Isle of Skye Explorer
While the focus of this delightful tour is undoubtedly the beautiful Isle of Skye you’ll also experience Scotland’s west coast scenery at its very best.
Isle of Skye Explorer - 3 day tour
About this Tour
Isle of Skye Explorer
3 day / 2 night tour
Scotland's wild and wonderful Isle of Skye is yours to explore on this fantastic short tour. Enjoy a relaxing two-night stay in colourful Portree, the perfect base to discover the delights of the Magical Isle, including the vast landscape of the Trotternish Peninsula, Kilt Rock and magical Fairy Glen. There is more to this tour than Skye, though. Amongst the many other attractions are Glen Coe, Loch Ness and the chance to explore iconic Eilean Donan Castle!
Loch Lomond - explore the pretty village of Luss to experience beautiful views of the “bonnie, bonnie banks”
Isle of Skye - discover the Cuillin Hills, in all their breathtaking splendour, and the lunar landscape of the Quiraing
Dunvegan Castle - visit the historic stronghold of the Clan MacLeod, home to the Clan Chief for over 800 years!
Eilean Donan Castle - enjoy time to visit this breathtakingly picturesque castle
Fort Augustus - take a stroll along the banks of mysterious Loch Ness.
Movie locations - On a Clear Day, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and The BFG
Guest house accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh/Glasgow - Glen Coe - Isle of Skye
After a short drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow, we leave the Lowlands behind and enter the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
After enjoying a break in the village of Tyndrum, we make our way through sprawling Rannoch Moor, a wilderness of forbidding mountains and enveloping peat bogs. The natural desolation of the moor provided a safe refuge for the great Scottish freedom fighters - Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.
Awesome Glen Coe is known as the "Glen of Weeping" after the infamous massacre in 1692 of 38 MacDonalds for not forswearing the Jacobite cause. Today the glen is a much more peaceful place and is a popular venue for outdoor pursuits. We'll make a stop so you can enjoy a short walk amongst the stunning scenery surrounding us.
After a break for lunch in a Highland village, we will stop to enjoy the panorama of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain.
The Great Glen is a dramatic and picturesque valley famed for its fast-flowing rivers and deep lochs. This is a land of bitter clan disputes. As we enter the village of Invergarry, look for the "Well of the Seven Heads" monument commemorating a particularly gruesome incident!
Glen Shiel is flanked by a mountain range known as "The Five Sisters of Kintail", four of which are over 3,000 ft (915 m), and they provide a spectacular aperitif for our crossing "Over the sea to Skye". Portree, the island's main town, will be our home for the next two nights.
Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye (2 nights)
Day 2 - Exploring the Magical Isle
The Island of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides and boasts some of the finest mountain scenery in Scotland. The island's history includes Viking invasions, bloody clan feuds and, of course, the sad tale of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Today we'll visit all the key sights, and you'll get insight into why this is such a special place.
After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Portree, which sits around its quaint harbour with its many multi-coloured buildings.
Later we board our coach and make our way to ancient Dunvegan Castle, the 800-year-old seat of the Macleods of Skye. There has been a castle on this site since the 13th Century, and its treasures include the famous Fairy Flag, said to bring good luck to the Clan in time of trouble. Dunvegan also has beautiful gardens, which provide a marvellous oasis.
The Cuillin hills are always part of the island's scenery and can be seen from almost everywhere on the island. But the pinnacles of the Black Cuillins and the great slabs of the Red Cuillins are only part of the fantastic scenery of Skye.
In the Trotternish Peninsula, our next destination, we'll find a ridge which runs for around 20 miles and creates an almost Jurassic landscape. Look out for the Old Man of Storr, a vast black monolith which stands on its own and is over 58 metres tall. Further on, we'll see Kilt Rock, which resembles the pleats on a kilt, as the name suggests!
During our drive, we will stop to visit the grave of Flora Macdonald, who famously helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape from the Government troops that were searching for him.
After an enjoyable day of sightseeing, we'll return to Portree in time for dinner.
Day 3 - Isle of Skye - Loch Ness - Edinburgh/Glasgow
Our time on the Isle of Skye, sadly, comes to an end. As we make our way towards the mainland, we are rewarded with our last views of the stunningly beautiful Cuillin Hills.
Eilean Donan Castle must surely be one of the most photographed castles in the world. Sitting on a little island where three lochs merge, it presents a picture-postcard image. We'll make a stop so you can walk over the bridge and through the ornate gates to explore the castle and enjoy the beautiful views.
Loch Ness needs no introduction. We'll visit Fort Augustus, where, after lunch, you can take a stroll along the banks and gaze out over the mysterious waters that are said to be inhabited by the elusive Nessie, The Loch Ness Monster!
Our transit of picturesque Glen Spean will bring us to the ever-changing scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, then through the Drumochter Pass to Highland Perthshire, "big tree country". Our last stop of the day will be in Pitlochry, which just oozes Victorian charm.
The last part of our journey together will take us through the Kingdom of Fife, which has a long and rich history with many Royal connections.
Finally, we will cross the Forth Road Bridge, which affords stunning views of the iconic Forth Bridge and the new Queensferry Crossing. All too soon, we will arrive in Edinburgh and the end of this fabulous tour.
If you started your tour in Glasgow, the coach will pause at Edinburgh Waverley Station. Here you catch the express train back to Glasgow. The train operates every 30 minutes, and the journey is only 50 minutes. The fare is included in the cost of the tour.
Details
What's Included
Accommodation
- 2 nights guest house accommodation
- Location: Portree, Isle of Skye (2)
Meals
- Breakfast (2)
Tour Essentials
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
What's NOT Included
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure Information
From Glasgow
From outside The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) Building
(opposite Buchanan Street Bus Station)
19 Killermont Street
Glasgow G2 3NX
Check-in: 10:00 hrs
Tour Departs: 10:15 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:30 hrs
From Edinburgh
Outside NCP Car Park
Castle Terrace
Edinburgh EH1 2EW
Check-in: 08:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 09:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 19:30 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 4 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 4 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Book Assured
Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 8 days notice before travel. Click here for more information.
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes guest house accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Flexi-tour
If booked in advance you can depart from Glasgow and return to Edinburgh. This facility is available at no extra charge! Please make your selection during the booking process
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
TB 01420
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
From £440.00
Isle of Skye Explorer
While the focus of this delightful tour is undoubtedly the beautiful Isle of Skye you’ll also experience Scotland’s west coast scenery at its very best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Multi-Day Tour
For the discerning traveller, a Signature Multi-day Tour offers fantastic value for money, cosy accommodation, well-paced sightseeing and comfortable travel.
All of this combines to create the definitive Scottish experience.
Each tour is hosted by a professional driver/guide who has been carefully selected for their extensive knowledge and driving skills. As locals, you are sure to gain that extra insight. If you should have any problems during your stay, they’ll go out of their way to help.
You will want to see as much as possible, but you don’t want to be rushed. Our tours are carefully planned to strike the right balance, and in addition to comfortable mini/midicoach travel, many feature memorable railway or ferry journeys.
Having somewhere pleasant to stay after an exciting day of discovery is an essential part of your holiday experience. Comfortable guest house accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, tv and other amenities is included in the price of all tours. Click here for more information.
Breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
What options are available on this tour and what is the cost?
To give you complete choice admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. The tour itinerary has been carefully designed to provide sufficient time for you to visit these attractions:
Dunvegan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle
If you click on the links above they will provide you with more information on each attraction including current admission prices. In some cases a special discount is offered to tour passengers, your driver/guide will provide details if this applies.
Please note that credit/debit cards are not always accepted so it is recommended that you carry sufficient cash with you should you want to make a visit.
What type of room should I choose?
There are different bedrooms types to choose from, here is what you can expect:
Single room - one person sleeping in a single bed
Twin room - two people sleeping in two separate beds
Double room - two people sharing one large bed
Family room - three people sharing a room sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person)
Please note that a family room can be a standard double room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
Discover more about your accommodation options here.
Where does my tour depart from and return to?
Our tours depart from a central location in Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile/High Street which is easily reached by public transport.
Full information on the departure time and place of your tour will be shown on your tour confirmation.
What meals are included ?
Breakfast is included from day 2 onwards, which can be either a cooked or continental option.
If the accommodation provides a cooked breakfast, it will likely include bacon, sausages and eggs. You might even get the chance to taste haggis too, if you wish. A continental spread could consist of cereals, pastries and fruit. Tea and coffee are served with both options.
Lunch and dinner are not included in the price.
During the touring day, there will be a stop where you can pick up lunch. In the evening, your driver/guide will be happy to suggest a conveniently located restaurant where you can enjoy dinner. In popular destinations such as Skye, Oban, Fort William and Inverness, making a dinner reservation in advance is recommended.
For more information on meals and accommodation while on tour, click here.
What is the luggage allowance on this tour?
For safety reasons there is a luggage allowance of 15kg (33lb) per person in a bag similar to an airline carry-on bag (maximum size 67cm x 45cm/ 26in x 18in) and a small day-pack for your essential items.
Click here for helpful tips, packing list and details of left luggage facilities.
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
-
Rating: (5 /5) 01 Oct 2025
The tour with Timberbush was wonderful. Martin our driver was very knowledgeable and showed us as much as he could on the way to/from the Isle of Skye and while on Skye with a lot of history imparted while on the road. His customer service was superb. Shout out to Wee Davie, a fellow Timberbush guide! The coach was clean and comfortable, the Duirinish Guest House was lovely. Sandra, the host, came and sat with me at breakfast and chatted. The room was clean, comfortable and well appointed. It was a little further from town than expected but had a lovely view. Denny the resident cat was sociable and friendly. Skye was overwhelmingly beautiful and I would love to visit again someday. I would book with Scottish Tours and Timberbush Tours again for future trips. I will be back!
Rhonda from Ajax, CA
-
Rating: (5 /5) 27 Sep 2025
Sam was an incredibly personable and knowledgeable guide, whose lighthearted demeanour and sense of humour had the entire group band together from the very first day.
Jeanette from Spallumcheen, CA
-
Rating: (5 /5) 30 Aug 2025
We did the 3 day isle of skye with Andrew T and it was amazing. Andrew T is a knowledgeable guide and great sense of humor and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour and commentary. We saw some of the most beautiful scenery and natural beauty in the highlands. Totally would do it again.
Shakera from Vereeniging, ZA
LOADING...
