Isle of Skye 3 Day Mini Coach Tour
3 days to explore some of the most dramatic and beautiful places in the Highlands and the romantic island of Skye. Highlights also include Glencoe, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Accommodation on this tour is dispersed around Portree . If you have access problems or special requirements please let us know when booking. Glenelg ferry does not operate between November and Easter so we use the Skye bridge both ways at this time. Click here for more booking information
The Itinerary
Day 1. Depart Edinburgh at 0930 and travel west passing Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and continue towards Stirling with it's imposing castle and views to the Wallace Monument. We pass Doune Castle, set of Monty Python's 'Holy Grail' before stopping in Callander for refreshments. Into the Highlands now and north past Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Craigdarroch and Tyndrum, stopping for lunch on the way. We continue north through Glencoe, scene of the great massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Past Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with great views over Ben Nevis.
On the 'Road to the Isles' now through the splendour of the Five Sisters of Kintail, the mountains guarding the pass on the way to the Isle of Skye. We stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film 'Highlander', set at the junction of 3 lochs as protection against Viking raiders. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, we head up to Portree stopping for dinner on the way. You are then dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening where you are free to go out and explore the town.
Day 2 is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and your driver/guide's knowledge will come to the fore in developing the best day out for you that particular day. For example : Travel north to the stunning Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk through some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery. Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns (reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt) with it's waterfall cascading over the cliffs and down into the sea below.
After lunch you can go over to Neist Point for a walk out to the lighthouse that is the furthest point west on Skye. Or go over to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the Clan McLeod. Talisker Distillery is also on Skye, as are the famous Cuillin Hills. We return you to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening for you to enjoy a free night in Portree.
Day 3 You will be collected from your accommodation and travel south through the Cuillin Hills and down the old drovers road to catch the small ferry (summer only) over to Glenelg on the mainland. This is a magical journey with seals often seen in the water. It's also where Gavin Maxwell (Ring of Bright Water) lived with his otters. After a relaxing coffee stop, we drive to the top of the Mam Ratagan mountain pass and stop for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail.
Onto Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting 'Nessie'. There is a boat trip (summer only) available here that will get you that bit closer! Heading south now through the Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan, famous now as 'Monarch of the Glen Country' before passing Dawhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky Distillery, and onwards past Blair Castle stopping for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Forth Road Bridge. Arriving at 1930 approx.
Tour Essentials
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!!Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoaches for a more personal service.
Forced air ventilation as standard.
Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
All ferry and bridge crossings.
Rabbie's Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.
Accommodation - the tour price does not include accommodation but this gives you an opportunity to choose your budget and the type of accommodation you wish to stay in and we will book it for you - Hostel, B&B or Hotel - please refer to the booking form on this web site for prices. Please note that in the case of late bookings accommodation availability and choice may be restricted and we cannot guarantee to find your first choice. There is usually a supplement for single rooms.
Meals and snacks.
Entrance fees.