Eilean Donan Castle

© Highland Explorer Tours

3 Day Isle of Skye & The Highlands

Discover the Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye with its outstanding natural beauty, history, and ancient myths. This journey is packed with many of our most iconic sights and scenery, as well as the chance to travel on the Jacobite Steam Train.

DAY 1: Edinburgh to Portree

Leaving Edinburgh, we travel past the stunning views of the Forth Bridge and enter the Highlands through Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains. We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay. It’s then further north into the Highlands before we enter the Great Glen. At Fort Augustus, there is time to explore the shores of Loch Ness and a chance to spot Nessie. The journey continues to the famous Isle of Skye but first, we take in spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous icons. Our home for the night is the Isle of Skye, the ‘winged isle’. (Overnight: Portree)

DAY 2: Isle of Skye

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, Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall and Dunvegan's impressive castle*. (Overnight: Portree)

*Summer itinerary, late March to mid-October.

DAY 3: Portree to Edinburgh (Summer)

We have the chance to explore the castle and gardens of Clan Donald Skye before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig. Here you can board the Jacobite Steam Train to Fort William, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. We head south through the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, wild Rannoch Moor then the heart of Rob Roy country before arriving back in Edinburgh at approximately 8.30pm.

Summer itinerary, mid-April to mid-October.

DAY 3: Portree to Edinburgh (Winter)

We head south via the Skye Bridge and through the stunning glens, we pass the Commando Memorial with views to Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Eerie Glencoe and the wilds of Rannoch Moor await before arriving in Rob Roy country to hear about the rogue who turned to a hero. Crossing back into the lowlands we arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening at approximately 5.30pm.


Winter itinerary, mid-October to mid-April.

World-famous Jacobite Steam Train (only available at the time of booking on summer departures)

Starting in Mallaig, the train travels on the west coast where you can see the ‘Small Isles’ of Rum, Eigg, Muck and the stunning white beaches used in films such as Local Hero and Highlander. The Jacobite then passes through Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his Standard to begin his ill-fated claim to the throne in 1745. We then cross over 21 arches of the impressive Viaduct with amazing views down Loch Sheil before heading to Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. The steam train was featured in a number of Harry Potter movies as the ‘Hogwarts Express’ and is an outstanding way to take in the beautiful scenery of the Scottish west coast.

From £309 per adult


Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

January — December

Contact details

Highland Explorer Tours

Highland Explorer Tours
60 High Street
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 1TB

Tour information

Starting

  • Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh & The Lothians
  • Edinburgh - City Centre

Length

3 Days

Transport

  • Driver guide
  • Small coach

Type

  • Medium Group (17-30)
  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Ancestry
  • Castles
  • Film and TV
  • Food and drink
  • History
  • Island Hopping
  • Landscapes
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Photography

Tour prices


From £309 Per Adult £295 Per Child £295 Concession

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Highland Explorer Tours

Tour company information

Highland Explorer Tours

Scotland's landscape is stunningly beautiful with a magnificent history and culture that deserves to be told by the Scottish experts, our guides. They will bring this heritage to life while ensuring you get to explore our nation's most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer visit, our range of tours will give you an unforgettable insight into our country and its people, leaving memories that will last a lifetime.

Opening times

Our shop on the Royal Mile is open Monday-Sunday 9am - 6pm. You can also contact us by telephone and email during these times.

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