3-Day Scotland Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Scotland tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Scottish Highlands, incl. Isle of Skye and Loch Ness

  Scotland's highlights come alive across 15 destinations. Trek the Quiraing on Skye, photograph the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and stay at Loch Ness's shoreline hostel. Visit Glencoe, Ben Nevis, and Doune Castle while experiencing Highland culture.

  

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  • Day 1

    Edinburgh to Isle of Skye

    Leave Edinburgh early and head north across the Highland Divide. Visit The Hermitage for a woodland walk but make sure to wear waterproof boots since trails get muddy. Stop in Pitlochry for lunch and a quick walk around town. Head to Glenfinnan Viaduct to catch the Harry Potter famous Jacobite Steam Train crossing at 3pm. Take the beautiful "Road to the Isles" to Mallaig and catch the ferry to Isle of Skye. Spend the night in Kyleakin village.

    
  • Day 2

    Isle of Skye Exploration

    Start early to explore Skye's stunning landscapes. Visit the Trotternish Peninsula and hike the Old Man of Storr. One visitor advises: "Go early to beat tour buses and bring proper hiking shoes, the path gets very slippery when wet." Stop at Kilt Rock waterfall viewpoint and explore the strange beauty of the Quiraing landslip. Have lunch in the charming town of Portree before heading to Sligachan for Black Cuillin mountain views. End your day at Loch Ness hostel, the only place to stay right on the loch's shores.

    
  • Day 3

    Loch Ness to Edinburgh

    Take an optional morning swim in Loch Ness if you're brave enough. A wetsuit is a good idea since the water is cold. Drive through the stunning Glen Coe valley. As one traveler notes: "The three sisters mountains are breathtaking but the weather changes rapidly, so bring layers." Visit Doune Castle, known from Outlander and Monty Python. If time allows, explore Rob Roy's homeland in the Trossachs before returning to Edinburgh in early evening.

    

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• 3 Days in Scotland, incl. Edinburgh and Isle of Skye

  Highland magic unfolds across 9 iconic Scottish destinations including Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, and Glencoe. Spend 36 hours touring Skye's dramatic landscapes, from the Old Man of Storr to the mystical Fairy Pools, with expert guides rated 5.0/5.

  

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  • Day 1

    Edinburgh to Kyleakin

    Leave Edinburgh by 8:30 AM to avoid traffic and drive north into the Highlands. Your first Highland views appear as you pass through Pitlochry. A recent traveler shares: "Neil's storytelling made even the long drive fly by with fascinating folklore and history of each location." Visit Culloden Battlefield before reaching Loch Ness around noon. Bring rain gear since Highland weather is unpredictable. Some visitors take a quick swim. One reviewer said: "jumping into Loch Ness was simultaneously the coldest and best swim ever." Your day ends at Kyleakin on Skye after crossing the famous bridge. Stay at the local hostel, known for its welcoming common spaces. Buy groceries before reaching Skye as Kyleakin has limited food options.

    
  • Day 2

    Isle of Skye Exploration

    Start your Skye adventure early at the Old Man of Storr. The morning hike takes about 2 hours. Wear proper hiking boots as the trail gets slippery. One visitor noted: "The Storr hike was moderately difficult but extremely worth it - literally the best views I've ever seen." Visit the Quiraing next for stunning landscapes, then spend your afternoon at the Fairy Pools. Pack swimwear if you want to try the crystal-clear water. You'll do lots of walking on rough ground today, so bring plenty of snacks and water.

    
  • Day 3

    Skye to Edinburgh

    Leave Kyleakin and travel south through Glen Coe, where you'll learn about the historic clan massacre in this striking valley. Stop for lunch in Fort William and see Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. If weather allows, visit Doune Castle and the Wallace Monument on your way back to Edinburgh, arriving around 7 PM.

    

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• 3 Days in Northern Scotland, incl. Inverness and Orkney Islands

  Scottish history comes alive across 8 destinations including Inverness, Kirkwall, and Skara Brae. Visit St Magnus Cathedral, Italian Chapel, and Dunrobin Castle. Two nights in Kirkwall B&Bs with Scottish breakfasts included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Inverness to Kirkwall

    Leave Inverness from Union Street at 8 AM for a scenic 4-hour coastal drive north through Moray and Cromarty Firth. Pack snacks and water for the journey. The ferry ride to St. Margaret's Hope takes about an hour. Get a seat on the port side to see the stunning cliffs along the way. After arriving in Orkney, visit the Italian Chapel, built by World War II POWs. A recent visitor shared: "The detail in the Italian Chapel is incredible—the trompe l'oeil painting makes concrete look like marble."

    
  • Day 2

    Orkney's Ancient Wonders

    Stay in Kirkwall, where you can walk to most restaurants and shops. Get an early start to avoid crowds at Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic village in Europe. The coastal path can be slippery, so wear good shoes. Next up is the Ring of Brodgar stone circle. Remember to bring a windproof jacket since the site is quite exposed. Visit Maeshowe chambered tomb later in the day when it's less crowded. Finish your day at St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. According to a visitor: "Rory was very knowledgeable and researched answers to our questions overnight—made the ancient sites come alive."

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Inverness

    Take the mid-morning ferry back to the mainland to avoid afternoon weather. Stop at Dunrobin Castle on your way back. The gardens look their best from May through September. The drive back to Inverness takes about 3 hours. A helpful tip from a past traveler: "The B&B at Avalon in Kirkwall was superb—request it if you can."

    

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