13 Best Isle of Skye Tours for a Magical Trip (2024)

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Ready to tour the gorgeous Isle of Skye on a convenient tour?

You’ve come to the right place, as we’re going to explore the best 13 Isle of Skye tours – all led by expert guides who want to share the beauty of this part of Scotland and help you skip the tourist traps.

If you’re like, just cut to the chase already, then don’t worry.

The best Isle of Skye tour is this Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness.

It has about 500 amazing reviews, so there’s no going wrong.

The Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland.

The gorgeous scenery is honestly enchanting.

If you want to see what your other options are, including Inverness Isle of Skye tours, Isle of Skye tours from Edinburgh, and private tours of Isle of Skye, then here are 12 more tours that are definitely worth your time.

So let’s get into the list of the best tours of the Isle of Skye so you can book it already!

PS – booking in advance is highly, highly recommended so you don’t miss out.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group, where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Isle of Skye Tours

#1 PICK 🏆Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness5 out of 5 Stars, 480+ reviews▶ Book Here!
#2 PICKIsle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness5 out of 5 stars, 80+ reviews▶ Book Here!
#3 PICKIsle of Skye and the Fairy Pools Tour5 out of 5 stars,
12+ reviews
▶ Book Here!

1. The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness: Isle of Skye tours

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 480+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Experienced driver
  • Live commentary on board
  • 6 stops

Visiting the Isle of Skye can be quite tricky.

It can also take a lot of time.

Fortunately, there are people out there that have gotten it down to a science.

Meet up with your tour group, have an amazing day in Scotland, and return home about 12 hours later on this incredible Isle of Skye day tour.

You don’t have to worry about anything!

This tour leaves from Inverness and makes 6 stops throughout the day.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs while seeing iconic sights in Scotland on this Isle of Skye bus tour.

And whenever you’re on the bus, your guide will share loads of information.

You’ll get to see Eileen Donan Castle and Urquhart Castle.

Visit Portree and the Fairy Pools.

Admire Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock.

Pass by Skye Bridge and Loch Ness.

You’ll have the chance to see everything that makes this part of the world significant!

2. Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 80+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Local Scottish English Speaking Guide
  • Small group
  • 7 stops

This small group tour is a personal experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime as you tour the Isle of Skye.

Explore the Scottish Highlands with a knowledgeable local guide.

Your guide will have answers to all your questions!

Your first stop of the day will be to stretch your legs at the world-famous Loch Ness.

Then you’ll spend an hour at Eilean Donan Castle.

Next, learn about the island’s history and folklore at Sligachan Old Bridge. 

Halfway through the day, you’ll have a lengthy stop.

Spend some free time in Portree Harbour and grab a delightful lunch. 

Finally, enjoy the gorgeous Skye Isle coastline.

Admire Kilt Rock, Old Man of Storr, and Lealt Falls.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take gorgeous pictures.

Then head home and get a good night’s sleep after such an eventful day!

3. Isle of Skye and the Fairy Pools Tour: best of Skye tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 12+ reviews | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Private Transportation
  • 8 stops
  • Customizable experience
  • Photo opportunities

Looking for Isle of Skye trips that you can make your own?

This private tour makes it easy to see everything the Scottish Highlands has to offer.

Don’t miss any must-see attractions or worry about driving on unfamiliar roads.

Let the tour guide take care of everything for you!

Your first stop will be Loch Ness.

Even if you don’t see Nessie, you will see the gorgeous scenery surrounding the lake!

This is also where you can admire Urquhart Castle.

The Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions. See why for yourself! 

Admire gorgeous views from Sligachan Old Bridge and Portree Harbour.

You’ll also have over an hour to explore the Fairy Pools at your leisure.

You don’t even have to worry about other guests since this is a private tour!

You’ll also have a chance to check out Isle of Skye Market Square and Talisker Distillery.

Enjoy a drink while appreciating the natural beauty of this region.

4. Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 15+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Transport by air-conditioned minibus
  • Driver/guide
  • 5 stops
  • Free time built into the itinerary

If you want to take gorgeous photos of the Scottish Highlands, you should book this tour.

You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities and stop by several gorgeous locations.

By participating in this tour, you don’t need to worry about getting lost.

You’ll know that you stop by the best places for taking pictures.

You will also learn quite a bit about the region!

Your first stop will be Achnasheen.

You can grab some refreshments and stretch your legs for a few minutes.

Next, the bus will stop at Kyleakin to get pictures of the Skye Bridge.

Then you’ll drive by Black Cuillin before grabbing lunch at Portree Harbour.

This stop has some free time built in so you can explore.

Then you can visit the Fairy Pools.

With 90 minutes to admire the scenery, you might even have a chance to hop in the water!

Finally, visit the Eilean Donan Castle.

This is one of the most popular Scottish attractions. You’ll find out why when you get there!

5. 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 8+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 days | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • 1 night accommodation
  • Driver/guide
  • Live commentary on board
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

If you don’t want to rush your visit to the Isle of Skye, you should consider booking an overnight tour.

With two days of exploring and a night in Portree, you’ll never forget this tour!

On Day 1, you’ll stretch your legs at Loch Carron and have a chance to take pictures at its stunning view point.

You’ll have two hours to enjoy some time at Dunvegan Castle & Gardens.

This is also where you can get a bite to eat.

The first day of travels will also include iconic sights such as Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr, and Lealt Falls.

The tour to Isle of Skye will also stop at a lesser-known photo stop, Quiraing View.

Then you’ll spend a night in Portree and get to follow your own schedule until morning!

You’ll spend your second morning exploring the Fairy Pools before you start heading home.

Then you’ll enjoy the views of Sligachan Old Bridge, Eilean Donan Castle, and Fort Augustus.

You’ll stop at Broadford for lunch on your second day of travels.

6. 3-Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour from Glasgow

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars, 50+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 days | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • 2 nights accommodation
  • Driver/guide
  • Breakfast (2)
  • 13 stops

If the Isle of Skye is at the top of your bucket list, you won’t want to rush touring the Isle of Skye.

While most tours squeeze everything into a day, this tour gives you ample time to appreciate the region’s beauty.

With lodging in Inverness each night, you’ll also have time to explore that area.

The first day will be spent discovering hidden gems that most foreigners have never heard of.

You’ll see Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Luss, and Glencoe National Nature Reserve.

On a clear day, you’ll catch a glimpse of Ben Nevis.

You’ll have the option of a Jacobite cruise on Loch Ness and get to see Urquhart Castle! 

On the second day, you’ll explore the Island and see all the iconic landmarks that make this region famous!

You’ll also get to enjoy lunch at Portree Harbour.

On the final day, the tour will visit Culloden Battlefield and Pitlochry on the way back to the mainland.

7. Isle of Skye Private Tour: best Isle of Skye Scotland tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 12+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Private group tour
  • Bottled Water
  • 7 stops
  • Hotel pickup

If you want a hassle-free visit to the Isle of Skye, you should book a tour.

If you don’t love the idea of cramming into a big bus with dozens of strangers and rushing to meet a schedule, you should book a private tour.

This private tour is a relaxing way to see the Isle of Skye in a day without any stress!

The driver will pick you up at your hotel in Inverness and take you on a day trip you’ll remember forever!

Then you’ll spend the day stopping at different points of interest to explore and take photos.

The tour includes stops at Kilt Rock, Urquhart Castle, and Sligachan Old Bridge.

You can eat breakfast at Eilean Donan Castle, or just explore it!

You can grab dinner in Portree Harbour, or just stroll around.

The tour will allow you ample time to explore the Fairy Pools.

You can even go for a swim if you’d like!

And if you want to try Scotch whisky, you’ll have the opportunity at Talisker Distillery.

8. Isle of Skye Day Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 33+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • WiFi on board
  • Pickup from location of choice

This private tour is highly customizable.

Would you rather see the natural attractions, museums, or distilleries in the area?

Just tell your tour guide and you can plan an itinerary that will include your favorite stops!

The driver will pick you up wherever you are and you can start your stress free trip to the Isle of Skye.

Museum enthusiasts may want to visit the Staffin Fossil Museum or the Skye Museum of Island LIfe.

Both attractions have much to offer!

Nature lovers won’t want to miss Quiraing, Kilt Rock, or Loch Ness.

Of course, fans of cryptozoology will also want to visit Scotland’s most famous lake in hopes of seeing a world-famous sea monster!

The UK is home to many castles, including the iconic Eilean Donan Castle found in this region.

Talisker Distillery is the only place to get whisky made on the island. Portree Harbour is a must-see for everyone, no matter their interests!

9. Full-Day Semi-Private Tour: Isle of Skye

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 40+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Great Customer Service
  • Relaxed atmosphere
  • Kilted Vaccinated Guide
  • Sanitized Vehicle

This private tour is lead by a local guide who knows the Isle well.

You’ll come across some hidden gems and learn so much information about the culture and heritage of the area.

Enjoy the views, spot some wildlife, and see iconic landmarks. Learn about the many movies shot throughout the region.

This day trip will surely be unforgettable!

The first stop is Glen Shiel.

Home to a historic battle, this attraction isn’t very popular among the tourists.

Learn why the locals take great pride in this well-kept secret!

Explore the Eilean Donan Castle and Portree Harbour.

Visit the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock.

Enjoy some time at Quiraing.

Listen to your tour guide to learn so much information you didn’t know you didn’t know!

Then stop at Aros Centre on your way home. 

10. Full Day Private Executive Isle of Skye Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 7+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10-12 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • In car chargers for mobile devices
  • Bottled water
  • WiFi on board
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Travel in luxury on this private tour.

Your car will be a Mercedes-Benz V Class 8 seater.

Enjoy riding around in style!

Because it’s a private tour, you can also customize your itinerary.

Choose your bucket list destinations so you don’t miss out on anything amazing! You can even choose whether to travel along the West Coast or East Coast.

While you’ll have the opportunity to see all the main attractions, this tour also offers some of the lesser-known destinations.

See Loch Cluanie or Glen Shiel. Catch a glimpse of the Highland Cattle in Sconser.

Explore Dunvegan Castle & Gardens. Admire Fairy Glenn or Stromeferry.

Stretch your legs at Broadford or Ledgowan. Stroll the streets of Plockton or walk to Rogie Falls.

Grab a beer at Uig Beer Brewery.

These are all potential tour stops when on this luxurious private tour!

11. Full-Day Private Guided Shennachies Road to Isles and Skye Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Private transportation
  • Customizable itinerary
  • Lesser-known destinations

A day trip to the Isle of Skye is well worth the hassle, but it can be overwhelming.

Booking a private tour will allow you a relaxing day of exploring everything this region has to offer.

Travel in a comfy air-conditioned vehicle with only your close friends or family and a local guide.

The guide will help to customize the tour to meet your needs.

He’ll also tell you all about the history, folk lore, and culture of the Isle of Skye.

This tour often makes wildlife stops when the guests want to.

You also have the option of visiting some authentic Scottish craft shops to pick up a few souvenirs.

And whenever you need to use the bathroom, stretch your legs, or eat something, you can.

This tour starts at the Highland House of Fraser and will drive through the Loch Ness region.

Unlike most other tours, this one may stop at Kyle of Lochalsh or Loch Duich.

But you’ll also have the chance to visit the most popular attractions, as well.

12. Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour: Skye Island tour for adventurers

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 days | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Private guide and transport
  • Personalized experience
  • Several stops to choose from

This 3 day trip to the Isle of Skye includes many destinations that most people have never even heard of.

And you won’t have to rush because you have 3 whole days to explore!

On the first day, you can expect to see hidden gems such as Doune Castle, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, and Mallaig.

On the second day, you’ll have the opportunity to see the natural beauty found in the Isle of Skye.

Admire the natural attractions of the area and take lots of photos!

On the way home, you’ll have a chance to visit some less popular attractions, such as Fort Augustus, Cairngorms National Park, and Forth Road Bridge.

Your knowledgeable tour guide will also explain to you the significance of each stop on your itinerary!

13. 3-Day Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh: best isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 10+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 days | ✔️ BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Scottish Tour Guide
  • Affordable price
  • Option to include overnight accommodation

This tour is catered to adults ages 18-35.

It’s a great way to travel on a budget and make new friends.

If this sounds good to you, keep on reading!

The duration of this trip means you won’t feel rushed.

However, you’ll still be quite busy as you pack in as much fun as possible!

Your first day will have 6 stops of varying popularity levels.

Drive across Forth Road Bridge and get lunch at Pitlochry.

Learn something new at Culloden Battlefield.

Take beautiful pictures at Loch Ness and the Eilean Donan Castle. Then spend your evening in Kyleakin.

Your second day will be entirely spent on the Isle of Skye.

In addition to the iconic natural landmarks, you’ll also visit some other places.

You can also see Sligachan, Duntulm Castle, and Uig. 

As you head home on your third day, you’ll make lots of stops! Drive through Rannoch Moor, the Trossachs, and Fort William.

Take pictures at Eilean Donan Castle, Spean Bridge, and Glencoe.

If you haven’t seen a Highland Coo yet, you’ll stop at Kilmahog. You can refuel at Tyndrum.

Visit Doune Castle and the National Wallace Monument. Then end your trip at Castle Rock Hostel.

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here, a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one, which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

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