3-Day Northern Scotland Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Northern Scotland tour itineraries
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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.
- 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."
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.
- 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."
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.
- 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.
What people love about 3-day Northern Scotland tours
- Orkney & The Far North 3 Day Tour
Andy was a knowledgeable and considerate tour guide and driver. I had a most enjoyable tour it was a tonic which I needed. My host at the Band B in Kirkwall, Avalon, was superb, the whole trip was faultless.
- Ultimate Skye Experience
Our Scotland tour was such a great experience, the knowledge that our tour guide (Rob) had was absolutely fabulous, what a great person. We had no complaints at all. Unbelievable history there, the weather was super (no rain) even though windy. We really enjoyed the (private) bus only 15 people on it, it made it more personable private tour. I would certainly recommend to anyone. Thank you for taking such good care of us.
- Wild Skye & Loch Ness Hunter
It’s been two years since I took my tour of Scotland with Caitlin, but it was absolutely one of my top trips (if not THE top) during my five-month study abroad in Europe. I still listen to the song “Caledonia” that she played in the bus as we traveled through the Highlands. It reminds me of her patience, knowledge and enthusiasm for her country and reminds me of the absolute wonder I felt while I was there. Caitlin’s love of Scotland is infectious. She handled a larger Easter group with ease, and was always there to tell us stories, answer questions, and map out our entire itinerary after our trip. My friend Sam and I went on this tour together and met amazing friends from all over the world. I love seeing what they and Caitlin are up to today on social media. I’ve been itching to go back for the past two years now. I would highly recommend Haggis Tours and Caitlin as your guide—you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime. Thank you, Caitlin!