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- 3 Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands
This 3-day journey is designed to give you the best of both worlds, with a night by Loch Ness and a night on the Isle of Skye. It means you can experience both locations properly, with time to enjoy each setting. Along the way, you’ll travel through standout Highland scenery, including Glen Coe, the Fairy Pools, and Eilean Donan Castle, with plenty of chances to get out and explore.
Tour Highlights
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is the most well-known loch in Scotland, thanks to tales of the Loch Ness Monster. Glaciers carved the deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales.
Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Look out for ‘Nessie’ as you explore the southern tip of Loch Ness by boat. Soak up the scenic surroundings and learn about the history of the area, as well as the famous legends of the Loch Ness Monster.
Small Group Tour
Small groups, big adventures! Our small group tours offer an intimate, relaxed way to explore while you soak up Scotland's magic. Please note that, due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour operates on a larger bus.
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. A charming stone bridge leads out to the island, which is surrounded by three lochs and a backdrop of mountains. The castle is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.
Isle of Skye
Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. Skye exudes magic from every mountain, waterfall and rainbow, while its unique geology and beguiling mythology are unlike anywhere else in Scotland. Skye is an ancient and truly enchanting island.
The Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools are a series of small waterfalls and turquoise pools, famed for their natural beauty and magical charm. Set against the stunning Cuillin mountains, they offer a truly enchanting and unforgettable sight.
Cuillins
The Cuillin mountains are a breath-taking geological wonder, which form the centrepiece of Skye’s otherworldly landscape. The striking red and black peaks have been around for millions of years, through volcanic eruptions and glaciation. A truly captivating sight.
Portree
Portree is Skye’s central hub and most populated town, with numerous shops and places to eat. The main square is a hive of activity, while the quaint harbour with its brightly coloured facades is lifted straight from a postcard.
Glen Coe
This jaw-dropping landscape is the most atmospheric and evocative place in Scotland. Glen Coe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and the name reflects the sad history of the area, as well as the many waterfalls which cascade from misty peaks.
Clava Cairns
Clava Cairns is a special place, from the peaceful setting to the arrangement of 4000 year old stones. The prehistoric structures include ring cairns, passage graves, and standing stones; perfect for staging your very own Outlander-inspired photo!
Kelpies
The Kelpies are steel sculptures of two horses’ heads; 30 meters high and weighing 300 tonnes. Kelpies are mythological creatures in Scottish folklore, and this modern attraction is the largest equine landmark in the world, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott.
Culloden Battlefield
Culloden was the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. The Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army inspired the Outlander story, and was a pivotal point in Scottish history. Learn about the conflict, and visit the graves of the fallen clan.
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is an area of vast natural beauty, and is the largest national park in Britain. Scotland’s wild scenery can be found in abundance, with lochs, glens, rivers and mountains as far as the eye can see.
Dunkeld Cathedral
Dunkeld Cathedral is a beautiful, partly ruined structure, which sits in a peaceful location overlooking the River Tay. Look out for the cursed effigy of the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’ inside, and read about the cathedral’s history spanning hundreds of years.
Forth Bridges
The Firth of Forth has a trio of iconic bridges. The 1890 Forth Bridge is a masterpiece in engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964, followed by the striking Queensferry Crossing in 2017.
Rannoch Moor
The Rannoch Moor in the Scottish Highlands is a vast and rugged expanse of wilderness characterised by its sweeping moorland, lochs, and rocky landscapes. A true dive into Scotland's untamed natural beauty!
Inclusions
Passionate Local Guide
Small Group Tour
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
2 Nights B&B Accommodation in Private Ensuite Room
Foreign Language Audio Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
This 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 B&B ensuite private room accommodation is included in the tour price.
On this tour, you’ll typically stay at Morag’s Lodge, a cosy guest house overlooking the banks of Loch Ness, and deluxe B&B, The Skye Inn, in Portree.
Find more info on our Accommodation Page.
Breakfast is included.
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
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- 3 Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands
Here, a gentle woodland walk leads you beneath towering Douglas firs to a beautiful waterfall crashing through a narrow gorge. You’ll then travel on to Pitlochry, a lively Highland town where you’ll have time for lunch and a wander.
In the afternoon, the scenery becomes more rugged as you make your way north to Clava Cairns, a well-preserved prehistoric burial site surrounded by standing stones. A short drive brings you to Culloden Battlefield, where your guide will walk you through the events of the 1746 Jacobite Rising.
From here, you’ll follow the shoreline of Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for any mysterious ripples on the water. You’ll have the chance to take an evening cruise on the loch – a relaxed way to end the day as the light fades over the Highlands.
(Overnight: Fort Augustus)
Crossing the Skye Bridge, the scenery quickly becomes more dramatic. You’ll pass beneath the peaks of the Cuillin Mountains before heading out on foot to the Fairy Pools. This walk follows a rough path alongside bright, clear pools and small waterfalls – sturdy shoes are a good idea here, as the ground can be rocky and wet.
Next, you’ll head to the island’s colourful harbour town, Portree, where there’s time to grab lunch and explore at your own pace.
The afternoon brings more classic Skye scenery. You’ll visit the striking rock formation of the Old Man of Storr, rising above the surrounding cliffs, followed by a stop at Kilt Rock, where basalt columns drop sharply into the sea below.
(Overnight: Portree)
The journey continues south into Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most atmospheric landscapes. Steep sides, winding roads, and a powerful history make this a highlight of the trip, with time for a photo stop along the way.
From here, you’ll cross the wide, open expanse of Rannoch Moor before passing through the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Your final stop of the day is at The Kelpies – towering steel sculptures that offer a memorable end to your Highland adventure.
3 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
Leaving the city behind, you’ll head north into Perthshire, and onto the pretty village of Dunkeld, sitting on the banks of the River Tay. There’s time to stretch your legs and take in the peaceful setting before continuing a short distance to The Hermitage.
Here, a gentle woodland walk leads you beneath towering Douglas firs to a beautiful waterfall crashing through a narrow gorge. You’ll then travel on to Pitlochry, a lively Highland town where you’ll have time for lunch and a wander.
In the afternoon, the scenery becomes more rugged as you make your way north to Clava Cairns, a well-preserved prehistoric burial site surrounded by standing stones. A short drive brings you to Culloden Battlefield, where your guide will walk you through the events of the 1746 Jacobite Rising.
From here, you’ll follow the shoreline of Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for any mysterious ripples on the water. You’ll have the chance to take an evening cruise on the loch – a relaxed way to end the day as the light fades over the Highlands.
(Overnight: Fort Augustus)
Day Highlights
Today is all about big landscapes and iconic views as you make your way to the Isle of Skye. The journey begins with a stop at a viewpoint overlooking Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, set where three sea lochs meet.
Crossing the Skye Bridge, the scenery quickly becomes more dramatic. You’ll pass beneath the peaks of the Cuillin Mountains before heading out on foot to the Fairy Pools. This walk follows a rough path alongside bright, clear pools and small waterfalls – sturdy shoes are a good idea here, as the ground can be rocky and wet.
Next, you’ll head to the island’s colourful harbour town, Portree, where there’s time to grab lunch and explore at your own pace.
The afternoon brings more classic Skye scenery. You’ll visit the striking rock formation of the Old Man of Storr, rising above the surrounding cliffs, followed by a stop at Kilt Rock, where basalt columns drop sharply into the sea below.
(Overnight: Portree)
Day Highlights
Leaving Skye behind, you’ll travel through the Great Glen, stopping at the Commando Memorial, which looks out towards the mountains and honours the soldiers who trained here during the Second World War. On a clear day, you may catch sight of Ben Nevis in the distance, the UK’s highest peak.
The journey continues south into Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most atmospheric landscapes. Steep sides, winding roads, and a powerful history make this a highlight of the trip, with time for a photo stop along the way.
From here, you’ll cross the wide, open expanse of Rannoch Moor before passing through the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Your final stop of the day is at The Kelpies – towering steel sculptures that offer a memorable end to your Highland adventure.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh
We depart from our blue corner shop at 60 High Street, centrally located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. A useful landmark to find us is the Radisson Blu Hotel, situated just one street further along.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Tours Dates & Prices
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- 3 Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands
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