Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness

The Isle of Skye is home to some of Scotland’s most beautiful and iconic landscapes.  It is a must-see for any visitor to the Highlands, so why not see it in style with TripAdvisor’s Number 1 Inverness tour company, on our brand new and well appointed 28-seater coach?!  We are the only company to provide a separate tour driver and tour guide on this route; the driver will ensure that your journey is safe and comfortable, whilst the guide will amuse you with stories and anecdotes, ensuring that you are kept entertained throughout the day.

On this 11 hour tour there are many carefully selected stops; some are photo opportunities whilst others give you the chance to really get out and explore the nature and scenery, enabling you to find your very own piece of the magnificent Isle of Skye.  

You can find full information about the Isle of Skye Tour (including itinerary, video, photos and FAQs) here on our website.  In summary, our itinerary for the day is as follows;

1. Inverness

The tour departs from Inverness Bus Station at 9am.

2.  The Black Isle

As we cross over the Kessock Bridge to the Black Isle you will enjoy impressive coastal views, before we start heading west, through rolling farmland and sleepy villages, to the mountainous West Coast.

3. Achnasheen

Our first stop is in the hamlet of Achnasheen where you can stretch your legs, admire the scenic railway station and take some photos from its bridge.

4. The Skye Bridge

After we weave our way along the shores of the peninsula we arrive in Kyle of Lochalsh; gateway to Skye.  We then cross over the infamous Skye bridge where (if the weather is kind to us!) we will enjoy 360o panoramic views of the mainland, Skye and the islands peppered in between.

5. Kyleakin

Our first stop on Skye is in the sleepy fishing village of Kyleakin.  Here you can take a walk around, pick up some refreshments or simply enjoy the views of The Skye Bridge, Eilean Ban Lighhouse and Castle Moil.

6. Black Cuillin Mountains

After journeying up the East Coast of Skye we arrive in Sligachan, where we are welcomed by awe-inspiring views of the Red and Black Cuillin Mountains.  Here, if you feel like it, you can relax in the cosy bar with a local ale or dram. Alternatively, for those feeling more energetic, we would recommend taking a short hike with our guide to one of our favourite secret spots….we will say no more!!

7.  The Old Man of Storr

As we tour north we enter a supernatural and dramatic landscape, the result of ferocious volcanic activity millions of years ago. A short loch-side photo stop give you the chance to admire the Old Man of Storr, a 50 metre high rock pinnacle which juts out from the awesome Trotternish Ridge.

8. Kilt Rock

Our next stop is Kilt Rock, an exposed sea cliff which resembles the traditional Highland kilt.  Here you will be torn between admiring the magnificent outlook or watching the impressive waterfall tumble into the steely blue sea below.

9. The Quiraing

Our next stop is the reason many people come to Skye, and is definitely one of the highlights. The Quiraing is a series of landslides that have combined to create high cliffs, hidden plateaus, buttresses and rock pinnacles.We have 30 minutes here and would recommend taking a short hike to find a unique vantage point to enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery.

10. Trotternish Peninsula

After experiencing the Quiraing it is time to head back down the Trotternish Peninsula - a great opportunity to enjoy even more fantastic views from a completely different angle.  

11. Portree

The pretty fishing village is set in a sheltered bay and counts itself as the main town on the island.  It is definitely worth a visit..even if just for the pretty, pastel coloured houses it’s famous for.  You may wish to take a hike to the top of the Apothecary Tower, for stunning vistas of the surrounding area.  Alternatively, there are many cute shops and cafes so you may wish to indulge in a spot of souvenir shopping, or simply sit and soak in the atmosphere.

13.  The Red Cuillins

If you have pre-ordered the Scottish-themed dinner we will now serve this on-board and will begin our journey back to the mainland.  As we drive south we will stop on the coast for an enviable view of the Red Cuillin Mountains; this is a great place to spot wildlife and, on previous tours, we have spotted golden eagles and pilot whales from this spot!  

14.  Eilean Donan Castle

After crossing back over the Skye Bridge we embark on our alternative journey back to Inverness, with our first stop being the iconic Eilean Donan Castle.  As we arrive after the castle has closed for the day this is a great opportunity to enjoy this famous landmark without the crowds!

15.  5 Sisters of Kintail and Loch Cluanie

After ticking so many world-class sights ticked off your list, you will have an hour or so to sit back, relax and enjoy yet more beautiful scenery before our final stop.  

16.  Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Towards the end of our epic journey we travel along the shores of the legendary Loch Ness (keep your eyes peeled for Nessie!). At Urquhart Castle we have our last stop of the day, where we spend around 10 minutes viewing the loch-side castle ruins from above – an amazing end to an amazing day!

We will return to Inverness at 8pm after an unforgettable day on Skye!