Isle of Skye & West Highlands
4 day tour

  • The Cuilin Hills
  • Glencoe
  • Eilean Donan Castle
  • Old Man Storr Isle of Skye
  • Glenfinnan Viaduct

Travel to a world where mountains and myths merge on this four day tour of Skye and the West Highlands.

Tour map

Tour Highlights

Mountains
Lochs
National Parks
Film Locations
Ferry
Walks
Castles

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 breath away.

Highland Perthshire - Walter Scott once called this region “The fairest portion of the northern kingdom”.

Glencoe - Be moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.

 

Your journey

 

Some views stop you in your tracks.

No words can describe these places and no photos can capture 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, experience those everlasting moments, and discover the beauty of the Isle of Skye and the West Highlands.
 

Tour Details

Starts
Check-in closes at 09:15 (tour departs at 09:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Finishes (approx.)
18:30 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Luggage
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Discounts

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

Important information
  • 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
Tour inclusions
  • Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
  • Air conditioning as standard
  • The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
Tour exclusions
  • 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 north west. On this route, you see one of Scotland’s most amazing modern marvels, The Kelpies. These massive steel horse heads are fantastic to photograph and intriguingly engineered.

For lunch, you refuel at your driver-guide's favourite spot and continue with your journey through the Highland scenery.

After ambling along and enjoying beautiful views of rivers, lochs, and forests, you cross the wild and remote Rannoch Moor. This is a favourite location for photographers and nature lovers, so make sure you’ve charged your camera. You then head to the majestic and historic Glencoe. Here, you can learn about one of the most tragic tales in Scottish history.

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
  • Arrive in the ‘Misty Isle’, Skye

You go on a breath-taking drive from Fort William and pass the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. This is one of the most beautiful railway bends in Britain and featured in the Harry Potter movies. There’s also an iconic monument that commemorates the Jacobites who died fighting for the Jacobite cause.

After arriving in Mallaig, you take the ferry 'over the sea to Skye' to the southern area of the island.*

Your afternoon will be spent exploring the incredible landscapes of the Sleat Peninsula. Your guide may take you to the famed waterfalls of Glenbrittle or to the Cuillin Mountains in Elgol, where you can revel in the stunning views.

After all these sublime sights, you head to your overnight base in the Lochalsh and Skye area.**

* During the winter months (October till the end of March) you take a scenic route through Kyle of Lochalsh and drive over the Skye Bridge.

**Tours departing from 1st November 2023 till the end of March 2024 stay in Portree for two nights.

**If your tour departs after 1st April 2024, you will spend this night either in Kyleakin or in Balmacara.

Day 3

  • Travel through Skye’s most iconic scenery
  • Learn the landscapes and legends of Skye

Today is your opportunity to see some of the most famous wonders of Skye. The Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point: the options are endless.

Your guide will choose a unique itinerary to suit the weather and what’s happening on the island. And they’ll always ensure you get a chance to get off the beaten track and discover the best spots for photos.

In the late afternoon, you return to your overnight base*.

*If your tour departs after 1st April 2024, you will spend this night either in Kyleakin or in Balmacara.

Day 4

  • Try and catch a glimpse of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis
  • Admire the oddly unique architecture of Dunkeld Cathedral

You start your day from a visit to the famous stronghold, Eilean Donan Castle*.

Then 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 Firth of Forth, and into Edinburgh.

*Please note that Eilean Donan Castle will have reduced opening hours between 1st Feb 2024 - 24th March 2024 (open 10am until 3pm). 

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight?

You stay one night in Fort William* and two nights in the beautiful Kyle of Lochalsh or Kyleakin - accommodation dependent.**

 

* Please note there are limited hotel options in this area.

**You stay in Portree if your tour departs between the beginning of November 2023 and the end of March 2024.

 

**If your tour departs after 1st April 2024, you will spend two nights in Kyleakin, Kyle of Lochalsh or Balmacara.

 

How can I book accommodation?

Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE.

Alternatively, please email us your questions at tours@rabbies.com or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab: types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.

How much will the accommodation cost?

We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.

As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices, per person per night:

 

Approximate prices, per person per night

Overnight Location

 

Sole Occupancy

Multiple Occupancy

 

(1 person per room)

(2+ people per room)

B&B Standard

£80 - £120

£60 - £80

UK & Northern Ireland

€80 - €120

€60 - €80

Ireland

B&B En-suite

£100 - £145

£55 - £95

UK & Northern Ireland

€100 - €145

€55 - €100

Ireland

Hotel*

£110 - £190*

£75 - £145

UK & Northern Ireland

€130 - €235*

€75 - €150

Ireland

NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)

*Please note that hotel rates can go up to £270 for a single room in the high season.

Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).

FAQs

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?

We have a cancellation period of 48 hours for our one day tours, 15 days for two to nine day tours, and 21 days for 10+ day tours. If cancelled outside this period, we'll give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this period, refunds are at our discretion. Click here to view full 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?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .


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