Visit Eilean Donan Castle and the spectacular Isle of Skye on a full-day trip from Inverness, and explore an iconic Scottish landscape of wind-swept valleys, rock formations, and coastal cliffs. Travel in a Mercedes mini-coach, following a route through the mountains of Wester Ross on your way to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye, then visit the island’s highlights with an experienced guide. This full-day tour departs from central Inverness, and it’s the perfect introduction for first-time visitors to the Isle of Skye.

Full-day Isle of Skye trip with Eilean Donan Castle
Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
Explore a historic castle on a tidal island
Visit the Isle of Skye's scenic highlights
Led by a local guide
Small-group tour for a more personalized experience
Round-trip transport from a central location in Inverness

What's Included

Driver/guide
Small-group tour (16 people max)
Transport by top of the range Mercedes minicoach

Entrance fees (Eilean Donan Castle)
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

1 Ardross St
1 Ardross St, Inverness IV3, UK
Please meet your Rabbie's guide at the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS. Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour departs.

Start time

08:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Meet a driver at a central location in Inverness, then board a top of the range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach for the 70-mile (112-km) trip to Eilean Donan Castle. Drive past the famous Loch Ness—home of the legendary monster—and pause for a photo opportunity before arriving at the castle. Enjoy ample time to visit the castle, which dominates a tiny, tidal island at the confluence of three lochs (entrance fees own expense, roughly £7.50).

From Eilean Donan, continue to the Isle of Skye over the Skye Bridge, which commands sweeping views of the Inner Hebrides. Drive into the mountainous heart of the island, then stretch your legs at the harbor town of Portree, where you have a break for lunch.

The afternoon is all about exploring the superb Trotternish Peninsula, visiting a series of the area’s scenic highlights, including The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing, a landslide on the eastern side of Meall na Suiramach.

Take the return trip to the mainland, passing the majestic Glen Shiel, Loch Clunie, and the Great Glen along the way. Conclude the tour at the original departure point in Inverness.

Loch Ness

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Eilean Donan Castle

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Portree Harbour

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kilt Rock

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Quiraing

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Old Man of Storr

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
All Inverness tours will depart from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, IV3 5NS
Not wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person on our tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
Near public transportation

Most travelers can participate
Eilean Donan Castle – We reserve tickets for you. If you want to visit this attraction, please purchase your ticket whilst on tour.
* Unfortunately, Eilean Donan Castle is closed on certain days in winter. It's 3rd, 5th, 6th, 13th, 19th and 25th of November; 3rd of December; and between 22nd of December and 1st of March.
Minimum age is 5 years
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:What is the departure point for the Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour?

A:The tour departs from the Bus stop near Inverness Cathedral

Apr 2023

Q:Is parking available near the departure point for the Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Parking can be difficult to find in the center of town. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of the excellent public transportation that is available.

Jun 2021

Q:How early should I arrive for the Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Check-in closes 15 minutes before your departure time. The tour departs on time, so please do not arrive late.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring luggage with me on the Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour?

A:You may bring up to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.

Jun 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring your camera and spending money for food, optional admission tickets, etc.

Jun 2021

Q:Are admission fees included in the Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour?

A:No. You pay for access to sites such as castles and museums as you arrive. Most of these locations accept both cash and card.

Jun 2021

Q:What type of vehicle is used during the Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour?

A:The tour is conducted in a 16 seat Mercedes Mini-coach. There are three steps up into the coach – each 150mm in height. There are grab handles on both sides, the step edges are clearly marked and the treads are non-slip.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring a wheelchair on the Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour?

A:The bus is not wheelchair accessible, however, there is storage available for a folding wheelchair or walking frame. Guests must be able to get on/off the bus on their own or with the assistance of a companion as guides cannot assist physically.

Jun 2021

Q:Are restrooms available on the bus during the Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour?

A:There are no restrooms on board the bus, however, the group does make regular breaks to use the restroom during the tour.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring my small child with me on the Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour?

A:All guests must be at least 5 years old to participate in this tour. If your child is 5 or older, but under 1.35m (4.4 ft.) tall, please notate this in the "Special Requirements" box so a booster seat can be arranged.

Jun 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Laura_R

Jim was a fabulous and very personable guide, really impressive story telling throughout the trip. He took us to all the great destinations with a short story before arrival. Skye was beautiful with both rain and sunshine which lead to spectacular rainbows in all the right places. Jim’s a good wildlife spotter, we saw tons of red deer.

Reviews

5.0

497 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 497 reviews

Pure Dead Brilliant Guide

HelenE_M, Sep 2023

It is hard to get my husband to do tours but it was the only way were going to get to see the Isle of Skye. What he doesnt like about tours is how scripted they are. But our guide, Matthew (with Rabbie's Tours) was pure dead brilliant. His knowledge of the land, people, history,language, politics and environment of the route were exceptional. The frosting on the cake was his curated playlist of traditional and contemporary Scottish music that was so well tailored to the stories he told and the scenery around us. Can't speak highly enough about him and this tour!

100% worth doing!! Fantastic!

Carrie_S, Sep 2023

Breathtaking!! It felt like we were in some kind of magical mystical place. Scenery was out of this world! Any, our guide, was a wealth of knowledge. She happily answered questions and was a very experienced and courteous driver. I’d give this more stars than 5 if they were there!!

Magnificent Skye

Edward_W, Sep 2023

Our tour guide Kev was fantastic. He worked tirelessly to get us around Skye. The weather was bad, but we were still awed by the beauty Skye. Kev was informative, funny, and a great driver. The Eileen Donan Castle was so so. It might have been better to go to the Talisker Distillery instead. There was an annoying squeaking sound in the back of the van we couldn't fix. I eventually got used to it.

very nice tour with Gregor

Cristian_S, Sep 2023

Gregor was a very nice driver and answered all our questions. He gave us lots of information and selected a Scottish song for every occasion. I really liked the music and the songs. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best, but the tour was interesting and very well planned. I would like to send him the following message "even if single track is not for beginners, I have covered 1600 miles without problems and what matter is the mental attitude and discipline used, even without being professionals in the subject. It was a pleasure to have done this tour with you Gregor, have a good life!

Incredible scenery, knowledgeable guide.

Eugene_L, Sep 2023

Scenery on Isle of Skye and all that I learned from the outstanding guide, Duncan Fraser. He provided historical context, thoughtful commentary on complex issues, singing, tunes, and music. A deep immersion in one day!

Incredible scenic Skye

Brenda_K, Sep 2023

Eileen Donan castle and Skye were beautiful. Amy took us to some incredible sites and narrated the trip wonderfully. It was a long day filled with unbelievable scenery.

Good day trip

cempanger, Sep 2023

We enjoyed the excursion and our guide was very informative. The lunch stop at Portree was pretty crowded so you may want to consider packing a lunch so you can enjoy the town.

Isle of Skye fun!

Madison_T, Sep 2023

Such a great time on this day tour! Gregor was our guide. He was very knowledgeable and a good story teller. We hit all the best stops in Isle of Skye and every single spot was gorgeous! We also stopped at a little chocolate shop. I enjoyed the day! It’s long but amazing day.

Top Trip

Emily_F, Sep 2023

Our guide Liam had some great stories and local knowledge to share with us along the trip. He also played us some Dcottish songs, both more traditional ones in Gaelic and English as well as some more modern ones as well.

Skye's The Limit

chris_c, Aug 2023

Seeing sky was incredible with great beauty in nature. Eilean Donan Castle was impressive, despite the heavy rain while we were there.

Great day. Long day. Lots of things to see

Kenneth_S, Aug 2023

Amy was fantastic guide and very sweet person comfortable transport. Possibly could eliminate the stop in dreary town after mountain portion that would save 30-45. Minutes

This day trip is an...

Kayla_E, Aug 2023

This day trip is an absolute must-do!! You have plenty of moments to get off the bus and use the toilets. The views you see are incredible!! James was an amazing tour guide. We loved the Scottish music and he was wearing a kilt! Fabulous. You have to book this trip and you must do so with this company. You won’t regret it.

Fabulous Skye Day Tour

Debra_M, Aug 2023

Fabulous small group tour, guide had a great sense of humour, day was filled with fun, knowledge and care, lots of photo opportunities. Totally recommend this day tour to Skye

Loved Isle of Skye

Lauren_D, Aug 2023

The entirety of Isle of Sue was a wonder to behold. And the running commentary from our amazing guide, Stewart, gave up plenty of information to add to the experience.

Highlight of our trip!

Anonymous, Aug 2023

This was such an amazing tour! It was beautiful and we saw so much. Kev was funny and very knowledgeable and made the experience more fun. The tour was an easy way to see some of the highlights of Skye, including Storr, Quiraing, Kilt Rock, Mealtfalls, Portree, Eilean Donan, and so much more!

Wonderful Day on Skye

Leann_V, Aug 2023

The whole Isle of Skye was memorable. Between the tall peaks, green glens, lochs and fairy pools, it is a day I won’t soon forget. Amy was a wonderful guide, pleasant and very knowledgeable.

Non-stop narration

Juckarade_R, Jul 2023

History, music, myth, regulation, jokes and more. You name it, she got it all for entirely 10+ hours non-stop. Plenty of breaks to stretch and toilet. My recommendation would be the single seat on the left because of the better chance of view, in my opinion. The downside would be. There is only a little time for each location so you may want to do your own research beforehand if you want to take good photos, especially on popular spots.

Tour of the Isle of Skye

Richard_M, Jul 2023

Scotty was an excellent guide and driver. The 12 hour tour from Inverness was broken up with many interesting and beautiful stops. The Isle of Skye is incredibly beautiful. And we had a sunny day!!

Great tour of just a small amount of Skye

Scott_S, Jun 2023

Amazing tour. 12 hours isn’t enough to really enjoy all that the Isle of Skye has to offer. Amy was very informational and full of knowledge.

Beautiful place the guide...

Isabel_C, Jun 2023

Beautiful place the guide excellent Should’ve better place to eat Travel too long be prepared I recommend

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