Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and magical winter scenery in the Scottish Highlands.
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- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 3 Day Tour Isle of Skye the Highlands
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and embark on an unforgettable Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh. Discover the Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye, renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, Viking history, and ancient myths and legends. This journey is packed with many of Scotland’s most iconic sights and scenery, including the chance to experience one of the world’s greatest train journeys aboard the Jacobite Steam Train.
Tour Highlights
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Did you know that today, only 1% of Scotland's native forests remain? At Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, you'll learn about Trees for Life's inspiring mission to rewild the Scottish Highlands. You'll not only meet lively experts who talk you through the secrets of the forest, but also witness their rewilding success during a scenic woodland walk. (© Ashley Coombes)
Inclusions
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Two-Night Stay at The Skye Inn (Shared Hostel Option Available)
Complimentary Breakfast on Day 2 and 3 (B&B Only)
Visit at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Ferry Crossing from the Isle of Skye to the Mainland
Accommodation
Deluxe Bed & Breakfast 'The Skye Inn'
Located in the heart of the beautiful town of Portree, The Skye Inn offers the warmest of Highland welcomes, ensuring a relaxed and personal atmosphere - making you feel right at home! Enjoy an optional dinner in the evenings or cosy up at the bar in the Grand Room. During colder weather, a crackling open fire adds to the relaxing atmosphere to wind down after a busy day of exploring. Please note that accommodation can be subject to change.
Room Types
Optional: Shared Hostel Dormitory
Enjoy our reduced rate option with a comfortable and sociable stay at a local hostel, where you'll be in a mixed-gender, shared dormitory-style room with other travellers. Our hostel dormitories provide a relaxed and authentic experience amidst the stunning Scottish Highlands. It’s the perfect setting to connect with fellow explorers and discover local dinner spots together! Please note that breakfast is not included in hostel accommodation.
(Images for illustrative purposes only – accommodation may vary by location and availability.)
Room Types
Accessibility and Facilities
For more information, see our Accessibility Statement.
This Trip is just as Great in Winter!
Explore the winter edition of this itinerary, running from November to March. They say Scotland’s magic truly shines during the colder months – come see why!
What Other Explorers Say
This tour checked all the boxes! Scotland was a bucket list destination for me. After doing quite a bit of research, reading through many tour websites and reviews, I landed on Highland Tours 3 day Isle of Skye Tour. It offered much of what I wanted to see and do traveling from Edinburgh. What I hadn’t planned for was our outstanding Highland Tour Guide Paul! He is an excellent driver and even better Guide!! He has such a wealth of knowledge, experiences and stories to s...
Kelly
15/09/2025Paul was a great, charismatic and funny driver. We were perfectly on time everywhere, and managed to visit a couple of viewing sites more than expected. He even managed to ensure we had beautiful sunny days in the highlands, which is very rare! We are pleased we did this highland tour with him.
Marcos
15/09/2025It was a FANTASTIC tour! Couldn’t recommend it more. Ryan.P was our guide and he was amazing… I didn’t want to admit that I might have like Braveheart prior to the tour, but after finding out some inaccuracies I have been turned… the views were spectacular. Ryan’s information was incredible and his sense of humour and quick wit just made the tour all the better
Holly
14/09/2025Highly recommend this trip. The Isle of Skye is spectacular. Our guide, Ry was a fabulous storyteller, considerate and interesting. He is also an amazing driver!!
Marilyn
13/08/2025Worth every penny! All thanks to our guide Ry (Ryan) for his excellent narration of the Scottish lores and about the significance of places we visited. The itinerary was well planned with a few extra surprises. The stay at Skye Inn in Portree was cozy and comfortable. 10/10 for the overall experience! I’d happily do it all again. Thank you, Highland Explorer Tours.
Vaibhav
13/08/2025If you're visiting Scotland and want a compact Highlands tour that gives you the complete experience, this is the one. Everything was taken care of including accommodation with amazing breakfast, and recommendations for lunch and dinner. Dave was our tour guide and is very interactive, funny and has a great collection of stories to keep you engaged. The entire trip was very comfortable. Would definitely come back for more Scotland tours with them!
Neha
11/08/2025We booked this trip mainly to get to the highlands and ride the Jacobite train. We were BLOWN AWAY by everything this tour included. The Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The tour took us all over Scotland and we packed in way more than we would have been able to do traveling on our own. Our guide Dave was exceptional; he was fun, kind, knowledgeable and passionate about Scotland and its history.
Julie
20/07/2025Our guide Connor kept us informed and entertained throughout the trip. The tour met 99% of my expectations. When I return home to Seoul, Korea, I will definitely recommend the tour to my friends and family!
Soon-Yong
16/07/2025We had a wonderful time. The views were amazing. Dave did a great job giving us history and information and making sure everyone enjoyed the trip. The “Hogwarts express” was a fun way to travel. We are a family of five with 2 teens and an 11-year-old, and all of us had a great experience. Highly recommend!
Rebekah
09/07/2025The views were truly incredible. Our tour guide, Ali P, was amazing! She was knowledgeable, super funny, and accommodating. We saw various waterfalls, got a great dose of history, and got to pet a highland cow. Couldn’t recommend more!
Kelsey
13/06/2025Alister is an excellent tour guide! He mixed in history with pop culture, and balanced talking vs music on the bus really well.
Molly
09/06/2025Dusty was great with stories and historical accounts. Excellent information and beautiful photo ops. Highly recommend 3 day trip. Skye Inn comfortable with excellent breakfast and optional gourmet dinners.
Donald
09/06/2025Scotland has been in my top3 bucket list destinations!! I feel blessed having this unquestionably unforgettable experience with Highland Explorer Tours and of course our legendary tour guide, Connor, who framed every stop with interesting stories and beautiful music!! It made all the difference, trust me! I am Kwnstantina, a solo traveller from Greece, and I will keep this experience in my heart!!
Kwnstantina
16/05/2025I had an incredible 3-day tour from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye through the breathtaking Highlands, and it was truly unforgettable thanks to our amazing guide, Heidi. She was not only our driver but also a brilliant storyteller, keeping us engaged and entertained throughout the journey with fascinating tales, history, and humor.
Tanmay
14/05/2025Dave was an incredible tour guide. Incredibly knowledgeable, entertaining and made sure the journey was a comfortable and enjoyable one. Little touches like Scottish speaking competitions, Scottish music and his endless dad jokes really enhanced the authenticity of the experience. The actual tour was stunning, with incredible places that you can only dream of visiting.
Isla
09/05/2025This is a wonderful tour! The highlands are beautiful and the Isle of Skye is charming. Dave is a fantastic guide. He's a natural storyteller and obviously loves his country and enjoys showing it off.
Julie
17/05/2025Had a wonderful time. Our tour guide Dusty was very professional and friendly. Great person to have a chat with. Besides the locations listed on the 3 day Train Tour, we got to visit Ben Nevis. Weather worked out in our favor for this tour as view Ben Nevis without mist or fog covering the of the mountain. The Isle of Sky was a great town to visit. Got to meet some Highland Cows aka Coos at the end of the trip. Wonderful time and would highly recommend.
Flyer
11/04/2025Such a fantastic trip! The Highlands are absolutely gorgeous and our guide Dusty was super knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining the entire time. My friends and I were nervous to navigate the vast terrain and twisty roads on our own, so finding this tour was a total win. Thank you Dusty for a marvelous and memorable 3 days!
Lisa
11/04/2025What an amazing trip! Louise and Ryan were so friendly and full of knowledge, we felt like we were on a private tour with friends after the first day. They showed us the absolute best of Skye and shared local tales and legends about the area, bringing the scenery to life even more. I would 100% come back to Scotland and book with them again.
Mantha
08/04/2025This trip was incredible and held so many magical Scottish sights! Our tour guide, Jenny is amazing and very knowledgeable and passionate about Scotland’s history. She made the tour so interesting and catered to our preferences throughout. Would definitely recommend this tour with Jenny!
Caity
04/10/2024This trip will always remain a special memory for me. We visited many stunning places, but what truly made the experience fantastic was our guide and driver, Tiegan. Their energy and passion really added to the journey. We covered a total of 18 locations, some in detail and others as quick photo stops. Isle of Skye is beautiful. Tiegan shared numerous facts and stories throughout, and their storytelling kept everyone engaged for all three days.
Coastal
15/09/2024Explore Isle of Skye with @highextours
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Frequently Asked Questions
Your 3-Day Isle of Skye tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.
Yes, two nights bed & breakfast or guesthouse accommodation is included in the tour price. You can also choose to stay in a shared hostel dormitory at a reduced rate (mixed-gender, multi-share rooms). Select your preferred accommodation type at the time of booking.
The 2-hour ride on the Jacobite Steam Train* and Dunvegan Castle entry are optional experiences and are not included in your tour. You can add them to your trip at the time of booking.
*Please note that there are selected dates when the Jacobite Steam Train is not available as as optional add-on. You can check add-on availability at the time of booking.
All essential information about the Jacobite Steam Train on our tours can be found here.
Accommodation is carefully selected by our experienced team ensuring a hearty Scottish welcome. While the specific bed & breakfast, guesthouse, or hostel may vary, you can be confident your stay will be comfortable.
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
If you choose bed & breakfast or guesthouse accommodation, you'll enjoy a freshly made breakfast each morning. Please note that breakfast is not provided with hostel accommodation. Both options do not include lunch, dinner, or snacks. Throughout your Scotland tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit numerous outstanding restaurants and cafes in the Highlands. We highly recommend trying these to explore Scottish cuisine at your own pace, catering to your preferences and dietary needs.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are consciously curated travel activities offered on our tours. They are selected with careful consideration for their positive environmental or social impact on Scotland's communities and travellers.
Your tour includes the following MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences:
Visit to Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, managed by the local charity Trees for Life, is dedicated to restoring Scotland’s Caledonian Forest, an ancient woodland habitat that has dwindled to less than 1% of its original extent. During your visit, you'll delve into the importance of the Caledonian Forest, learn about rewilding efforts, and embark on a scenic woodland walk to witness firsthand the success of rewilding initiatives.
This tour runs from April until October. If you're planning to travel between November and March, check out our Winter Tours, specifically designed for the winter season.
Absolutely! Joining us solo is a fantastic way to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. You'll typically find a mix of couples, friends, and fellow solo adventurers on our tours. Please note that single room availability is limited.
Yes! You can check out our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures, which offers multi-share hostel dorm accommodation (mixed gender) for those seeking a more economical choice. Please note, you must be at least 18 years old to join a tour with HAGGiS Adventures.
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
- Home
- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 3 Day Tour Isle of Skye the Highlands
Next, we head to Fort William, where we get the chance to embark on a magical 2-hour ride on the Jacobite Steam Train*. By the time you cross the striking arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct you will understand why the Jacobite Steam Train is often referred to as the world’s greatest rail journey.
Our afternoon continues with a scenic ferry ride* to the famous Isle of Skye, where myths and legends of ancient faerie folk await! Our home for the next two nights is the island’s colourful capital town Portree, with free time to explore its picturesque harbour in the evening.
(Overnight: Portree)
*During April and October, the route goes in reverse, with the Jacobite Steam Train and the ferry ride to Isle of Skye taking place on day 3.
(Overnight: Portree)
Our journey leads us to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, nestled within the heart of the Highlands. Here, we delve into the admirable work of Trees for Life, a charity committed to the revival of Scotland's ancient Caledonian Pine Forest.
It’s time to go monster spotting! Our destination is Loch Ness, where we take a break and attempt to catch a glimpse of the legendary Nessie while enjoying the shores of Fort Augustus. Next, we make a stop at the Commando Memorial, offering stunning views of Ben Nevis, the tallest peak in Britain. Heading further north, we explore the charming village of Dunkeld and its historic cathedral on the banks of the River Tay.
As we journey back to Edinburgh, we're treated to one final awe-inspiring sight: the historic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We arrive in the capital in the early evening.
3 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
Our Isle of Skye tour departs from Edinburgh in the morning, offering views of the magnificent Stirling Castle, perched high on a rocky outcrop. After a wee stop in the quaint Highland village of Callander we venture into the wild landscapes of Rannoch Moor, a peaty moorland often recalled as the last remaining wilderness in Britain. Feast your eyes upon one of the most beloved landmarks in the Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe, characterised by rugged, towering mountains surrounding the glen.
Next, we head to Fort William, where we get the chance to embark on a magical 2-hour ride on the Jacobite Steam Train*. By the time you cross the striking arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct you will understand why the Jacobite Steam Train is often referred to as the world’s greatest rail journey.
Our afternoon continues with a scenic ferry ride* to the famous Isle of Skye, where myths and legends of ancient faerie folk await! Our home for the next two nights is the island’s colourful capital town Portree, with free time to explore its picturesque harbour in the evening.
(Overnight: Portree)
*During April and October, the route goes in reverse, with the Jacobite Steam Train and the ferry ride to Isle of Skye taking place on day 3.
Day Highlights
We spend the day exploring the dramatic Isle of Skye with its amazing scenery, myths and legends. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the mainland against the backdrop of the jagged Cuillin Mountains. Highlights include the mysterious rock formation of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall. In the afternoon you have time to explore Dunvegan Castle, stronghold and ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for the past 800 years.
(Overnight: Portree)
Day Highlights
We bid farewell to the Isle of Skye as we depart the island via the Skye Bridge. On our way east, castle enthusiasts will fall in love with Eilean Donan Castle, arguably one of Scotland’s most romantic photo spots.
Our journey leads us to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, nestled within the heart of the Highlands. Here, we delve into the admirable work of Trees for Life, a charity committed to the revival of Scotland's ancient Caledonian Pine Forest.
It’s time to go monster spotting! Our destination is Loch Ness, where we take a break and attempt to catch a glimpse of the legendary Nessie while enjoying the shores of Fort Augustus. Next, we make a stop at the Commando Memorial, offering stunning views of Ben Nevis, the tallest peak in Britain. Heading further north, we explore the charming village of Dunkeld and its historic cathedral on the banks of the River Tay.
As we journey back to Edinburgh, we're treated to one final awe-inspiring sight: the historic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We arrive in the capital in the early evening.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh
We depart from our blue corner shop at 60 High Street, centrally located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. A useful landmark to find us is the Radisson Blu Hotel, situated just one street further along.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
- Home
- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 3 Day Tour Isle of Skye the Highlands
Jacobite Steam Train
Reserve at the time of bookingFollow the footsteps of Harry Potter and enjoy a magical ride on the Jacobite Steam Train aka the ‘Hogwarts Express’. The steam train between Fort William and Mallaig is said to be the most beautiful rail journey in the world. The steam train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and sweeps along the west coast, offering magnificent views of distant isles and white sand beaches. *Please note: Jacobite Steam Train tickets have limited availability and we only offer standard class seating, we are unable to offer first class seating or upgrades.
Dunvegan Castle Entry
Reserve at the time of bookingA visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without learning the fascinating history and clan legend of Dunvegan Castle. Built during 13th and 14th centuries, this Hebridean stronghold is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. Tickets are subject to availability.
Tours We Think You'll Love
Romantic castles, cascading waterfalls, famous Fairy Pools, with optional Jacobite Steam Train.