3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh

1,141 Reviews |

Recommended by 98% of reviewers

| Edinburgh, Scotland

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3 days (approx.)

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Overview

Scotland is a big place and with so many amazing places to explore you’ll be right to be excited about your 3 day Isle of Skye, Inverness & Highlands tour. With a guarantee of discovering new and interesting things and seeing breathtaking scenery and landscapes around every turn. You’ll see why so many movie locations were based and filmed here in Scotland, with views that inspired the likes of Harry Potter (Glenfinnan Viaduct) and James Bond (Glencoe), and more.

You’ll be spoilt for choice for getting that perfect picture, especially in the Isle of Skye where many of Scotland’s myths and legends come from. See mountains created by giants, enchanted waters that will give you eternal youth, and hear songs of the faerie folk in the wind.

This is a tour that will fill you with joy and leave you with a feeling that can only come from being truly immersed in the moment - something truly priceless.

Don’t just take our word for it, check out our reviews!

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Regular Comfort Breaks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout

Food & Drink
Gratuities
Accommodation during the tour is not included, and arranged by passengers on their own.
Optional Extras: Loch Ness Boat Cruise (cash only), Highland Folk Museum (donation based)
Restroom on board
WiFi on board

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Regent Road
Edinburgh EH8 8DR, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Day 1

Edinburgh to Inverness

7 Stops

Forth Bridge

As we leave Edinburgh towards the North, you will be met with views of Scotland’s greatest piece of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge. This 19th century engineering marvel was at one point the World’s longest cantilever bridge. Today it neighbours the 20th century Forth Road Bridge and the 21st century Queensferry Crossing which opened in 2017. Three spectacular bridges, from three different centuries, span the Firth of Forth connecting our Capital city and the Kingdom of Fife.

Admission Ticket Free

Pitlochry

Stop for a visit of the historic village of Pitlochry, in the heart of Scotland. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, the fresh air and the rich clan history of the region.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cairngorms National Park

Drive north through the west side of the dramatic Cairngorm National Park, the UK's largest national park. It is known and loved for it's tranquil lochs, imposing Munros and significant historical events.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Highland Folk Museum

You’ll then have the opportunity to experience Highland life in the 18th century and visit authentic Highland blackhouses at the ‘Highland Folk Museum’ (donation-based entry) in Newtonmore. You’ll see the simple homes people lived in 300 years ago, the clothes they wore and how they conducted their daily lives. The folk museum also has an on-site cafe where you can have lunch during our 90-minute visit. Also used as a filming location for ‘Outlander’, this place gives you a unique insight into the lives and struggles of the Highland people. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. **Museum is open seasonally, and replaced by Ruthven Barracks during the winter**

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Clava Cairns

After Culloden you’ll arrive at Clava Cairns where Diana Gabaldon found inspiration for ‘Craig Na Dun’ in the Outlander series. These fascinating Bronze-Age Standing-Stones and burial chambers are thought to be over 4,000 years old! Walk between the stones and hear about who built this intriguing place, and why.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Culloden Battlefield

Your guide will take you to the fields of Culloden Moor, where you will hear the story of the infamous battle which took place here in 1746, the very last battle to be fought on British soil. This marked the end of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s hopes of becoming King. Walking on one of the most sombre sites in the country where many thousands of Highlanders died, for many Scots, this is where “the old Scotland died”. The battle changed Scotland, Britain and Europe forever.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Inverness Cathedral

You will arrive in Inverness at approximately 7PM at our city centre drop-off - Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN. The evening is then your own to explore the city or meet up with your fellow travellers and enjoy a meal in a local restaurant or traditional Highland pub. Inverness has a huge variety of establishments to choose from, whether you’d like to try our national dish of Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, washed down with a wee dram of Scotch Whisky or a Local Organic Beer (try the Black Isle Brewery Bar!). During peak season, it is advisable to book a table ahead if you’re a larger group. After dinner, we recommend you head to the world-famous Hootenanny bar which has traditional Scottish musicians playing every night.Accommodation is not included, and arranged separately by passengers. We encourage staying within walking distance from the meeting point by Inverness Cathedral, and are happy to offer recommendations upon request.

14 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Day 2

Roundtrip to Isle of Skye

7 Stops

Black Cuillin

Pass by - The Sligachan River flows majestically from the Black Cuillin Mountains, a truly magical location for your guide to introduce you to the local folklore of the island’s Fairies and Giants!

5 minutes

Skye Bridge

We stop at the Kyle of Lochalsh for morning coffee and a photograph opportunity of the famous Skye Bridge, with views of Skye’s Cuillin Mountain range providing a beautiful backdrop. Opened in 1995, this bridge has a remarkable history.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Portree Harbour

Enjoy lunch in the picturesque harbour town of Portree, the largest settlement on Skye. There are numerous cosy pubs, restaurants and bakeries for you to try seafood and other local dishes. Enjoy fish and chips by the harbour as the fishing boats deliver their latest catch!

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Trotternish Ridge

Pass by - We explore the dramatic Trotternish Peninsula, with iconic rock formations which have made this area the perfect backdrop for recent movies such as ‘BFG’, ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Stardust’.

Quiraing

One of the best stops for an amazing picture - jaw dropping scenery

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Eilean Donan Castle

Having explored Skye, we head back towards the mainland, stopping for photographs at the shores opposite Eilean Donan Castle, which is thought to be the most beautiful castle in Scotland!Built upon a rocky island at the head of three Sea Lochs (similar to Fjords), you will be impressed by this breathtaking Scottish landmark and the beautiful mountains and glistening waters that surround it.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Inverness Cathedral

You will arrive in Inverness at approximately 7:30PM at our city-centre drop off - Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN. You have another evening to explore Inverness, enjoy the local cuisine and take in the atmosphere of cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands.Accommodation is not included, and arranged separately by passengers. We encourage staying within walking distance from the meeting point by Inverness Cathedral, and are happy to offer recommendations upon request.

13 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Day 3

Inverness to Edinburgh

7 Stops

Loch Ness

Your guide will take you to the northern shores of Loch Ness, where you can join an optional Boat Cruise (tickets not included) exploring the features, history and lore of the beautiful area surrounding the loch.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Commando Monument

Along the route, we’ll stop at the Commando Memorial. In 1942, this setting became the training ground for Britain’s Special Forces. Harsh, unforgiving, and breathtakingly beautiful. A statue of our heroes overlooks the Nevis range. Bring a camera – this is undoubtedly one of our favourite photo-stops in all of Scotland. Here, weather permitting, you could also spot Ben Nevis. The tallest mountain in The United Kingdom.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Glenfinnan Viaduct

If we manage to get our timing right, we try our best to offer guests of the 3-Day tour the opportunity to watch the Jacobite Steam Train (April - late September 2024) crossing the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct. This stunning viewpoint also marks the spot where Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) raised his standard prior to the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. Go to the top of the monument for the best views of the Glen, as your guide introduces you to the dramatic story of the ‘Young Pretender’ and how his actions changed the course of European history forever.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Glencoe

Follow in the footsteps of James Bond (‘Skyfall’) and Harry Potter (‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’), as you discover the beautiful and haunting ‘Glencoe’, the most magnificent and famous valley in Scotland. The spectacular scenery will stay with you forever. Your guide will recount the tale of the infamous ‘Massacre of Glencoe’ that took place here in February 1692.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Stirling Castle

We'll pass by Stirling Castle, the most important castle in Scottish history due to its strategic location as gateway between the Central Lowlands and the imposing Scottish Highlands to the North.

Admission Ticket Free

National Wallace Monument

Your guide will introduce you to our nation’s violent history with tales of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce as we see the monument while driving through Stirling.

Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh

Your journey back to Edinburgh takes you across the famous Forth Bridges. The expected arrival time back in Edinburgh is around 7 PM.

Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (7-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
Please feel free to bring a smaller bag to be brought onboard, and one medium sized piece of luggage, suitcase or backpack, which we will put in the hold of the bus during transit. This can weigh up to 15kgs (33lbs) per passenger .
This tour in an air-conditioned mini/midi-coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
Please ensure that you have a working phone number for the lead traveler attached to the booking.

You will require a 2-night stay in Inverness for this tour, accommodation is not included in your ticket but we are happy to provide recommendations where needed. We recommend staying within walking distance of our meeting point on Ardross Street by Inverness Cathedral, IV3 5NN.
We strongly recommend you book accommodation with a flexible cancellation policy in the event that you need to cancel or reschedule your tour - we'd hate for you to lose out!
There are opportunities to take short nature walks, it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
** Please note that during the winter season, we will be swapping Day 1 and Day 3’s itineraries to enable us to visit as many places as possible while it is still light outside. Due to weather and/or road conditions during the winter season the route may change at the driver/guide’s discretion. **
For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 37 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-30740P3

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Reviews

4.91

1,141 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 1,141 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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Overview

What's Included

Meeting Location