In the recent years the isle of Skye has become one of the top locations in Scotland to visit. Indeed it boasts a rich history and cultural heritage linked to many different aspects such as dinosaur fossils, clans and Highland Clearances, Jacobite Rebellion. Besides that, Skye is also a world class destination for wildlife, walking and climbing.
The best way to explore Skye is by car as you can stop as much as you like, drive at your own pace and simply enjoy the freedom of a road trip. Generally speaking Scotland has plenty of scenic routes that will leave you breathless.
Anyway, if you don’t want to rent a car many tour operators organise 3-day tours from Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as day trips from Inverness and Portree. Then, if you are looking for other multi-day tours from Edinburgh – which include the isle of Skye as well – I suggest you to take a look at this article.
The top guided tours to explore the isle of Skye and online bookings
This kind of travel experience guides you along carefully-crafted routes including classic sights and lesser-known locations as well. Then, friendly driver-guides tell you about historical facts, fairytales and quirky stories related to Scotland. While agencies provide timetables, you can choose where you want to eat and which attractions you pay to see. Guided tours also support local communities, specifically less-known attractions and locally-owned accomodation. Most of these tour operators plan travels in small groups offering in this way a better-personalised experience to their customers.
In this article you find a list of 12 tours to Skye also including useful links for more information and online purchase.
The best 3-day Tours from Glasgow to Skye
Glasgow is about 350 Km (217 miles) far from Portree. The largest town and capital of Skye is located on the east side of the island overlooking a sheltered bay.
1. Isle of Skye, 3-Day small group (up to 16 participants)
This itinerary explore some of the most dramatic places in the Highlands such as Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. A full flexible day in Skye offers many possibilities depending on the interests of the group (and the weather, of course). Local main highlights are Trotternish peninsula, Kilt Rock, Dunvegan Castle and Neist Point.
Departing point: Glasgow Buchanan Bus St at 9.00 am;
Approx. returning time: 7:30 pm;
What’s included: transport in a 16-seat minibus, 2-night accomodation in a B&B;
Minimum age: 5 years old.
Full description of the tour and other details are available at this page.
2. Isle of Skye & the Highlands from Glasgow
The tour showcases the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands together with crucial historical sites linked to the clans and the Jacobite Rebellion. Some of the places of interest that will be seen are Cuillin Mountains, Quiraing, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Culloden Battlefield.
Departing point: 266 George Street, Glasgow at 9:45 am;
What’s included: english-speaking guide, 2 nights B&B accomodation, transportation (returning point is Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station and people headed to Glasgow will receive train tickets to Glasgow);
Minimum age: 3 years old.
Other information, prices and book online at this page.
3. Three-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness tour
An unforgettable experience while exploring the northern area of the country with a 2-nights stay in Portree, the capital of Skye. This route gives you the chance to see beautiful natural places like Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis and to visit Dunvegan Castle or Duntulm Castle.
Departing point: outside Royal Scottish National Orchestra (opposite Buchanan Bus St) at 10:15 am;
What’s included: driver and guide, modern air-conditioned coach, accomodation and a free train ticket to return to Glasgow from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Minimum age: 5 years old.
Please check this page for more details and bookings.
The top 3-days tours from Edinburgh to Skye
The Scottish capital is located 380 Km far (236 miles) from Portree and more guided tours are available throughout the year compared to Glasgow.
4. Isle of Skye & Highlands from Edinburgh
A short but intense experience across Scotland and places like Stirling, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe, Inverness and of course the isle of Skye, whilst discovering legends of vikings and Celtic myths.
Departing point: 60 High Street, Royal at 8:30 am;
What’s included: Whisky Distillery tour, transportation and guide, dorm-bed reservations in local hostels;
Minimum age: 18 years old.
You can find more information at this link.
5. Island of Skye, small group 3-day tour from Edinburgh
An amazing experience for small groups that can enjoy some of the most beautiful places and sceneries across the Scottish Highlands. Some of the highlights are Glencoe, Nest Point and Kilt Rock, Quiraing Mountain Pass, the 5 Sisters of Kintail and Loch Ness.
Departing point: Rabbie’s Cafe, 6 Waterloo Place at 8:30 am;
What’s included: tour transport in a 16-seat minibus, driver-guide and 2-night accomodation in B&B;
Minimum age: 5 years old.
Full description of the itinerary, other details and online purchase are available at this page.
6. Isle of Skye & The Highlands 3-D tour
This is another activity dedicated to small groups allowing travellers to explore the misty isle of Skye, fall in love with the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, admire the Ben Nevis (Scotland’s highest mountain), learn more about the massacre of Glencoe and search for the Loch Ness monster.
Departing point: Bus stop ZE, Waterloo Place at 8:15 am;
What’s included: guided tour in English, transportation by Mercedes mini-coach and live commentary on board;
Minimum age: 5 years old.
At this link you find more information about the itinerary, accomodation available and how to book it in advance.
7. From Edinburgh: 3-Day Skye and The Highlands Tour
A trip across the Highlands with a 2-night stay in Inverness to visit historical sites and to see film locations used in James Bond, Games of Throne and Outlander as well. A full day spent exploring Skye and some of its most iconic places like Cuillin Mountains, Trotternish peninsula, the Old Man of Storr and Portree.
Departing point: Bus stop outside “Deacon’s House Cafe”, 304 Lawnmarket at 8:15 am;
What’s included: driver and tour guide, air-conditioned minicoach;
Minimum age: 7 years old.
For more details about accomodation, full itinerary and online bookings please check this page.
Day trips from Inverness to Skye
Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and it’s located around 183 Km (114 miles) from Portree. Therefore it’s a good starting point for exploring Skye in one day.
8. Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle Tour from Inverness
This full-day adventure takes you to some of Scotland’s most inspiring sceneries in the countryside such as Loch Ness, 5 Sisters of Kintail, Eilean Donan Castle and eventually the island of Skye.
Departing point: stance 7 at Inverness Bus Station, Margaret Street at 9:15 am;
What’s included: transportation and English-speaking driver/guide;
Minimum age: 3 years old.
More information are available at this link.
9. Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools Small-group Tour
A full day from Inverness to spend exploring the most iconic places of the Isle of Skye like the little village of Kyleakin, Portree, the Fairy Pools as well as a stop at the Talisker Distillery for a taste of whisky.
Departing point: stance 7 at Inverness Bus St, Margaret Street at 8 am;
What’s included: driver-guide and transportation by air-conditioned minibus;
Minimum age: 3 years old.
Please check this page for full itinerary, other details and online booking.
10. Island of Skye Tour with Fairy Pools
Leaving from the capital of the Highlands you’ll have the chance to admire Urquhart and Eilean Donan castles, Portree and the Fairy Pools as well. A stop at the Talisker Distillery is also included.
Departing point: Inverness bus stand next to St. Andrews Cathedral, Ardross Street at 8:30 am;
What’s included: driver-guide and live commentary on board;
Minimum age: 6 years old.
For more info please click to this link.
11. Skye & Eilean Donan Castle Small Group tour from Inverness
Discover Scotland’s turbulent past while visiting Eilean Donan Castle just before reaching Skye and Portree, from where you continue exploring the Trotternish peninsula and its landmarks such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and Quiraing.
Departing point: stance 7 at Inverness Bus St, Margaret Street at 8 am;
Approx. returning time: 8 pm;
What’s included: experienced driver-guide and transportation by 16-seat Mercedes minicoach;
Minimum age: 5 years old.
On this page you may find more details about the tour and how to book it in advance.
12. From Portree: isle of Skye in a Day
This 9-hour small group tour departs from the capital of the island to the Trotternish Ridge and Quiraing. You’ll have plenty of time for walkings and photographs around the Fairy Pools and the mysterious Fairy Glen.
Departing point: War Memorial at Somerled Square at 9 am;
Approx. returning time: 6-6:30 pm;
All information needed about this tour and online bookings are available at this link.
