Winter Highlands & The Isle of Skye
The Experience
Day by Day
DAY 1: Edinburgh - Isle of Skye
Leaving Edinburgh in the morning, we travel west, making our first stop at the impressive Kelpies, renowned as the largest equine sculptures on the globe. We travel further north through the Trossachs and over the wintry expanse of the wild Rannoch Moor. Marvel at the atmospheric Glen Coe, a true showstopper of a landscape during this time of year, before stopping at the Highland town of Fort William for lunch. The journey continues through the mountains to the mystical Isle of Skye past spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous icons. Our home for the night is the beautiful harbour town of Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye. (Overnight: Portree)
Edinburgh → Isle of Skye
DAY 2: Isle of Skye
We set off early and make the most of the winter daylight to explore the magical Isle of Skye. Highlights include the jagged Cuillin Mountains, the mysterious rock formation of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the mainland while taking in Isle of Skye’s rugged winter highland wonderland. We arrive back in Portree with time to relax with a warming dram before dinner. (Overnight: Portree)
Isle of Skye → Isle of Skye
DAY 3: Isle of Skye - Edinburgh
We head south via the Skye Bridge and continue through majestic Glen Shiel to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre*, located in the heart of the Highlands. Here, we learn about the charity Trees for Life and their inspiring mission to restore Scotland’s ancient native woodlands. Our journey then takes us to the shores of monstrous Loch Ness, where we’ll stop in the charming village of Fort Augustus. Explore the lochside and then find a cosy inn for lunch. We travel further south, where quiet roads give way to serene Highland winter landscapes of the Great Glen. Our next stop is the quaint village of Dunkeld. Grab a warming tea and scone from the local bakery before taking a stroll by the village’s beautiful River Tay. Before our winter tour concludes, we cross the River Forth and marvel at the engineering wonders that are the three Forth Bridges.
Isle of Skye → Edinburgh
Tour Highlights
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What's Included
In the Moment
Accommodation
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.
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.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Your 3-Day Isle of Skye & Winter Highlands 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 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.
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 winter tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit numerous outstanding restaurants and cafes in the Highlands. We highly recommend trying these to explore Scottish food 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® Experience:
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.
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 availability for single rooms is limited.
