Edinburgh:5-Day Isle of Skye, Inverness & Loch Ness Tour w/Hostel

4.8
(46 reviews)

5 days (approximately)
Offered in: English

An awesome winter adventure through the Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye. Expect stunning scenery, incredible history, and epic Scottish experiences.

Go monster hunting on Loch Ness, hike in one of the last great wildernesses of Europe, and listen to tales of Scotland’s bloody history. By night and enjoy a wee dram after a day’s exploring.

What's Included

Whisky Distillery Tour
Culloden Battlefield
Clava Cairns
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local English Speaking Guide
4 Nights Mixed Gender Multi-Shared Hostel Accommodation
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Castle Admission Prices
Food & Drink
Loch Ness Cruise

Meeting and pickup

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 activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Edinburgh to Oban

    5 stops
  • 1
    The Kelpies & The Helix

    We stop at a stunning spectacle of modern engineering, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott: The Kelpies. Kelpies are mythological beasts in Scottish folklore, and this epic equine landmark is the largest of its kind in the world.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Stirling Castle

    Gaze upon the distant Highlands as we drive past Stirling Castle, a striking stone structure with an insanely interesting history.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    National Wallace Monument

    Marvel at the stunning National Wallace Monument, Stirling's renowned landmark commemorating the life of Sir William Wallace.

    Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Glencoe

    Stretch your legs at Glencoe and gaze at the sprawling peaks and crystal-clear rivers in the area.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Oban

    Oban is a bustling seaside town on Scotland’s west coast. Whether it’s fresh sea air or local seafood you’re craving, Oban’s got you covered.

    5 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Oban to Isle of Skye

    3 stops
  • 6
    Glenfinnan Viaduct

    Take in views of the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct! Whether you’re a fan of the wee wizard Harry Potter or not, this bonnie bridge – with its 21 arches against a scenic Highland backdrop – is an insane sight to behold! For an extra cost you can have the opportunity to travel on the steam train. Please note that that the steam train journey is not included in the tour price.

    2 hours Admission ticket not included
  • 7
    Eilean Donan Castle

    Explore the surroundings of Eilean Donan Castle, where a picturesque stone bridge winds out to the stunning structure. Set upon a wee tidal island, against a backdrop of mountains and lochs, it is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and romantic sights in Scotland.

    45 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 8
    Portree

    We arrive in pretty Portree, Skye’s main settlement and tourist town. The picturesque harbour with its colourful facades is where Bonnie Prince Charlie finally escaped on a French ship after the Battle of Culloden; never to return to Scotland.

    5 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Isle of Skye to Inverness

    5 stops
  • 9
    Kilt Rock

    Explore the crinkle-cut sea cliff and an epic waterfall Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls and learn how they were formed.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Sligachan Old Bridge

    Stop at Sligachan, a small settlement with absolutely stunning views. The Cuillin mountains strike a pose behind the rocky river and picturesque stone bridge. When it comes to bonnie backdrops, it doesn’t get much better!

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 11
    The Old Man of Storr

    Gaze at this rock formation standing tall on Skye’s ancient landslip. Sometimes hidden by mist, this is a popular hangout for mischievous fairies!

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Eilean Donan Castle

    We visit one of the most iconic - and most photographed - castles in Scotland.

    30 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 13

    Learn about the Scottish Caledonian Forest and Trees for Life's rewilding efforts to restore the native pine woodland of the Highlands.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • Day 4

    Inverness

    4 stops
  • 14
    Loch Ness Region

    It’s time to tick Loch Ness off your Scotland bucket list, as we head along the shores of the loch. A glimpse of ‘Nessie’ in the background is just an extra bonus!

    Admission ticket free
  • 15

    Spend some time exploring picturesque Beauly Priory. Used in the filming of Outlander. Beauly Priory from the French beau lieu meaning ‘beautiful place’ and abbey church which remains today is nestled in a charming, wooded, riverside location.

    50 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 16
    Culloden Battlefield

    Visiting the battlefield is an evocative experience, as you learn about the Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army, and the destruction of the highland clan culture in the aftermath.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 17
    Clava Cairns

    We stop at the Clava Cairns, prehistoric burial cairns and the modern-day inspiration for Outlander's time travel plot.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Day 5

    Inverness to Edinburgh

    2 stops
  • 18
    Highland Folk Museum

    We visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. This open-air attraction brings to life the domestic and working conditions of earlier Highland peoples.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 19
    Dunkeld

    Explore the wee town Dunkeld and its beautiful cathedral. Discover all from rom the peaceful countryside setting to the impressive, arched ruins. Look inside the main building for the cursed tomb of the wicked ‘Wolf of Babenoch’, and wander down to the banks of the fast-flowing River Tay to soak up the surroundings.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, 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.
  • This tour may run in conjunction with our sister company, Highland Explorer Tours.
  • Minimum age to stay in the hostel is 18 years old.
Supplied by HAGGiS Adventures

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Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Historical Tours
Excellent Quality
Adventure Tours
Likely To Sell Out

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.8 Based on 46 46 reviews
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