The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness
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The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness

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(1134 reviews)
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and stories of this magical island with a local Highland company.

This is the only scheduled tour which will take you to both the highlights of Northern Skye (including Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr and Portree) and the Fairy Pools, in one action-packed day from Inverness! You will also get to experience Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness along the way. Our highly experienced driver guides will keep you entertained on the scenic drive through the hills and glens of the Scottish Highlands.

Join us, and tour Skye with the people who know it best on this wonderful day tour.

Available options

The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness

What's included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Live commentary on board
Experienced driver

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1 Pass by

As we leave Inverness behind, the Highlands’ most famous waters appear: Loch Ness. We’ll hug the shoreline while your guide brings the legend to life—tales of sightings, science, and a sprinkle of mischief—eyes peeled for her!

2
Stop 2

Our first stop is at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. This castle is instantly recognisable the world-over as it has featured in many films and innumerable Scottish souvenirs! We will stop at our favourite vantage point here to enable you to take some photos and admire the majestic beauty of this iconic sight in its wonderful coastal location.
Please note that there will NOT be an opportunity to visit the castle.

3

Arrive in Portree and head to the harbour viewpoint—cue pastel-perfect houses and sweeping bay views.
Dive into quirky local boutiques, cozy cafés, and harbourfront lanes; 45 minutes here flies by.
Hungry? Grab a fresh-baked lunch or a tasty takeaway and refuel like a local.
(If you have pre-booked lunch with us in the morning, we will collect it here and deliver it to you on the mini-coach, saving you precious sightseeing time).

4
Stop 4

Kilt Rock is an exposed sea cliff which resembles the traditional Highland kilt, and which never fails to impress our guests. It also boasts a waterfall which cascades 60ft (180m) into the Sound of Raasay below - a truly unique sight, and particularly so when the wind blows the waterfall back up the cliff!

5
Stop 5

As we head north, we’ll pause at a loch-side viewpoint for your first look at the Old Man of Storr — a striking 50-metre pinnacle rising from the dramatic Trotternish Ridge. You may recognise this iconic landscape from films including 47 Ronin, Macbeth, Snow White and the Huntsman, Prometheus and The BFG.

6
Stop 6

You’ll have time to wander up to this beautiful series of pools and waterfalls. The scenic path to the first pool is gently uphill and takes around 20 minutes (0.7 miles), with the most impressive waterfall just 5 minutes further on (0.9 miles in total). Most guests linger here, with the Cuillin Mountains as a stunning backdrop to the crystal clear water of the pools. Whatever the weather, there are photo opportunities at every turn!

Please note: the out-and-back walk is around 1.5 miles and takes roughly 40 minutes, so a moderate level of fitness is required.

7

After savouring Skye’s showstoppers, we cross back over the bridge and turn east, threading through mountains and storybook glens. As the scenery swells around us, your guide brings to life the Highlands’ darker chapters—the bloody upheavals that emptied once-thriving communities and left these glens hauntingly quiet.

8
Stop 8

We end on a high—literally. Look down on Urquhart Castle, dramatically set on a peninsula reaching into Loch Ness— a fitting finale after a day of spectacular sights on Skye.
Then it’s a quick drive back to Inverness, carrying the best souvenir of all—memories of an unforgettable day on Skye.

What's not included

Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Lunch
Snacks/drinks
Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9
200 reviews
5★
191
4★
7
3★
2
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
934 reviews
5★
909
4★
18
3★
2
2★
5
1★
0

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Walking (approximately 1.5 miles to and from the Fairy Pools) is involved, and some of this is on rough terrain
Seats will be assigned - groups/couples will be seated together
Unfortunately, due to the duration of the tour and time on the coach, this tour is not appropriate for children under the age of six
We would recommend wearing/bringing warm clothes, hiking boots and waterproof jackets

Meeting point

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to departure. The tour departs on time and we cannot wait for latecomers.

Important notes

We highly recommend reading our FAQs prior to coming on the tour - these can be found on the WOW Scotland website.

The weather in Scotland is unpredictable: Please bring a waterproof jacket, warm clothing and sensible footwear as the ground at most locations can be wet, muddy and slippery.

Seats will be allocated by your driver guide, with groups/families being seated together.

We would recommend bringing snacks and drinks with you (to be eaten at the stops, not on the coach) as there will only be limited opportunities to purchase items on the tour.

Please note that under no circumstances will children under the age of 6 be allowed on the tour.

Our telephone number is 0044 1808 511773

About Inverness

Inverness is a historic city in the Scottish Highlands, known as the capital of the region. It offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with the iconic Loch Ness and the Culloden Battlefield nearby. The city is a gateway to some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes and ancient sites.

Top Attractions

Inverness Castle

A historic castle overlooking the River Ness, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.

Historical 1-2 hours £5

Loch Ness

A famous freshwater loch known for its deep, dark waters and the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

Nature Half day to full day Free to visit the loch, attractions vary in price

Culloden Battlefield

The site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle fought on British soil.

Historical 2-3 hours £14.50

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

A museum showcasing the history, art, and culture of the Highlands.

Museum 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis, Neeps and Tatties

A traditional Scottish dish made with haggis (a spiced sheep's offal pudding), mashed turnips (neeps), and mashed potatoes (tatties).

Dinner Contains meat and offal, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Cullen Skink

A creamy smoked haddock soup, traditionally made with potatoes, onions, and milk.

Lunch Contains fish, not suitable for those with fish allergies.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Vegetarian-friendly, but contains dairy.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Highlands Boat tours on Loch Ness Visiting spas and wellness centers Strolling along the River Ness Exploring Inverness Museum and Art Gallery Attending local festivals and events Fishing in the River Ness Skiing and snowboarding in the Cairngorms

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest time of the year, with long daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding Highlands.

12°C to 18°C 54°F to 64°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Inverness is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas.
  • • Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid using them in isolated areas.
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on a fare before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air
  • Inverness Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center
By train

Inverness Railway Station

By bus

Inverness Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network covers the city and surrounding areas, with frequent services to major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

City Center Ness Islands Leakey

Day trips

Culloden Battlefield
5 km (3 miles) • Half day

The site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle fought on British soil. The visitors center offers interactive exhibits and a museum.

Loch Ness
24 km (15 miles) • Full day

A famous freshwater loch known for its deep, dark waters and the legendary Loch Ness Monster. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition offers insights into the loch's history and geology.

Cairngorms National Park
60 km (37 miles) • Full day

The largest national park in the UK, offering a diverse range of landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Inverness Highland Games • May Inverness Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

  • Visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the history and culture of the Highlands.
  • Take a boat tour on Loch Ness to search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster and explore the loch's stunning scenery.
  • Explore the Culloden Battlefield and visitors center to learn about the history of the 1746 Battle of Culloden.
  • Stroll along the River Ness and visit the Ness Islands for a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
  • Sample local whisky and cuisine at one of Inverness's many pubs, restaurants, or whisky bars.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-99
1
Childs
Age 6-17
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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