4.5(11 reviews)
Isle of Skye & Scottish Highlands Day Tour
From£68
12 hours
Aviemore, United Kingdom
About this activity
A full-day guided tour from Inverness to the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands, featuring Eilean Donan Castle and scenic landscapes.
Highlights
- Explore the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye
- Discover the history of Eilean Donan Castle
- Experience the scenic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands
- Visit the picturesque village of Portree
- Enjoy a comfortable coach ride from Inverness
Full description
Join us for an unforgettable 12-hour adventure departing from Inverness, where you'll traverse the stunning Scottish Highlands to the enchanting Isle of Skye. Marvel at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, nestled on a small island at the meeting point of three sea lochs. Wander through the charming streets of Portree, the island's capital, and soak in the breathtaking coastal views. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, all within a day's journey. Comfortable transportation ensures a relaxing experience as you immerse yourself in Scotland's rich heritage and landscapes.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Isle of Skye
- Visit to Eilean Donan Castle
- Transportation from Inverness
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Pass by: Travel through the serene landscapes of Achnasheen, where rolling hills and tranquil glens create a perfect prelude to the dramatic beauty of Loch Carron.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
We stop at the Kyle of Lochalsh for morning coffee and a photograph opportunity of the famous Skye Bridge, with views of Skye’s Cuillin Mountain range providing a beautiful backdrop. Opened in 1995, this bridge has a remarkable history.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Pass by: The Sligachan River flows majestically from the Black Cuillin Mountains, a truly magical location for your guide to introduce you to the local folklore of the island’s Fairies and Giants!
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Enjoy lunch in the picturesque harbour town of Portree, the largest settlement on Skye. There are numerous cosy pubs, restaurants and bakeries for you to try seafood and other local dishes. Enjoy fish and chips by the harbour as the fishing boats deliver their latest catch!
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
A striking natural wonder on the Isle of Skye, Kilt Rock is a cliff formation that resembles the pleats of a tartan kilt. Towering over the sea, it’s complemented by the dramatic Mealt Waterfall, which plunges 60 meters into the ocean below. With its basalt columns and scenic backdrop, Kilt Rock is a must-see for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Pass by: We explore the dramatic Trotternish Peninsula, with iconic rock formations which have made this area the perfect backdrop for recent movies such as ‘BFG’, ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Stardust’.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
A breathtaking landslip on Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula, the Quiraing is one of the best stops for an amazing picture with a panorama of jaw dropping scenery.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
Having explored Skye, we head back towards the mainland, stopping for photographs at the shores opposite Eilean Donan Castle, which is thought to be the most beautiful castle in Scotland! Built upon a rocky island at the head of three Sea Lochs (similar to Fjords), you will be impressed by this breathtaking Scottish landmark and the beautiful mountains and glistening waters that surround it.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
You will arrive in Inverness at approximately 7:30PM at our city-centre drop off - Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN. Please note that this can be impacted by traffic and other factors outwith our control.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
- Meals and beverages are not included; plan accordingly for food and drinks.
- The tour involves moderate walking; consider your physical comfort with such activities.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring various sites.
- Bring a camera to capture the picturesque landscapes and historic sites.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the day's conditions.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- There are opportunities to take short nature walks, it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
- There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that cater for most dietary requirements
- There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
- Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
- When using public transport or a taxi to the departure point, please allow extra time for possible delays.
- This tour in an air-conditioned coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
- Any time not accounted for in the stops of the itinerary is spent on the coach, enjoying the scenery and commentary
- Due to weather and/or road conditions during the route may be altered at the driver/guide’s discretion.
- This tour will be joining the middle portion of an ongoing 3-day tour.
- For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.
Traveler reviews
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A lot of time on the bus
Skye is beautiful and the driver was pleasant, but lacked any knowledge of the area. There seemed to o be a lot of back tracking and a lot of time on the bus. We saw the features described, but this could be organized in a more efficient way, and stop at more viewpoints and break up the time on the bus.
731candyfSep 16, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Great tour
It was a long day but well worth it. Our second tour with Hairy Coo company and did not disappoint. Comfortable seats each with charging plugs. Our great driver/guide Ross did a great job showing us the island with some really tricky roads to maneuver! Such beautiful scenery and great stops for refreshments and breaks! Highly recommended!
Robert_CJul 18, 2025VIATOR
A sunny, wet and windy day in Skye
My daughter and I joined a group on a 3 day tour - we were there just for day 2 - the Driver/Guide John welcomed us (as did the others on the trip) - and off we went for a nearly 12 hour outing that, despite some messy weather, hit the exact mark for what we were hoping for - we learned a lot, John provided lots of context (and some humor), there was lots of time to just take in what we were seeing, and we still got 10k steps in at the various stops, plus a great meal in Portree - I can't recommend it enough, and I'd definitly do another tour w Hairy Coo next time I'm able!
Matthew_SJul 6, 2025VIATOR
saw a lot of the Isle of...
saw a lot of the Isle of Skye and had a great time! Guide was very good and it added to our Scotland experience:)
Miia_SJun 29, 2025VIATOR
Peter rocks!
Peter gave a great tour! Loved his music and stories. He was very funny and you can tell he knows a lot about Scotland! Would come back!
T9615BTnataliehJun 25, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
There are opportunities to take short nature walks, it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that cater for most dietary requirements
There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
When using public transport or a taxi to the departure point, please allow extra time for possible delays.
This tour in an air-conditioned coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
Any time not accounted for in the stops of the itinerary is spent on the coach, enjoying the scenery and commentary
Due to weather and/or road conditions during the route may be altered at the driver/guide’s discretion.
This tour will be joining the middle portion of an ongoing 3-day tour.
For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.