inverness skye tour

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1-Day Inverness to Isle of Skye Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 11 hrs 45 min
• User Ages: 3+ years old
• Calendar Availability: All year
• Clock Check-in / Departs / Returns: 07:45 / 08:00 / 19:15

Three of Scotland’s national treasures: Skye, Eilean Donan, and Loch Ness

This one-day adventure takes you through some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery – past Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle – to reach the Isle of Skye from Inverness. You’ll then experience the very best that this magical place has to offer before returning home via the beautiful Black Isle.

Tour Highlights

• Photograph Eilean Donan: One of Scotland’s most beautiful castles
• Loch Ness: Home of the famous monster
• The Isle of Skye: Explore this incredible island
• The Cuillin Hills: Loch Slapin, Blaven, and Eilean Ban
• The Black Isle: Wonderful scenery and fascinating history
• Chevron down Tour Itinerary

This is Scotland’s must-see!

Join us in our adventure and discover some of the most dramatic and picturesque landmarks in Scotland; from the always popular Loch Ness to hidden gems not found in guidebooks. Meet one of our amazing guides and enjoy this unforgettable experience.

A day to explore Skye…

Our journey will take us through some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery – to reach the beautiful Isle of Skye. You’ll also get to photograph Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most spectacular castles in the UK (which is saying something).

An enjoyable journey to Skye…

Our one-day adventure begins with a quick visit to Loch Ness . The dark waters of this loch carry Scotland’s greatest unsolved mystery, making it one of our biggest tourist attractions!

The first documented sighting of our very popular Loch Ness Monster (Nessie for us, friends) took place a long long time ago… 565 AD! Join us now in our monster spotting as we drive along the shore of Loch Ness.

We will also stop to get views of the ruined Urquhart Castle, perched on the loch’s edge, before we travel through the stunning Glen Shiel – you’ll spot the 5 sisters and hear of the epic battle that took place here long ago.

Discover Eilean Donan, Scotland’s most iconic Castle…

Next we head further west to Eilean Donan Castle , one of Scotland’s most picturesque castles (and a very popular location for films and TV shows). It’s so special it even sits perched on its own little island at the head of Loch Duich! We find its history extremely fascinating, from raids and sieges to its destruction during the Jacobite rising in 1719. You will have the opportunity to snap some photographs of this iconic castle before we continue on our journey…

Over the Sea to Skye…

Next, you’ll cross onto the little island of Eilean Ban , where Gavin Maxwell , the author of the “Ring of Bright Water,” lived for some time while studying otters and other local wildlife. Who knows… we may have a few opportunities for watching and photographing the island’s wildlife ourselves!

And now, make yourself comfortable, sitting forward in your seat with your back straight and your camera ready, as you are about to cross the Skye bridge and discover a unique, extraordinary paradise for nature-lovers.

Skye is a genuinely special destination as you will experience on this tour. A stunning wee island with lots to offer to its visitors; from its wonderful natural landscapes and powerful history to its spectacular local food and drinks. We will journey up this magical island and gently take in the stunningly beautiful sight of the Cuillin Hills .

Portree for lunch…

We will then continue north to Portree , the capital of Skye and one of its highlights. This will be our lunch stop, where you will have time to explore the village and taken in a lovely view of the colorful harbor – just watch out for the seagulls!

The dramatic Trotternish Peninsula…

It is the most northerly of Skye’s peninsulas and it contains some of the most striking landscapes in Scotland. Here we will stop for photographs at  The KiltRock ,  Mealt Waterfall  and  The Old Man of Storr . We will also stop to view the incredible Quirang. This is possibly the most memorable part of Skye. No matter the weather, the landscape here is hauntingly beautiful. It is an enormous landslip created and still developing over millions of years.

Iron-Age Dun Beag Broch…

A chance to walk up this ancient structure and take in the views of Skye’s stunning landscapes. Or view one of Skye’s best preserved brochs from afar. There are well over 500  brochs  in Scotland, most of them found in northern and western Scotland and the islands.  

Eternal youth at Sligachan River…

We will visit the Sligachan River, this river which flows from the Cuillin Hills is said to be enchanted and for those brave enough to dip their face in it’s icy waters are said to be gifted with eternal youth and beauty.

Homeward bound…

Following part of the North Coast 500 we make our way back to Inverness. This will take us past some final stunning scenery. You’ll see Loch Carron and the Black Isle before crossing the Kessock Bridge into Inverness.

• Chevron down What to Bring
• No matter when you visit, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”, to say the least. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket (it has been known to rain in Scotland), sunglasses and plenty of layers.
• Ensure you bring shoes suitable for short walks, on rough or uneven terrain.
• Although most attractions & eating establishments we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.
• Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!
• Please limit your luggage to 1 x small/medium piece per person (no more than 15kg), along with 1 x small handbag or daypack.

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Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness

The Ultimate Private Day Tour – Isle of Skye from Inverness

Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness

Embark on the ‘Ultimate Day Tour ‘ to the beautiful Isle of Skye from Inverness. Book our private Isle of Skye Day Tour and the very best of Scotland awaits. Private tours exclusively for your group of travellers. Day tours to the Isle of Skye from Inverness rarely have such a full itinerary. Book our private Skye tours from Inverness for a truly magical experience –  Enquire about Private Guided Tours of Scotland

Private guided tours of Scotland depart from any location - Contact us

• Private Day Tour

Eilean Donan Castle

The fairy pools of skye.

• Portree Village
• Old Man of Storr
• The Quiraing

The Fairy Glen

• Black Cuillin Mountains
• Highland Scotland

Your Journey

Spend a magical day travelling to the wonderful   Isle of Skye from Inverness.  Visit   Loch Ness  and the I sle of Skye   and hear first hand the legends & history that shaped these lands. Enjoy a fun & relaxed private tour from Inverness to Skye. Experience the incredible scenery and folklore on a private guided day tour.  As a result, the best   private day tour   to Skye  awaits.  

Explore the wonderful   Fairy Pools of Skye   – Beautiful  Portree fishing Village   – The incredible rock pinnacle of the   ‘Old Man of Storr’    – Magnificent  Kilt Rock   –  Awe-inspiring   fairy tale landscapes of the Quiraing  –  Magical & rugged   Fairy Glen   – The ultimate   Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness.  

We travel into the heart of the Scottish highlands to  visit Loch Ness   and explore the world-famous   Isle of Skye on our private tour .   The   ‘Misty Isle’   has earned a huge reputation, and after our private   Isle of Skye day tour from Inverness, you’ll understand why –   Contact us

More info & FAQ

Why scottish guided tours, door to door service.

Your private tour guide shall greet you at your chosen location. Hotel, B&B or even Cruise Ship Terminal. The most convenient start possible to your private tour of Scotland. Complete Door-to-door service from Scottish Guided Tours. 

Your Guides

Niall and his team of experienced Scottish Tour Guides aim to give the best possible experience, whether heritage-related, historical, cultural or perhaps a mixture of all three. Fun and authentic private guided tours of Scotland – The best Scotland has to offer.

Private Tours of Scotland

Scottish Guided Tours delivers award-winning private tours of Scotland exclusively for your group of travellers. Bespoke tours of Scotland designed around your time frame & interests.

Our brand-new luxury vehicles ensure great views, comfort, and plenty of room for all travellers and luggage. Private Small Group Tours of Scotland are exclusively for you and your travelling companions.

We depart Inverness at 8.am and travel the length of the majestic Loch Ness; thus, a great start to our Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness.

The world-famous Loch is home to ‘Nessie’ or the ‘Loch ness Monster’ as she’s sometimes known.

Cameras at the ready! Sightings of ‘Nessie’ are not as rare as you may think.

On the shores of the loch are a unique Castle and an ideal photo opportunity. Urquart Castle dates back to the 6th century and is steeped in history and legend.

Urquart Castle

Perhaps the most photographed castle in Scotland.  Eilean Donan Castle has featured in many movies and TV shows, including  ‘Highlander’ and ‘James Bond’ to name only a couple. One of my favourite folklore tales is of the origins of the Castle and travelling the glen telling you the story is something I always look forward to.

Private Day Trips to Skye from Inverness

After coffee, we cross the Skye Bridge onto the magical ‘Misty Isle.’

The largest of the Inner Hebrides, Skye has attracted travellers from the late 18th century and has many hidden treasures and legends.

Our Skye adventure has only just started!

The “Misty Isle” holds many incredible visitor experiences and unique sites. Because of this, it’s actually impossible to do Skye justice with a mere description.

On our private tour, I shall endeavour to paint the same picture of Skye that my Father painted for me.

Tales of Warriors, Kings, Princes’s, Faeries and Giants, are literally around every corner on the Isle of Skye.

One of our first stops is the Fairy Pools of Skye. A walk is possible, and even a swim for those brave enough to enter the faerie waters.

Portree Village ( The Port of the King)

The beautiful village of Portree is our lunch stop.

Fantastic local shops and eateries give us all the opportunity to taste lovely local produce and buy snacks for our epic journey around the Trotternish Peninsula.

The Old Man of Storr

Wonder at  ‘The Old Man of Storr’ and the Trotternish Peninsula.

Whether the Faeries or landslips created the landscape here, we’ll leave that for you to decide.

Another great Skye legend is the actual making of the pinnacle known as the ‘Old Man of Storr’

We love to share a tale with you on our travels around the island or even as we walk up the Storr to gaze across the Minch.

The ‘Quiraing’

Mealt Water Fall and Kilt Rock, are a wonderful example of Skye’s Jurassic landscapes, and an impressive waterfall which plummets into the ocean.

When the wind blows, the Bag Pipes’ ghostly rasp can still be heard echoing from the Faerie Kingdom’s deep chambers.

Isle of Skye Tours from Inverness

Join us on a private tour and breath in Skye’s sea air, and gaze across the highlands and islands of Scotland.

The Atlantic Ocean and islands make the most impressive backdrop for a magical journey.

 The Isle of Skye’s rugged coastline is the perfect place to hear some local history, folklore and legends.

Many believe ‘faeries’ are still with us! Just out of sight, behind a thin veil of mist.

Standing here, immersed in the landscape of the” Quiraing” or the mystery of the “Fairy Glen”, and it’s easy to see why.

Complete flexibility is only one of the many benefits of a private guide and transport.

Local knowledge of where to go if the weather turns, or how best to avoid the crowds in busier months, a huge advantage of the private Isle of Skye Tours from Inverness.

Experience an Unforgettable Tour of Scotland

• Private Day Tour prices – 675 GBP per day (not per person)
• Exclusively for your group of up to 8 passengers (for larger groups, please contact us)
• Multi-day tours – Please add 79.00 GBP per day for your Guide’s overnight expenses.
• Private guiding Services
• Private Transportation
• Scottish Spring Water is provided 

Transport is in a brand new air-conditioned vehicle with plenty of room for you and your group.

Credit & debit cards or contactless payment are accepted all over Scotland. Its always handy to have a little cash for very small shops 

Scottish Guided Tours offer private tours exclusively for your group. Tours can start and end in any location within Scotland. 

Accommodation is not included in your quote. Payment for accommodation is made directly to Hotel or B&B on arrival, unless by prior arrangement.

Contact us for great accommodation suggestions

We would be delighted to suggest Hotels or B&B’s for your trip. Some clients prefer to book their own but we are always glad to help. Please Contact us  

Book a Loch Ness Day Tour – Explore Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond with a Private Tour Guide – Rosslyn Chapel & Hadrians Wall – Outlander Tours plus many more private guided tours of Scotland… Contact us

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Enjoying the Fairy Pools

© WOW Scotland

The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness

On our Ultimate Isle of Skye day tour from Inverness you will experience the Fairy Pools, The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Cuillin Mountains, Portree, Eilean Donan Castle and Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness.

The Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour departs from Inverness Bus Station at 8.15am, where you will board a well-appointed 33-seater mini-coach. Accompanied by an highly experienced and local driver guide, you will embark on a 12-hour adventure to the Isle of Skye. Highlights of the tour include;

Eilean Donan Castle

Our first stop is at at one of the most photographed castles in the world! This 13th Century fortification dominates the small tidal island it sits on, and is surrounded by majestic mountain scenery.

We will spent around 20 minutes here at a classic viewpoint across the water. Please note that there is not enough time to visit the castle. 

The Skye Bridge

We journey over the bridge, hearing the story of its inception whilst enjoying breathtaking views of The Misty Isle and its neighbours (hopefully, if the sun is shining!)

We would recommend taking a short walk to see the famous pastel-coloured houses or, for beautiful harbour views, head up to the Apothecary Tower. Alternatively, this is your opportunity to indulge in some souvenir shopping or relax with a coffee (30 - 40 minute stop).

Old Man of Storr

We will stop to admire this 50 metre high rock pinnacle from the Storr Lochs viewpoint (10 minute stop).

Always a highlight, this impressive 60 metres waterfall is said to resemble a highland kilt. When the wind blows the water back up the kilt it really is a sight to behold! (15 minute stop)

Fairy Pools

Take a walk to see the crystal clear waters of the Fairy Pools, set to a beautiful backdrop of the imposing Cuillin Mountains. We will have around 90 minutes here which will give you plenty time to hike to the pools (20 minutes each way) and enjoy the splendid beauty of your surroundings. Don't forget your camera!

Urquhart Castle/Loch Ness

After journeying along the shores of Loch Ness we will have our final stop of the day here, where we will view the ruins of the castle from above..keeping an eye out for Nessie too of course!

Highland Cows

On most tours there will be an opportunity to stop and say hello to these beloved hairy beasties. We can't guarantee it, but we will certainly do our best!

You will return to Inverness at 8.15pm with photos galore, and memories to last a lifetime!

From £125 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

April — October

Contact details

• +44 (01808) 511773
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Drumnadrochit
• Invermoriston
• Inverness City Centre
• Small coach
• Large Group (31+)
• Medium Group (17-30)
• Outdoor Activities
• Walking/Hiking

Tour prices

From £125 Per Adult £125 Per Child £125 Concession

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour gallery

Tour company information, wow scotland.

See Scotland with the people who know it best on our award-winning tours from Inverness. Our Ultimate Isle of Skye tours enables you to experience top sights including The Fairy Pools, The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Cuillin Mountains and Portree. Our Skye Hiking Tour is perfect for those who want to get out and really explore the magnificent landscapes. For those arriving by cruise ship, our shore tours from the Port of Invergordon enable you to explore the very best of the local area. We don’t just offer tours, we offer an opportunity to fall in love with the place we call home!

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Opening times

0800 - 2000

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- Journey on a full day tour to Skye

Isle of skye tour from inverness.

From: £ 599.00

Portree Harbour

Eilean Donan Castle

Loch Ness & Uruqhart Castle

Loch Cluanie

Sligachan Bridge

Lealt Falls

Museum Cottages

Highland Coos

Select an option... Group up to 4 Persons Group of 5 Persons Group of 6 Persons Group of 7 Persons Group of 8 Persons

Our Full-Day Isle of Skye Tours from Inverness are a fantastic way to see some of the west coast’s most iconic scenery. After picking you up from your place of stay in Inverness, our tour guide sets off toward the Isle of Skye, making sure to hit all of the most scenic and historic locations in between.

On this tour, you can expect a combination of famous castles, rural villages, and impressive geological features. This includes the highly recognisable Eilean Donan Castle – a favourite with photographers and James Bond fans alike. Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness also feature on this tour for those hoping to spot the Loch Ness Monster. On the Isle of Skye itself, we stop at the colourful village of Portree and see the impressive Lealt Falls and neighbouring Kilt Rock for a taste of the Scottish Isles. All of this and more when you book a historic and scenic full day Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness.

for 4 seats

This option will be for a tour bus

for 6 seats

For 8 seats, you should know....

For all our booking options, you are booking the whole vehicle, no single seat booking is available, this also means a more private and custom tour experience for a reasonable price

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

From your place of stay in Inverness, we will travel towards Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle that now lies in ruins but retains an air of reverence and mystery.

From there we travel to Loch Cluanie, is an inland loch linked to the southeastern end of Glen Shiel, formed when the Cluanie Dam was built across the River Cluanie in 1955. We will spend around 15 minutes here, plenty of time to take a walk around and get some fantastic shots of the landscape. And then onwards to Eilean Donan Castle.

We will then set off to the Eilean Donan Castle, near Dornie, is one of the most easily recognised castles in Scotland and probably appears on more calendars than any other. It is situated at the confluence of three sea lochs in the western Highlands, and is surrounded by the majestic splendour of the forested mountains of Kintail - Eilean Donan’s setting is truly breath-taking. In short, there are numerous reasons why Eilean Donan enjoys such romantic and iconic status in the hearts of our nation and its visitors. Next, on to Portree.

Sligachan on the Isle of Skye is a magical place. It’s not just the iconic Sligachan Bridge with its spectacular views of the Cuillin Hills, the real magic is in the water that flows beneath. The River Sligachan has been enchanted by the fairies. The story surrounds Scotland’s greatest ever warrior who lived here on Skye. Not William Wallace or Robert the Bruce but a legendary female fighter by the name of Scáthach. She was an expert in all forms of warfare and the greatest warriors came to train with her at The Fort of Shadows now known as Dunscaith Castle. Her fame spread across the water to Ireland where Cú Chulainn wasn’t happy that somebody could be considered a match for him in combat. The Irish demi-god sailed to Dunscaith and challenged Scáthach to prove once and for all who was strongest.

The tour then proceeds towards Portree, one of Scotland’s most impressive harbours in the north west Highlands. Take some time to wander around the beautiful town of Portree. Portree is considered to be among the "20 most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland" according to Condé Nast Traveller, and is visited by many tourists each year. We will spend around 1 hour here and then on to Lealt water Falls.

Then, the road takes us to Lealt Falls, one of the most dramatic falls in the United Kingdom. Lealt waterfall lies in a gorge and is easy to reach. A short and easy walk (towards the sea) leads to the first viewpoint where you can look into the depths of the gorge and see the Lealt waterfall finding its way (in two steps) down the gorge, ending 90 metres below. Further on there is a second viewing platform with a wider view over the cliffs and the sea.

Finally, on to the magnificent 90 meter Kilt Rock, which looks strikingly similar to a pleated kilt. Made up of basalt columns resting on a sandstone base, one might even say that the colours of the rock formation appear almost tartan.

OLD MAN STORR

The Trotternish Ridge (highest summit being The Storr at 719m) was created around 60million years ago by a massive landslip. Hot volcanic lava flowed onto the weaker sedimentary Jurassic rock beneath it causing the latter to collapse and form the undulating cliff faces of the eastern coastline of Trotternish. The magnificent pinnacles and weathered basalt rock formations of The Storr dominates the Island’s north-eastern landscape and can be seen for miles by travellers heading north as well as from the mainland.

Complimentary with your tour

The Storr (Scottish Gaelic: An Stòr)[1] is a mountain on the Trotternish peninsula of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The hill presents a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay, contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west.

Water & Snacks

With any tour you book, we will provide bottles of water and snacks for the journey

Meeting Point & Flexibility

Our tours are never rushed, and we pick you up and drop you off at your place of stay in Inverness

At Historic & Scenic tours we know that day tours should be about seeing and experiencing as much as possible while still making time to fully absorb the sights and sounds around you.

Our tours are always flexible, and we will work with you to make sure you experience your Highland adventure on your own terms.

Pick Up Time

We will pick you up at your hotel or place of stay in Inverness At 9:30am

Drop Off Time

And we will drop you off directly back to your hotel or place of stay

Tour Duration

Any cancellations will be subject to a 95% refund only. If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges from your travel insurance provider.

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Skye & Eilean Donan Castle 1 day tour

Experience the natural wonders of Scotland’s most famous island.

Tour Highlights

Isle of Skye - The beauty of this island has inspired movie makers, poets, and travellers from all round the world.

Kyle of Lochalsh - This is the gateway to Skye. Enjoy sublime views of landscapes that surround this village.

Eilean Donan Castle - An iconic and gorgeous 13th-century castle that once warded off Viking invasions.

Portree - A cute, colourful coastal town that’s as quaint as it is fascinating.

Trotternish Peninsula - The ultimate Skye road. It’s the way to see the Quiraing, Kilt Rock, and all of Skye’s must-see sights.

Cuillin Mountains - Skye’s dominant mountain range. Enjoy views of these imposing mountains as you travel the ‘winged isle’.

Loch Ness - This loch holds more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. But does it hide the Loch Ness monster?

Your journey

Sharp geological formations, crumbling coastlines, and wind-swept valleys: the Isle of Skye is mother-nature in all her dramatic glory. And on this day-tour you explore the best of it.

We take you on a journey through the stories, history, and sights of the island; while also giving you a taste of the most breathtaking scenery that Western Scotland has to offer.

Tour Details

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Entry fees to visitor attractions

After an early start, you leave the city and travel along the Great Glen Fault Line towards Loch Ness. Here, you have a chance to spot the monster and admire lovely Castle Urquhart from afar.

You continue through dramatic Highland scenery to the west coast and Eilean Donan Castle. You can go inside ‘the most photographed castle in Scotland’ or simply enjoy the astounding views.

And now, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Because it’s over the sea and onto the Isle of Skye. You travel up the island’s east coast through the stunning Red Cuillin Mountains to Sligachan, where you stop for a photo of the clear mountain waters.

Arriving in the town of Portree, you have free time to grab a bite to eat at one of the many delightful local restaurants.

After you’ve filled your belly, you explore some of the most famous scenery of the island at the Trotternish Peninsula. The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing are all unforgettably beautiful.

You venture to Kyleakin for refreshments and a chance to view the dramatic ruin Castle Moil or the Skye Bridge and Eilean Ban.

Travelling over the bridge, you journey back to Inverness. The route you take back is different from the morning, so you get even more opportunities to enjoy the Highland scenery.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

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Tour the Isle of Skye

Kyle of lochalsh.

• Crofting Villages
• Old Man of Storr
• Book Online

Isle of Skye Tours with Skye Tours

Inverness Train to Kyle

Visit Skye's top locations, including the Cuillin Mountains, Portree, Old Man of Storr , Kilt Rocks, the Quairaing and the Fairy Glen .

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Private Tours

Join us for a Small Group Tour  of the magical Isle of Skye or arrange your Private Tour  now, just contact us for more info.

Book Your Seat

Book the Standard Tour here or for  Private Tours  contact us directly to discuss your requirements. We run tours all year round.

Arrive from Inverness via the world famous Kyle Line scenic train journey then join us for a 5-hour fully guided Minibus Tour of the Isle of Skye, with photo and comfort stops along the way. Catch the morning train from Inverness at 08:55, arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh for 11:30 and we will pick you up from the station. If the train is late, we will wait for you.

If you are in Kyle already, we will pick you up from the bus stop at 11:25. We will return to Kyle in time to catch the return train to Inverness which leaves at 17:13.

Other pick-up points (booking essential) include Shiel Bridge at 10:45, Dornie Hotel at 11:00, Kyleakin Bus Stop at 11.40 and Broadford Bus Stop at 11:50. You can also join the tour in Portree at 13:15 picking up from the main square (Somerled Square). (Note: We could be delayed by 5-10 minutes on the Skye stops if the Kyle train arrives late.)

At 639 square miles (1,656 square kilometres), the Isle of Skye is the second-largest Island in Scotland after Lewis and Harris and boasts some of the most dramatic mountain and coastal scenery in the UK. The Island has been occupied since the Mesolithic period (7th millennium BC) by, variously, Celtic tribes including the Picts and the Gaels, Scandinavian Vikings and the powerful Norse-Gael clans of MacLeod and MacDonald.

Skye belonged to Norway until the Perth Treaty of 1266 transferred sovereignty to Scotland. Thereafter, the 18th-century Jacobite uprisings led to the breaking-up of the clan system and the subsequent ‘Clearances’ replaced entire communities with sheep farms. This involved forced emigrations to distant lands. Resident numbers declined from over 20,000 in the early 19th century to just under 9,000 by 1999. Today the population hovers around 10,000. The ancient Gaelic language is still spoken throughout the Island and all road signs are bilingual. The main industries are tourism, agriculture, fishing and whisky-distilling. The climate is mild, wet and windy - but when the sun shines, there is nowhere more beautiful on Earth. The abundant wildlife includes Golden Eagles, Sea Eagles and Red Deer.

Book Online Now or email for further information or if you wish to book a Private Tour.

Our Skye Tour Route

Our starting point on the mainland, Kyle is well connected as it has the train from Inverness and regular buses. We can even pick you up at the train station.

The first big village you come to on Skye. Right by the sea side overlooking Broadford bay and the applecross hills.

Sligachan & the Cuillins

We stop at Sligachan which is as the base of the Cuillin Mountains. A perfect stop to get your camera out to capture these amazing views of the mountain range.

The capital of Skye. There is a lovely scenic harbour, busy with boats all day long. We will stop here for lunch, giving you time to look around the shops.

The Old Man of Storr

A massive rock pinnacle that dominates the views, the remnants of ancient landslips. This unique landscape has been used as a location for several films.

The Quiraing

The Quiraing is a spectacular series of rock pinnacles on the eastern side of the main spine of the Trotternish peninsula.

Uig & Fairy Glen

The ferry port that takes you to Harris and North Uist. The nearby Fairy Glen is a strange landscape of hillocks, apparently where the fairies live.

Isle of Skye

For more information about the Isle of Skye including accommodation, activies and attractions visit this Isle of Skye website.

When visiting Skye taking a unique glass bottom boat trip should be high on your list of priorities. Get a 10% Discount when you show your Skye Tour Ticket.

Discover the Isle of Skye with Skye Tours

• 1 Day Isle of Skye with Fairy Pools Tour
• 2-Day Isle of Skye with Fairy Pools Tour
• 3-Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour
• 1 Day Glasgow, Loch Lomond, and Stirling Tour
• 1 Day Dunfermline, St Andrews, and Dundee Tour
• 1 Day Stirling and Trossachs National Park
• 1 Day Loch Ness and Highlands Tour
• Best of Skye from Portree
• 1 Day Fairy Dust Trail from Portree
• Train to Skye from Kyle of Lochalsh
• Half a Day Tour of the Isle of Skye from Portree
• Winter Isle of Skye Tour from Portree
• Invergordon Shore Excursion
• Portree Shore Excursion
• Greenock Shore Excursion
• Edinburgh Shore Excursion
• Tour di 3 Giorni: da Edimburgo all’isola di Skye e Highlands
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• About Tour Skye
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Welcome to Tour Skye

Tours of Scotland & Shore Excursions

Scotland Group Tours

At Tour Skye we offer day trips and bespoke private tours of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Using a fleet of small group vehicles, ensuring that your experience is friendly, flexible and fun. Our Tour guides are hand picked for their historical knowledge and passion for our world famous Scottish scenery.

What Our Customers Say

I can't recommend this tour enough. It took us to so many beautiful places, I can't believe all we were able to see in one day. Gordon, our amazing guide, entertained us with story after story about the places we were visiting, and life in Scotland. We never felt rushed or uncomfortable. Perfect in every way!

Donna, North Carolina

My boyfriend and I did this tour and we absolutely loved it. There was a good balance between being in the car and being out of the car, and also ample free time. Gordon our tour guide was unreal. He is very funny, and very knowledgeable about the area and the people. We had a ball. Would highly recommend to anyone who is limited in time but still wants to see all the sights and really get a taste of what the area is about.

We did the ISLE OF SKYE AND FAIRY POOLS TOUR departing from Inverness and it was perfect in every way. Every view was worth a picture and out guide Rob made it twice as good with fun an interesting stories from Scotland's history and old folklore. A must do!

We had an amazing tour with Gordon. His humor, knowledge of the area, and driving made the tour our favorite excursion in Scotland. I would advise anyone who wants to tour Skye to book this trip! Fairy Ponds were well worth it, even in the cold, and you have to meet the COOOOS!

Ryan M, Washington DC

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Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness (Review and Tour Options)

Isle of Skye Tours from Inverness 1. Skye & Eilean Donan Castle 2. Skye & Fairy Pools 3. Skye Full Day Tour 4. 2-Day Tour of Skye 5. 3-Day Skye & Inverness

On my latest trip to Scotland , I had been selected to take photographs for the tour company Get Your Guide. This meant I got to take a free Isle of Skye tour from Inverness and visited some incredible Scottish landmarks.

Below I’ll review my trip from Inverness to the Isle of Skye and detail some options to choose from to help you select the best day trip to Skye from Inverness (including the same one I took).

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

All photographs Copyright Stephen Anthony Rohan. Contact me if you wish to buy a license.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Isle of Skye from Inverness

There are three main ways to get from Inverness to Skye including taking a tour, driving or by public transport.

Take a Tour: There are lots of tours of Skye from Inverness and below I’ve detailed five of the best ones, including the one I took. Prices start from around £60 for a full-day including pick up and drop off in central Inverness. Click here for a full list of available tours.

Drive: The best way to get to the Isle of Skye from Inverness if you want the freedom to explore on your own is to drive. Our partners at Discover Cars have some of the best rates for car hire in Scotland. Click here to check the prices .

By Public transport: Buses 917 goes between Inverness Bus Station and Uig on Skye stopping at major destinations including Kyle of Lochalsh and Portree. The journey time from Inverness to Portree is three hours and 15 minutes and costs £31.70 ($41.50). Click here for the timetable .

5 Best Isle of Skye Tours from Inverness

There are a few different tours from Inverness to Isle of Skye, which include many of the same stops along the way. Most tours include a stop at Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and Portree, as well as other destinations around Skye.

A couple of the trips from Inverness to Skye also include a visit to the Fairy Pools; a group of crystal-clear pools at the bottom of a waterfall and perfect for wild swimming, and definitely one of the top things to do on the Isle of Skye .

1. Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Tour

Highlights: Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Lealt Falls Duration: 12 hours

This full-day Inverness to Sky tour is the one I took and included stops at Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, the Old Man of Storr and Lealt Waterfalls. You can read a full description of the tour below.

This Inverness to Ilse of Skye day tour includes pickup from central Inverness (next to the railway station), a knowledgeable guide (English only) and transport in an air-conditioned minibus. You can check the availability of this tour using the form below, or click here to book .

2. Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools Tour

Highlights: Kyleakin, Portree, Fairy Pools Duration: 11.5 hours

This awesome Skye day tour from Inverness includes visits to the picturesque village of Kyleakin, the Sligachin Bridge where you can drink from the pure waters for eternal life (apparently) and a stop at the capital of Skye, Portree, for lunch.

You’ll learn all about the history, myths and legends of Skye from your driver and tour guide as pass some of the most picturesque places in Scotland. After lunch, you’ll head to the gorgeous Fairy Pools where you’ll have 90 minutes to relax, take pictures or take a dip.

You can check the availability of this tour using the form below, or click here to book .

3. Full-Day Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness

Highlights: Fairy Pools, Portree, Eilean Donan Castle Duration: 12 hours

This Inverness to Skye day tour combines both of the above options and includes both Eilean Donan Castle and the Fairy Pools, as well as other attractions like Urquhart Castle and the town of Portree.

4. 2-Day Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness

Highlights: Dunvegan Castle, Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, Loch Ness Duration: 2 days

As the full-day tours of Skye from Inverness can be quite long, another excellent option is this two-day tour which allows you to experience this beautiful part of Scotland without rushing from place to place.

The tour includes visits to Loch Ness, the 13th Century Dunvegan Castle, the Fairy Pools, Lealt Falls and Loch Ness. It also includes one night’s accommodation in the beautiful harbour town of Portree.

This is definitely one of the best Isle of Skye tours from Inverness as you get to see a lot more than on the day trips. You can check the availability of this tour using the form below, or click here to book .

5. 3-Day Isle of Skye Tour from Glasgow

Highlights: Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Inverness, Skye Duration: 3 days

Although this tour starts from Glasgow, it includes a trip to Inverness and is an excellent option if you’re looking to really explore Skye and the Scottish Highlands.

This action-packed Highland adventure includes trips to the bonny banks of Loch Lomond, dramatic Glencoe, Fort William, Inverness, and of course the Isle of Skye including Portree and other top sights around the island.

My Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness

Below you’ll find full details of my Isle of Skye tour from Inverness along with pictures I took along the way. This was one of the most impressive tours I’ve taken in terms of scenery, and our friendly and knowledgeable guide made it even more interesting as we learned the history of the places we visited.

Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness

I went to the meeting point next to Inverness Railway Station and our minibus arrived on time at 8am. We set off and followed the River Ness out of the town before joining Loch Ness. Our first stop was Urquart Castle on the shores of the loch which was recorded as early as 1296 when it was captured by King Edward I of England.

Loch Cluanie

We made our way along Loch Ness before following the River Moriston to Loch Cluanie. We stopped at Cluanie for photos and it really was an idyllic spot with pink heather overlooking the loch and mountains.

It was just a quick stop before moving on again and travelling along a deep Glen that had been the site of fighting between the English and the Jacobites. It was made all the more atmospheric as our tour guide blasted Wardruna and songs from the Braveheart soundtrack (a little cliched, but it worked).

Eilean Donan Castle

Our first major stop was at Eilean Donan Castle on the shores of Loch Duich. Duich is a sea loch and this resulted in the castle being shelled by ships when the British fought the Jacobites who were holed up in the castle.

I decided to forego the 11 quid entrance fee and instead went off to explore the small village of Dornie on the banks of the loch, but not before having a walk around the outside of the castle to snap some pictures.

Address: Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX. Click here to see the location . Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm, Mon-Sun Entrance: Price £11 ($14) Website: eileandonancastle.com

Sligachan and River of Eterrnal Life

Speed, bonnie Boat, like a bird on the wing, Onward! the sailors cry; Carry the lad that’s born to be king Over the sea to Skye. The Skye Boat Song

After Eilean Donan we made the short journey along the loch to Kyle of Lochalsh and across the Skye Bridge. Liall played the famous Skye Boat Song about Bonnie Prince Charlie as we crossed. Until 1992 the only way to reach the island was by boat.

After an hour or so of following the A87 along the coast, we stopped at the small village of Sligachan. Legend has it that if you wash your face in the River Sligachan and let it dry naturally it will make your skin look youthful, and that if you take a drink from the waters you’ll have eternal life.

I’m not sure I could handle the latter, so I opted for a quick wash in the hopes of hanging on to part of my youth on the wrong side of 40. There is a stone footbridge across the river with absolutely stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Portree – The Capital of Skye

It was another hour or so onward to Portree, the capital of Skye. Portree is a pleasant harbour town with a population of just over 2,000 people. There are lots of gift shops, a few pubs and cafes and a pleasant quayside with a small beach backed by cliffs and colorful houses.

There is a park a short walk from the harbour that is a must-visit with stunning views across Loch Portree. My only complaint is that we had less than 90 minutes to grab some lunch and explore, which wasn’t as much time as I’d have liked.

The Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is a rocky outcrop overlooking the Sound of Raasay on the eastern coast of Skye. It is famed for its protruding rock formations which resemble a person’s fingers, rising up from a grassy plain from the coast.

The Old Man is visible for miles and we first spied it rising majestically over the island before even reaching Portree. We stopped at the roadside to take pictures, but the location wasn’t great as there was a busy road and a load of power lines running right in front of it, obscuring the view somewhat.

Lealt Falls

Our final stop on Skye was at the far northern end of the island to see the Lealt Falls, a series of waterfalls cascading down from the mountains to the sea nearby. There were wooden walkways out over a raine to get a good view of the falls, and another higher up overlooking the cliffs and ocean.

Stromeferry

We left Skye via the bridge and headed on a northern route back so as to do a loop rather than go over old ground. We stopped at the roadside above Stromferry for pictures of the beautiful loch before heading back to Inverness and arrived at around 8pm.

If you’d like to take this same tour, enter your details below or click here to find out more .

What to Pack for an Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness

It’s no great secret that Scotland sees a lot of rain (today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky) and on my trip although it stayed dry, there were a few downpours. As such waterproofs or an umbrella would certainly be useful.

Here are a few things to consider packing on your Inverness to Isle of Skye road trip:

• Waterproofs
• Walking shoes or boots
• Water bottle
• Packed lunch (you can also buy something along the way)
• Small backpack

Getting to Inverness

I took the bus to Inverness from Glasgow. The journey time was four hours and it was a very scenic route. There are also trains which take just over three hours. There are also daily buses and trains from Edinburgh and other major Scottish towns and cities.

Where to Stay in Inverness

Budget: I stayed at the Inverness Student Hotel which has a central location, comfortable dorm rooms, a kitchen and lots of common areas for working or relaxing. Click here to book with Hostelworld .

Mid-range: Cedar Villa Guest House is a charming B&B in the centre of Inverness just 400 metres from the castle. Rooms come with en-suite bathroom, free Wi-Fi and a cooked breakfast. Click here to find out more .

Luxury: The four-star Bunchrew House Hotel is located less than 3 miles from Inverness and offers a luxury stay in a 17th Century Scottish Mansion set within 20 acres of land. The sumptuous rooms come with gorgeous views, en-suite and breakfast is included. Click here to find out more .

It’s easy to do a Skye day trip from Inverness and there are a few different options for getting there. You can take a tour, drive, or use public transport.

Skye is a small island so you can see most of the major tourist sights such as Portree, the Old Man of Storr and Lealt Falls in one day. However, it’s also worth spending a couple of days on Skye if you really want to explore properly.

The Isle of Skye is 77 miles (124 kilometres) from Inverness. It takes around 3 hours to drive and slightly longer if going by public bus.

There are no trains from Inverness to Skye. If you wish to make the journey using public transport you can take bus 917 from Inverness. The bus takes around 4 hours and costs £31.70.

The Isle of Skye is definitely worth going to as it’s one of the most beautiful places in Scotland. It’s part of the Inner Hebrides and benefits from a gorgeous coastline, waterfalls, mountains and dramatic scenery.

Now you know about the best Isle of Skye tours from Inverness, which one will you choose?

With so many incredible sights to see along the way including ancient castles, lochs, waterfalls, small Highland villages and stunning scenery at every turn, taking an Inverness to Isle of Skye tour is a must when in Scotland. Don’t delay, click here to book your trip today !

You might like my other articles about Scotland:

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

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Travel to the Isle of Skye on our day tour from Drumnadrochit!

• ABOUT THIS TOUR
• ITINERARY & MAP

Tour Highlights

• The only Skye tour offering free Drumnadrochit pick-up and drop-off
• Experience all of Skye’s highlights in just one day
• See the Fairy Pools, Portree and the Trotternish Peninsula, plus Eilean Donan Castle and Urquhart Castle along the way
• Leave your car behind, sit back, relax and enjoy Skye; we’ll take care of everything else!

Itinerary and Map +

Itinerary & map, your ultimate isle of skye tour starts in drumnadrochit.

The Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour departs from Inverness at 8.15am and will pick you up in the car park in the centre of Drumnadrochit at 8.45am. From here the tour itinerary is exactly as detailed on our Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour page (the only stop you miss is number 2, the Highland cows, which we briefly stop to see before we pick you up) .  At the end of the day we will drop you off back in Drumnadrochit at approximately 7.45pm, before the tour ends in Inverness at 8.15pm.

There are so many wonderful sights on the Isle of Skye and we have carefully crafted our itinerary to enable you to see as much as possible in one day, without feeling rushed. Even if you have your own transport we would highly recommend leaving the driving to our highly experienced driver guide; we are adept at safely manoeuvring the single track roads and tourist traffic, letting you concentrate on enjoying the world-class scenery on Skye.

Book a Tour

Why should we choose WOW to take us to Skye? +

There are a number of companies in Inverness offering tours to Skye, and we appreciate that it can be difficult to decide which company to use.  We wanted to summarise the main benefits of coming on our tour, so that you can make the best choice for your group.  So..here goes…

• First and foremost, we have the most comprehensive tour itinerary available from Inverness; our tour is the only one to include all of the sights in Northern Skye (Portree, Trotternish Peninsula, Old Man of Storr and Cuillin Mountains) as well as giving you the opportunity to hike to the Fairy Pools , and see Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness/Urquhart Castle en-route.  It truly is the ultimate tour of Skye!
• We are the only company offering a seat reservation system for our front row (plus second row and extra legroom) seats so, if taking uninterrupted photos is important to you, this will be a great benefit.  
• We are the only company offering convenient pick up and drop off at two city locations , ensuring that your day is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible
• We are the only company offering free pick-up and drop-off in Drumnadrochit and Invermoriston (for Fort William) giving you the flexibility to stay wherever suits you best.
• We have the smartest and most comfortable tour vehicle (ok, this is partly subjective, but we are pretty confident!)
• We are the only local company offering coach tours to Skye from Inverness (we operate from Tomatin, 20 miles south of Inverness, and the company owner is an Invernessian born and bred!).  We think that this is important, as it means that the money you pay for your ticket goes back into the local economy.
• Skye has a fragile economy, which is very dependent on tourism, and we want to ensure that the local community see the benefit of our tours.  Consequently, we work with fantastic local suppliers on all of our tours.
• We are the only company to offer a lunch pre-ordering service on the tour – we work with the Isle of Skye Baking Company in Portree to offer this self-service option, in order to save your sightseeing time
• We have been awarded 5 Star Tour status by our national tourism organisation, Visit Scotland, for the last eight years, which means that they have rated our tours as “exceptional”
• We have over 22 00 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor and are the top-rated tour company in Inverness out of over 130 (around 700 of these reviews are specifically for our Skye tours – that’s a lot of very happy customers!)

We very much hope that you will choose to come with us to Skye, and are looking forward to meeting you, and showing you the best the island has to offer, very soon!

Why should I book this Skye tour direct? +

We sell our tours through a number of online agents.  However, we would strongly encourage you to book directly on our own website, for the following reasons;

• Convenient pick-up and drop-off If you book direct we offer pick-up and drop-off from a number of convenient locations!  We do this in order to make your day as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.  
• Seat upgrade options By booking direct you can purchase optional front row, second row and extra legroom upgrades.  So, if unparalleled views or the ability to stretch out are important to you, be sure to book direct and take advantage of this option.
• The best seats All of the seats on our vehicles are comfortable with great views.  However, customers who book direct will be given preferential seating.
• Excellent customer service We are a small family-run business, and we are always on hand to give you quick and accurate responses to your queries or requests, either by phone or email.  If you require to change or cancel your booking, or want to switch to another tour, we will do this quickly and easily, and will be as flexible as we possibly can in response to your requests.  It is our business, and we really care about ensuring that every one of our guests has an excellent experience, from the minute you land on our website, right through to dropping you off back at your hotel. 
• Support the Highlands If you book with an agent 25% of the ticket price goes to an international corporation.  That means that 25% less money is flowing into the fragile economy of the Scottish Highlands.  Please support our small local business by coming to us direct.

We very much look forward to showing you the Highlands!

What times does the Skye tour start and finish in Drumnadrochit? +

This tour picks up from the Loch Ness Hub carpark in Drumnadrochit at 8.45am.  Please ensure that you are at the pick-up location a few minutes prior to pick up time, as we are unable to wait for any latecomers. The tour will return to Drumnadrochit at approximately 7.45pm. It is possible that we may return a bit later than this, although we always try to keep to our schedule as much as possible.

Where is the pick-up point in Drumnadrochit? +

The pick-up point is from Loch Ness Hub carpark (next to the public toilets).

Can I reserve seats on the tour? +

Firstly, it is worth mentioning that all seats offer great views and plenty of legroom. However, many guests have seating preferences so, in response to this, we give you the opportunity, on our Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour and our Invergordon shore tours, to book the following chargeable upgrades;

• 4 front row seats – these seats give you unparalleled views out of the front windows, and the opportunity to disembark first at every stop.  They are, justifiably, our most popular seats.
• 4 second row seats – many guests prefer to sit near the front of the coach, or be reassured that you will be seated together if they are a couple/group, both of which you get with this option.  These seats also have a little more legroom than the front row seats.  
• 2 extra legroom seats – these are situated near the back of the coach and have approximately 20% more legroom than regular seats.  They are particularly suited to those who are tall, or like to stretch out.

The price of the upgrades vary depending on the option and tour selected, with prices between £5 and £20 per person (note that any fees paid for seat upgrades are non-refundable if you cancel your tour).  If they are available, upgrades will be given as an option when booking.  Please note that it does not make any difference which side of the coach you sit on, so we don’t take requests for specific sides. 

The rest of our seating will be allocated by your driver guide and we will do our best to seat all groups/couples together. If you are unhappy with your seat please let your tour guide know and he will do his best to accommodate your requests, although obviously many guests would prefer a window seat so it is not possible for everyone to have these!

The opportunity to purchase seat upgrades is a definite advantage of booking with us directly, through our own website.  These upgrades are not available if our tour is booked through online agents.

Please note that seat upgrades are not currently available on our Skye Hiking Tour. The reason for this is because we have less time on the coach and use a smaller 16-seater vehicle for this tour. Consequently, seat position is not as crucial, and we seat guests according to group composition (we have 4 single window seats, 4 double window seats and four seats together at the back).

What sort of vehicle do you use? +

For our Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour we generally use one of our two 33-seater mini-coaches, both of which were built to our precise specifications, to ensure the highest levels of passenger comfort. They are very well-appointed with panoramic windows, comfortable reclining seats and USB ports under every seat. You can rest assured that you will be able to relax and enjoy the majestic scenery in complete comfort. You can read more about our coaches here .

On occasion we may use our smaller, 16-seater executive mini-coach. It offers all of the same features as described above, but also boasts a panoramic glass roof, for that extra special view!

How often are bathroom/toilet stops? +

When joining the tour in Drumnadrochit there are four main stops where toilets/bathrooms can be accessed, as follows

• 10.00am (Eilean Donan Castle)
• 11.15 – 12pm (Portree)
• 2.40pm (Portree, if required)
• 3.30 – 5pm (Fairy Pools)
• 6pm (Eilean Donan Castle)

Outside of these times it may be possible to make unscheduled bathroom stops – please just ask your driver guide to see what they can do for you, as the last thing we ever want is for our passengers is to be uncomfortable. 

There are also public toilets at the meeting point in Drumnadrochit (at The Loch Ness Hub)

Will we be stopping for snacks/lunch on the way? +

We are delighted to be working with our friends at  The Isle of Skye Baking Company  in Portree to offer a delicious packed lunch option.  At the start of the tour you will be given access to a menu with QR code.  By scanning this QR code or visiting the website you can order and pay for a lunch, which your driver guide will collect in Portree, and deliver to you upon your return to the mini-coach there. 

We offer this service to enable you to save time, and focus on seeing the sights of Portree.  If you do not wish to take this option you are welcome to bring your own food with you, or pick something up during our 40 minutes in Portree.  Please note that there is definitely not time for a sit-down lunch in Portree.

The Isle of Skye Baking Co. offers a variety of quiches (e.g. bacon & leek or panfried mushroom & roast aubergine), filled breads, scones (e.g. cheese or treacle), cakes (e.g. sticky toffee pudding cake, courgette & walnut cake) shortbread (various specialty flavours include lime & coconut and lemon & poppy) and oatcakes plus a limited selection of soft drinks.  They are all made on the premises and their exclusive WOW menu changes on a daily basis.  They also offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.  Prices vary, from around £4 for a filled bread, to £8.50 for a filled bread and sweet selection.  They also sell some lovely edible souvenirs, which you can add to your order!

We are delighted to support this wonderful local business who, like ourselves, pride themselves in providing excellent products and service to their customers.

What should I wear on this tour? +

On this tour you spend approximately 1 1/4 hours at the Fairy Pools;  the location is windy and exposed, with absolutely no shelter from the elements, so it is imperative that you are appropriately dressed for this.  We really cannot stress this enough – if you are soaking wet you will struggle to enjoy the rest of the day.  As we say in Scotland, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”!

We would strongly recommend wearing hiking boots with ankle support (as a minimum you will need sturdy comfortable trainers/sneakers) as the path is often muddy and slippery. We would also strongly recommend bringing a waterproof jacket, and ideally waterproof trousers/pants too (note that umbrellas are not appropriate on Skye – they just blow inside out and are rendered useless very quickly).  In addition to these essentials we would suggest wearing layers, including a thick sweater/fleece option, and bringing a hat and gloves and warm jacket in your bag.

Even if the sun is shining brightly when you leave Drumnadrochit, they do say that you only really experience Scotland when you see four seasons in one day, so please be prepared!

How much walking is involved? +

The stop where we spend most time on this tour is at the Fairy Pools.  The walk from the coach park to the pools is uphill on a rough path.  To get to the first pool will take a fit person around 15 – 20 minutes and the distance is 0.7 miles.  To then walk on to the last of the pools is a further 0.3 miles and will take around 10 minutes (this is entirely optional as you can enjoy the beauty of the pools from the first vantage point).  In total a fit person will walk the 1.5 miles there and back in around 40 minutes, and will have around 35-50 minutes to enjoy at the pools themselves.

You can choose to go for a walk in Portree but there is no requirement to do any walk other than at the Fairy Pools (even at the pools your guide can take you to an alternative natural sight nearby, but please note that there are no other activities, shops or things to see at the Fairy Pools).

What if the weather is bad? +

In the summer of 2023 bridges were built at the Fairy Pools, in order to enable access to the pools, whatever the weather. (Previously, stepping stones had to be used to cross the streams and, if the stones were submerged, it was not possible to cross). The being said, if it is very rainy and windy the Fairy Pools is really not a pleasant experience, as you cannot see the views, the water will not be the brilliant blue the pools are famous for and, most importantly, there is no shelter, so you are likely to get completely soaked. This makes for a really unpleasant experience, if you have to spend the next six hours feeling damp! Consequently, if the weather is bad we may decide that it would be advantageous to visit another sight instead. We really only do this if we have to, as we know many people book this tour primarily to visit this top sight.

On this tour in general we will do our best to tailor our itinerary to the weather conditions. Whilst it is not always possible to avoid the rain, we can adjust our timings to try and ensure that we visit the most exposed sights at the least rainy times.

Can I swim in the pools? +

First and foremost; we would not encourage you to swim in the pools. However, if you are considering it please bear the following in mind;

We cannot stress enough how cold the water is – it might look enticing but, even in the height of summer, it is estimated to be around 4-6oC (42oF) which is colder than the (notoriously chilly) North Sea!!

Open water swimming is inherently dangerous and should only be attempted by very confident swimmers

There is nowhere to change, which is fine if you put your swimming stuff on under your clothes, but perhaps not as fine when you come out desperate to get some warm clothes on, but everyone is looking and pointing at the crazy person who has just been swimming!

If you do decide that you still wish to swim in the pools, you should bring a towel and swimming costume.

Swimming in the pools is done entirely at your own risk.

Can we visit Talisker? +

In a word, no. We do not visit Talisker Distillery on any of our tours, as it often gets exceptionally busy there and, as such, we are unable to guarantee the quality of the experience offered.

Can we book a private tour instead? +

We do have limited availability for private tours (primarily in shoulder months such as April and October).  These are most suited to groups of 8+, as the smallest vehicle we have is an executive 16-seater mini-coach. Please contact us about availability and pricing.

Can wheelchair/walking frame users come on this tour? +

Unfortunately not all of the stops offer wheelchair access, as a lot of the terrain on Skye is very rugged. Also, the coach is not equipped for passengers to remain in their wheelchairs. That being said, if you are able to get out of your wheelchair at the coach steps and walk onto the coach, there is no reason why you could not enjoy the whole tour from the comfort of the coach and we will make every effort to accommodate those with mobility problems.

Can children come on this tour? +

We welcome children over the age of six on our tour.

It should be noted that approximately 60-70% of the day is spent on the coach, so it may be an idea to bring some toys, games and snacks with you.

Unfortunately, due to the duration of the tour and time on the coach, we do not feel that this tour is appropriate for children under the age of six, so the tour is not open to this age group. This is for the comfort of other passengers and also to ensure that the driver guide can focus on doing their jobs without any distractions.

UK law states that each passenger must have their own seat and use their seatbelt at all times. Consequently, it is not possible to take a child on your lap. From experience we know that, very occasionally, parents try to bring children on without purchasing a seat. However, we would like to make it clear that this is not allowed and there will be no refund if you are refused entry to the tour for taking children under 6 or those whom you haven’t booked.

Can I be dropped off somewhere else at the end of the tour? +

Yes! If you would like to spend a few days in Skye we are happy to drop you off there, so that you can continue your trip independently. In order to see as much as possible of Skye on the tour we’d recommend dropping you off in Sligachan, Broadford or Kyleakin at the end of the day. However, if you would like to be dropped off somewhere else please contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request (although please note that we cannot drop you off in Portree, as we do not return there at the end of the day).

If you are dropped off in Skye you will most likely miss the photo stops at Eilean Donan Castle and Urquhart Castle/Loch Ness.

You are also welcome to start the tour in Drumnadrochit, then finish in Inverness.  Please just book the tour from Drumnadrochit, then note in the “special requests” section that you will finish in Inverness (main drop off is the Inverness Bus Station at 8.15pm).

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Meet your guides, gordon pearson.

Founder & Tour Guide

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Gordon founded WOW Scotland in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since. He is passionate about showcasing his homeland, and is continually striving to create the best possible experiences for every guest.

Robert Carr

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Prior to being a tour guide, Rob ran successful food and tourism businesses in Edinburgh and Perthshire. He has now been in the Highlands for 16 years, where he loves to indulge in his joint passions of golf and hiking.

Andrew Jones

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With over 10 years of experience as a tour director and guide, Andrew prefers to consider himself as a storyteller, amateur historian and, above all, an ambassador for Scotland

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