3-Day Northern Scotland Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Northern Scotland tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNorthern Scotland travel expert at TourRadar

• 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.

  

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  • 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."

    

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

  The Highland landscape unfolds over 3 days covering 16 destinations across Northern Scotland. The path leads from Edinburgh through Glen Coe's valleys, with 2 nights at The Skye Inn Portree, and visits to the Old Man of Storr. Includes Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus village, and the UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge.

  

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  • Day 1

    Edinburgh to Portree

    Start your journey at 7:30 AM from Edinburgh's High Street meeting point. You'll travel past Stirling Castle and into the Highland terrain. Stop in the village of Callander for morning coffee and local Scottish shortbread at the village bakery. The route takes you through Rannoch Moor's wilderness and the dramatic valley of Glen Coe. Winter travelers (November-March) will see the impressive Kelpies sculptures instead of stopping in Callander. Take the ferry to the Isle of Skye (weather allowing). The best views are from the upper deck but bring warm clothing for the chilly winds. You'll stay in Portree, a charming harbor town with colorful buildings. Book your dinner ahead of time if you're visiting in July or August when restaurants get very busy.

    
  • Day 2

    Isle of Skye Exploration

    Get an early start to see the Old Man of Storr. Aim to arrive by 9 AM when crowds are thin and weather tends to be clearer. The uphill walk takes about 45 minutes. Good hiking boots are essential since the path stays muddy most of the year. Next up is Kilt Rock and its waterfall. "The viewpoint can get very windy - hold onto your camera and keep children close to the railing." Spend your afternoon in the Cuillin Mountains learning about Bonnie Prince Charlie's dramatic escape. Back in Portree, you can find excellent fresh seafood at the harbor restaurants.

    
  • Day 3

    Portree to Edinburgh

    Head back to Edinburgh via the Skye Bridge (summer travelers might take the Mallaig ferry route). Visit Eilean Donan Castle early, ideally before 10 AM to avoid crowds and catch the best light. You'll stop at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about Scotland's ancient Caledonian Forest restoration. Lunch stop is at Fort Augustus on Loch Ness. Visit the locks outside peak lunch hours (12-2 PM) to avoid the biggest crowds. Your final stops include Dunkeld Cathedral and the Forth Bridge before reaching Edinburgh in early evening.

    

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• Discover Orkney Small-Group Tour – 3 Days

  

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  • Inverness Scotland

    36 mi

  • Dunrobin Scotland

    55 mi

  • John O'Groats Scotland

    35 mi

  • Orkney Islands Scotland

    11 mi

  • Kirkwall Scotland

    14 mi

  • Skara Brae Scotland

    6 mi

  • Stenness Scotland

    8 mi

  • Kirkwall Scotland

    11 mi

  • St Margaret's Hope Scotland

    103 mi

  • Inverness Scotland

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