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Isle of Skye, Jacobite Steam Train & Whisky Tour from Edinburgh & Glasgow (4 Days)

Portree, Isle of Skye
Duration: 83.5 hours

Overview

Discover the best of the west coast of Scotland on our brand-new 4-day tour departing from Edinburgh. This extended adventure gives you plenty of time to immerse yourself in Scotland and explore it’s beauty by land, sea, and steam-train. Explore ancient castles, charming towns, Highland scenery and more on this incredible journey.

Included

  • Digital translations
  • Knowledgeable Driver-Guide
  • Luxury Modern air-conditioned coach
  • Jacobite Steam Train (if option selected)

Excluded

  • Accommodation
  • Entrance to attractions
  • Food and Drink

Important information

Where is the departure point?

If you chose Edinburgh pick-up, the tour departs from from NCP Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2EW.

If you chose Glasgow pick-up, the tour departs from 19 Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NX. This is located outside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and opposite Buchanan Bus Station.

Check-in opens 15 minutes prior to the stated departure time and closes 5 minutes prior to the stated departure time. We recommend that all passengers arrive in this window as tours must depart on schedule.

Our multi-day tours will return to Edinburgh Waverley Station which is about a 15 minute walk from our original departure point.

Is the accommodation included in the price?

No, accommodation is not included in the tour price, as we prefer to let you choose the type of accommodation you want, depending on your budget. The tour price includes the services of a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced Driver-Guide and transportation on one of our luxury modern air-conditioned coaches.

Accommodation is payable to the provider upon check-in. Please note that many Bed and Breakfasts do not have card machines and do require guests to pay in cash. Accommodation rates do vary between providers and seasons. For this reason we are only able to give you an estimated rate until a booking has been made.

Estimated rates are as follows:
Hostel: £30.00 – £40.00 per person per night
B&B (Shared): £70.00 – £110.00 per person per night
B&B (Single occupancy): £100.00 – £150.00 per night
Hotel: From (Shared) £95.00+ per person per night
Hotel: From (Single occupancy): £150.00+ per night

All hotels require credit card information in order to secure a booking. If you wish us to reserve a hotel room for you, we will contact you for your budget and credit card details. Please note a single room supplement may apply.

Will I be charged extra for a single room?

Single supplements may be charged, especially during high season. Please contact our Reservations Team for more information.

What is the difference between a Hostel, B&B and Hotel?

Hostels are budget accommodation. Many hostels have kitchen facilities where customers can prepare their own food. B&B's are privately owned Guesthouses. Guests are given breakfast (continental or full, depending on the B&B) but cannot prepare their own food. Hotels are the most expensive choice of accommodation. Rooms come with a full breakfast (unless stated) and guests are unable to prepare their own food.

What is the difference between ensuite, standard, twin and double rooms?

Double means one double bed which sleeps two. Twin means two single beds, where you share a room but not a bed. Ensuite rooms have a private bathroom/toilet/shower within the room. Standard rooms have communal facilities that are shared with other guests.

Can I book my own accommodation?

Yes, you are free to make your own arrangements. We offer a discounted rate for customers who book their own accommodation! Simply advise us at the time of booking that you will be reserving your own accommodation, and inform us at your earliest convenience of the name and address of the accommodation once it has been booked.

Please ensure that your accommodation is centrally located in Oban for the first night, and in Portree for the following two nights. If accommodation is booked outside these central areas, your Driver-Guide may be unable to provide drop-off and pick-up.

Will I get to ride the Jacobite Steam Train on this tour?

Yes, if you selected the tour option that includes the Jacobite Steam Train, you will experience the train journey as part of your itinerary.

What happens if I don’t book the Jacobite Steam Train ride?

If you choose not to book the Jacobite Steam Train, you will still enjoy a photo stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct before continuing to Mallaig, where we take the ferry to the Isle of Skye.

Are the optional extras included?

No, optional extras are not included in the 4 day tour price. This is to allow our guests the freedom to choose which attractions they would like to visit.

Optional extras for your tour (From April 2026) are as follows:

Oban Distillery: Adult/ Senior: £24, Child: £6 (aged 8 and over - offer a soft drink instead of whisky)
Talisker Distillery: Adult/ Senior: £22, Child: £8 (aged 8 and over - offer a soft drink instead of whisky)
Eilean Donan Castle: Adult/ Senior: £12.00, Child: £6.50 (Aged 6-15)
Culloden Battlefield: Culloden Battlefield: Adult: £11.40, Child: £7.40
Auchindrain Heritage Village: Adult £7, Child/Senior £3, Family £18
Dunvegan Castle:
- Castle & Gardens: Adult: £17.00, Senior: £14.50, Child: £12.50 (aged 5-15)
- Gardens Only: Adult: £15.00, Senior: £12.50, Child: £10.00 (aged 5-15)

Do I need to pre-book the optional extras?

We strongly recommend pre-booking the Oban and Talisker Distillery experiences through us to guarantee your entry and help the distilleries manage visitor numbers. Walk-in bookings may be possible on the day, but subject to availability.

All other optional extras can be booked on the day and your Driver-Guide will advise you of how to book. If you have any questions about this please contact our Reservations Team on +44 (0) 131 226 6066.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, all of our tours are in English. Your tour will be taken by an experienced, knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking Driver-Guide.

Written translations are available for this tour in the following languages:

French
German
Spanish
Portuguese
Italian
Russian
Chinese (Mandarin)

What should I bring with me?

As you’ll be spending four days on and off the coach with the opportunity for walks, we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothing, comfortable walking shoes and some sun-block or a hat for sunny days.

And don’t forget your camera to capture all of the lovely scenery and wildlife you’ll encounter on your tour!

Can children travel on this tour?

We welcome children over 4 years old on our tours, and children aged between 4-16yrs are eligible for the concessionary rate. We regret we are not able to carry children under the age of 4.

How much luggage can I bring?

Luggage is restricted to one medium sized suitcase per person. For guidance: a medium sized suitcase is considered 60-69cm high and roughly 45cm in width. If you have more luggage than this, you can store your surplus bags with Unbaggaged. Unbaggaged will collect your bags at a time and place convenient to you! They then store them at a secure central location, and return them to you, again, wherever and whenever you like! We've negotiated 10% off all bookings for our passengers with code TIMBER10.

Do I need to book a table for dinner in Portree?

We recommend booking restaurant tables in Portree, Skye, if you would like a sit-down meal in the evening, as many restaurants have limited seating.

Highlights

More information

Discover the best of the west coast of Scotland on our brand-new 4-day tour departing from Edinburgh. This extended adventure gives you plenty of time to immerse yourself in Scotland and explore it’s beauty by land, sea, and steam-train. Explore ancient castles, charming towns, Highland scenery and more on this incredible journey

Day One

Edinburgh, to the West Highlands and Oban

Your Highland adventure begins as we depart Edinburgh and travel west, collecting our Glasgow passengers before continuing along the scenic banks of Loch Lomond. Take a stroll through the picturesque village of Luss, then enjoy a photo stop at the dramatic Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint.

We’ll pause in the historic town of Inveraray for lunch before stepping back in time at Auchindrain Heritage Village, a fascinating open-air museum showcasing traditional Highland life. Continue through Kilmartin Glen, home to over 800 ancient monuments, and take a short walk to discover standing stones and burial cairns that date back thousands of years.

Our day ends in the bustling seaside town of Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles”, and famous for McCaig’s Folly, our equivalent of the Colluseum, where you’ll have the option to visit Oban Distillery for a whisky tasting before settling into your accommodation for the night.

Day Two

The Jacobite Steam Train to Skye

We begin the day with a drive through the breathtaking scenery of Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic glens, and a chance for photos of its rugged peaks. Depending on availability, enjoy a unique Hairy Coo experience or visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn about the area’s history.

After an early lunch in Fort William, it’s time to board the Jacobite Steam Train, one of the world’s most scenic and well-known rail journeys. Sit back and relax as the train crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, before arriving in the fishing village of Mallaig.

From here, take the short ferry crossing to the Isle of Skye and enjoy stunning views en route. Before reaching Portree, pause at the Sligachan Old Bridge, a perfect photo spot with the Cuillin Mountains as a backdrop.

Day Three

Explore the Isle of Skye

Our 3rd day of adventure is all about discovering the wonders of Skye, the misty Isle. We start with a visit to the enchanting Fairy Pools, followed by a stop at Talisker Distillery for a tour and tasting (optional). Continue to Dun Beag Broch, an ancient Iron Age structure offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Enjoy lunch and free time in Dunvegan, then spend the afternoon exploring some of Skye’s most iconic sights, including the magical Fairy Glen, the dramatic cliffs of the Quiraing, and the stunning Kilt Rock waterfall. We’ll finish the day with breathtaking views of the Old Man of Storr before returning to Portree for the night.

Day Four

Eilean Donan, the Highlands, and return to Edinburgh

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Skye and make our first stop at the picture-perfect Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Travelling east, we visit Rogie Falls, a beautiful woodland setting where you might spot salmon leaping upstream.

We then arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, for lunch before continuing to Culloden Battlefield, the poignant site of the final Jacobite rising. On our journey south, we’ll pause for refreshments in Pitlochry, a charming Perthshire town, before arriving back in Edinburgh in the evening.

Overnight stay in Oban and Portree

The price of our 4-day Isle of Skye, Jacobite Steam Train & Whisky Tour does not include accommodation but we can reserve it for you. Approximate costs are per person per night:

  • Hostel: £30.00 – £40.00 per person per night
  • B&B (Shared): £70.00 – £110.00 per person per night
  • B&B (Single occupancy): £100.00 – £150.00 per night
  • Hotel: From (Shared) £95.00+ per person per night
  • Hotel: From (Single occupancy): £150.00+ per night

Single supplement may apply. Please be advised, most accommodation providers only accept cash payments, and will not accept debit/credit cards as methods of payment.

Want to save £10 on your extended tour? Choose to book your own accommodation!

Please note: Luggage is restricted to one piece per person. You are allowed to bring a medium-sized suitcase, which, in general, is considered to be between 63 and 67 centimetres in height (25 to 26 inches).

Tour Overview

  • Duration: 4 days
  • Total Distance: 700 miles
  • Pick up: At 8:30am NCP Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2EW, Edinburgh & 9:45am at 19 Killermont Street, G2 3NX, Glasgow
  • Group size: 16
  • Availability: May- September
  • Minimum age: Travellers need to be at least 4 years-old