3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh

Day 1: Edinburgh to Inverness via Glencoe & Glenfinnan

1. The Kelpies & The Helix
   30m
   Depart Edinburgh City Centre and head west, leaving the bustle of the city behind. Stop for photos of the Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures, before continue north through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
2. Stirling
   Pass by
   We'll pass by Stirling, with views of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle - the most important castle in Scottish history. Its strategic location works as gateway between the Central Lowlands and the imposing Scottish Highlands to the North.
   
   Your guide will introduce you to our nation’s violent history with tales of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce as we see the Wallace Monument while driving by Stirling.
3. Callander
   30m
   Stop for a short while in the town of Callander; “The Gateway to the Highlands.” Nestled at the foot of the Trossachs Callander offers plenty of places to stock up on refreshments and an opportunity to stretch your legs.
4. Glencoe
   15m
   Follow in the footsteps of James Bond (‘Skyfall’) and Harry Potter (‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’), as you discover the beautiful and haunting ‘Glencoe’, the most magnificent and famous valley in Scotland. The spectacular scenery will stay with you forever. Your guide will recount the tale of the infamous ‘Massacre of Glencoe’ that took place here in February 1692.
5. Glenfinnan Viaduct
   45m
   Travel north-west to discover the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct, beautifully set among mountains on the shores of Loch Shiel.
   
   For some known as the "Harry Potter Bridge", this stunning viewpoint also marks the spot where Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) raised his standard prior to the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. Go to the top of the monument for the best views of the Glen, as your guide introduces you to the dramatic story of the ‘Young Pretender’ and how his actions changed the course of European history forever.
6. Commando Monument
   15m
   Stop at the Commando Memorial, located at a training ground for Britain’s Special Forces. Weather permitting, you may also spot Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom.
7. Inverness Cathedral
   14h
   You will arrive in Inverness at approximately 6PM at our city centre drop-off - Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN. The evening is then your own to explore the city or meet up with your fellow travellers and enjoy a meal in a local restaurant or traditional Highland pub. Inverness has a huge variety of establishments to choose from, whether you’d like to try our national dish of Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, washed down with a wee dram of Scotch Whisky or a Local Organic Beer (try the Black Isle Brewery Bar!). During peak season, it is advisable to book a table ahead if you’re a larger group. After dinner, we recommend you head to the world-famous Hootenanny bar which has traditional Scottish musicians playing every night.
   
   Accommodation is not included, and arranged separately by passengers. We encourage staying within walking distance from the meeting point by Inverness Cathedral, and are happy to offer recommendations upon request.

Day 2: Roundtrip to Isle of Skye

1. Black Cuillin
   Pass by
   Pass by - The Sligachan River flows majestically from the Black Cuillin Mountains, a truly magical location for your guide to introduce you to the local folklore of the island’s Fairies and Giants!
2. Skye Bridge
   10m
   We stop at the Kyle of Lochalsh for morning coffee and a photograph opportunity of the famous Skye Bridge, with views of Skye’s Cuillin Mountain range providing a beautiful backdrop. Opened in 1995, this bridge has a remarkable history.
3. Portree Harbour
   1h
   Enjoy lunch in the picturesque harbour town of Portree, the largest settlement on Skye. There are numerous cosy pubs, restaurants and bakeries for you to try seafood and other local dishes. Enjoy fish and chips by the harbour as the fishing boats deliver their latest catch!
4. Trotternish Ridge
   Pass by
   Pass by - We explore the dramatic Trotternish Peninsula, with iconic rock formations which have made this area the perfect backdrop for recent movies such as ‘BFG’, ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Stardust’.
5. Isle of Skye
   Pass by
   Finish your day of exploring Isle of Skye and head back to the main land.
6. Eilean Donan Castle
   15m
   Having explored Skye, we head back towards the mainland, stopping for photographs at the shores opposite Eilean Donan Castle, which is thought to be the most beautiful castle in Scotland!
   
   Built upon a rocky island at the head of three Sea Lochs (similar to Fjords), you will be impressed by this breathtaking Scottish landmark and the beautiful mountains and glistening waters that surround it.
7. Inverness Cathedral
   13h · Admission ticket included
   You will arrive in Inverness at approximately 7:30PM at our city-centre drop off - Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN. You have another evening to explore Inverness, enjoy the local cuisine and take in the atmosphere of cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands.
   
   Accommodation is not included, and arranged separately by passengers. We encourage staying within walking distance from the meeting point by Inverness Cathedral, and are happy to offer recommendations upon request.

Day 3: Inverness to Edinburgh via Culloden & Pitlochry

1. Loch Ness
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Your guide will take you to the northern shores of Loch Ness, where you can join an optional Boat Cruise (tickets not included) exploring the features, history and lore of the beautiful area surrounding the loch.
2. Culloden Battlefield
   45m
   Travel south to the fields of Culloden Moor, where you will hear the story of the infamous battle which took place here in 1746, the very last battle to be fought on British soil. This marked the end of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s hopes of becoming King. Walking on one of the most sombre sites in the country where many thousands of Highlanders died, for many Scots, this is where “the old Scotland died”. The battle changed Scotland, Britain and Europe forever.
3. Clava Cairns
   20m
   Arrive at Clava Cairns where Diana Gabaldon found inspiration for ‘Craig Na Dun’ in the Outlander series. These fascinating Bronze-Age Standing-Stones and burial chambers are thought to be over 4,000 years old! Walk between the stones and hear about who built this intriguing place, and why.
4. Highland Folk Museum
   1h
   You’ll then have the opportunity to experience Highland life in the 18th century and visit authentic Highland blackhouses at the ‘Highland Folk Museum’ (donation-based entry) in Newtonmore. You’ll see the simple homes people lived in 300 years ago, the clothes they wore and how they conducted their daily lives.
   
   The folk museum also has an on-site cafe where you can have lunch during our 90-minute visit. Also used as a filming location for ‘Outlander’, this place gives you a unique insight into the lives and struggles of the Highland people. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed.
   **Museum is open seasonally, and replaced by Ruthven Barracks during the winter**
5. Cairngorms National Park
   Pass by
   Drive south through the west side of the dramatic Cairngorm National Park, the UK's largest national park. It is known and loved for it's tranquil lochs, imposing Munros and significant historical events.
6. Pitlochry
   45m
   Stop for a visit of the historic village of Pitlochry, in the heart of Scotland. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, the fresh air and the rich clan history of the region. Take a relaxing stroll or grab a bite to eat before continuing the journey south.
7. Edinburgh
   Pass by
   Your journey back to Edinburgh takes you across the famous Forth Bridges. The expected arrival time back in Edinburgh is around 6 PM.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (7-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please feel free to bring a smaller bag to be brought onboard, and one medium sized piece of luggage, suitcase or backpack, which we will put in the hold of the bus during transit. This can weigh up to 15kgs (33lbs) per passenger .
• This tour in an air-conditioned mini/midi-coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
• Please ensure that you have a working phone number for the lead traveler attached to the booking.
• You will require a 2-night stay in Inverness for this tour, accommodation is not included in your ticket but we are happy to provide recommendations where needed. We recommend staying within walking distance of our meeting point on Ardross Street by Inverness Cathedral, IV3 5NN.
• We strongly recommend you book accommodation with a flexible cancellation policy in the event that you need to cancel or reschedule your tour - we'd hate for you to lose out!
• There are opportunities to take short nature walks, it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
• For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.