3-Day Northern Scotland Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Northern Scotland tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNorthern Scotland travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Orkney Islands, incl. Kirkwall and Skara Brae

  A northern adventure spans 3 days visiting Inverness, Kirkwall, and Skara Brae. The route includes St Magnus Cathedral, Italian Chapel, and Dunrobin Castle gardens. Two nights in selected Kirkwall B&Bs with Scottish breakfasts.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Inverness to Kirkwall

    Leave Inverness from Union Street at 8:00 AM for a scenic 2.5-hour coastal drive north to the ferry point. The route follows the beautiful Moray and Cromarty Firths. Bring motion sickness tablets for the ferry since the North Sea can get rough, particularly in winter. After arriving in Orkney, visit the Italian Chapel built by WWII prisoners of war. Stop at the Churchill Barriers for photos but remember to bring a windproof jacket as this area gets very windy all year round.

    
  • Day 2

    Exploring Prehistoric Orkney

    Make Kirkwall your base for exploring Orkney's ancient sites. Get to Skara Brae early before the 10 AM tour bus crowds arrive. "We visited all the local sites in one day. This gave us an insight into the historic background but also made us want to return," one traveler shared. The paths can get slippery when wet so wear shoes with good grip. Visit the Ring of Brodgar stone circle and Stenness Standing Stones next. Book ahead for Maeshowe chambered tomb, especially during summer months. Finish your day at St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall when the evening light makes it especially beautiful.

    
  • Day 3

    Kirkwall to Inverness

    Take your time in the morning to explore Kirkwall's harbor area with its craft shops and cafes. The mid-morning ferry schedule gives you time to enjoy a full Scottish breakfast at your B&B. Back on the mainland, plan about 2 hours to visit Dunrobin Castle. The gardens are particularly beautiful from April through October. You'll arrive back in Inverness around 6:30 PM. A previous guest noted: "Our B&B was brilliant, excellent breakfast and comfy rooms. So much information available that it made you realize that you really do need to return."

    

  View itinerary

• 3 Day Scottish Highlands Itinerary, incl. Isle of Skye and Inverness

  Highland wonders unfold over 3 days featuring Eilean Donan Castle, Portree's harbor, and Loch Ness. The route includes Mealt Falls at Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr, and historic Culloden Battlefield. Two nights in Inverness with quality B&B accommodation.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Edinburgh to Inverness

    Meet at Parliament Square in Edinburgh at 8:15 AM for an 8:30 departure. The Royal Mile gets busy with tour groups so being early helps. Your first stop is the village of Luss in Loch Lomond National Park. A previous visitor shares: "The morning views across Loch Lomond were incredible, though bring a warm layer as the lakeside gets chilly even in summer." In the afternoon you will visit Glen Coe where the infamous MacDonald clan massacre took place. The paths near the waterfalls can be slippery so wear good shoes. The narrow valley is known for strong winds. After a scenic drive along Loch Ness you will reach Inverness in early evening. It is a long day of travel but includes regular stops for photos and breaks.

    
  • Day 2

    Isle of Skye

    Your full day on Skye starts at Eilean Donan Castle. Entry costs about $14. On the island you will explore the Trotternish Peninsula including the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock waterfall. One visitor noted: "At Kilt Rock viewpoint, stay behind the barrier - the coastal winds are fierce and unpredictable." Stop for lunch in Portree with its colorful harbor. The fish and chips shops are popular so book ahead or plan for takeaway. Your afternoon takes you to the more remote areas of Skye including the striking Cuillin Mountains. The weather can change quickly so pack for both sun and rain.

    
  • Day 3

    Inverness to Edinburgh

    Start your day at Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness which opens at 9:30 AM. Getting there early helps avoid crowds. You can take an optional boat cruise for around $35. Next is Culloden Battlefield where the last Jacobite Rising ended. The visitor center offers great historical background for this somber site. The journey south goes through the Cairngorms to the Victorian town of Pitlochry. You will have an hour to walk by the River Tummel or visit the wool shops. After crossing the Forth Bridge you will arrive in Edinburgh around 7 PM. A past visitor suggests: "The 3-day pace is quick but gives you a great Highland sampler. I'd recommend staying an extra night in Edinburgh afterwards since arrival back is quite late."

    

  View itinerary

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

  A 3-day Highland route covers 11 destinations, from Edinburgh to Inverness. Highlights include whisky tasting, Culloden Battlefield, and dramatic Glencoe valley. Stay at Morag's Lodge on Loch Ness, visit Fort William's Jacobite Steam Train route, and Ben Nevis - Britain's highest peak. Average group age is 32, perfect for active explorers.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Edinburgh to Loch Ness

    Get to Edinburgh Bus Station by 8:00 AM for check-in. You'll cross the Forth Road Bridge and drive about 1.5 hours to Dunkeld where you can explore its ancient cathedral. Next up is a visit to a Highland whisky distillery. A recent visitor noted: "Our guide shared fascinating stories about Scottish whisky-making traditions, though bring cash if you want to purchase bottles as some distilleries have limited card facilities." In the afternoon you'll visit Clava Cairns (the real-life Outlander stones) and Culloden Battlefield. The ground at Clava Cairns can get quite muddy so pack sturdy shoes. The drive to Loch Ness takes about 45 minutes. Try to sit on the left side of the bus for the best views. You'll spend the night at Morag's Lodge in Fort Augustus.

    
  • Day 2

    Isle of Skye Explorer

    Start with a 1-hour drive to Fort William. You can take the Jacobite Steam Train but book well ahead as tickets sell fast in summer. A ferry ride (about 30 minutes) takes you to Skye where you'll see the Cuillin Mountains and Portree's colorful harbor. A previous visitor shared: "The Trotternish Peninsula can get very windy. Bring a waterproof jacket even on sunny days. The path to Old Man of Storr is steep but worth every step." Your afternoon includes stops at Kilt Rock waterfall and Eilean Donan Castle. The return journey to Morag's Lodge via Skye Bridge takes about 2 hours. Summer visitors should watch for great photo opportunities between 6-8 PM when the light is perfect.

    
  • Day 3

    Highland Return to Edinburgh

    Head south through Glen Coe where the morning light is best between 9-10 AM. You'll pass Ben Nevis (weather allowing) and cross Rannoch Moor. A regular visitor suggests: "The weather in Glen Coe can change in minutes. Pack layers and be ready for four seasons in one day." The journey includes a stop at Stirling to learn about William Wallace and a visit to the 30m-high Kelpies sculptures. You'll reach Edinburgh around 5-6 PM. Plan for some flexibility with your evening plans as Highland weather can affect timing.

    

  View itinerary