5-Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness Tour from Edinburgh
by Highland Explorer Tours
Overview
This 5-day bus tour from Edinburgh explores the Scottish Highlands, including the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and Inverness. The route passes through various landscapes such as Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glen Coe, and coastal towns like Oban. Along the way, participants visit cultural and historical sites including Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, and the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. The tour includes a whisky distillery visit and a train journey across the West Highland Line. Accommodation is provided for four nights at 3-star bed and breakfasts. The guide speaks English, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. Meals and tips are not included.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Kelpies Statues
The first stop is the Kelpies statues, a pair of 30-metre high horse heads that are the largest equine sculptures in the world.
30 min
Stirling Castle
Passengers relax during the drive to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's largest and most significant castles.
Wallace Monument
Travel north past the Wallace Monument, a 67-metre tower on a hilltop overlooking Stirling, commemorating Sir William Wallace.
Rannoch Moor and Glencoe
The route includes a scenic drive through Rannoch Moor before stopping at Glencoe.
15 min
Oban Town
Arrival is in Oban, a seaside town on Scotland's west coast, where the night is spent.
300 min
Glenfinnan Viaduct Train
Travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct by local train, surrounded by Highland scenery; this train journey is available only until October and is not the Jacobite Steam Train.
120 min
Eilean Donan Castle
Stop at Eilean Donan Castle, known as the most photographed castle in Scotland.
30 min
Skye Bridge to Portree
Cross the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, passing through landscapes before stopping in Portree.
Portree Town
End the day in Portree, the Isle of Skye's capital town, where visitors may dine at a seafood restaurant or walk by the harbour.
300 min
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
Explore the 90-metre high Kilt Rock and the adjacent Mealt Falls.
30 min
Old Man of Storr
View the ancient rock formation Old Man of Storr and its surroundings, weather permitting.
45 min
Dundreggan Forest
Learn about the Caledonian Forest and conservation efforts at Dundreggan to rewild the Highlands.
60 min
Inverness
Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, known as the filming location for the series 'Outlander'.
240 min
Beauly Village
Proceed to Beauly, a village with various local shops and dining options.
20 min
Beauly Priory
Explore the ruins of Beauly Priory, which were used as a filming site for 'Outlander'.
20 min
Culloden Battlefield
Travel to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the 1746 defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites. Visiting the Culloden Battlefield visitor centre is optional and requires a separate local fee.
120 min
Clava Cairns
Visit the chambered cairns and standing stones at Clava Cairns.
15 min
Loch Ness Cruise
Take an optional cruise on Loch Ness, with a chance to spot Nessie.
60 min
Blair Atholl Distillery
Visit Blair Atholl whisky distillery for a tour and tasting of the ‘water of life’.
90 min
Highland Folk Museum
Visit the Highland Folk Museum to learn about Highland life from previous centuries, including domestic and working conditions.
60 min
Dunkeld Walk
Walk through Dunkeld and visit Dunkeld Cathedral before returning to Edinburgh.
45 min
Meeting point
This tour will depart at 8:30 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.
End point
This tour will depart at 8:30 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
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