Isle of Skye & West Highlands
4 day tour
Travel to a world where mountains and myths merge on this four day tour of Skye and the West Highlands.
Tour map
Highlights
Places you'll explore
Glenfinnan and the ‘Harry Potter’ viaduct - Admire the beautiful viaduct that the ‘Hogwarts Express’ runs along.
The White Sands of Morar - The famous white sands on this beach may make you think of more tropical destinations.
Five Sisters of Kintail - Gaze in awe at the powerful peaks and rising ridges of this impressive mountain chain.
Isle of Skye - Traverse one of the world’s most stunning islands.
The Cuillin Hills - Spectacular and invigorating to behold, this natural formation will take your breathe away.
Highland Perthshire - Walter Scott once called this region “The fairest portion of the northern kingdom”.
Your journey
Some views stop you in your tracks.
No words can describe these places, and no photos can represent these sights.
When you’re there, all you can do is simply look, relax, and enjoy the moment.
And this tour is four days of that incredible feeling.
There are castles so impressive you’ll rub your eyes in disbelief, mountains so magnificent you’ll remember them forever, and villages so quaint you’ll want to pack your bags and move in.
So take this tour and experience those everlasting moments, and discover the beauty of Skye and the West Highlands.
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
- One 15 kilogram bag per person
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of a Rabbie's driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
- Tour accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1
- Gaze in wonder at the ‘weeping glen’, Glencoe
- Take in the majestic views of barren Rannoch Moor
You leave Edinburgh and travel northwest, passing both Stirling and Doune Castle.
You may stop for lunch in either Killin or Callander.
After enjoying beautiful views of rivers, lochs and forests, you cross the wild and remote Rannoch Moor. You then head to the majestic and historic Glencoe.
We then drive along the shore of Loch Linnhe before reaching our base for the night in Fort William.
Day 2
- Adore the beautiful ‘Harry Potter’ rail bridge, the Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Travel by ferry to the ‘Misty Isle’, Skye
You go on a breathtaking drive from Fort William, and pass the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct before arriving in Mallaig, a busy little harbour on Scotland's west coast. From here you take the ferry to the southern area of the Isle of Skye.
You travel through the Sleat Peninsula before spending time in Glenbrittle, where you can admire its famed waterfalls. You may also enjoy the incredible seascapes and views of the Cuillin in Elgol, and visit the beautiful bay of Talisker.
After all these sublime sights, you head back to your overnight base in the Lochalsh and Skye area.
Day 3
- Travel through Skye’s most iconic scenery
Today is your opportunity to see some of the most famous wonders of Skye.
Your guide will choose the best itinerary to suit the weather. They’ll ensure you get a chance to get off the beaten track and discover the best spots for photos.
One option for the day takes you north. You travel through Portree to the famous Quiraing, before marvelling at the waterfall at Kilt Rock and stopping at a viewpoint to get a photo of the Old Man of Storr.
Another option takes you west to learn about the history of Clan MacLeod at Dunvegan Castle. This route also lets you walk out to the remarkably placed Neist Point lighthouse.
After your day exploring the sights, you return to your overnight base.
Day 4
- Try and catch a glimpse of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis
- Admire the oddly unique architecture of Dunkeld Cathedral
You travel south through Glen Shiel and past magnificent Loch Cluanie, as we head east for a view of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Continuing south, your route passes through the Monadhliath Mountains and into the Central Highlands, where you stop in the historic village of Dunkeld. Here you have the chance to visit the ruins of the old cathedral.
Travelling south, you head through the Lowlands, over the Forth Road Bridge, and into Edinburgh.
Customer Reviews
Amazing George
Kelly Dewar Posted on 22/10/2015Just home from a brilliant tour! Four days with an incredible guide, George, who went out of his way to accommodate people and to show all of us an amazing time! George was kind, always upbeat, helpful and amazingly knowledge on all things Scotland. The stories of Scotish history were interesting and funny and help make the tour wonderful. We saw amazing places, incredible scenery and beautiful buildings. Amazing areas to visit on this tour made all the more interesting and special because of such a wonder guide! Thanks so much George!! :)
Amazing George
Kelly Dewar Posted on 22/10/2015Just home from a brilliant tour! Four days with an incredible guide, George, who went out of his way to accommodate people and to show all of us an amazing time! George was kind, always upbeat, helpful and amazingly knowledge on all things Scotland. The stories of Scotish history were interesting and funny and help make the tour wonderful. We saw amazing places, incredible scenery and beautiful buildings. Amazing areas to visit on this tour made all the more interesting and special because of such a wonder guide! Thanks so much George!! :)
Beautiful Skye and Highlands with Ewan
Anna Dlugosz Posted on 14/09/2015Thank you Thank you Ewan McLeod for such a wonderful tour. Your love for your beautiful land, your story telling, and your vast knowledge, all backed by a wonderful music track, made for the most memorable trip. The picnic lunches that took advantage of the great weather were a special treat. Thank you! Anna
Thank you Matthew!!!!
Katherine Posted on 02/07/2015I just returned from a four-day tour around the Isle of Skye and west highlands. It was not my first time to the UK or the first local tour experience, but it only proved that Rabbies is exceptional, which all came down to our tour guide: Matthew. The best part of Matthew is: he never pushed or tried too hard. Everything came naturally, but you could still feel his passion and devotion to his beloved land. The various landforms of Scottish Highlands are astonishingly amazing! Matthew was a wonderful story teller of everything about Scotland: history, politics, throne, clans, battles, music, geography, whiskey, castles, legends, animals. Stories poured out of him casually, as if told by an old friend. He kept talking and introducing, sort of enjoying himself, then everyone laughed and relaxed. Also, he consciously slowed down his talking speed so non-native tourists can also fully enjoy the journey. With his profound knowledge, and the thoughtful manner of a gentleman, you may not find any tour guide better than Matthew! Now I am suffering from a severe sense of lost. It seems I can still feel the wind, taste the salty air in Plockton, and hear the Scottish pipe music, which all echo in my memories. Scotland is definitely a place you must visit again! Start plan a journey! Better stay longer than four days to fully explore the area. Highly Recommended! Thank you, Rabbies. Thank you, Matthew!
What a great time!
Debbie Clunie Posted on 02/11/2014What started on a wet, blustery morning turned into the most amazing 4 days EVER! Karen, our tour gulde, was a veritable encyclopaedia of information and I learned so much about this beautiful country. Coming from New Zealand, there were so many similarities in the countryside, but Scotland has its own way of presenting itself. I loved Plockton and the lovely Sybil who owned the B&B we stayed in. I will be back!
Autumn adventure
Ninsig Posted on 04/10/2014I’ve recently spent 4 magnificent days on tour with Rabbie’s to Skye and the west highlands. The tour guide; Ross Hutton; was really fabulous! His stories were great, he was warm, friendly and funny. The weather wasn’t the best with fog and rain a lot of the time, but in some places that just made the sights more dramatic. I think day 3 of the tour is the one I will remember best. Ross advised the group to take a boat trip from Elgol to see Loch Coruisk in the heart of the Cuillin hills on Skye, and I don’t regret going at all! A great experience! This day we also stopped at the silver sands of Morar and Glenfinnan on our way from Skye to Fort William. Even the weather was quite nice that day! The next day it was rainy and foggy again... I believe we were very lucky to have Ross as our guide since he knew this route like the back of his hand. He listened to people’s requests and tried his best to make it possible to see the sights we asked for. This was my 3rd tour with Rabbie’s (went on 2 daytours this summer) and it will definitely not be my last. There are still so many places in Scotland I want to visit and I’ll be happy to have Rabbie’s take me there. So maybe next year a new Scottish adventure or two awaits me. Only time will tell. Big thank you to Ross for making this tour such a memorable one!
first time in Scotland and beautiful memories
Lan Posted on 08/07/2014maybe not the best weather, but the best memories!
Euen, the wee ferries and the giants
William Fishman Posted on 28/05/2014We cannot thank our guide Euen for the wonderfully informative tour of Skye. Euen, you are no mere bus driver! You are an inspired story-teller, a preserver and interpreter of lore, and a brilliant commentator on almost everything. Thanks for giving of youself to us. May your life surpass your expectations.
Fabulous 4 day Skye tour!
Amy Dunbar-Wallis Posted on 07/05/2014We have just returned home from an amazing visit to Scotland. Part of our vacation included a 4 day tour of Skye with Keith and a one day tour to Stirling and Loch Lomond with Martin. Our group had 6 families with two being children. Both Keith and Martin were wonderful with our boys and made sure we had enough hikes to burn off some energy. What has stayed with us the most is the music! Thank you for making our tour so memorable and exciting!
A welcome slower paced tour.
Debbda Posted on 09/09/2013Was it the fairies? Did they have something to do with the weather? This 4 day tour meant a slower pace, more time to explore and take pictures. Our decision of where to go, what to see on Skye: for some the Distillery and Dunvegan Castle; others chose the wide open spaces and walks. Over the sea to Mallaig by ferry--the sun came out! Silver sands of Morar and beautiful Glencoe Lochan; off the beaten track and away from the crowds. Stunning scenery, photographs at every turn. A slow amble back to Edinburgh, 9 hrs, with numerous stops and walks. Thank you Liam for a stunning tour and safe drive.
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay one night in Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis and two nights in the beautiful Lochalsh/South Skye area.
This tour will stay in Portree on the last two nights from the end of November 2017 to the beginning of March 2018.
How does the accommodation work?
Your tour excludes accommodation; but when you book, you can ask us to reserve local accommodation for you, or you can choose to reserve your own accommodation in the overnight locations.
I want Rabbie’s to book my accommodation, what happens now?
Once you've booked your tour, we'll reserve all your accommodation, and your driver will drop you off with your hosts. You’ll pay your accommodation directly. Most don’t accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay cash.
What if I want to change my accommodation booking with Rabbie’s?
Changes to accommodation cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability. A minimum amendment charge of £5.00 will apply.
I booked my own accommodation is there anything I need to do?
You’ll need to contact us with your accommodation details. Please only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in.
Your driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation as long as it’s relatively central. You can find a selection of hotels at hotels.rabbies.com.
What if I cancel my tour at short notice?
If you cancel less than three days before departure, you may be liable for the cost of your first nights’ accommodation. And occasionally you may be liable for all your accommodation costs.
What are the accommodation types and what do they cost?
We try to reserve accommodation that’s no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre.
We regularly check our accommodation suppliers to ensure they reach a certain standard. The prices below are for guidance only.
B&B (Bed and Breakfast) Standard
The toilet and showering facilities are shared with at least one other room in the house, and the price includes breakfast. The cost is between £30.00 - £35.00 per person per night. A single standard is between £35.00 - £60.00 per night.
B&B En/suite
The showering and toilet facilities are private, and breakfast is included in the price. The expected cost for a room, based on two people sharing, will be between £40.00 – £50.00 per person per night.
The expected cost for a single room will be between *£55.00 - £80.00 per night.
Hotels
Hotels have a bar or restaurant and provide evening meals. Breakfast is included in the price. The expected cost of Hotel 3* is between £65.00 - £85.00 per person per night. Hotel 4* is approximately £75.00 - £120.00 per person per night.
Hostels
A hostel consists of dormitory rooms with 4 to 16 bunk beds. The bathroom facilities are a short distance from the dorm room. Kitchen facilities are equipped so you can make your own meals. The cost is between £15.00- £25.00 per person per night.
Please note that SYHA hostels only offer same gender dorms. Some independent hostels will offer mixed rooms (males and females together).
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, you can read our FAQs, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, or email rooms@rabbies.com.
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