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 Day Orkney Islands Itinerary, incl. Kirkwall and Skara Brae

  Northern treasures await across 8 key destinations from Inverness to Orkney Islands. Visit Dunrobin Castle, tour 5,000-year-old Skara Brae, and uncover Viking-era Kirkwall. Includes ferry crossings, B&B accommodation, and expert guide throughout.

  

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  • Day 1

    Inverness to Orkney Islands

    Meet at Inverness Cathedral at 7:45 AM for an 8:00 AM departure. Your journey north takes you through the Black Isle and past Dunrobin Castle along Scotland's stunning coastline. The ferry crossing from Gills Bay to Orkney takes about an hour. Bring motion sickness tablets since the Pentland Firth waters can get rough. "We were lucky to spot whales during our ferry crossing, though the waters were quite rough," one traveler mentioned. Visit the Italian Chapel, built during WWII, before making your way to Kirkwall. The best time to explore the town's medieval streets is in the evening after most tourists have left. Visit St. Magnus Cathedral, the northernmost cathedral in Britain, before it closes at 6 PM in summer. The late afternoon light creates beautiful effects through the stained glass windows.

    
  • Day 2

    Ancient Orkney

    Get an early start to beat the crowds at the archaeological sites. Head to Skara Brae, the 5,000-year-old settlement, right when it opens at 9:30 AM. The coastal path can be slippery, so wear good walking shoes. You'll see incredibly preserved prehistoric homes with their original stone furniture still in place. One visitor remarked: "The ancient structures were extraordinary - seeing the original stone beds and dressers from 5,000 years ago was mind-blowing." Next up are the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness. These stone circles are open all day and free to visit. For Maeshowe chambered cairn, book ahead since groups are limited to 20 people. The Viking graffiti inside the cairn is fascinating your guide will help you understand the Norse runes.

    
  • Day 3

    Orkney to Inverness

    Spend your last morning in Kirkwall catching anything you missed. The Orkney Museum opens at 10 AM and helps put everything you've seen into perspective. Browse the local knitwear and jewelry shops on Broad Street for souvenirs they open at 9 AM. The ferry usually leaves around noon. Your afternoon drive through Caithness and Sutherland includes sites from the Highland Clearances. You should reach Inverness by 7 PM. Plan your onward travel for the next day since arrival times can vary with weather.

    

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