Explore the Highlands, Skye, Loch Ness, Glen Coe, with an optional ride on the Jacobite Steam Train.
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- 3 Day Tour Loch Ness & Isle Of Skye
An Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh that’s shaped as much by the in-between moments as the landmarks. Travel through Glen Coe, pause at Eilean Donan Castle, and continue to the Isle of Skye, where rugged coastlines and old legends shape your journey. Along the way, a walk through a Perthshire forest gives you a quieter stretch to break up the journey.
The trip includes two nights at Loch Ness, with the option to head out on an evening cruise – a chance to see the loch once the day visitors have moved on and a quieter feel returns to the shoreline.
Tour Highlights
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Views of Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest peak. This majestic mountain rises up from the landscape at 1345 meters above sea level. On a clear day the summit can be seen from the area around Fort William.
Commando Memorial
The Commando Memorial pays tribute to the elite Commando unit who bravely fought in World War II. The statue looks out across the stunning Nevis Range, and the area where the Commandos trained with live ammunition.
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
Small Group Tour
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Two-Night B&B Stay in a Private Hostel Room
Accommodation
Private Ensuite Accommodation at 'Morag's Lodge'
Experience comfort and camaraderie at Morag’s Lodge, our cosy Highland Lodge nestled on the shores of Loch Ness in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Private ensuite accommodation is included in your tour, with two room types available: twin, triple, or quad rooms for groups of 2 to 4. Private rooms may have more beds than guests, but will be reserved exclusively for your group, offering a quiet space to unwind after your Highland adventures.
Room Types
Private Room
Private twin, triple, or quad room reserved just for your group (2–4 travellers).
Multi-Share Dorm
1 mixed-gender hostel room shared with multiple travellers, one bed each.
Accessibility and Facilities
For more information, see our Accessibility Statement.
What Other Explorers Say
This tour was amazing! Our tour guide, Teigan, was great! Her stories were very interesting and she told lots of jokes. She made this trip even better than I thought it would be. With all of the Harry Potter locations, the beautiful sights, and distillery tour, I would highly recommend this tour.
Taylor
15/07/2025Charlie was super fun and energetic. She is super knowledgeable in all things Scotland and is always ready to answer a question. The story’s she would tell along the way were really entertaining and informative. If your looking for a great tour guide for the highlands, I highly recommend Charlie as your guide.
Skyler
09/07/2025Charlie was a top tier tour guide. I had a wonderful time and a lot of fun. I hope y’all take a chance and have a great time!!!
Everette
09/07/2025What’s really great about this tour in particular is it’s very chill, you don’t feel like you’re in a rush to jump from one place to another, and you’re able to stop in little villages and towns on the way. Between stops you’re able to just take in the views from the bus. The hostel you stay at for 2 nights (Morag’s Lodge) is clean and has everything you need. Sophie, our guide, was lovely.
Kathryn
20/04/2025This is an excellent 3-day tour of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye. Our guide, Charlie, was friendly, knowledgeable, energetic, and above all - fun! She took excellent care of our group and kept us well informed as well as entertained for the whole trip. Highly recommend this tour and our great guide Charlie.
Bradley
07/10/2024We had Laurie as our tour guide and she was amazing! She told us some intresting and fun stories during our trip and made sure to show us the best spots for a good view and amazing photos and gave food recommendations for the different stops we had on our way.
Isabell
08/09/2024The trip was great! Couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide than Charlie. She told us many stories about Scotland, keeping all of us entertained. She is full of life and made sure there is never a dull moment on the entire trip.
Milind
18/08/2024The three day trip is everything I've imagined! Sophie is our guide. During the trip she has been very responsible, helpful and caring. She has all kinds of fun stories and a great playlist. We've visited everything noted in the itinerary and some more places thanks to all the tour member being on time and great pacing from Sophie.
Eva
30/07/2024Amazing experience! We explored incredible places with breathtaking views. Tim, our guide and driver, was an absolute blast and incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating history throughout the tour. His fantastic mixed Scottish playlist added an extra touch of magic to our bus rides. We stayed in a fabulous B&B in Fort Augustus and had the best stay ever. It was wonderful meeting new people and making friends along the way. I can't recommend this experience enough!
Sara
28/07/2024Beautiful place with a vibrant historic back ground. The view was superb. The scenic beauty was post card perfect. The weather was also good with only light showers occasionally.
Joe
30/07/2024We started from Edinburgh and had an amazing trip to the North. Our tour guide gave us a lot of anecdotes and history on surrounding areas with plenty of history and local legends thrown in with great humour! The ride was very comfortable even in very hilly terrains. We were well informed of the day plans and itinerary in advance and had adequate time to rest, relax and enjoy the surroundings. I really enjoyed the interactive sessions with our guide and really appreciate...
Srinivasaragava
28/04/2024We thoroughly enjoyed this trip, it qas a lovely three day tour spent roaming the highlands of Scotland. The views were amazing, the weather was unexpectedly good, and Tim was a fantastic tour guide with his engaging banter and tales about the history of Scotland.
Angela
05/05/2024It is the best organized trip that I have ever been and we had an amazing time at the Highlands. Our guide Tiegan curated an amazing experience and told us the story behind all the places that we visited. Highly recommend the trip. She even organized an amazing birthday celebration for a friend who travelled with us. Highly recommend the trip.
Shriram
29/04/2024Explore Loch Ness & Isle of Skye with @highextours
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Highland Explorer ToursThe wonderful @thescottishkiwi joined us on tour to visit Loch Ness and explore the Isle of Skye with us recently.
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Highland Explorer Tours📸 by our wonderful passenger @rach.carbone at Eilean Donan Castle
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Highland Explorer Tours@itsjessicacarrillo has been on her first solo trip ever!
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Highland Explorer ToursCaptured by one of our amazing driver guides @sophs_on_tour 📸
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Highland Explorer ToursCaptured by our wonderful driver guide 📸@sophs_on_tour
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Highland Explorer ToursDuring our 2-hour stop at Fort Augustus, @rohitgora spent his time capturing the shores of mysterious Loch Ness... perhaps on the lookout for deep-diving creatures?👀
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Highland Explorer Tours"Absolutely amazing trip with friends." 🧑🤝🧑🏴 📷 by @todd.baynes. Glad to see you've had a grand time with your friends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the tour depart from?
Your 3-Day Loch Ness, Fairy Pools & Isle of Skye tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.
Is accommodation included?
Yes, two nights B&B private dorm accommodation is included in the tour price.
What accommodation will I be staying at?
On this tour, you’ll typically stay at Morag’s Lodge, a cosy hostel dormitory overlooking the banks of Loch Ness.
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
What about meals?
Breakfast is included.
Does this tour operate during the winter months?
This tour runs in the summer season only. If you're planning to travel between November and March, check out our Winter Tours, specifically designed for the winter season.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely! Joining us solo is a fantastic way to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. You'll typically find a mix of couples, friends, and fellow solo adventurers on our tours.
Are there toilet facilities on the coach?
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Are your tours accessible?
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.
Can I purchase snacks or souvenirs at the stops along the way?
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.
Where can I get a more detailed itinerary?
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.
What if I need to cancel my tour?
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.
I have more questions. How can you help?
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.
- Home
- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 3 Day Tour Loch Ness & Isle Of Skye
Highland Explorer Tours
Loch Ness, The Fairy Pools & Isle of Skye
3-Day Itinerary
Tour Route
Day 1
Edinburgh to Loch Ness
Day 2
Isle of Skye
Day 3
Loch Ness to Edinburgh
Day 1 | Edinburgh to Loch Ness
We depart Edinburgh in the morning and cross the Forth Road Bridge on our way to picturesque Dunkeld with its historic cathedral. We’ll make time for a walk through a stretch of magical Perthshire forest at The Hermitage before heading to the Highland village of Pitlochry for lunch. Next, you’ll learn the fascinating story that inspired Outlander at Culloden Battlefield and embark on your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns. Continuing through Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, we follow the entire length of Loch Ness before arriving at Morag’s Lodge in Fort Augustus, our home for the next two nights. In the evening, you have the option of exploring the loch with an evening cruise, relax by the shores, or visit a local pub for a hot drink or something stronger.
(Overnight: Fort Augustus)
(Overnight: Fort Augustus)
Day 2 | Isle of Skye
We start our day winding through misty glens and peaks as we make our way to Scotland’s west coast. After a photo stop at the Eilean Donan Castle – easily one of the most photographed castles in the country – we head onwards to the Isle of Skye.
Skye has earned its place on countless travel wish lists and it’s easy to see why. Home to castles, cliffs, and landscapes straight out of a fairytale, the island is steeped in fascinating stories ranging from ancient Celtic myths to Viking sagas – which your guide will bring to life as you explore.
We’ll take in jaw-dropping sights like the jagged Cuillin Mountains as we venture further to visit the Fairy Pools, a famous series of pools filled with turquoise water. After a full day of exploring Skye’s scenery and history, we make our way back to Loch Ness for the night.
(Overnight: Fort Augustus)
Skye has earned its place on countless travel wish lists and it’s easy to see why. Home to castles, cliffs, and landscapes straight out of a fairytale, the island is steeped in fascinating stories ranging from ancient Celtic myths to Viking sagas – which your guide will bring to life as you explore.
We’ll take in jaw-dropping sights like the jagged Cuillin Mountains as we venture further to visit the Fairy Pools, a famous series of pools filled with turquoise water. After a full day of exploring Skye’s scenery and history, we make our way back to Loch Ness for the night.
(Overnight: Fort Augustus)
Day 3 | Loch Ness to Edinburgh
We bid farewell to Loch Ness and travel through the Great Glen, pausing at the Commando Memorial beneath the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Our journey takes us south through the awe-inspiring valley of Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s iconic landmarks of history, wildlife, and myth. Drive through one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe when we cross the Rannoch Moor, a vast stretch of land that will reveal a little more of Scotland’s diverse terrain.
We make time for a comfort break in the small village of Tyndrum before we travel further south for a final stop at the majestic Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott. After a fabulous three-day Isle of Skye tour, we arrive back to Edinburgh in the early evening.
We make time for a comfort break in the small village of Tyndrum before we travel further south for a final stop at the majestic Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott. After a fabulous three-day Isle of Skye tour, we arrive back to Edinburgh in the early evening.
HIGHLAND EXPLORER TOURS
highlandexplorertours.com
3 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
View Map
DAY 1 | Edinburgh to Loch Ness
We depart Edinburgh in the morning and cross the Forth Road Bridge on our way to picturesque Dunkeld with its historic cathedral. We’ll make time for a walk through a stretch of magical Perthshire forest at The Hermitage before heading to the Highland village of Pitlochry for lunch. Next, you’ll learn the fascinating story that inspired Outlander at Culloden Battlefield and embark on your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns. Continuing through Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, we follow the entire length of Loch Ness before arriving at Morag’s Lodge in Fort Augustus, our home for the next two nights. In the evening, you have the option of exploring the loch with an evening cruise, relax by the shores, or visit a local pub for a hot drink or something stronger.
(Overnight: Fort Augustus)
Day Highlights
DAY 2 | Isle of Skye
We start our day winding through misty glens and peaks as we make our way to Scotland’s west coast. After a photo stop at the Eilean Donan Castle – easily one of the most photographed castles in the country – we head onwards to the Isle of Skye.
Skye has earned its place on countless travel wish lists and it’s easy to see why. Home to castles, cliffs, and landscapes straight out of a fairytale, the island is steeped in fascinating stories ranging from ancient Celtic myths to Viking sagas – which your guide will bring to life as you explore.
We’ll take in jaw-dropping sights like the jagged Cuillin Mountains as we venture further to visit the Fairy Pools, a famous series of pools filled with turquoise water. After a full day of exploring Skye’s scenery and history, we make our way back to Loch Ness for the night.
(Overnight: Fort Augustus)
Day Highlights
DAY 3 | Loch Ness to Edinburgh
We bid farewell to Loch Ness and travel through the Great Glen, pausing at the Commando Memorial beneath the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Our journey takes us south through the awe-inspiring valley of Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s iconic landmarks of history, wildlife, and myth. Drive through one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe when we cross the Rannoch Moor, a vast stretch of land that will reveal a little more of Scotland’s diverse terrain.
We make time for a comfort break in the small village of Tyndrum before we travel further south for a final stop at the majestic Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott. After a fabulous three-day Isle of Skye tour, we arrive back to Edinburgh in the early evening.
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
Check-In Closes
8:15 AM
Departs
8:30 AM
Returns
4:00 PM
We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
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- 3 Day Tour Loch Ness & Isle Of Skye
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