From Edinburgh: 4-Day Isle of Skye & Glenfinnan Tour
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Edinburgh, Scotland
- 4 days (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Cover plenty of ground and see the best of the Scottish Highlands—including the Isle of Skye—on this comprehensive 4-day, 3-night guided tour from Edinburgh. Skip the hassle of having to plan an itinerary yourself, and journey through the West Highlands to learn about Scotland's fascinating people, places, and history. See the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, spend time aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, visit Loch Ness—keep an eye out for its mythical monster—enjoy unbeatable photo ops in Glencoe, and so much more.
- Hassle-free: Accommodation, breakfast, and transport is all taken care of
- Let your driver navigate the Highland's tricky roads for you
- A local guide adds context and insight you'd miss if visiting independently
- Begins and ends at an easy-to-find meeting spot in central Edinburgh
What's Included
- 3 nights of accommodation
- Breakfast x 3
- Professional guide
- 1-way journey on the Jacobite Steam Train (summer only - subject to availability)
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel pickup and drop off at the beginning and end of the tour
- Optional Cruise on Loch Ness£30.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1, 192 Parliament Sqr, High St1, Loch Ness Discovery Centre, 192 Parliament Sqr, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK
Caffè Nero, 1 Parliament Square, 192 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK
End point
- 22 St Andrew Sq, Edinburgh EH2 1AY, UK
Start time.8:30 am
Ticket Redemption Point
Caffè Nero, 1, 192 Parliament Sqr, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK
Itinerary
Day 1
Edinburgh to Fort Augustus
3 Stops
1
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Glencoe (Pass By)
2
Fort Augustus
15 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight: Fort Augustus
Meals: Not included
Day 2
Explore the Loch Ness
3 Stops
1
Fort Augustus
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
Eilean Donan Castle
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Isle of Skye
15 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight: Skye
Meals: Not included
Day 3
Explore Skye
4 Stops
1
Portree
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
The Old Man of Storr
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Kilt Rock
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Sligachan Old Bridge
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight: Skye
Meals: Not included
Day 4
Skye to Edinburgh
3 Stops
1
Mallaig
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
Mallaig
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
3
Pitlochry
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Not included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- If you are travelling alone, please choose the ‘Single Room’ option or we may not be able to accept your booking
- Double/twin room: these rooms are for 2 people. If 3 people choose this option, you will be allocated a family room for 3, subject to availability. If you prefer 2 rooms, you must choose ‘Single Room’ for one person
- Children under 3 years not accepted. Proof of ID for children may be required at check in.
- Luggage Restrictions: Maximum weight: 15kg. Maximum size: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm per person plus small carry on
- The Jacobite Steam Train journey is subject to operation by West Coast Railways.
- The Jacobite Steam Train operates seasonally from April to October.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 100 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
First of all the Isle of Sky is beautiful!
Our guide Hugh made the experience amazing his knowledge and
love of the highlands created a exceptional trip for all of us.
He entertained us with interesting history and lore of the area,
and top it by playing the bagpipes.
Our B and B were also great
Our bus driver and tour guide, Stewart, was informative and entertaining as he drove us around Scotland. The bed and breakfast accommodations were lovely and clean. The only, but serious, complaint I have is that the company did not keep the 2 rooms for our family together on the first day despite an email that said that they would. That meant that I had to stay in one room with one daughter and my husband had to stay with our other daughter in an another room at another location. The other 2 days, we were placed in the same bed and breakfast location. All in all, a good family vacation.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Hi Joy
We are glad to hear that you had a great time exploring scotland! Thank you for the feedback on your room situation we apologies and will pay closer attention in the future.
We hope to see you again soon!
Kind regards
Teddy
Highland Experience
Our tour guide Stuart was awesome. He knew everything he kept the trip alive. I learned so much. The trip itself was just awesome and you have to go!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Hi,
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a great experience with Stuart, and we're thrilled that you learned so much along the way.
We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another Highlands adventure in the future!
Kind regards,
Siobhan
Highland Experience Tours
A great tour if you have 4 days and want to see everything. Key highlights are the boat ride on Loch Lomand ( didn’t see Nessie), the Steam Train, 2 Castles, the natural Beauty of the Isle of Skye, and feeding the Coo’s. But there were so many other sights that Craig pointed out or stopped at along the way. Craig was excellent both as a tour guide but also in how he ensured everyone was comfortable and taken care of for dinner and B&B’s.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hello,
Thank you for your excellent review of our tour and I am delighted you had such a great experience with us.
Kind regards,
Scott,
Highland Experience Tours
John our driver/guide was fabulous! We learned so much! He took us to so many beautiful places with breathtaking scenery and fun things to do. The Jacobite Steam train was a highlight for me! And we loved John's musical selections too!!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello,
Thank you for your excellent review of our tour and I am delighted you had a such a great experience with our guide John.
Kind regards,
Scott
Highland Experience Tours
We stayed in small charming accommodations with lovely service and excellent food. If you have mobility issues it is important to let people know as some rooms were up hills and on upper floors with stairs only.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello,
Thank you for your excellent review of our tour and I am delighted you had a such a great experience with our guide.
I note your comment regarding mobility and stairs, and yes it is always useful to know if there is anything we should be aware of at the time of booking so we can organise the best locations.
Kind regards,
Highland Experience Tours
It was one of the best tours I've ever been on.
Our guide, Craig, was incredible; he tailored the tour to everyone. We visited more places than planned, allowing us to see even more of Scotland's beauty.
He shared some of Scotland's history as we passed through the various places and provided information on the various topics related to the landscape of Scotland.
On the first day, we stopped to see the various bridges that connect Edinburgh with the east of Scotland and had the opportunity to see a train passing over the Forth Bridge. Then we headed north, where we stopped in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park to see and feed Highland Coo, which was an unforgettable experience. We continued our journey and stopped in Glencoe to admire the scenery. Finally, we arrived in Fort Augustus, where we spent the night.
The B&B we stayed at in Fort Augustus, Abbey Cottage Bed & Breakfast, although small, was very welcoming, with a very varied breakfast. It was close to the Caledonian Canal and the village centre.
On the second day, we purchased the optional excursion that included a boat trip on Loch Ness and admission to Urquhart Castle, both with breathtaking views.
On our way to Eilean Donan Castle, we stopped at Invermoriston Bridge, where we saw the Summer House and the Upper Falls.
We had lunch at Eilean Donan Castle, where I ate an incredible venison meat pie.
Eilean Donan Castle is an essential stop when visiting Scotland; it's an iconic landscape, and the castle is very well preserved.
We ended the day on the Isle of Skye, where we went to Portee to see the town and shop and then continued to Uig, where we spent two nights.
The Highland Experience Tours team organized and booked the restaurants for the two nights we spent in Uig due to a shortage of restaurants. This led to group meals that were great fun and allowed us to get to know our travel partners and guide, Craig, better.
At the B&B we stayed at in Uig, Cuil Lodge Bed & Breakfast, we had the best hosts possible. Margaret and Sandy were incredible, always available to help with the best route for a hike or carrying our bags.
The third day was dedicated entirely to the Isle of Skye. In the morning, we went to the Fairy Pools and the Cuillin Mountains, where the scenery was like a painting. The waterfalls and lakes of the Fairy Pools were breathtaking. We also stopped at the Talisker distillery.
We returned to Portee for lunch and in the afternoon headed north to the Trotternish Peninsula, where the scenery was incredible. We stopped in The Old Man of Storr, the Kilt Rock Waterfall, and the Skye Museum of Island Life, all incredible sites. We ended the day at The Isle of Skye Brewing Company. We went to dinner at the Uig Hotel, where the dinner was excellent. After dinner, Craig was incredible and took us to The Fairy Glen, where the scenery was particularly stunning due to the time of day.
The fourth and final day was dedicated to Harry Potter. In the morning, we departed Uig for Armadele, where we caught the ferry to Mallaig. In Mallaig, we arrived in time to see the Jacobite Steam Train (also known as The Hogwarts Express) arrive at the station, which was incredible. Afterwards, we boarded the same train and saw Dumbledore's Isle, where his tomb was filmed, and passed through the Glenfinnan Viaduct, an unforgettable experience. We ended the train journey in Fort William, where we returned to the bus. We returned to Edinburgh through Cairngorms National Park, where we stopped to see more Highland Coos.
Craig was an extremely attentive guide; always trying to cater to everyone. He even bought the group whiskey fudge at the Skye Museum of Island Life and a chocolate frog for the Jacobite Steam Train ride. It's these kinds of gestures that transform a simple excursion into an incredible and unforgettable memory.
If I return to Scotland, I will try to do another tour with Craig.
Highland Experience Tours did an excellent job with the tour route and accommodations. If I return to Scotland, I intend to use Highland Experience Tours in the future.
Thank you for the unforgettable experience.
Dora Ferraz e Francisca Ferraz
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi guys!
Thank you both so much for your incredibly detailed and thoughtful review! We're absolutely delighted to hear that your 4-Day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train tour was one of the best you’ve ever experienced, what a huge compliment!
Craig will be over the moon to know how much of a positive impact he had on your journey. His passion for sharing Scotland, his thoughtful gestures, and his dedication to making each tour unique truly shine through in your story. It sounds like you experienced the very best of Scottish scenery, history, and hospitality, from Highland Coos to iconic castles, unforgettable landscapes, and even a touch of Harry Potter magic.
We’re also so pleased to hear that your stays at Abbey Cottage and Cuil Lodge added to the charm of the trip, and we’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Margaret, Sandy, and the rest of the extended team who helped make your adventure special.
Thank you again for choosing Highland Experience Tours and for taking the time to share such a heartfelt review. We'd be absolutely thrilled to welcome you back to Scotland in the future—especially with Craig as your guide once again!
With warmest wishes,
Highland Experience Tours
Stefan was a great guide. Even saved us from an angry bogle.
We saw and learned more than you’d possibly think, from the clan battles to myths to geology and history.
Since we will be seeing more of Scotland after the tour, he wrote a list of sites for us to visit on our own.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi,
Thank you for such a fantastic review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the 4-Day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train tour and that you survived the angry bogle thanks to Stefan! 😄
It’s wonderful to hear that Stefan’s knowledge and storytelling added so much depth to your journey, from clan history and myths to geology and beyond. It’s just like him to go the extra mile and help you plan the rest of your Scotland adventure, we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words.
Wishing you many more amazing sights as you continue exploring this beautiful country. Come back and tour with us again anytime!
Warm regards,
Highland Experience Tours
Very fun and off the beaten path tour. Lots of time in the van though. Our guide was so knowledgeable and unflappable, always considerate and a great driver.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hello Karen,
Thank you for excellent review of our tour. I am delighted that you had an amazing time with our guide too.
Kind regards,
Scott
Highland Experience Tours
John is professional, nice and helpful. He told us history of Scotland and brought us to additional secret spots. Under his proper arrangement, everything went smooth and all of us enjoyed. We would love to meet with John again if we visited Highland in the future.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi there,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience on our 4-Day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train tour! We're thrilled to hear you had a great time and that John made the trip both smooth and memorable with his professionalism and local insights. We love that you appreciated the hidden gems along the way — it's one of our favorite parts of exploring the Highlands.
We’d be delighted to welcome you back anytime — and John would be just as happy to guide you again on your next Highland adventure!
Kind regards,
Helen
Highland Experience Tours
It has been great! The pacing was good, our guide Stefan was lovely :) he really did his best to make sure we got to see everything and more!! He was also very knowledgable about nature, myths and legends and history. Can definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to get the most out of Skye!! It is a magical place and we got to see so many beautiful spots on the island!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi Mandy,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! It's wonderful to hear that you had a 5* experience on your 4-day Skye and the Jacobite Train tour with Stefan. I'm delighted that you enjoyed the amazing beauty of the Isle of Skye.
It's great to hear that Stefan went above and beyond to give all of those on board an excellent experience in the Highlands! I will be sure to pass along your kind words to Stefan who will be delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour.
We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
Kind regards,
Cameron
Highland Experience Tours
The tour conductor,Cameron made the tour!- He was soo knowledgeable of the history & locations. He even stopped at out of the way interesting sites. He went above & beyond to show the countryside , that he obviously loves.
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi there,
Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Cameron made your tour special with his knowledge and passion for the Scottish countryside. It’s great that you got to enjoy some of those hidden gems along the way—he truly does love sharing the places that mean so much to him. We hope to see you again for another Highland adventure!
Kind regards,
Helen
Highland Experience
Fantastic 4 days enjoying Isle of Skye and surroundings. Cameron is a great driver and expert tour guide, full of energy, information, stories. Our days were filled with amazing sights and adventures, never a boring minute. We had a chance to go to Glenfinnan viaduct but missed the train by two minutes. Is doable and proper planning would have given us the opportunity to see the train go by.
Clarification of the end point would be helpful. We were dropped off on the other side of Waverly station and all of us had a long walk to the hotels near Royal Mile where the tour started.
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi Elsa,
Thank you for your kind 5* review! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed your four-day journey through the Isle of Skye and surrounding areas. Cameron’s energy, expertise, and storytelling truly make for an unforgettable experience, and delighted that you found the sights and adventures captivating.
I appreciate your suggestion regarding the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the end point of the tour. Your feedback helps us improve the experience, and I’ll make sure your comments are passed along to the team.
Thank you once again for choosing Highland Experience Tours, and we hope to welcome you on another adventure in the future!
Kind regards,
Cameron
Highland Experience Tours
We loved this opportunity to see Isle of Skye and have all the details taken care of. Unfortunately, the regular tour guide was not with us and the tour guide they had fill in had very few details about logistics. He did his best, but we got caught with 0 options for dinner in Uig (very remote). Our B&B host took pity on us and made arrangements including taking us in her personal car). In some of the stops, we needed reservations for tours (that were sold out) so we couldn’t fully enjoy the visit. Restroom stops were sometimes too long for comfort. Home office needs to coordinate more with tour staff.
We did love the beauty of our stops, our lovely B&B hosts and our fellow travelers.
Note that the bus seats are a little cramped and after 3 days we were glad to be out of the seats.
Our tour guide/driver Rose was great! Very informative and a wealth of knowledge of the area, history and folklore. Enjoyed her stories throughout the journey! She made sure to point out notable locations that passengers were interested in and made it fun for us with costumes, music and more! Great tour overall!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us this excellent review!
We are so pleased that you enjoyed the company of your knowledgeable tour guide, Rose. We love to go above and beyond for our valued passengers and incorporate as much Scottish folklore as possible into our tours!
If there is anything we could have done better, we are always keen to receive passenger feedback at info@highlandexperience.com.
Kind regards,
Georgina
Highland Experience Tours
Tour guide was very informative and accommodating. The scenery was out of this world. Accommodation was good.
Response from Host, May 2024
Hi Mark,
Thank you for your lovely 5* review, I am delighted to hear that you had such a lovely time exploring more of Scotland on your 4 day tour!
We hope to welcome you on another tour in the future.
Kind regards,
Gracie Mae
Highland Experience
We were so pleased with our trip. Our guide, Rose, was a registered Scottish story teller. Sharing her wealth of historical knowledge along with great tales of the area. The accommodations were fine. It’s was a great value considering all that we did and experienced.
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