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Inverness: The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

Recommended by 96% of travelers
Inverness, Scotland
Viator Experience Award
Very popular!
5+ bookings in the past 6 hours.
+5
  • 12 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· Abigail_A ·
Aug 2026
We had a great time on the tour! It was well organized and we had plenty of time to explore, get coffees, and souvenirs at each stop. Our guide, Alex, was extremely kind, knowledgeable, and made sure we knew where to go to get the best views at each stop. Well organized, well paced, lovely day tour overall!
· Sujee_M ·
Jun 2026
Absolutely fantastic experience. Well organized tour with great stops. Not rushed at all. Plenty of time to explore and take photos. Our driver + guide, Lial was very friendly, organized and kept the tour lively with lots of Scottish history, trivias , jokes and most importantly playing awesome songs to keep us all entertained.

Overview

Take a break from the city on a full-day trip through the Isle of Skye with convenient round-trip transport from central Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide offers commentary about the area’s top landmarks, including Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, and the Old Man of Storr. Bring your camera: This trip offers endless panoramic views of Scotland’s natural landscape. Note that from late December to early February, the castle is closed to visitors but accessible for photos.
  • Leave the navigating to someone else with round-trip transport
  • Relax and enjoy the scenic views onboard a private vehicle
  • Learn about Skye’s history and landmarks from your guide
  • Check off plenty of the area's highlights in just one day

What's Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Knowledgeable driver-guide
  • Live commentary on board
  • Food and drinks
  • Optional: Eilean Donan Castle Tickets
    £11.00 per person
  • Gratuities
  • Restroom on board
  • WiFi on board

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Railway Terrace, Inverness IV1, UK

    Railway Terrace, Inverness, IV1 1NW. Look out for our coach or our sign on the lamp post.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Start time
.8:00 am

Itinerary

1

Invermoriston

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

Eilean Donan Castle

1 hour 25 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

3

Portree Harbour

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

4

The Old Man of Storr

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

5

Kilt Rock

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

6

Kyle of Lochalsh Viewpoint & Picnic Place

25 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

7

Lochcarron

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Minimum age is 4 years old.
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Digital translations in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian & Mandarin available on request.
  • Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your tour's departure time.
  • If you are driving, we recommend parking at the Old Town Rose Street Multi-Storey Car Park, 24 Rose St, IV1 1NQ, conveniently located next to our departure point.
  • Please note: from 22nd December to 1st February 2025, Eilean Donan Castle will be closed. We will still stop at the castle for photos and access to the bridge will be available. However, the Visitor Centre and toilet facilities will be closed.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 32 travelers

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

Linda_B
We had a fantastic day out touring Skye and Eilean Donan Castle. Our tour guide Liall was really great. He looked after us so well, he had a great sense of humour and was very informative, a really good mix of history and folklore tales. His play list was great too. There were plenty of stops throughout the day, for photo opportunities and toilet breaks, plus a visit to the Castle and a long lunch break stop in Portree on Skye. The views were amazing, such a beautiful Isle. I thoroughly recommend this trip.

Reviews

4.8
based on 2,274 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sort by: Most insightful

Fun and insightful experience

Rejoy_K, Aug 2026
We had a great time visiting the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle and have the pictures to prove it. Ben, our amazing guide, was funny and knowledgeable and went a long way in making the experience unforgettable.

Wonderful guide, she was...

Anonymous, Aug 2026
Wonderful guide, she was knowledgeable, entertaining and a good driver. Overall it was a good day!!!

We covered a lot of...

Tanya_L, Aug 2026
We covered a lot of ground in one day. The views were beautiful and I enjoyed the lunch stop in Portree. Lewis was a great guide with lots of humor and ecological knowledge of Scotland.

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you for your review! We're delighted you enjoyed the stunning scenery, your stop in Portree, and Lewis's humour and knowledge throughout the day. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words. Thanks for choosing Timberbush!

Was a wonderfull day! So...

SEHNAZ_O, Aug 2026
Was a wonderfull day! So many incredible sights we’ve seen and the stories we’ve listened —not to forget the lovely playlist accompanying our journey! Thanks to Liall, our bus driver, for everything 🙏🏻

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted you had such a wonderful day and enjoyed the incredible sights, stories, and music along the way. Thank you for choosing Timberbush! 😊

Beautiful views

Kimberly_C, Aug 2026
There were 6 of us on this tour. Our guide was Lewis. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and funny! This is a scenic tour with stops along the way and not a hiking tour.

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear that Lewis's knowledge, friendliness, and humour helped make the day so enjoyable. Thank you for choosing Timberbush! 😊

We had a great time on...

Abigail_A, Aug 2026
We had a great time on the tour! It was well organized and we had plenty of time to explore, get coffees, and souvenirs at each stop. Our guide, Alex, was extremely kind, knowledgeable, and made sure we knew where to go to get the best views at each stop. Well organized, well paced, lovely day tour overall!

Eilean Donan and Skye day trip.

Fiona_E, Aug 2026
Even on a rainy day, as it was today, plenty to see and hear about. Ben our driver and tour guide was excellent. He kept us well informed throughout, shared stories he had researched himself. Easy to speak too, friendly and always smiling. As Scots who have been to Skye and surrounding area often, we chose the tour because we didn't know the history and of course we could relax rather than do the driving. We weren't disappointed. Thanks Ben.

The Isle of Skye - nature at its best

SubidRanjan_D, Aug 2026
That it was a very good experience, not only because the place (Isle of Skye) was so beautiful, but also equally because the driver/ tour guide, Marita was so good and so well informed. She was so full of energy and enthusiasm and kept us all engaged throughout the long day. She is also an excellent driver.

Good option for those without a car

Tonhu_H, Jul 2026
Efficient way of visiting Isle of Skye if you don't have a car. Comfortable, clean bus and knowledgeable guide. Alex shared many interesting bits of history with us and even gave us tips on where to get the best pics. If you want to maximize your time enjoying the scenery, soaking in the ambiance, and taking pictures, pack a simple lunch or snack to eat on the bus. The food at the stops is not particularly and there can be a wait on sunny days when the busses are full. The return trip is a bit of a letdown--the stops are more for rest room breaks than for sites. So take advantage on the front end.

Great Tour

Aleksandra_N, Jul 2026
This was a long day and completely worth it. The scenery was beautiful and our tour guide, Liall, was great and kept us up with all the interesting historical stories. Would highly recommend. The Highland cows were lovely.

The Perfect Isle of Skye Day Trip

Israel_L, Jul 2026
Our Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Scotland. Ben was an exceptional guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable, intellectually engaging, and genuinely friendly. Throughout the day he shared fascinating stories about Scottish history, the Highlands, and local culture, making every stop much more meaningful. The scenery was simply breathtaking. From the dramatic Highland landscapes to the stunning views around the Isle of Skye, every stop felt like a postcard. Eilean Donan Castle was especially beautiful and well worth the visit. Everything was also very well organized. The schedule was well planned, we had enough time at each location, and the entire day ran smoothly from start to finish. If you’re visiting Scotland, I highly recommend this tour. It’s a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Highlands and Skye with an outstanding guide.

The tour was absolutely...

Adarsh_R, Jul 2026
The tour was absolutely amazing! Ben was incredibly knowledgable and kept sharing facts throughout the way and kept us entertained. I would definitely recommend this tour!

Eilean Donan Castle is...

Patricia_B, Jul 2026
Eilean Donan Castle is stunning as is Skye. Plenty breaks for photos, food etc. Driver Martin was very informative and kept us entertained with his stories.

It was a great...

DarmeetSingh_R, Jul 2026
It was a great experience, enjoyed thoroughly,Alex was very knowledgeable and experienced, we had a memorable experience. Highly recommended

Karen was an amazing tour...

Kathryn_B, Jul 2026
Karen was an amazing tour guide! Her stories and knowledge of the area were very informative and entertaining. Isle of Skye is beautiful and well worth the trip.

Great trip

Steve_K, Jul 2026
Great trip Alex was an Excellent tour guide The Isle of Skye was fabulous The Dornan castle was spectacular

Incredible Trip

Vanessa_B, Jul 2026
Incredible day trip to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye! Our tour guide Jack was so knowledgeable and funny. My partner and I had a fantastic time. I highly recommend doing this day trip!

Amazing Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle Tour

Giselle_B, Jul 2026
We had an unforgettable trip to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, from the dramatic landscapes of Skye to the picture-perfect setting of Eilean Donan Castle. Every stop offered incredible views and fascinating history. What truly made the experience special was our tour guide. Marta was amazing—knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Scotland’s history and culture. Throughout the day, she kept us engaged with interesting stories, local insights, and a great sense of humor. The long drive flew by thanks to her entertaining commentary and enthusiasm. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Scotland. The stunning locations combined with an exceptional guide made it a truly memorable experience! 🌄🏰✨

Great Tour for Whole Family

Victoria_D, Jul 2026
Ben was a wonderful driver and tour guide. He was so knowledgeable. There was a great mix of interesting facts, folklore stories, and music. There is no way we would have a 1/10 of that information if we did not take that tour and did not have Ben as our guide.

It was a good experience...

Laura_S, Jul 2026
It was a good experience and the driver (Ben) was fantastic. It is a long day but definitely got to see everything

Definitely worth the price and time.

Susan_T, Jul 2026
This is a full day but there are plenty of breaks and womderful views and stops. Our guide, Ben, was ver knowledgeable and also had to cope with some serious weather and foggy windows, which he managed quite well.

Picturesque

Kim_S, Jul 2026
Well organised Fantastic guide Doreen Lots of stops toilet breaks Great restaurants Lots of information from the guides

Great bus driver and...

Danny_M, Jul 2026
Great bus driver and guide knows the roads as they were narrow. Had plenty of toilet stops and showed local places to shop and eat

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for your review! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your tour! Please don't be a stranger, we hope to welcome you back on tour with us someday soon! Best wishes, Amy

Exceptional Guide, Wonderful Experience

Girish_K, Jun 2026
Fiona was an exceptional tour guide throughout our Isle of Skye and Inverness trip. She was always punctual and well-organized, ensuring everything ran smoothly and on time. Her friendly, polite, and helpful nature made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. What truly made the experience memorable was her wonderful sense of humor. She kept the journey lively with the stories, information and her cheerful personality, making every part of the trip enjoyable and engaging. She was always approachable and happy to answer questions or help whenever needed. Thank you, Fiona, for making our trip to the Isle of Skye and Inverness such a delightful and memorable experience. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone, especially with Fiona as the guide.

Fab

Amina_Q, Jun 2026
Knowledge Jack as our guide was good and entertaining. Absolutely loved the tour and the stops with background information.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Hi there, Thank you for your review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your time on tour with us, it is always nice to read positive reviews. We always aim to show our passengers local Scottish culture and scenery, so we are glad you enjoyed the stops. We hope to see you again soon! Kind regards, Eleanor

Isle of Skye Day Tour

Paul_K, Jun 2026
Caz was great! She was very knowledgeable, friendly and humorous. She also handled the itinerary adeptly when a traffic incident could have caused us to lose a lot of time..

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Hi there! Thank you so much for your kind words! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time on tour with Caz! Her fun sense of humour and fantastic knowledge really makes a tour fun! We will be sure to pass along your very kind words to her! We hope that we will see you again in the future! Best wishes, Elizabeth

Amazing Isle of Skye tour

Joanna_P, Jun 2026
The sights were wonderful, the driver and tour guide - friendly and informative. We had a wonderful time!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Hi there, It is wonderful to hear such lovely feedback about our drivers, it is always nice to read positive reviews! It is lovely to hear that you saw some incredible scenery on your tour, Scotland is known for its breath-taking sights! We hope to see you again soon! Kind regards, Eleanor

Great Day Trip from Inverness

Lorraine_M, Jun 2026
Great day trip to Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle. Our driver and guide Marita was fantastic, so informative with lots of stories about the locks, mountains and attractions. She got us there safely. Enjoyed it so much. Highly recommend

Great guide, great experience, great view

Maho_K, Jun 2026
I went as solo. It was an exceptionally great weather. Ben’s guide was very informative, engaging and entertaining.

Enjoy spectacular views in comfort delivered by Lawrence

John_M, Jun 2026
Great crew - Lawrence our driver & tour guide - who only recently joined the Timber Bush Tours company … played well (as we Aussies say) - very professional, great stories, A1 driver and very patient with the customers. Plenty of breaks, photo opportunities and a few surprise visits throughout the day. The Highland Cows a real treat. We basically did day trips on a 15 day Western Norway to London on a Viking Ocean Cruise and I have to say Lawrence delivered more today than the many tour guides we enjoyed in Western Norway, Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and Edinburgh. I won’t mention that he had a great back drop as the geography in Norway and the UK Islands were great back drops as well. Good job Lawrence, much appreciated. John & Judy (from OZ)

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