Callandar, the Trossachs National Park, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe Valley, Fort William, Ben Nevis, the Great Glen, Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye.

Day 2 – The Natural Beauty of the Isle of Skye
This morning is a flexible day exploring the majestic natural scenery of Skye, where your driver guides in-depth knowledge of the area will come into its own. Perhaps tour the island’s north along the stunning Trotternish ridge with its spectacular coastal landscapes, cliffs and natural rock formations, such as the famous “Old Man of Storr”, the dramatic sea cliff “Kilt Rock” and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. You can take walks in the landscapes away from the mini-bus at various stops and photo opportunities. In the west of the island, the scenery changes again with the emerald green valley of Glendale and the dramatic sea cliffs of Neist Point (the most westerly point on the island), where you may catch glimpses of whales or sharks in the frothing waters. Time permitting, you may see the 13th-century home of the Clan Macleod, Dunvegan Castle.

• Accommodation: overnight in Portree, Isle of Skye
• Highlights: Cuillin Mountains, Portree Town, the Trotternish Peninsula, the Old Man of Storr, Skye’s West Coast and Dunvegan Castle.

Day 3 – Loch Ness, the Great Glen and the Grampian Mountains
After being collected from your accommodation and travelling south through the Cuillin Hills, you return to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the five Sisters of Kintail. We continue into the Great Glen and to Loch Ness, where we take our lunch stop. Here you can enjoy some “Nessie” spotting from the shores or even take a boat trip on the waters to get you that bit closer! Heading south now, we pass through the beautiful Grampian mountains and along Loch Laggan, famous now as “Monarch of the Glen Country” before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland’s highest whisky Distillery and Blair Castle. Making a final stop for refreshments, we return to Edinburgh past Perth and across the Firth of Forth road bridge. Your tour ends in Edinburgh at approximately 7pm.

• Highlights: Loch Ness, the Great Glen, the Grampian Mountains, Blair Castle and the Firth of Forth.