Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour worth booking?
Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour is a 12-hour experience in Inverness, United Kingdom, from $1,021 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $1,021 per person
Our Full-Day Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness are a fantastic way to see some of the west coast’s most iconic scenery. On this tour, you can expect a combination of famous castles, rural villages, and impressive geological sights. This includes the highly recognisable Eilean Donan Castle, a favourite with photographers and James Bond fans alike. Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness also feature on this tour for those hoping to spot the Loch Ness Monster. On the Isle of Skye, we stop at the beautiful colourful village of Portree for lunch if desired while on our Isle of Skye tour. Local Guide Private Tour Comfortable Air Conditioned Vehicle Customisable to your Taste (within reasonable distance)
What you get
About this experience
Our Full-Day Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness are a fantastic way to see some of the west coast’s most iconic scenery. On this tour, you can expect a combination of famous castles, rural villages, and impressive geological sights. This includes the highly recognisable Eilean Donan Castle, a favourite with photographers and James Bond fans alike. Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness also feature on this tour for those hoping to spot the Loch Ness Monster. On the Isle of Skye, we stop at the beautiful colourful village of Portree for lunch if desired while on our Isle of Skye tour. Local Guide Private Tour Comfortable Air Conditioned Vehicle Customisable to your Taste (within reasonable distance)
What's included
Included
- Private Comfortable Vehicle
- English Speaking Local Guide
- Bottled water
- Fridge On-Board
- Umbrella's Just in case we are in Scotland
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Urquhart Castle
We take a small stop outside Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, The present ruins date from the 13th to the 16th centuries, though built on the site of an early medieval fortification. Founded in the 13th century, Urquhart played a role in the wars of Scottish independence in the 14th century. It was subsequently held as a royal castle and was raided on several occasions by the MacDonald Clan. The castle was granted to the Clan Grant in 1509, though conflict with the MacDonalds continued. Despite a series of further raids the castle was strengthened, only to be largely abandoned by the middle of the 17th century. Urquhart was partially destroyed in 1692 to prevent its use by Jacobite forces, and subsequently decayed. The castle, situated on a headland overlooking Loch Ness, is one of the largest in Scotland in size of area.
20 minutes here
Invermoriston Falls
The burn here tumbles across the bands of rock in a determined effort to reach nearby loch ness, these aren’t the highest waterfalls by any means, but once you stand here you will truly enjoy the beauty of your surroundings with a spectacular view from the overhanging summer house.
30 minutes here
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan is a small tidal island situated at the confluence of three sea lochs (Loch Duich, Long Long and Loch Alsh) in the western Highlands of Scotland. It is connected to the mainland by a footbridge that was installed early in the 20th century and is dominated by a picturesque castle that frequently appears in photographs, film and television. A notable scene was used as MI6 Scottish Headquarters in the film series James Bond. The island’s original castle was built in the thirteenth century which became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie and their allies. In response to the Mackenzie’s’ involvement in the Jacobite Rebellions early in the 18th century, government ships destroyed the castle in 1719. The present-day castle is Lieutenant-Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap’s 20th-century reconstruction of the old castle.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Sligachan Old Bridge
The waters of this location surrounds Scotland’s greatest ever warrior who lived here on Skye. A legendary female fighter by the name of Scáthach. She was an expert in all forms of warfare and the greatest warriors came to train with her at The Fort of Shadows now known as Dunscaith Castle. Her fame spread across the water to Ireland where Cú Chulainn wasn’t happy that somebody could be considered a match for him in combat. The Irish demi-god sailed to Dunscaith and challenged Scáthach to prove once and for all who was strongest.
30 minutes here
The Old Man of Storr
The area in front of the cliffs of the Storr is known as the Sanctuary. This has several weirdly shaped rock pinnacles, the remnants of ancient landslips. The legend of the locals is that the Old Man of Storr was a giant who lived on these lands who when was laid to rest could see part of his thumb sticking out of the ground.
60 minutes here
Portree
In the 1700s, the town was a popular point of departure for Scots sailing to America to escape poverty. This form of use repeated during the famine in the 1840s. Both times, the town was saved by an influx of boats, often going between mainland Scotland and the Outer Hebrides, who used Portree’s pier as a rest point. The town also began exporting fish at this time, which contributed greatly to the local economy. The town serves as the main hub on the island for tourists to enjoy food and drink while they explore its many locations around the island.
60 minutes here
Talisker Distillery
The home of the famous Talisker whisky was built in 1831 however on the 12th of August 1948 a fire broke out in the store of the distillery. Thankfully no whisky was destroyed, however the stillhouse fire destroyed the rest of the distillery which wasn’t rebuilt again until 1960. Sitting on the beautiful loch of Harport, visitors from around the world come to enjoy the tasting of one of Scotland’s finest whiskies.
60 minutes here
On the way back we stop at Loch Carron, a sea loch that runs to the North Atlantic Ocean. A beautiful place to take photos and enjoy your surroundings from the calm waters of the loch to the mountains, and the local farm animals grazing in the surrounding fields.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Inverness
Meeting Point outside Inverness Town Hall, Located in City Centre.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Meeting Point outside Inverness Town Hall, Located in City Centre.
Options you can book
Private Group Vehicle Tour 5-7
Minibus Pickup included
Private Group Vehicle Tour 1-4
Car/Minibus Pickup included
Private Vehicle 1-4, 2nd Car
Private Vehicle 1-4 Passengers Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Highland Guided Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Time for any Lunch period guests may want has been time managed into the tour.
- Not wheel chair accessible
- Travel time total between stops are accounted for in total time
- No Health Restrictions
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Isle of Skye Tour with Tony Munro a highlight of our trip.
My husband and I organized a private tour from Canada with Tony. There were emails back and forth so he was clear about what we wanted. He was very patient with my glitch in the dates and was on the job to make arrangements so he could still take us. We had taken the Northern Highland Tour the day before with Tony and thoroughly enjoyed it. He was punctual, easy company, knowledgeable about the history and the special spots to visit eg viewing the seals on the sand bars. He is a competent and experienced driver. We set out from Inverness the next day, bright and early to tour Skye with a custom drop off in the evening in Fort William. I was worried with the 12 hour day and that I would fade and not appreciate the tour. I was delightfully wrong. We were blessed to have beautiful weather although the Old Man of Storr was clouded in mist at the top. We visited Highland Cattle, Portree, Lealt Falls, Kilt Rock, the enchanted waters of Sligachan and much more. We saw stunning vistas of mountains, oceans, islands and historical monuments. Tony kept us interested with the stories, myths and history. He knew the roads well and the sweet spots. He supplied us with water and snacks and checked in frequently around our choices and needs. I would book with him again in a heartbeat.
Response from the operator: Hi Elizabeth, thanks so much for your extensive review and the kind words you said. It was my pleasure to show you around our home here in Scotland. Wishing you both the best and hope you make it back again to Scotland one day. Take Care. Tony
via Tripadvisor
Tony Is the Best!
Our family absolutely loved Highland Guided Tours with Tony! I initially reached out to him regarding his tours before booking where he was extremely communicative and responsive via email. After I booked him through his website, he continued the quick communication for any question I asked. We had a smooth pick up and drop off, as well as enjoying the snacks he kept in his car for hungry passengers. He was very knowledgeable about the Isle of Skye, was a very competent driver and shared many laughs with our family. We enjoyed hiking around the area with him as he dutifully answered our many questions. Thank you for an amazing day Tony! We had an amazing first experience with a private tour thanks to you. We are fans of the Munro Clan!
Response from the operator: Hi Lacey, thanks so much for your review and kind words. It was a fun day out with you and your family and look forward to seeing you guys back again one day. Hope the rest of your trip goes well and wishing you all safe travels when you head back home. Tony
via Tripadvisor
Most epic adventure!
Tony was great helping with any questions we had booking the trip and Johnny was our driver and friend by the end of our time together. ( whether he admits it or not lol ) He was GREAT! Shared great stories about all the places we went and saw and took us to out of the way spots we asked about . He provided snacks for us when he realized we are snackers lol and put up with all our nonsense 😆 We loved him and enjoyed our time together for 4 days ! HIGHLEY recommend this group , you will not be disappointed!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your review and it was our pleasure to show you around our home here in Scotland. Hope you guys come back again one day for round 2 lol. I will let Johnny know of your review and wishing you all safe travels when heading home. Tony & Johnny
via Tripadvisor
One of my best experiences with guided tours
Isle of Sky is a fantastic place. We spent there a couple of days and dedicated a separate day to the tour. Having travelled around the world quite a lot, I have been on many private/small group tours, but our time with “Highland Guided Tours” is definitely among my best experiences. Tony helped us to get there and John was our guide for the tour. Tony helped us to make all the plans for this and other tours with them, so right off the bat I knew that this experience would be seamless and enjoyable. John is a great guide, he knows so much about Scotland and loves it a lot, so we really had an excellent opportunity to have a heartfelt, beautiful experience of the Isle of Skye and Scotland. Comfortable car, attention to detail, flexibility and experiences tailored to your preferences. Definitely recommend for the best experience of Scotland!
Response from the operator: Hi Alek, thank you so much for your kind words and for choosing us to show you and your mother around our home. You are welcome back anytime and wishing you both the best on your next journey. Tony & Johnny
via Tripadvisor
TONY IS THE BEST
Tony Munro is the best tour guide around!! An unforgettable experience from start to finish! Tony was incredibly knowledgeable and brought Scotland’s history and landscapes to life. From majestic castles to the stunning Highlands, every stop was well-planned and meaningful. Went above and beyond for all tours we had with him! Highly recommended for anyone wanting to explore Scotland with ease and insight!
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your kind review, I'm glad we could give you a taste of our home here in the Highlands. wishing you safe travels home and hope to see you back again one day. Tony
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Highland Guided Tours, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.1.
See everything Highland Guided Tours runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Inverness.
How much does Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $1,021 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Inverness usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Inverness is not rushed.
Is Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Inverness, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Inverness can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Inverness and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Inverness within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Inverness?
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On Outty we rank every Inverness experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness, Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness, Loch Ness, Outlander & Urquhart Castle from Inverness. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Inverness?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Inverness?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour?
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Included: Private Comfortable Vehicle; English Speaking Local Guide; Bottled water; Fridge On-Board; and Umbrella's Just in case we are in Scotland. Not included: Lunch; and Admission fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 47 listed pickup locations in and around Inverness. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Not wheel chair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Inverness. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Isle of Skye and West Coast Day Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Private Group Vehicle Tour 5-7, Private Group Vehicle Tour 1-4, Private Vehicle 1-4, 2nd Car. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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