Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Highlands
Explore historic monuments and experience the many natural wonders of the Highlands in this fascinating tour of the very best of Scotland.
Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Highlands - 3 day tour
About this Tour
Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Highlands
3 day / 2 night tour
A land of drama and delight awaits in this unique and unspoilt landscape. Sail the waters of Loch Ness in the hunt for its famous monster. Take to the battlements at iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Marvel at the ancient landmarks on the bewitching Isle Of Skye. The hidden gems of Inverness make a perfect base for every curious traveler.
The Highland Line - enjoy stunning views on one of Scotland’s most scenic rail journeys
Loch Ness - discover the beguiling story of “Nessie” on a cruise to visit Urquhart Castle
Inverness - explore the many attractions of the “Capital of the Highlands”
Eilean Donan Castle - make a stop to visit this fairytale castle
Isle of Skye - admire the beauty of the towering Cuillin Mountains and spend time wandering around the bustling fishing port of Portree
Movie locations - Brave, Highlander and BFG
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh/Glasgow - Loch Ness - Inverness
After boarding your train, it’s time to sit back and relax as we head north towards the capital of the Highlands, snaking through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery. Leaving the bustle behind, we soon swap traffic for tranquility as we glide past ancient forests, tumbling burns and dramatic glens.
History surrounds us as we enter the Pass of Killiecrankie, with its echoes of a famous Jacobite battle, while the white turrets of Blair Castle are another famous landmark as we continue northwards.
Be careful not to let the train’s gentle rhythm lull you to sleep as we climb through Glen Garry – you may spot majestic deer and eagles as we reach the lofty 1,484ft heights of Druimuachdar summit.
This mountainous terrain soon gives way to the lushness of the Cairngorms National Park and Spey Valley before we arrive in Inverness itself.
After making ourselves at home in our hotel, it’s time for our first adventure as we enjoy an afternoon cruise on the icy waters of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for the world’s most famous monster as you listen entranced to the legend of ‘Nessie’. It’s the perfect way to work up an appetite for a hearty Highland dinner!
Overnight: Premier Inn Inverness Centre River Ness, Inverness (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 2 - Isle of Skye Excursion
After enjoying breakfast, we return to the banks of Loch Ness, this time winding our way beside its shores until we reach Invermoriston. Here, we’ll have plenty of time to take photos in front of the plunging waterfall and twin arches of the celebrated Thomas Telford bridge.
We continue our journey through picturesque Glen Shiel under the watchful eye of the Five Sisters mountains until we reach one of Scotland’s most iconic sights – Eilean Donan Castle. Follow in the footsteps of James Bond as you explore its famous ramparts and gaze across the depths of Loch Duich.
Next we cross to the beautiful Isle of Skye, pausing only to admire the Cuillin Hills from Sligachan Bridge. Passing the islands of Pabay and Scalpay to our east, we arrive in the harbour town of Portree, where a lunch of fresh fish and piping hot chips could be on the menu.
Suitably refreshed, we pay our respects to the natural wonders at The Old Man of Storr and marvel at the multicoloured Kilt Rock before returning to the mainland.
Our journey home takes in some of the most beautiful Highland scenery, including Kyle of Lochalsh and Loch Carron, before we head across the Black Isle towards the city lights.
Day 3 - Free time - Inverness Sightseeing - Edinburgh/Glasgow
Our final day in the Highlands is all about relaxing and making the most of this beautiful part of the world, with plenty of time for sightseeing and shopping.
After a leisurely breakfast, join our special walking tour later in the morning, where an expert guide will help you discover the many secrets and surprises that lay hidden behind the imposing granite walls. Spend a captivating 90 minutes wandering the famous cobbles, learning about the bloody battles and fascinating forefathers that transformed Inverness into the busy Highland powerhouse it is today.
With your appetite for history well and truly whetted, you’re free to soak up more stories and take in the sweeping panoramas across the River Ness from the ramparts of 16th century Inverness Castle, which has stood guard proudly for more than 500 years.
If a traditional souvenir is on your shopping list, drop in to the Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre on your way back to learn more about Scotland’s national dress and pick out a tartan – or two!
With keepsakes safely packed, we’ll board our train for the journey home, pulling out in the late afternoon with a final backward glance at this fascinating Scottish city.
Details
What's Included
Accommodation
- 2 nights hotel accommodation
- Location: Inverness (2)
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (2)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Tour of the Isle of Skye with local driver/guide
- Tour to Loch Ness including a loch cruise
- Walking tour of Inverness
- Admission to Urquhart Castle
Tour Essentials
- Return standard class train tickets between Edinburgh/Glasgow and Inverness
- Seat reservations (where available)
- Customised tour itinerary
- Service charges and taxes
What's NOT Included
- Admission charges unless stated above
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure Information
From Glasgow
Queen Street Railway Station
North Hanover Street
Glasgow G1 2AF
Check-in: 08:11 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:41 hrs
Tour Returns: 1814 hrs
From Edinburgh
Waverley Railway Station
Princes Street
Edinburgh EH1 1BB
Check-in: 08:05 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:35 hrs
Tour Returns: 18:27 hrs
Child details
Child discount applies to children aged 4 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re sorry but children aged under 4 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
IMPORTANT: Once booked this tour cannot be changed or cancelled
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with an en-suite bathroom.
Flexi-tour
This tour departs from Edinburgh and Glasgow. You can choose to return to either city at no extra charge by prior arrangement. Please contact us for more information.
Train Tickets
In order to receive the train ticket, a smart device with IOS or Android operating systems is required.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
RT 02997
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Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Highlands
Explore historic monuments and experience the many natural wonders of the Highlands in this fascinating tour of the very best of Scotland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Eco Tour?
These tours are ideal if you are an independent spirit as they offer the perfect blend of structured sightseeing, point to point travel by train or coach and relaxing free time to explore on your own.
Each carefully designed itinerary embraces the concept of responsible travel. Our travel planners have selected eco-friendly hotel accommodation that offers comfortable and friendly lodgings in convenient locations for sightseeing and onward travel. Most are recipients of a VisitScotland Green Tourism Award.
Inter-city travel is by scheduled train or coach, including the UK’s first all-electric coach service between Edinburgh and Dundee. Seat reservations are included, where available, and all tickets are electronic - just show and go!
Discover the history and heritage of Scotland’s great cities on an informative walking tour led by a local guide. If your itinerary includes a visit to a whisky distillery, you’ll join an expert for a behind the scenes tour followed by a tutored tasting of some fine malts!
Excursions are provided by air-conditioned mini or midicoach hosted by a local driver guide who will provide an entertaining commentary. There will be stops along the way to visit attractions and take in the local scenery.
The tour documentation will be emailed to you approximately 7 days prior to travel. Your train tickets will be conveniently downloaded to the ScotRail App on your IOS or Android smart device, so all you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.
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.
How much luggage can I bring?
There are no restrictions on the amount of luggage that you can bring on this tour.
Please bear in mind that luggage storage on the train is limited and you will be required to lift your case onto a shelf unaided.
What happens if I miss my train?
The tickets issued as part of this package are only valid on the train service shown on the ticket and in your itinerary.
If you miss the train, you will need to purchase new tickets at your own expense.
We recommend arriving at the railway stations at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your train so that you have time to locate the departure platform and board your train in good time.
How do I call you from overseas?
If you are calling from overseas please call +44 141 258 1818. Please note lines are open between 09:00 hrs and 17:00 hrs UK time.
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (5 /5) 07 Sep 2024
We found everything to be as described by the tour company. The directions were easy to follow. All of the arranged guided tours were on time and comfortable. We were able to give our full attention to the sights and the experience.
WENDY from Eagle Bay, CA
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Rating: (5 /5) 03 Dec 2023
This tour is great! From reserved train tickets to taxi picking us up, everything's been well thought of. Euan even sent a customised itinerary, so detailed with even our seat numbers on the train. We realised that for one of the tour, there were only 3 of us for that day. Not only did they continue with the tour, the guide was professional and friendly and the whole experience was awesome! I am so glad that I managed to book this tour
Sze Li from Singapore, SG
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Rating: (4 /5) 11 Jul 2023
Seamless organisation. Everything was on time and flowed. Stunning part of the world
Lindsay from Bathurst, AU
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