6 of the Best Isle of Skye Tours from Edinburgh 2024
Interested in learning more about the Best Isle of Skye Tours from Edinburgh? We’ve got you covered!
Having lived in Europe for many years, I’ve had the chance to visit Edinburgh a few times, including a trip to the Isle of Skye. I know how difficult it can be when you’re not sure which Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh you should take. That’s why I am here to offer my knowledge and experience to help!
I have had the opportunity to take multiple Isle of Skye tours from Edinburgh over the years, and I can confidently say that they are all amazing trips. Each one offers something unique and special; whether it’s spectacular views, gorgeous beaches or history-filled castles.
I’m confident that any tour you choose will be both memorable and enjoyable. Plus, with my extensive knowledge on the topic, you can rest assured that your holiday will be as stress-free as possible!
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My Top 3 Picks: Best Isle of Skye Tours from Edinburgh
6 of the Best Isle of Skye Tours from Edinburgh
1. 3-Day Isle Of Skye And Scottish Highlands Small-Group Tour From Edinburgh
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 days | ✅ Book it!
On this 3-day small group tour, explore the incredible Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye. With stops at Glencoe and Loch Ness plus a stay in Portree, you’ll get to discover some of the best parts of the rugged northwest coast.
With only 16 people on board, you’ll become close with your fellow travellers as well as your expert guide.
“Amazing Time! This was a great experience to see a-lot in a small amount of time. This tour made me want to spend even more time in Scotland.” – Nicole_C
As you depart Edinburgh, you will pass attractions like Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and Doune Castle. After a quick stop at Callander, move on to Glencoe, one of the most iconic landscapes in Scotland.
Refuel with some lunch and prepare to visit Eilean Donan Castle. On the way there, keep an eye out for Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, as well as the Five Sisters of Kintail.
To end the day, you will cross the bridge into the Isle of Skye and arrive at your accommodation in Portree. If everything is running on schedule, you’ll still have time to explore the town and head out for dinner.
On day two, your driver will decide on a unique route, taking into account the weather conditions and the group’s interests.
You may get to see geological phenomenons like Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr, or go back in time with a trip to the historic Dunvegan Castle. After an adventure-filled day, you will head back to your accommodation in Portree.
For the third and final day of the trip, it’s time to visit Loch Ness and see if you can spot Nessie! Afterwards, you’ll pass through the beautiful Grampian mountains, Dalwhinnie, Blair Castle, and Loch Laggan.
Before making the return journey back to Edinburgh, you will stop for refreshments at one of the villages in Perthshire and pass over the Firth of Forth.
Important details
- Start time and location: 8:30 am from the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K
- Duration: 3 days
- Includes: Two nights accommodation at either a bed and breakfast or a 3-star ensuite hotel, travel in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an informative driver/guide
2. 3-Day Budget Backpacker Isle Of Skye And The Highlands Tour From Edinburgh
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 days | ✅ Book it!
Looking to find a budget-friendly Isle of Skye 3 day itinerary? This trip is ideal for backpackers or those looking to save some money. Immerse yourself in the spectacular Scottish Highlands while meeting new friends and spending two nights in an affordable shared accommodation.
“Amazing. All the places you visit during this tour are breathtaking and the guides are fantastic. Tony kept us laughing throughout the tour and he knows a lot of the local tales and legends. Excellent experience!” – RinaMaria_Z
As you cross over the Kingdom of Fife, admire the iconic Forth Bridge before stopping at the quaint little town of Dunkeld.
You’ll also visit Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness before heading to Eilean Donan Castle, which is considered to be the most photographed castle in all of Scotland. In the evening, arrive at your accommodation in Portree, which is typically a shared dorm in a hostel.
On day two, stop at countless Isle of Skye gems (like the Sligachan Old Bridge) and hear about the many myths and legends of the area from your guide. After lunch at Portree Harbour, head to the windswept, mountainous range of the Storr.
If weather permits, you’ll be able to have a walk around. Afterwards, check out the incredible formations at Kilt Rock. Lastly, look around the Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, which were once home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod, then return back to your hostel.
Start day three at the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, which most people around the world know from Harry Potter. The drive will then take you through the rugged Glencoe, which was seen in Skyfall, the 2012 James Bond film.
After passing by the Meeting of the Three Waters waterfall, head to Sterling to visit the National Wallace Monument. While here, learn about the Wars of Independence and the legends of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
Important details
- Start time and location: 8 am from Stances 15 and 16 at the Edinburgh Bus Station
- Duration: 3 days
- Includes: 2 nights accommodation in a shared dorm (mixed gender or all-female), and live commentary from a local guide on board an air-conditioned vehicle
3. 4-Day Isle Of Skye & West Highlands Small-Group Tour From Edinburgh
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 days | ✅ Book it!
This 4-day Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh is a small-group experience, with a maximum of 16 people. Your base for three nights will be a 3-star accommodation in a guesthouse with breakfast included, as you traverse both the Lowlands and the central Highlands during the day.
“The tour was very well organised. Peter, the driver, gave very competent knowledge and advice. He was an excellent driver on very demanding roads, open and facilitating for our wishes, and gave such a clear presentation of the historical and environmental aspects of the trip. Accomodations were very good, with excellent breakfasts. In spite of some rainy days, we were able to enjoy the amazing beauty of the countryside.” – Nathalie_D
On day one, depart from Edinburgh and make your way into the Central Highlands, passing by the famous Glencoe Mountain.
Although there is plenty of history packed into this tour, this route will also take you past the Kelpies and the Helix, the largest modern horse head sculptures made from 300 tonnes of steel. The day will end in Fort William, where you will spend the night.
Start the second day admiring the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the nearby monument commemorating the Jacobites who fought for Scottish independence. Next up is the Morar Beach, also called the Silver Sands of Morar.
After a short break for lunch and a wander in Mallaig, take the ferry over to the Isle of Sky and make the journey to Kyleakin to check in to this evening’s accommodation.
Day three will be spent wandering all around the Isle of Skye and seeing all of the top attractions. Your guide will decide the best itinerary for the day according to the weather and if there are any events happening.
Typically, you’ll get to see the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point, and other local gems that are off the beaten path. In the late afternoon, you’ll head back to your hotel or guesthouse in Kyleakin, where you can all go out to dinner.
On the fourth and final day of the tour, you will finally visit the iconic 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, a must-see on any Isle of Skye trip from Edinburgh.
Take a look around the Fort Augustus Abbey and enjoy a picturesque lunch along the south banks of Loch Ness. Depending on timing, there may be the opportunity for an additional boat cruise before you return to Edinburgh.
Important details
- Start time and location: 09:30 am from Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K
- Duration: 4 days
- Includes: 3 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast, transport in a Mercedes mini-coach with a professional guide/driver, and a small-group experience
I’ve personally taken this tour with Rabbies and LOVED it! You can read about my experience here: Isle of Skye & West Highlands – 4 Day tour with Rabbie’s
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4. 5-Day Isle Of Skye, Loch Ness And The Jacobite Steam Train From Edinburgh
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 days | ✅ Book it!
This jam-packed tour of the Scottish Highlands spans five days and four nights. Pass through dramatic and rugged terrain as you sit back and relax in an air-conditioned coach, take a ride on the famous Jacobite Steam Train, and catch a scenic ferry over to the Isle of Skye.
“Wow! This 5 day tour is awe inspiring. What a fantastic way to explore The Highlands. Ask for Ross as your tour guide/driver. This trip wouldn’t have been the same without him. It was hard to say goodbye (for now) to Ross and all of our travel companions.” – angelawaine
Start your 5-day adventure from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye by stopping to look at the Kelpies, the largest horse sculptures in the world.
These structures pay homage to the mythological transformation of the beasts living in Scotland’s lochs and rivers. Next up is a rest stop in Callander, where you can grab a coffee and a snack.
The next stop will be at Kilmahog to meet some adorable highland cows, known as “hairy coos” to the Scots. After taking a few pics, arrive at Glencoe and marvel at the incredible scenery. Your accommodation for tonight will be in Oban, a small fishing port.
On day two, hop aboard a steam train from Fort William and cross the Glenfinnan viaduct while taking in the beautiful views of Loch Shiel. This trip is regularly voted one of the best steam train rides in the world.
Arrive in Mallaig and look for dolphins as you take the ferry over to the Isle of Skye. Admire the sight of the Quiraing mountain peak in the distance as you are driven to Portree, where you will stay the night.
For the third day, you will make stops at some of the best attractions in the area, including the Old Man of Storr, Leat Falls, Kilt Rock, the Eilean Donan Castle, and Invermoriston Falls. You will stay the next two nights in Inverness, which is dubbed the capital of the Highlands.
Begin the fourth day of your trip hunting for Nessie during a cruise on Loch Ness. Later, spend some time in the town of Beauly and explore the Beauly Priory, a monastic community dating back to the 1200s.
Next up, learn about the bloody final battle of Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield’s interactive exhibition. Then, head on to the Clava Cairns, a prehistoric landmark from the Bronze Age.
The fifth day will begin with an educational trip to the Highland Folk Museum, before switching things up with a taste test at the Blair Athol Distillery. To end off this epic adventure, wander the town of Dunkeld and admire its impressive cathedral.
Important details
- Start time and location: 8:45am from Stances 15 and 16 at Edinburgh Bus Station
- Duration: 5 days
- Includes: 4 nights accommodation in a bed and breakfast or hotel, transport in an air-conditioned mini-coach with a local guide, breakfast, a steam train ride from Fort William to Mallaig, a ferry ride to the Isle of Skye, a Loch Ness boat cruise, and a whisky tasting
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5. 6 Day Outer Hebrides & Isle Of Skye Tour Including ‘Hogwarts Express’ Ride
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 days | ✅ Book it!
The longest Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh with accommodation is this six-day adventure limited to 16 participants.
This trip of a lifetime welcomes all ages, so you can definitely bring the whole family along. If you don’t like researching and planning too much in addition to finding the right places to stay, this tour takes care of all of those hassles for you.
As well as the Isle of Skye, you will get to see areas of Scotland that most travellers don’t get to see, including the breathtaking Hebrides. This truly is one of the most worthwhile and memorable Scotland tours.
“What a perfect trip! Rich was lovely, full of interesting stories, and helped cater the tour to our interests. We managed so many great spots in 6 days, dove into the history and culture, listened to pipers, ate famous Stornoway black pudding, laughed til tears came out, and even spotted some orcas on one of the ferry crossings. This was my first solo international trip and can’t imagine a better experience. Epic.” – A Tripadviser Reviewer
Day one involves visits to the Kelpies and the Helix, lunch in Tyndrum, and learning about the harrowing past of Glencoe. You’ll also stop by Loch Ness before heading to Inverness for the night.
On the way to Stornoway on the second day of the trip, you’ll see the Black Water Falls and
Ullapool before catching a ferry to the Hebrides. Before you reach the Isle of Lewis, keep an eye out for dolphins in the water! Take in the views at the turquoise Hebridean Beach with the mountains of West Harris in the distance, then continue exploring the Golden Road before reaching your guest house.
Head back in time to the Neolithic period with a trip to the 5,000-year-old Callanish Standing Stones, then check out the Iron Age broch of Dun Carloway.
Get to know 17th century life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, then move on to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse as you get to know the remote Atlantic coastline. End the third day by returning back to the guest house in Stornoway.
On day four, do a little shopping in Tarbert and pop into the Isle of Harris Distillery. Enjoy another ferry ride over to the Isle of Skye before exploring the striking scenery of Trotternish Ridge.
Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere a bit and learnt about the area’s myths and legends from your guide, you’ll arrive at your guest house in Portree.
Get a full breakfast in and prepare to wander the Isle of Skye on your fifth day. Hear about the faeries underneath Sligachan Old Bridge, see the Enchanted Waters of Sligachan River, and drive over the Skye bridge to Eilean Donan Castle.
At the end of the day, head back to Portree and make the most of your last night together as a group!
Your final day will be spent visiting Armadale Castle and the Museum of the Isles before boarding a ferry to take you to Mallaig. Stop for some lunch and then finish the tour on a high note with a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, aka the real-life Hogwarts Express.
Have a quick stop in the charming village of Pitlochry before making the drive back to Edinburgh and saying goodbye to all your new friends.
Important details
- Start time and location: 8:30 am from Stances 15 and 16 at the Edinburgh Bus Station
- Duration: 6 days
- Includes: 5 nights accommodation at B&Bs, breakfast, transport in an air-conditioned mini coach with a local guide/driver, ferry rides, visits to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and Harris Distillery, and a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train
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6. 3-Day Isle Of Skye And Scottish Highlands Tour Including “Hogwarts Express” Ride
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 days | ✅ Book it!
If you have limited time in Scotland, a 3 day Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh will still allow you to see some of the very best of the Scottish Highlands. Ride the Hogwarts Express, experience some breathtaking scenery as you pass through Cairngorms National Park, and admire old castles and cathedrals.
“This trip was amazing! The itinerary was spot on and had been carefully planned to ensure plenty of time at each stop. We fit so much into the tour but never felt rushed.” – Michelle_W
On your drive from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye, you will first stop at the charming village of Dunkeld to see the impressive cathedral along the banks of the River Tay. Next, while visiting the Fort Augustus Abbey, you’ll have time to walk the shores of Loch Ness.
After trying to spot Nessie, take in one of Scotland’s most revered attractions, the Eilean Donan Castle. Before heading to your hotel in Portree, learn about the myths and legends of Sligachan Old Bridge and see the enchanting waters flowing underneath.
Day two starts off with a chance to admire the Old Man of Storr in person, before seeing the waterfall at Kilt Rock. In the afternoon, spend a couple of hours at Dunvegan Castle, learning about its long history and wandering through the beautiful gardens.
After waking up in Portree again, visit the Armadale Castle and the Museum of the Isles to soak up some more history. Lastly, board the Jacobite Steam Train in Mallaig and cross over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on your way to Fort William.
On the way back to Edinburgh, look out the window as you pass through the dramatic landscape of Glencoe and the wild Rannoch Moor.
Important details
- Start time: 8 am from Stances 15 and 16 at the Edinburgh Bus Station
- Duration: 3 days
- Includes: 2 nights accommodation in B&Bs or hotels, breakfast, a steam train ride from Mallaig to Fort William, transport in an air-conditioned coach and a local English-speaking guide
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
FAQs About scottish highlands and isle of skye tour
can you do a day trip to isle of skye from edinburgh?
Absolutely! The Isle of Skye is a stunning destination with an abundance of natural beauty that can easily be explored in just one day. From Edinburgh, the drive to the Isle of Skye takes approximately 4-6 hours and is certainly worth the effort!
If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can even opt to take a scenic train ride through the Highlands. Once you arrive at your destination, time will fly as you check out the prominent sights like The Cuillin Hills and Neist Point Lighthouse.
However, there is a lot to see and do, and with 8-12 hours of driving (there and back), I’d recommend a multi day tour so you can make the most of your time in the Isle of Skye and not have to rush!
is it worth going to the isle of skye?
Visiting the Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s must-see attractions. It is a beautiful and remote island with plenty of stunning scenery, and it offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to relax in natural beauty or exploring the local culture and history, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.
There’s also great food, friendly people, and great value for money. All in all, it’s definitely worth the trip if you’re able to make it happen!
how far is the island of skye from edinburgh?
The island of Skye is located in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland, and is about 310 miles away from Edinburgh.
The journey would take around 6 hours by car, however for a more scenic route you can take a train or bus which can take up to 9 hours.
Final Thoughts: edinburgh to the isle of skye
The Isle of Skye tours from Edinburgh provide a truly unique experience, allowing visitors to explore the incredible beauty of this Scottish island.
From awe-inspiring lochs to remote castles, there is something for everyone on this amazing tour. With experienced guides who will show you all the best locations, this is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, book one of these amazing Isle of Skye tours from Edinburgh! You won’t be disappointed – these are some of the most beautiful places in Scotland and they won’t soon be forgotten.
Start planning your once-in-a-lifetime Scottish getaway today and enjoy some of the best views in the world.
Read More:
- Isle of Skye & West Highlands – 4 Day tour with Rabbie’s
- Best places to stay on the Isle of Skye
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- 12 of the Coolest Castles in Scotland
- 7 Adventures to Be Had in The Scottish Highlands
- Where to stay in Edinburgh on a budget
- 15 Things to do in Edinburgh – Tourist Guide
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