The Experience
Day by Day
DAY 1: EDINBURGH TO PORTREE
Our Isle of Skye tour leaves from Edinburgh in the morning as we drive past Stirling Castle, perching majestically atop its rocky throne. We enjoy a wee break in the charming Highland village of Callander before diving headfirst into the untamed Rannoch Moor—a peat-covered plateau hailed as the last remaining wilderness in Britain.
Next on our list is one of the most famous glens of the Scottish Highlands: Glen Coe, with its rugged peaks that stand guard over the glen and its winding streams.
We make our way to Fort William, where you'll have the chance to board the legendary Jacobite Steam Train* AKA Hogwarts Express for a magical two-hour ride along the stunning West Coast. As you traverse the epic Glenfinnan Viaduct, you'll quickly see why the Jacobite Steam Train earns its title as the finest rail adventure on Earth.
Our day continues with a scenic ferry trip to the renowned Isle of Skye, where you’ll hear about ancient tales of faerie folk. Your home for the next two of nights is the vibrant town of Portree, where you can take your time to wander its pretty harbour or have a toast with your fellow travellers at a local bar.
* From 26th September, the Jacobite Steam Train won't be available as an add-on anymore. If you’d still like to experience the route of the Hogwarts Express during that period, take a look at the 3-Day Isle of Skye & the West Highland Line tour, which follows the same railway using Scotland’s national train.
Edinburgh → Isle of Skye
DAY 2: ISLE OF SKYE
Today we explore the Isle of Skye, also known as the ‘Misty Isle’: a bucket-list destination thanks to its heart-stopping scenery. This wee island is packed with ruined castles, breath-taking views and faerie stories. Home to the legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans, your Guide will recount Celtic myths and Viking legends from the past millennia.
Our Isle of Skye tour takes us to windswept landscapes, stunning coastlines and dramatic mountain ranges. The afternoon is spent exploring Dunvegan Castle*, ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod before returning to Portree.
*Summer only (April – October). Check out our 3-Day Winter Skye High Tour if you’re looking to travel between November and March.
Isle of Skye → Isle of Skye
DAY 3: ISLE OF SKYE TO EDINBURGH
Prepare to be smitten by the enchanting Eilean Donan Castle, arguably Scotland’s most romantic snapshot. Our adventure leads us to the heart of the Highlands, the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Here, we learn about the remarkable efforts of Trees for Life and their awesome mission to restore Scotland's ancient Caledonian Pine Forest.
Time for a wee monster hunt! Loch Ness awaits, where we pause to spot the elusive Nessie while exploring Fort Augustus. A visit to the Commando Memorial treats us to mighty views of Britain's tallest peak, Ben Nevis. Moving southward, we explore the Highland village of Dunkeld and its historic riverside cathedral.
As we make our way back to Edinburgh, brace yourself for one last spectacle: the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our Isle of Skye tour returns to Edinburgh in the early evening.
Isle of Skye → Edinburgh
Tour Highlights
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What's Included
Optional Experiences
These experiences can be added at checkout and are operated by independent local providers.
A 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.
Follow 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.
In the Moment
Accommodation
You’ll be staying in authentic Highland hostels where you can swap stories, share a cuppa, and get to know other fellow travellers. They’re mixed-gender, multi-share accommodation, so you’re properly in the adventure together. We work with a few different hostels, which means the exact one may change, but they all tick the important boxes: comfy beds with fresh linen, great self-catering kitchens, secure storage, and laundry facilities. Most hostels have shared bathrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, hostel accommodation (mixed-gender, multi-share dorm) is included in the tour price. Our tours often team up with our mates at Highland Explorer Tours, which means that some of your fellow travellers will stay at B&B accommodation instead of hostels.
If staying at a B&B sounds more like your cup of tea, go check out Highland Explorer's itineraries.
Our hostels are handpicked by our crew to ensure that all our travellers enjoy a warm Scottish welcome. The specific hostel may vary, so we can't provide the exact details in advance. Rest assured, wherever you stay will be a cosy introduction to Scotland!
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
We have made some of the activities optional so you can shape your adventure to your liking:
Reserve at the time of booking
- 2-hour ride on the Jacobite Steam Train*
- Dunvegan Castle entry
*From September 26th, the Jacobite Steam Train won't be available, so it won’t appear as an add-on when making a new booking. If you’d still like to experience the route of the Hogwarts Express from September 26th onwards, take a look at the 3-Day Isle of Skye & the Train Route to Hogwarts, which includes a journey along the same railway on Scotland’s national train.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences offered on our tours. They are chosen with great care based on the positive environmental or social impact they have on Scotland's communities and those who experience them.
This tour includes the following MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences:
Visit at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre is dedicated to restoring the Caledonian Forest, aiming to revive Scotland's ancient habitat that has dwindled to less than 1% of its original extent. During your visit, you will learn about the Caledonian Forest, rewilding efforts, and go on a relaxed woodland walk to see the rewilding success in action.
Meals are not included in your tour. Most hostels offer cooking facilities, allowing you to prepare your own meals. Essential ingredients and ready-made meals are available near your hostel and the stops we make during the day. Alternatively, your guide can provide fantastic restaurant and bar recommendations for a taste of local delights!
Some of our tours run in conjunction with our mates at Highland Explorer Tours, creating a diverse mix of couples, friends, and solo adventurers.
