Quick Details
Scotland is a big place and with so many amazing places to explore you’ll be right to be excited about your 3 day Isle of Skye, Inverness & Highlands tour. With a guarantee of discovering new and interesting things and seeing breathtaking scenery and landscapes around every turn.
You’ll see why so many movie locations were based and filmed here in Scotland, with views that inspired the likes of Harry Potter (Glenfinnan Viaduct) and James Bond (Glencoe), and more.
You’ll be spoilt for choice for getting that perfect picture, especially on the Isle of Skye where many of Scotland’s myths and legends come from. See mountains created by giants, enchanted waters that will give you eternal youth, and hear songs of the faerie folk in the wind.
This is a tour that will fill you with joy and leave you with a feeling that can only come from being truly immersed in the moment – something truly priceless.
Experience a 3 Day Scotland Tour from Edinburgh with The Hairy Coo!
SKYE’S THE LIMIT ON THIS TOUR!
DEPARTURE
Check-In 8:15 AM
Tour Departs 8:30 AM
Please note: we departure from outside Heritage of Scotland, 459-461 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT. This is directly opposite the road from our original departure point by Deacon’s House Cafe.
(what3words, Google Maps)
Seats are unreserved so we recommend you arrive early if you have a preference of where you would like to sit.
The tour will leave at 8:30 AM prompt. We are unable to wait for guests who are late and no refunds will be issued in this instance.
IMPORTANT: Departure change from 1st of April 2025
From the 1st of April 2025 this tour will be departing at 8:15 AM, with Check-In at 8:00 AM.
DURATION
The 3-Day Tour concludes outside Heritage of Scotland, 459-461 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT at approximately 7 PM. We recommend leaving at least 1.5 to 2 hours between any onward travel or reservations in the evening, in the event of traffic or delays which are outwith our control.
ABOUT YOUR ISLE OF SKYE TOUR
Day One:
Departing from Edinburgh, we will drive north across the famous Forth Bridges, to the historic Victorian village of Pitlochry. From there we drive through the east side of the dramatic Cairngorms National Park to stop at the Highland Folk Museum. Here you’ll experience highland life in the 17th century. See the buildings, the clothes and weapons, and how people lived 300 years ago. Continue north, to visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last Jacobite Rising, then ‘Clava Cairns’, incredible 4,000-year-old, Bronze-Age standing stones. A short drive onwards, we arrive at Inverness: the Capital of the Highlands, where you’ll stay for 2 nights (accommodation not included).
Day Two:
After breakfast, depart Inverness and drive across the Kessock Bridge to the Black Isle and marvel at the spectacular scenery of Achnasheen and Loch Carron. Arriving on the Isle of Skye, venture north to explore the highlights of the island, including; the Cuillin Mountains, Trotternish Peninsula, Portree, the Old Man Storr, Kilt Rock and the famous Quiraing. In late afternoon, stop for photographs of the most beautiful castle in Scotland, “Eilean Donan Castle.” Backdrop to many famous films, such as ‘Highlander’ and ‘Made of Honor’, this castle is another must-see iconic landmark! A scenic drive through stunning Glen Shiel follows, returning to Inverness to stay your final night. In the evening, visit a local Highland Pub to drink some Scotch whisky or beer and eat some traditional Scottish food, whilst listening to some local musicians perform.
Day Three:
Depart Inverness for an optional morning cruise of the famous Loch Ness. Drive south to admire the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct and the breath-taking views of the Nevis Range at the Commando Memorial. Discover beautiful Glencoe, the most famous valley in Scotland, and hear of its tragic history. Continue south, into the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, while enjoying the scenery on the journey back to Edinburgh. Finally, make a short stop at the mysterious Kelpies, before making your way back to Edinburgh city centre, arriving at approximately 7pm.
The order of places visited on Day 1 and Day 3 of this tour has recently been updated to allow for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Please be assured that the visited places and attractions remains the same!
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
- Experienced ‘Hairy Coo’ Driver Guide providing live commentary and storytelling throughout.
- Travel on one of our luxury, modern, air-conditioned coaches.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Food & drink
- Accommodation
- Gratuities for your Driver Guide
- Optional Extras are purchasable on the day with cash only from your Driver Guide.
- Highland Folk Museum – Donation Based
- Boat Cruise – £20 Adult, £13.00 Child
- Optional visit to Whisky Distillery, subject to availability. Until the 1st of April, this is arranged by the driver on tour based on passenger interest.
ACCOMMODATION ON TOUR
This tour requires a 2-night stay in the City of Inverness.
Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour and all guests are required to book their own due to the small nature of our team. Recommendations of where to stay will be listed in your confirmation email once you have booked your tour.
Our meeting point in Inverness is: Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN (what3words, Google maps)
Please ensure that your booked accommodation is fully refundable in the unfortunate event that you are unable to make the tour or if the tour is cancelled or rescheduled. We recommend that you book directly with the accommodation provider as opposed to via a 3rd party to ensure you get the most competitive rate available. We encourage that you mention you are on a tour excursion when you book as most accommodation providers will be happy to provide your party with an early breakfast.
3-DAY ISLE OF SKYE TOUR FROM EDINBURGH ITINERARY
♦ Longer stop | ◊ Photo stop
Please note that arrival times are estimated and can be impacted by traffic and other delays outwith our control.
Due to weather and/or road conditions during the winter season the route may change at the driver/guide’s discretion.
Before Your Tour
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We recommend that you bring warm and/or waterproof clothing, no matter what the forecast appears to be…Scotland’s weather is very unpredictable! And don’t forget your camera to capture all the lovely scenery and wildlife you’ll encounter on your tour (which you can later share with us online). While there are no planned hikes or longer walks during the tour, we encourage wearing comfortable and flat footwear.
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You are more than welcome to bring along one smaller bag to use while on the bus, as well as one medium sized piece of luggage, suitcase or backpack, which we will put in the hold of the bus during transit. This can weigh up to 15kgs (33lbs) per passenge. We’re usually happy to allow larger/heavier bags when shared between multiple passengers.
The luggage restriction has been set to ensure that not all guests join the tour with excessive luggage as our vehicles do not have the space to hold too much. Because of this, we would kindly ask that you try other options instead of bringing all of your luggage with you. Please see our FAQ’s for recommendations on where to store your belongings.
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We ask that tickets to the optional extras available are paid in cash, please see the cost listed above under “What is not included”. We must also remind you that while picturesque and quaint, many of the suppliers in smaller towns do still prefer cash payments. ATM’s are located at multiple stops along the route, and currency exchange services are available in Inverness.
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Food is readily available at the many of stops on tour, but you are absolutely more than welcome to bring drinks, snacks and a cold packed lunch on board. Hot drinks are permitted but only if they have a secure lid.
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We always aim to stop for a visit of our local, beloved Hairy Coos on our tours! However we cannot guarantee Highland cows, as we are not in control of their movements or placements. Please note that in the winter months (Mid November – March) some farmers decide to move the cows indoors or to other field for the winter so they are unavailable during this period.
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Some roads are less accessible during the winter period, as Scotland can get both quite rainy, cold and even snowy on occasion. While we will keep to the planned route when we can, you driver/guide may make the decision to use other routes to ensure safety as well as you enjoyment!
- Kessock Bridge, Achnasheen and Loch Carron: As this road used for these stops is not always kept clear during the winter, we may at times drive a different route due to safety concerns.
- Old Man of Storr: Visibility can be impacted by clouds and mist, as we stop by the road and do not have enough time to allow walks to get closer.
- Quiraing: The road to the viewpoint is not always accessible due to cold weather and possible snow on the road during the winter.
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We do our best to catch the Jacobite Steam Train (also sometimes called the Harry Potter train) crossing the Viaduct on it’s outbound afternoon service. Please note that the afternoon service is ending on the 27th of September 2024, and that the train will not be seen on tours departing after the 27th of September 2024.