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

Day 1 Edinburgh to Inverness

1. 1

   Forth Bridge

   As we leave Edinburgh towards the North, you will be met with views of Scotland’s greatest piece of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge. This 19th century engineering marvel was at one point the World’s longest cantilever bridge. Today it neighbours the 20th century Forth Road Bridge and the 21st century Queensferry Crossing which opened in 2017. Three spectacular bridges, from three different centuries, span the Firth of Forth connecting our Capital city and the Kingdom of Fife.

2. 2

   The Kelpies & The Helix

   30 min

   Standing 30 metres (100ft) tall, The Kelpies stand majestically above all around them and pay homage to the working horses of Scotland which used to pull barges along Scotland’s canals and worked in the fields in the area where they now stand. Towering over a new canal extension which links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the North Sea, The Kelpies are the result of a unique collaboration between the partners and Glasgow-based artist Andy Scott. Almost a decade in the making, the project has transformed 350 hectares of underused land between Falkirk and Grangemouth into a vibrant parkland, visitor attraction and marine hub with the canal and The Kelpies at its heart.

3. 3

   Pitlochry

   45 min

   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.

4. 4

   Cairngorms National Park

   1 hour

   Drive north 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.

5. 5

   Highland Folk Museum

   1 hour

   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**

6. 6

   Clava Cairns

   20 min

   After Culloden you’ll 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.

7. 7

   Culloden Battlefield

   45 min

   Your guide will take you 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.

8. 8

   Inverness Cathedral

   14 hours

   You will arrive in Inverness at approximately 6:30PM 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. 1

   Black Cuillin

   5 min

   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. 2

   Skye Bridge

   10 min

   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. 3

   Portree Harbour

   1 hour

   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. 4

   Trotternish Ridge

   1 hour

   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. 5

   Quiraing

   30 min

   One of the best stops for an amazing picture - jaw dropping scenery

6. 6

   Eilean Donan Castle

   15 min

   Having explored Skye, we head back towards the mainland, arriving at 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. 7

   Inverness Cathedral

   13 hours

   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

1. 1

   Loch Ness

   1 hour 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. 2

   Commando Monument

   10 min

   Along the route, we’ll stop at the Commando Memorial. In 1942, this setting became the training ground for Britain’s Special Forces. Harsh, unforgiving, and breathtakingly beautiful. A statue of our heroes overlooks the Nevis range. Bring a camera – this is undoubtedly one of our favourite photo-stops in all of Scotland. Here, weather permitting, you could also spot Ben Nevis. The tallest mountain in The United Kingdom.

3. 3

   Glenfinnan Viaduct

   30 min

   If we manage to get our timing right, we try our best to offer guests of the 3-Day tour the opportunity to watch the Jacobite Steam Train (April - late September 2024) crossing the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct. 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.

4. 4

   Glencoe

   10 min

   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. 5

   Stirling Castle

   10 min

   We'll pass by Stirling Castle, the most important castle in Scottish history due to its strategic location as gateway between the Central Lowlands and the imposing Scottish Highlands to the North.

6. 6

   National Wallace Monument

   10 min

   Your guide will introduce you to our nation’s violent history with tales of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce as we see the monument while driving through Stirling.

7. 7

   Edinburgh

   10 min

   Your journey back to Edinburgh takes you across the famous Forth Bridges. The expected arrival time back in Edinburgh is around 7 PM.