Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
1 day tour
Experience the natural wonders of Scotland’s most famous island.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Isle of Skye - The beauty of this island has inspired movie makers, poets, and travellers from all round the world.
Kyle of Lochalsh - This is the gateway to Skye. Enjoy sublime views of landscapes that surround this village.
Eilean Donan Castle* - An iconic and gorgeous 13th-century castle that once warded off Viking invasions.
Portree - A cute, colourful coastal town that’s as quaint as it is fascinating.
Trotternish Peninsula - The ultimate Skye road. It’s the way to see the Quiraing, Kilt Rock, and all of Skye’s must-see sights.
Cuillin Mountains - Skye’s dominant mountain range. Enjoy views of these imposing mountains as you travel the ‘winged isle’.
Loch Ness - This loch holds more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. But does it hide the Loch Ness monster?
Your journey
Sharp geological formations, crumbling coastlines, and wind-swept valleys: the Isle of Skye is mother-nature in all her dramatic glory. And on this day-tour you explore the best of it.
We take you on a journey through the stories, history, and sights of the island; while also giving you a taste of the most breathtaking scenery that Western Scotland has to offer.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 07:45 (tour departs at 08:00) - Inverness Pick Up, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
20:00 - Inverness Drop Off, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
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) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
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
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
Itinerary
After an early start, you leave the city and travel along the Great Glen Fault Line towards Loch Ness. Here, you have a chance to spot the monster and admire lovely Castle Urquhart from afar.
You continue through dramatic Highland scenery to the west coast and Eilean Donan Castle*. You can go inside ‘the most photographed castle in Scotland’ or simply enjoy the astounding views.
And now, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Because it’s over the sea and onto the Isle of Skye. You travel up the island’s east coast through the stunning Red Cuillin Mountains to Sligachan, where you stop for a photo of the clear mountain waters.
Arriving in the town of Portree, you have free time to grab a bite to eat at one of the many delightful local restaurants.
After you’ve filled your belly, you explore some of the most famous scenery of the island at the Trotternish Peninsula. The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing are all unforgettably beautiful.
You venture to Kyleakin for refreshments and a chance to view the dramatic ruin Castle Moil or the Skye Bridge and Eilean Ban.
Travelling over the bridge, you journey back to Inverness. The route you take back is different from the morning, so you get even more opportunities to enjoy the Highland scenery.
*Please note that Eilean Donan Castle will be closed on the following dates due to weddings: 2nd, 5th, 6th, 9th, 15th, 16th & 24th November 2024. We will be unable to visit the inside of the castle. Please also note that the castle closes over winter between 22nd December 2024 and 1st February 2025. We apologise for the inconvenience.
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?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view 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 .
Restrictions
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
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) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.