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Highlands & Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh
Booking a multi day Highlands and Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh was completely out of character for us. Not that there’s anything wrong with joining a tour, we’re just so used to exploring independently that the idea of giving up full control over the itinerary gave us shivers.
The reality is that not every country has lochs said to house monsters, fairies with magical pools, mythical water horses that lure people to their doom, and centuries old clan rivalries still echoing through the glens. Joining a tour offered more than just a way to experience Scotland without a car – it promised to bring its history, myths, folklore, and legends to life. It was a chance to visit beautiful places in a more meaningful way.
So, after several days of castles, lochs, legends, and winding Highland roads, was joining an Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour actually worth it?
Highlands & Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh
Booking a multi day Highlands and Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh was completely out of character for us. Not that there’s anything wrong with joining a tour, we’re just so used to exploring independently that the idea of giving up full control over the itinerary gave us shivers.
The reality is that not every country has lochs said to house monsters, fairies with magical pools, mythical water horses that lure people to their doom, and centuries old clan rivalries still echoing through the glens. Joining a tour offered more than just a way to experience Scotland without a car – it promised to bring its history, myths, folklore, and legends to life. It was a chance to visit beautiful places in a more meaningful way.
So, after several days of castles, lochs, legends, and winding Highland roads, was joining an Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour actually worth it?
Why We Chose The Isle of Skye Tour
Planning a trip to Scotland is like running after a cheese wheel downhill – it looks manageable until you actually start, and then things get out of control super fast. There is so much to see that your itinerary keeps getting bigger and bigger, and if like us, you want to explore Scotland without a car in limited time (we had 9 days), you end up needing to choose between cutting half of the stops from your dream itinerary or finding a tour that matches your hopes and dreams.
We had one thing clear from the start: visiting the Isle of Skye was non-negotiable. So after a lot of research, we went with Experience Scotland’s Wild, which had a stellar 5 star rating on Google and an itinerary that covered pretty much all the highlights we had in mind for our independent trip.
Some of the highlights of the Highlands and Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh include Glencoe, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Fairy Glen, and Loch Ness.
Oh, and a maximum of 16 people per group, which almost brought us to tears of joy after seeing how many tours take 30+ people – if a toilet break with a group of 10 can already become a challenge, with 30 I’d be starting my own clan by day 2 and leaving half the group at a random Highland bus stop.
The company describes its style as “SightDoing” rather than sightseeing (which probably explains the minimum age requirement of 12), which felt like it matched our vibe. They offer three Isle of Skye tour options:
We ended up choosing the 5 day tour, which included two overnight stays on the Isle of Skye.
You can join any of these tours from either Edinburgh or Glasgow, but they all finish in Edinburgh, without stopping in Glasgow on the way back.
5 Day Scotland Tour Itinerary
During our 5 day Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour with Experience Scotland’s Wild, we visited everything listed on the itinerary and even squeezed in a few bonus stops that turned out to be some of the trip’s nicest surprises.
We’ll give you an overview of everything we saw so you know what to expect, but keep in mind that every tour (and every guide) may offer a slightly different experience.
The guides do their best to stick to the plan, but sometimes they have to deal with factors beyond their control (such as temperamental weather). That’s why choosing a reliable tour company matters – one that can quickly come up with a plan B, when plan A falls through.
Day 1: Edinburgh to Oban
Luggage in the back of the van, a sleepy “good morning” exchanged among all passengers, and off we went to the first stop of our Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour: The Kelpies. They weren’t part of the original itinerary, but these impressive 30 metre tall sculptures come with a legend that is probably the sole reason many kids in Scotland are afraid of learning how to swim.
Kelpies are shape-shifting water spirits that usually appear as beautiful horses near rivers and lochs. They lure people onto their backs before dragging them into the water drowning them (nothing like a subtle, good old cautionary tale).
Next, we headed to the charming village of Luss, which sits on the shores of Loch Lomond. There are around 30 small islands scattered across the loch, including one that, rather randomly, is home to a colony of wallabies – brought over as a “souvenir” from Australia by Lady Arran Colquhoun over 80 years ago.
On our way to Inveraray, we stopped at the Rest and be Thankful Viewpoint, to…rest and be thankful (the name is pretty self explanatory), and it was already starting to feel like the Highlands, with steep glens and rugged peaks stretching into the distance.
Inveraray was a lovely place to wander the streets and stretch our legs after lunch. We also got to peek into the gardens of the Inveraray Castle, but didn’t go inside as it was closed.
Afterwards we headed to Kilmartin Glen, where the landscape is dotted with standing stones (which sheep seem to have adopted as roundabouts), and ancient burial cairns. These stones are thought to date back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, and while archaeologists have developed several theories, nobody knows for certain what they were built for.
Our favourite theories come from the locals rather than archaeologists: that they were once humans turned into stone as punishment, or that they are gateways to the “Otherworld” – the realm of fairies and spirits.
We wrapped up the day in Oban, often known as the “Gateway to the Isles”. We absolutely loved this town. The seafood here is some of the best you’ll find anywhere in Scotland, and watching the boats bobbing in the harbour was simply the perfect way to end the first day of our Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour.
Where to Stay in Oban
When booking this 5 day Scotland tour with Experience Scotland’s Wild, you can either book your own accommodation or have them arrange it for you. In some areas, accommodation options are quite limited, so unless you book well in advance, their service may be the only choice. Since we planned ahead, we chose to book our own accommodation for the entire trip. Here are our recommendations on where to stay in Oban:
Day 2: Oban to Isle of Skye
Day two of our Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour started with watching the sunrise by the Oban promenade, where plenty Black Guillemots (cute little birds that look like a walking advertisement for the next Venom movie) were doing their best mating dances.
Note that if your accommodation doesn’t include breakfast, a bit of planning may be needed in places like Oban. Check ahead if there is any nearby café that opens early, or pick something up from a supermarket the night before. Most restaurants and cafés open quite late and close fairly early.
Today’s main highlight was driving through Glencoe, the place that defines the Scottish Highlands in most people’s imagination. It’s an absolutely spectacular drive, with massive mountains rising dramatically on both sides, waterfalls at every turn, and viewpoints offering postcard perfect scenery – we stopped at the Three Sisters viewpoint to take it all in. Lunch was at the Glencoe Visitor Centre, where we also got to see a turf house replica.
In 1692 a shocking act of betrayal took place in Glencoe, known as the Glencoe Massacre. Government troops were sent to the home of Clan MacDonald and killed about 38 clan members after living among them as guests for nearly 2 weeks. The attack was ordered as punishment because the MacDonalds had been slow(!!) to swear allegiance to King William III.
We also stopped at Kilchurn Castle, where we saw our first Highland cows of the trip (a highlight in itself, and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise), and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, instantly recognisable to Harry Potter fans as the route of the Hogwarts Express.
If you are exploring Scotland without a car, you might cross to the Isle of Skye by ferry, but we took the Skye Bridge instead, and the views were impeccable. We spent the night in Portree, the cutest town ever, where finding a place for dinner is not for the weak of heart – make a reservation in advance, or be prepared to rely on supermarket snacks. Now, not to toot our own horn, but we managed to get a table both nights – luck or pure charm? You’ll never know! (It was definitely luck)
Where to Stay in Portree
If you think finding a restaurant for dinner is hard in Portree, we have some bad news: finding accommodation isn’t much easier. Planning ahead is key if you want good value for money.
“Good value” in Portree is very subjective, as accommodation is limited and reasonably priced places disappear in the blink of an eye. Also, don’t expect luxury, most places are fairly simple.
Here are our recommendations for where to stay in Portree during your Isle of Skye tour:
Day 3: Isle of Skye Tour
Day 3 of our Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour started with a delicious breakfast at Birch Cafe and a stroll past the town’s colourful harbour houses, which bring so much life to the waterfront.
Our first stop of the day was the Fairy Pools (not part of the original itinerary), which turned out to be the best morning walk one could ask for. Surrounded by mountains, we followed a trail alongside a series of crystal clear waterfalls and natural pools. Continuing the fairy theme, we later visited the Fairy Glen, with its rolling green hills and unusual rock formations that look like something straight out of a fairy tale.
We also got our fair share of castles, with a visit to the ruins of Duntulm Castle, and the lovely Dunvegan Castle – the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. We explored the interior, wandered through the gardens, and sat by Loch Dunvegan, home to a resident colony of grey seals, hoping one would pop up to say hello, but without luck (rude…).
You can purchase an additional ticket for a seal-spotting boat tour, which gives you a much better chance of seeing them.
After lunch, I left my forehead marked on the van’s glass for posterity, as I couldn’t stop staring at the jagged cliffs rising from the sea and rugged landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula. From Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls to the iconic Old Man of Storr, we were in awe. We didn’t have as much time as we would have liked at the Old Man of Storr, only managing a rushed hike to a lower viewpoint. The weather also turned rather quickly, so we’ll definitely be back for a proper hike.
Kilt Rock is said to resemble a pleated kilt, although the resemblance is easier to appreciate in photos taken from the water than from the viewpoint. To get a good view of Mealt Falls, you may need to lean out from the lookout, but it remains impressive even when the water flow is low, as it was during our visit.
We ended the day once again in Portree, thinking how much we wished we had more time on this island. Could not believe we had already visited some of the biggest highlights (for us) of this Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour.
Most tours only include one night in Portree, which, after our experience, feels far too short.
Day 4: Isle of Skye to Inverness
Day 4 of our Highlands and Isle of Skye Tour was relatively short in terms of driving time, which allowed us to arrive early in Inverness and enjoy the city often referred to as the “capital of the Highlands”.
This morning we got to wash our faces twice – once at the hotel, and once in the river that flows past Sligachan Old Bridge (not part of the original itinerary). This river is said to have been blessed by fairies and grants eternal beauty and youth to anyone who dunks their face in the water for seven seconds and lets it dry naturally. I can now confidently testify the enchanted water is broken.
It was time to wave goodbye to the Isle of Skye and head to the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, where we had time to stop and explore. Some people chose to go inside, while others stayed in the grounds. It’s a stunning castle, although we would have loved to see it at high tide.
If you plan on going inside the castle, leave your backpack or bag in the van, as you won’t be allowed in with it, and the alternative is an overpriced locker.
Next up was the highly anticipated Loch Ness cruise, which departs from Urquhart Castle. To be fair, the anticipation mostly came from everyone except us, as I had already done the cruise in the past and found it a bit overrated. However, many people love it – even though Nessie hasn’t been making many public appearances lately.
Around 4pm we were dropped off in Inverness, still with enough daylight to explore the city. We stopped by Leakey’s Bookshop (the cutest bookshop in the Highlands), grabbed something to eat at Victoria Market, and ended the day with one last pint in the Highlands at Hootananny.
Where to Stay in Inverness
Inverness is quite a large city compared to the locations of the previous overnight stays, so it’s fairly easy to find accommodation that suits your needs. Here are our top recommendations for where to stay in Inverness during your 5 day Scotland tour:
Day 5: Inverness to Edinburgh
The final day of our Edinburgh to Isle of Skye tour had arrived, and we couldn’t stop thinking about how much variety we had experienced in just five days – it felt rewarding, but also a little sad that it was coming to an end.
Our day started with an important history lesson on the grounds of Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. Our guide showed us around and shared both the “historically accurate” version of the events (as recorded in books), as well as what some Scots believe happened. It was extremely interesting.
We were given the option of booking an additional guided tour with the battlefield guides, but we didn’t feel it was necessary, as our guide did an amazing job.
To lift everyone’s spirits, it was time for whisky tasting at Dalwhinnie Distillery, famous for producing a gentle Highland single malt – a style that appeals to both newcomers and experienced whisky drinkers.
On the way back to Edinburgh, we made a final surprise stop at The Hermitage forest, which is an absolute gem and exactly the kind of touch of nature that day needed to end up on a high note.
Before we knew it, it was 6:40pm and we had arrived in Edinburgh, and it was time to say goodbye to our wonderful guide and travel companions after 5 days exploring Scotland.
Pros & Cons of the Isle of Skye Tour
All in all our Highlands & Isle of Skye Tour with Experience Scotland’s Wild was fantastic, and it’s a tour we would happily join again. However, like any trip, there are a few things we would do differently. They may come down to personal preference, but we’ll share them anyway:
What We Loved about the 5 Day Scotland Tour
It’s also worth mentioning that there were plenty of toilet stops throughout the trip, and most locations allowed enough time to enjoy the surroundings and snap some photos. Another detail we appreciated was that we were picked up and dropped off directly at our accommodation each day, which meant no dragging luggage to random meeting points.
A Few Things We’d Change
Although you spend many hours on the bus during these tours, it didn’t feel that way, as several stops were made along the route. That said, if you are not used to long travel days, it might feel a bit intense to be on the go from morning until somewhere between 4:30 to 8pm.
5 Day Scotland Tour: Our Honest Review
The Highlands and Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh with Experience Scotland’s Wild was exactly what we were looking for, and we’re happy to recommend it. The itinerary hits all the right stops, and while there aren’t any big hikes, there are plenty of walks in stunning locations. A decent level of fitness is still needed though, which is also why kids under 12 aren’t allowed on this tour.
Not gonna lie, being able to see everything without having to drive ourselves was a big win.
Be ready for quick weather changes – we had a few rainy moments, but as the Scots say, “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes”. And sure enough, the rain would pass and the blue skies would be back just as fast.
The pace and variety were spot on, with a nice mix of history and nature. There was plenty of time to chat with the guide and the group, but never in a forced way. We still had our own space, while also having a great bunch of people to laugh and share stories with when we felt like it.
Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh FAQ
Is accommodation, meals and all visits/activities included in the price?
The five day Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh with Experience Scotland’s Wild doesn’t include accommodation and meals. That said, you’ll always have free bottles of water available, and our guide kept everyone going with a (dangerously) generous supply of sweets throughout the trip.
A few of the castles we visited require entry tickets bought on arrival, usually between £13.00 and £17.50. On top of that, both the Loch Ness cruise (£36) and the whisky tasting (£26) are optional extras.
What are the start and end locations of the 5 day Scotland tour from Experience Scotland’s Wild?
You can book 3, 5, and 7 day tours starting from either Edinburgh or Glasgow. However, all tours always end in Edinburgh, right in front of The Jolly Botanist – which is also the Edinburgh pickup point.
What should I bring?
Bring a light waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Depending on the time of year, gloves and a beanie can also come in handy. If you’re travelling between April and September, it’s a good idea to have some midge repellent with you. We did see plenty of midges, but they didn’t seem too interested in biting us, so there’s no need to panic – still, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Do Experience Scotland’s Wild offer other tours?
We only joined this particular tour*, but Experience Scotland’s Wild also runs a range of other options, including multi-day itineraries and day trips from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. If you’re short on time and just looking for a day trip, these could be worth checking out:
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