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Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness - 5 day tour
Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness Tour
5 day/4 night tour
Could there be a better way to discover the delights of Scotland? See the beautiful Western Highlands and visit the scenic port of Oban then take one of the World’s great rail journeys aboard the famous Jacobite Steam Train. Explore the picturesque Isle of Skye and visit mysterious Loch Ness before enjoying a scenic drive through the rugged beauty of the Highlands. This is a very special touring experience!
Glen Coe - discover the sad tale of this amazingly beautiful valley
Jacobite Steam Train - enjoy a one-way ride on the famous West Highland Line aboard the real Hogwarts Express
Isle of Skye - explore Armadale Castle and Gardens, see the stunning peaks of the Cuillin Hills and tour through the bizarre landscape of Trotternish
Loch Ness - join a cruise on the loch to try and spot the elusive monster
Culloden Moor - learn the story behind the last battle ever fought on British soil
Movie locations - Harry Potter, Outlander and Loch Ness
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh - Glen Coe - Oban
Good morning and welcome aboard! Our tour departs from Edinburgh and heads northwards, passing Stirling, where we will get great views of Stirling Castle and the impressive Wallace Monument. After leaving the pleasant town of Callander, we’ll enter the Highlands and head for Rannoch Moor, a unique wilderness that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Glen Coe is famed for its dramatic scenery, and as we head into the Glen, we’ll hear the tragic tale of the infamous massacre of the MacDonald Clan in 1692. There’s a stop in the heart of the valley, so you can capture the scene. It makes a great post on social media.
Next, we travel along the banks of Loch Leven and head southwards to meander our way along the coastline. Look out for Castle Stalker scenically perched on the banks of Loch Laich.
Oban is a thriving fishing and ferry port attractively set against a sheltered bay. It’s famed for the quality of the seafood which is landed daily, so whether you fancy some fish and chips alfresco or something more formal, you are in for a delicious treat!
Overnight: Oban
Day 2 - Oban - Jacobite Steam Train - Portree (Isle of Skye)
After breakfast, head for Fort William on the banks of Loch Linnhe, where we board the Jacobite Steam Train - the real Hogwarts Express - for a spectacular journey on the West Highland Line. The trip includes the crossing of the famous Glenfinnan viaduct which is featured in the Harry Potter movies.
From the train, enjoy panoramic views of Loch Shiel and the unspoilt sands of Morar. The end of the line is Mallaig, where we board the ferry to sail ‘Over the Sea to Skye’.
On arrival in Armadale, tour north through the Magical Isle to our accommodation in Portree.
Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye
Day 3 - Portree - Eilean Donan Castle - Inverness
Today we explore the magical Island of Skye. From Portree, head northwards to the very tip of the island to view the extraordinary scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula. Marvel at The Old Man of Storr, which towers 49 metres high.
Next, see the mysterious rock formations of The Quiraing, which looks like a mountain range in miniature.
The highlight must be Kilt Rock, which resembles the pleats on a kilt and has a dramatic waterfall cascading over the edge.
Stop to view the impressive Cuillin mountain ranges, then enjoy striking coastal views as we head for the Skye Bridge.
We’ll make a photo stop at beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, then meander through Glen Moriston, stopping at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre where we will discover the origins of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest.
The last part of the journey takes us along the banks of Loch Ness to reach Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands.
Overnight: Inverness (2 nights)
Day 4 - Loch Ness and Culloden Excursion
After a leisurely breakfast, head for the mysterious banks of Loch Ness, where there’s the chance to go on a monster-spotting cruise. Keep those cameras ready just in case Nessie makes an appearance!
From the village of Drumnadrochit, head northwards through Glen Convinth to reach the ancient town of Beauly. The monks who built a priory here in the 13th Century called it “Bea Lieu”, or beautiful place. We’ll soon find out why!
In the afternoon, visit evocative Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle to take place on British soil. Here, in 1746, the dreams of Bonnie Prince Charlie to capture the Crown came to a bloody end. Tour the battlefield site and visit the award-winning visitor centre to learn more about the battle and its aftermath.
Next, travel to the enigmatic chamber cairns of Clava Cairns, which inspired the popular Outlander books and subsequent TV series. Later we make our way back to Inverness.
Day 5 - Inverness - Dunkeld - Edinburgh
On our last day together, head into the striking scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, whose wilderness contains five of Scotland’s tallest mountains.
In Newtonmore, there is a stop at the fascinating Highland Folk Museum, where we experience what Highland life was like in past centuries. Next, head to a local whisky distillery to learn all about the production process and have a wee taste of the end product!
After a scenic drive through the Pass of Drumochter, take a break in the pretty village of Dunkeld with its impressive cathedral situated on the banks of the River Tay.
The last part of our journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and our approach to Edinburgh by way of the iconic Forth Bridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Multi-Day Tour
For the discerning traveller a Signature Multi-day Tour offers amazing value for money, comfortable accommodation, well-paced sightseeing and luxury travel.
All of this combines to create the definitive Scottish experience.
Each tour is hosted by a professional driver/guide, who has been chosen for their extensive knowledge as well as their driving skills. And being locals you are sure to get that extra insight too.
If you should have any problems during your stay, they’ll go out of their way to help.
You will want to see as much as possible, but you don’t want to be rushed. Our tours are carefully planned to strike the right balance, and as well as comfortable mini/midicoach travel many feature memorable railway or ferry journeys.
Having somewhere pleasant to stay after an exciting day of discovery is an important part of your holiday experience. Comfortable guest house accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, tv and other amenities is included in the price of all tours.
On many tours you can choose to upgrade to hotel accommodation, at extra cost, if you wish.
A tasty Scottish breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
What options are available on this tour and what is the cost?
Admission to the attractions featured on this tour is optional so you can choose to visit or not depending on your interests. The tour itinerary will allow time for you to enjoy visits to:
Loch Ness Cruise
Culloden Moor Visitor Centre
The links above will give you more information on these attractions as well as current admission prices. On some tours discounted prices are available to tour passengers - your driver/guide will provide more information if this applies. Not all attractions accept payment by credit or debit card so you should carry sufficient cash should you be planning a visit.
What type of room should I choose?
There are different bedrooms types to choose from, here is what you can expect:
Single room - one person sleeping in a single bed
Twin room - two people sleeping in two separate beds
Double room - two people sharing one large bed
Family room - three people sharing a room sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person)
Please note that a family room can be a standard double room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
What is the journey on the Jacobite Steam Train like?
Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world this memorable trip will take you past a list of impressive extremes.
Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!
The train will cross the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct (a location made famous in the Harry Potter films) which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. The train may pause on the viaduct, time permitting, to allow you to take in the magnificent view.
Standard class tickets are included in the cost of the tour. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to upgrade these tickets to First Class.
Tell me what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?
A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process.
Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.
Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.
Should I make dinner reservations for an evening meal in Portree?
Yes! Portree is the capital and main town on the Isle of Skye, and therefore is a very popular destination, especially in the summer months. There are many excellent restaurants in Portree, and they tend to get pretty busy, so we strongly recommend making reservations for your evening meal to avoid disappointment.
We advise not making your dinner reservations for any earlier than 7pm to allow plenty of time for the coach to return to Portree, after a full day of exploring the wonders of the Magical Isle.
You can also check out our Portree blog for more tips and information.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 4 nights guest house accommodation
- Location: Oban (1); Portree, Isle of Skye (1) and Inverness (2)
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (4)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- One way Jacobite Steam Train trip on the West Highland Railway Line (mid-April to mid-October)
- Visit to Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
- Tour of a Malt Whisky Distillery with tutored tasting
Tour Essentials
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
60 High Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1TB
Check-in: 08:15 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 17:30 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 5 to 16 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 5 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Book Assured
Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 8 days notice before travel. Click here for more information.
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes guest house accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Luggage Allowance
One medium sized suitcase/bag per person (maximum weight: 15 kilos)
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
HET 02889
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (3 /5) 08 Oct 2024
I do want to add that we enjoyed our tour guide, Charlie. She was friendly, interesting and knowledgeable. Most importantly she was a focused competent driver that got us safely through a wind storm.
Christine from Wheaton, US
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Rating: (4 /5) 25 Sep 2024
This tour is really good for someone who doesn't know Scotland at all. You get to visit different regions and do a lot of activities in a short time.
Ruth from Soubey, CH
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Rating: (4 /5) 07 Sep 2024
You will get to see a lot of Scotland with a great guide to educate you on the areas.
Laura from Nanaimo, CA
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