Isle of Skye & Inverness Tour

Day One 

We depart on our Isle of Skye & Loch Ness Tour and travel north to the Scottish Highlands, passing through beautiful Highland Perthshire.

Highland Perthshire is known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands and is an outstanding start to our private tour of Scotland.

Coffee in the historic village of Dunkeld and a visit to the 7th-century Cathedral is an excellent start to the day.

Dunkeld Cathedral is indeed a remarkable building in the heart of this beautiful highland village.

Jacobites once fought the British Army on the streets of this quaint village, and musket ball marks can still be seen.

Next, we explore the fascinating Hermitage Woods.

The forest here is magical, and the Dukes of Athol planted the Douglas Firs and Larch in the 18th century.

John, the 4th Duke of Athol, was known as ‘Planter John’ and the woodlands’ Big Tree Country.’ 

There are more to these Scottish woods than meets the eye!! 

 The Hermitage Woodlands near Dunkeld are a magical setting and a unique first stop on our Isle of Skye & Inverness Tour.

Culloden Moor & Clava Cairns 

Our private guided tour of Scotland continues to Culloden Moor. 

Culloden is an extraordinary and poignant place in Scottish Jacobite history and, as such, an excellent stop on our private tour of Scotland.

The interactive visitor centre will take you back in time to the year 1746 and what turns out to be the last military battle fought on British soil. 

Visitors to the moorland comment on the unique atmosphere of this place, and walking on the battlefield passed the cairns that mark the graves of highlanders, you understand why.

The massacre of the Jacobites on that bleak April morning and the war graves that remain are a stark reminder of the fate of the Highlanders.

Clava Cairns and Standing Stones

A perfect end to our first day is Clava Cairns. Walk amongst the neolithic stones and truly feel the wonder of this place. A hugely significant and exceptionally well preserved prehistoric site, Clava Cairns is a fantastic example of the distant history of Highland Scotland, dating back about 4,000 years.

A well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves, ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones in a beautiful setting. Standing stones are not uncommon in Scotland but are always very special to touch, walk around and experience.

The Outlander TV series has undoubtedly added to their popularity.

A hugely significant and exceptionally well preserved prehistoric site, Clava Cairns is a fantastic example of the distant history of Highland Scotland, dating back about 4,000 years.

Inverness – Capital of the Highlands

In the early evening, we check into Inverness.  

Inverness is the largest city and the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. As a result, for the best Scotland tour and experience, Inverness is a must-see.

Nestled on the River Ness, the small city has an excellent choice of restaurants, traditional pubs and shops.

As a result, tours of Inverness are a must.

Situated on Scotland’s northeast coast where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth makes this little city an outstanding overnight stop. 

The superb choice of Hotels, B&B’s, shops and local eateries means there is an excellent choice for all travellers in the Capital of the Highlands.

 Day Two

Loch Ness & The Isle of Skye

The next morning, we travel along the 23-mile length of Loch Ness on our way to the Isle of Skye.

Loch Ness is Scotlands most famous Loch (lake) and is home to the Loch Ness Monster.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster date from the 6th century, with the most recent only a few months ago !!

Although sightings of “Nessie” are rare, keep your camera at the ready as you may get the photo of a lifetime.

As a result, an entertaining drive full of history and Loch Ness folklore starts day two.

Loch Ness looking North East. Sightings on Nessie are not as rare as you think. 

Over the Sea to Skye

Driving through the beautiful Glen Shiel is a joy, and as the landscape starts to open up, glimpses of the islands appear.

Glen Shiel is one of my personal favourites with scenery that’s always awe-inspiring.

The mountain range is known as “the Five Sisters of Kintail” provides the perfect backdrop as we travel down the Glen towards the Isle of Skye.

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich is possibly the most photographed castle in Scotland, which makes it an ideal stop for coffee and photographs. People travel from all over the world to photograph Eilean Donan Castle.

Caisteal Maol at Kyleakin 

The Black Cuillin Mountains of Skye

A photo stop at Sligachan and the “Black Cuillin” mountains is a must before continuing to our accommodation on Skye.

Portree, Isle of Skye

Day Three

The Isle of Skye – Faeries and a landscape forged in fire

Today is spent touring the Isle of Skye. We enjoy a drive along the dramatic Trotternish Ridge. Spectacular cliffs and rock formations are all part of a landscape forged by fire and ice.

The “Misty Isle” holds so many incredible visitor experiences and unique sites. It is actually impossible to do Skye justice with a mere description.

Folklore and faeries are as much part of Skye as the mountains, lochs & glens.

Telling you the stories and legends as we travel is an enjoyable aspect of being your private tour guide.

We explore Kilt Rock and Lealt Waterfall. Both of which are great “wee” walks and photo opportunities.

Tour the Scottish Highlands & Skye

Breath in the sea air and gaze across the highlands. The rugged coastlines of the Isle of Skye are the perfect place to hear some of the local history and folklore.

Legends of the Isle of Skye & Scottish Highlands

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

Standing at the “Quiraing” or the mysterious “Fairy Glen”, and it’s easy to see why.

After a full private Isle of Skye tour, we return at approx 17.30 hours. Plenty of time to freshen up, explore and sample more local hospitality.

The Quiraing

The Old Man of Storr

Fairy Pools

Day 4 

Glencoe & Loch Lomond National Park

Although the final day of our 4-day private tour of Scotland, the journey is far from over.

Today we travel into the heart of Lochaber, passing the highland town of Fort William & Ben Nevis.

Ben Nevis is Scotlands tallest mountain and always great to see as we journey through the highlands.

Exploring the famous Glencoe, renowned for its beauty but infamous for its bloody history, is wonderful and thought-provoking.

Sometimes called the “weeping glen”, Glencoe is as atmospheric as it is beautiful.

Unique landscapes of Rannoch Moor lead us eventually into the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park and the beautiful scenery of the southern highlands.

A stop a Doune Castle is a must.

Doune Castle 

The 14th-century castle has been used as a filming location for Outlander, Game of Thrones and even Monty Python. 

An incredible end to an epic four-day private tour with Scottish Guided Tours.

Private Tours of Scotland 

Private tours of Scotland are designed around you and your travelling companions; thus, Scottish Guided tours are tailored to your time frame and interests.

On our private Isle of Skye tours, you may want a short or long walk to Neist point Lighthouse or a hike up the ‘Storr.’

You may prefer more time in the fishing village of Portree!

Complete flexibility is only one of the many benefits of a private guide and transport with Scottish Guided Tours.

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

In summary, private guided tours of Scotland are a unique and relaxed way to explore. 

Highland Cattle (Hairy Coos)