Isle of Skye Day Trip from Inverness

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Inverness, Scotland

11 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye on a full-day trip through the Scottish Highlands. Pass through glens and rugged mountain scenery, with stops at Loch Ness, Broadford, and the ruins of Eilean Donan Castle, before reaching the purple heather–swathed hillsides of Skye. Then pass through the Isle of Eilean Ban on the journey back to Inverness.

Pass Loch Ness and stop for incredible views at Eilean Donan Castle
Cross Skye Bridge and stop for lunch in Portree
Free time in Portree to explore
Enjoy round-trip transportation from Inverness

What's Included

Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
Driver/guide

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

25 Union St, Inverness IV1 1QA, UK

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.8:00 am

Itinerary

This day trip from Inverness takes you to the dramatic Isle of Skye, heading southwest by minivan to the rugged Scottish Highlands. Your first stop is Loch Ness, home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Stop for a break at Invermoriston and spot the Thomas Telford Bridge before continuing on through Glen Moriston and passing alongside the Five Sisters mountain range. Disembark at Eilean Donan Castle for a look at the sprawling ruins along the banks of Loch Duich.

Upon reaching Kyle of Lochalsh, your vehicle crosses the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, passing through Broadford as you make your way north.

Next, cross over the bridge to Skye and head for Kyleakin, where there’s a stop for lunch. Your tour of this magical island takes in the stunningly beautiful sight of the Cuillin Hills on the road to Portree, the capital of Skye, and its colorful harbor.

Enjoy sea views of the Isle of Rum before re-boarding the minivan for the return journey. Pass the village of Achnasheen, Black Isle, and the isle of Eilean Ban—home to British novelist Gavin Maxwell—arriving in Inverness in the evening.

Loch Ness (Pass By)

Invermoriston

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Eilean Donan Castle

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Portree

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Kilt Rock

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Black Cuillin (Pass By)

Sligachan Old Bridge

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Strathcarron (Pass By)

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
Children under 3 years not accepted. Valid proof of ID for children may be required at check in
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Barbara_S

Our tour guide Graeme was fabulous. Skye is stunningly beautiful. Totally recommend this tour. Excellent!

Reviews

4.4

based on 387 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Tour company canceled at...

Tracy_R, Dec 2025

Tour company canceled at last minute. Unprofessional. Will not book with or recommend this company again.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Hi Tracy, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by the late cancellation. This isn’t the experience we aim to provide, and cancellations are only made when unavoidable. We regret that the alternative dates offered weren’t suitable and appreciate you sharing your feedback. Kind regards, Cameron Highland Experience Tours

Even though it was rainy...

Joan_S, Oct 2025

Even though it was rainy & windy, our guide, David made this an enjoyable experience. His knowledge of history is exceptional! We thoroughly enjoyed our trip!

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Hello, Thank you for your excellent review of out tour and I am delighted you had such a great experience with our guide David. Kind regards, Highland Experience Tours

Avoid at all costs

Steven_B, Jul 2025

AVOID THIS COMPANY. They are deceptive and dishonest. We had a 8:20 PM train to take, so we booked this Isle of Skye tour since it was listed as 10 hours long, starting at 8 AM. It should have returned at 6 PM. I messaged them to verify it, and they said it wouldn't get back until 7:45 PM - far too close to the train time for comfort. Of course, they didn't message me back until less than 24 hours until the tour left meaning I couldn't cancel. Then, when I pointed this out to them, instead of offering a refund, or even apologizing for a mistake in the listing, they instead changed the Viator listed to say 11.5 hours and had the nerve to message me to act like it had always been 11.5 hours. With no other choice, we did go on the tour with Natalie. She's obviously a guide who hates her job. While she gave us info on each sight as we approached it, she otherwise completely avoided the group acting as a driver alone instead of as a tour guide. If you are looking to go to Skye, go with Rabbie's, not Highland Experiences.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re genuinely sorry to hear that your experience with us did not meet your expectations. We would like to clarify a few points. The duration of the Isle of Skye tour was recently updated on our website not to mislead anyone, but to correct an earlier discrepancy in the tour length. We noticed that the listed time did not accurately reflect the true duration of the tour, so we promptly corrected it. We understand that this may have caused some confusion, and we truly regret any inconvenience. You messaged us outside of our business hours, and we responded as soon as our team was back online the following morning. At that time, we provided you with the most accurate return time so you could make an informed decision. Regarding your experience on the tour itself, we’re disappointed to hear that it didn’t meet the standard we aim to provide. Natalie is typically well-reviewed by guests, but we will follow up internally to ensure that all guides maintain a high level of engagement and professionalism throughout the entire tour. We always aim for clear communication and transparency, and we’re sorry to hear that you felt otherwise in this instance. We appreciate your feedback and will use it as part of our ongoing effort to improve. Kind regards, Highland Experience Tours

Great tour!

Sadie_K, Jul 2025

Had an amazing experience. David our guide was amazing. He went out of his way to make sure we were all happy. He was very informative about the island, and I learned a lot. Highly recommended.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Hi there, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear you had such an amazing experience and that David helped make your tour so special. He’s a fantastic guide who genuinely cares about each guest’s experience, so it’s wonderful to hear his efforts made a difference. We’re also glad you enjoyed learning about the island there’s so much history and beauty to take in, and it sounds like you made the most of it! Thank you for the recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back on another tour in the future. Best wishes, Highland Experience Tours

Skye

Barbara_S, Jun 2025

Our tour guide Graeme was fabulous. Skye is stunningly beautiful. Totally recommend this tour. Excellent!

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Hi there, Thank you for your kind 5* review! It's amazing to hear how much you enjoyed your 3-day tour with Graham. I’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to him. I’m delighted you had such a wonderful experience, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Scotland! Kind regards, Cameron Highland Experience Tours

Great experience!!

Luisa_C, Mar 2024

Paul was super friendly , had a great sense of humour. Great driver and was very knowledgeable. I felt very comfortable with the group of people in this excursion. I would give more than 5 stars !! Enjoyed myself today visiting the Isle of Skye

Family Adventure to Isle of Skye!

Bryn_L, Nov 2023

We had Stefan for our tour guide and he was amazing. We got some awesome Scottish history and folklore stories about the attractions we were going to along the drive up there. We were a family of 7 adults on this trip and it worked out so nicely on the 16 passenger van tour. You’ll get to explore inside Elian Donan castle if you make good time (which is very worth it!), stop to dunk your head in the enchanted Waters of Sligachan that supposedly gives you eternal youth and good luck, and if you’re lucky, the local farmer that has all the highland coos (cows) will have his herd grazing on the pasture near your route for a quick photo op and maybe feeding them a carrot or two. The town of Portree is an excellent place for food, but be wary about going past November 24th, as a lot of the shops close for the winter.

Skyes the limit.

Stephanie_P, Jul 2023

It was stunningly beautiful, and the guide took time to tell us the wonders of Scotland. Made us with we was a Scot. Fairy pools rounded out our day.

Isle of Skye Tour

Julie_W, Jan 2023

Comfortable vehicle with a knowledgeable and considerate guide. The driver pointed out items of interest along the way and ensured we all had an enjoyable excursion.

Isle of Skye Tour

David_S, Nov 2022

There were many highlights during the tour. I cannot really single out just one. Chris is a fantastic guide; very well informed, professional, and courteous. He took great care of the group.

Disappointing Driver was nice

JudyHarradine, Oct 2022

The bus was very crowded. We were added on for 1 day of a three day tour out of Edinburg so were not really part of the group. Since it was very wet not so good for jumping in/out of the bus. It would have been nice to adjust tour to spend an additional hour Poetree. Expensive for a long wet ride.

Incredible experience!!! Best way to get a few facts about the area and take in the views!!

Leike_M, Sep 2022

Our tour guide, Chris, was phenomenally entertaining and knowledgeable! It was an incredible experience driving to and through the Isle of Skye, Chris was full of trivia about the origin of the island and its mythology. And the scenery was gorgeous! He allowed for multiple stops to rest and take in the views. Would definitely recommend!!!

Worth doing but a little disorganised

Mike_J, Sep 2022

Dramatic landscapes and beautiful scenery. 32 seat (not 16) was second of 3day tour so was fairly full on arrival. Had chosen this company as was scheduled to end at 6pm whereas most others ended at 8 so disappointed to get back at 8. Cheerful driver but a bit disorganised on his timings and stoppages

Just okay

Amber_D, Sep 2022

This day tour was a part of a 3 day tour. So joining on day 2, our tour guide told us everyone had “already claimed their seats” and that my husband and I would have to separate to the front and back of the bus - with 4 solo travelers who each had their own row, unwilling to shuffle to let us be together on a 12 hour tour.

An absolutely glorious part of Scotland!

Rob_J, Aug 2022

Our day trip to Skye was amazing! The scenery was breathtaking and there were more marvels around every corner. Our large kilted guide was friendly, helpful and humorous, despite his taste in awful heavy music! Ouch. More traditional old Scottish music please.

Meh tour

Stephanie_S, Aug 2022

I didn't want to write a review until I had another tour buy another guide. I had them back to back. I had booked this tour as a smaller one, 8 people. In the beginning I sat on the stance 7 waiting with an older couple. At 8am, when our tour was to begin, there was no van bus or anything. The older couple got a call, I didn't, from the driver who was parked on the side road in a massive bus. We where the last to get on. Them being elderly,and using a cane, it was very unfortunate. He said he had been looking for us. No one had come looking at all. We where at the spot we where told to be at. We left and he didn't seem to have much to say outside of jokes on most subjects but others subjects it was good information. It was a hit or miss though. He stopped off for random people to get a coffee and breakfast before we even hit Urquhart Castle, when the rest of us where ready for our tour. He drove so dang fast some times that we literally, in the back, could feel the curb as he went over it. I get the roads are narrow but going like a bat out of hell to make time was frightening. He did do some brilliant stops and was jovial and the dipping our faces was a ton of fun. The music was atrocious most the time. There was a point where I started to read The Last Exorcism just to try to block it out. It's the only thing I could think of outside of slamming my head repeatedly against the window. We didn't get to our final spot and instead he took us to overlook Urquhart Castle. Then barreled us back to Inverness. I know he meant well and was a nice guy it just wasn't at all what I expected or paid for. Today's tour, I booked on another site, was amazing. The whole bus clapped at the end of it. It's like comparing apples to carrots. One is just sweeter.

Considering the circumstances a good experience, very nice views !

Kevin_D, Aug 2022

The Isles of Skye are really worth seeing. Driver very competent and solution oriented. Unfortunately, the bus stalled a number of times. The passengers and bus driver remained calm under this. Plenty of stops to look around. I would make the stop in Portree 1h30 instead 1h. I had a pleasant time. Thank you.

I was very disappointed...

JustinShane_W, Aug 2022

I was very disappointed that we didn’t go tour inside Eilean Donan Castle. We only got to take pictures down the road always away from the castle which was unexpected since the Viator sign up specifically said that we were going inside and that we needed to purchase tickets for that. I specially signed up for the tour so that we could tour the castle. I was very disappointed since I researched and went back and forth on which tour to choose. I also thought the tour was very long. Tour guide was great and knowledgeable.

Great Day Out!

Aimee_R, Jul 2022

Had an amazing day, our driver/guide Jamie showed us all the best the spots with great stories, laughs and music along the way. Highly recommend for a day trip of Skye.

Go see the Isle of Skye

Mary_A, Jul 2022

Everything was amazing from the many Lochs to the gorgeous mountains. But, didn't see Nessie! Our guide Jamie was so informative. His music play was fantastic. We felt very confident in his driving. So many sites to see.

Excellent option for a time limited stay!

Galina_R, May 2022

A great trip for the one and half days we had in Inverness. The itinerary is pretty intensive as it includes many of the major sites in the area. The guide was excellent! Very knowledgeable and entertaining - he went above and beyond to share stories and show the beauty of Scotland!

A highlight of our visit to highland and isles

Patrick_L, Apr 2022

Rob is extremely knowledgeable and professional, not to mention his hilarious story telling and witty jokes to lighten up the mood throughout our journey. All you can ask for in a tour guide and more!

Well worth the money

Tim_R, Sep 2021

Very enjoyable and informative. Beautiful scenery and stunning views. Well worth the money. Driver was knowledgeable and funny.

Inconsiderate people, a bumpy ride

Pauline_V, Sep 2021

Scenery spectacular. Forced into rear seats due to preference being given to others. Mask wearing not enforced by driver putting us at risk. Constant lateness back to bus by others became extremely irritating. High speed journey on way back very uncomfortable. Not a very good experience and poor value for money

Super

Gyuzel_Z, Aug 2021

Our really enjoyed my trip! So many places! The weather, the guide was just perfect!! I strongly recommend this tour to all

Good but confusing on pick up

john_G, Aug 2021

The trip was great but the tour company Viator should have told us the tour operator was Timberbush There were many tour companies - Rabbies , Wow, etc at that meeting point and we nearly missed our bus because we were not told we were with Timberbush Because we were waiting we got the worst last bumpy seats over the wheel .

Isle of Skye one-day trip

Aneta, Aug 2021

Steven made sure everybody had a great day full of amazing views and fun and learnt a lot about Isle of Skye history. We were kept entertained and appreciated that Steven extended the trip to the Talisker distillery which wasn't originally included as part of the trip but was an amazing addition to it and we were grateful for that. Thank you for a wonderful trip! Highly recommended! Aneta

Excellent trip! Your guide with passion.

Bridget_T, Jun 2021

Rory was the best. We joined a 3 day trip for just the day to Skye and was made to feel welcome with the others on the bus. He had so much information about Skye and you could tell he really enjoys the place himself. Love his humor and how he shared a little about himself-makes the long day much more “intimate”. Our family of four thoroughly enjoyed this trip. We would certainly go on another. Wish we had booked the entire 3 day trip.

Trip to Skye with Steve hakken

Jak_W, Jun 2021

Great trip,lovely views and MR hakken was a very good driver with knowledge about the sights and a genuine love for Scotland. His stories were brilliant and he told them well , he navigated those winding roads like a old pro. All in all great trip .hidden pools was my favourite stop along was dùn beag round house best view in my opinion

Disappointing

Elizabeth_M, Oct 2020

Although the price was to include the entrance to Eilean Donan Castle, this was not able to happen due to a dispute between the company and the castle. I did email the company and ask if we would get the cost of the entrance to the castle back but as yet I have not had a reply. Anyone is allowed to go around the outside of the castle without paying and we did do this. I think really there is too long a journey to do Skye from Inverness, as very little time was spent on the Island.