3 Day Isle of Skye, 'Hogwarts Express' Train and Highlands Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 days
Mobile ticket
Experience the Highland beauty of the Isle of Skye on a 3-day excursion from Edinburgh. You'll spend two nights on the Isle of Skye, see legendary Loch Ness and ride one of the world's most famous steam trains, the Jacobite Steam Train, as seen in the Harry Potter films.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please select room type when booking.
Minimum age is 5 years, we are unable to accommodate children under this age
Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase weighing no more than 33lbs (15kg) and 1 carry-on bag
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark
It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
Please note that most fellow travellers on your tour will be staying at B&B accommodation.
During April and October, this tour returns at 8pm.
Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train service may be subject to alterations and cancellations at short notice, outwith our control
Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
It is not possible to upgrade your Standard steam train ticket to a First Class ticket
If you are using an audio guide, please bring your headset. Please note we only offer audio guide translations in the following languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese. These languages are not provided by a live guide.
Travel insurance is recommended.
Please note that itinerary order may change.
The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures
What To Expect
Edinburgh to Portree
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3 star B&B or Hotel in Portree
Glencoe
We head north through the dramatic scenery of the Rannoch Moor before stopping at Highland gem Glen Coe.
Jacobite Steam Train
We arrive at Fort William, where we embark the Jacobite Steam Train for an approximately 2-hour ride along the Scottish west coast.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
During your ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, you will cross the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands.
Mallaig
Our train ride ends in the quaint fishing village of Mallaig with its beautiful harbour.
Portree
Our day ends in the colourful main town of the Isle of Skye, Portree. here, we have time to have a fine meal at one of the local restaurants or enjoy a drink at a traditional pub.
Isle of Skye
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3 star B&B or Hotel in Portree
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
The Old Man of Storr
View the iconic Old Man of Storr
Kilt Rock
Visit Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
A visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without learning the fascinating history and clan legend of Dunvegan Castle. Built during 13th and 14th centuries this Hebridean stronghold is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for the past 800 years
Isle of Skye
end your day of exploring the Isle of Skye
Portree to Edinburgh
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Eilean Donan Castle
We visit the romantic Eilean Donan Castle perched atop a small island where two lochs meet. It's one-of-a-kind castle with its own intriguing history.
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Visitthe Dundreggan Rewilding Centre where we delve into the admirable work of Trees for Life, a charity committed to the revival of Scotland's ancient Caledonian Pine Forest.
Loch Ness
We get the chance to hunt for the elusive 'Nessie' at Loch Ness while exploring the shores of the Highland village of Fort Augustus.
Commando Monument
We stop at the Commando Memorial and enjoy views of ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. (Views are weather depending)
Dunkeld
We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay.
Options
Guesthouse Twin Room
3-day Scottish Tour including 2 nights in 3-star twin guesthouse accommodation - 1 room with 2 single beds; suitable for 2 people in 1 bed each.
Hotel Single Room
3-day Scottish Tour including 2 nights in 3-star single hotel accommodation - 1 room with 1 single bed; suitable for 1 person.
Guesthouse Double
3-day Scottish Tour including 2 nights in 3-star double guesthouse accommodation - 1 room with 1 double bed; suitable for 2 people to share.
Hotel Twin Room
3-day Scottish Tour including 2 nights in 3-star twin hotel accommodation - 1 room with 2 single beds; suitable for 2 people in 1 bed each.
Hotel Double Room
3-day Scottish Tour including 2 nights in 3-star double hotel accommodation - 1 room with 1 double bed; suitable for 2 people to share.
Guesthouse Single
3-day Scottish Tour including 2 nights in 3-star single guesthouse accommodation - 1 room with 1 single bed; suitable for 1 person.
What‘s Included
Steam Train between Mallaig and Fort William
Transport by air-conditioned midi-coach
2 nights accommodation in 3-star B&B or hotels
Visit at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Local English Speaking Guide
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,244 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Breathtaking scenery and an outstanding guide
Lojsan01,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Laurie was an excellent guide, a fantastic storyteller, and a highly skilled driver. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, the accommodation was comfortable, and the music on the coach added to the wonderful atmosphere throughout the trip. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to experience the beauty and history of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye.
Great Highlands experience
tianenl2026,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip and playlist with Laurie 👍
An Unforgettable Adventure
E1575TKsamanthap,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I booked this trip to the Isle of Skye as part of our honeymoon. It was an unexpected addition to our trip to the British Isles, but it ended up being our absolute favorite part. We went with a group of about 30 other guests, and by the end of the 3 days we truly felt like we'd made friends with everyone. This was due in large part to our guides, Alistair and Paul. Alistair took us through the beautiful Scottish Highlands telling stories, playing music, and guiding us to the most magical and picturesque locations. I've never been played music on a tour before, but on a 3 day trip, obviously the guides can't speak for hours and hours on end. The music was an amazing addition, and it made the trip feel cinematic and surreal. Alistair took music recommendations from all of us and Day 3 featured everyone's favorite songs as we made our way back to Edinburgh. He also told us legends and tales of Skye and the Highlands and oftentimes weaved different guests into the stories. We took an unexpected trip to The Staffin Museum to see dinosaur fossils because our youngest traveler had said at dinner the night before that he liked dinosaurs. Another companion had her 30th birthday on the trip, and Alistair and Paul got her a small birthday cake so we could all sing to her. They also roped us into a Tunnock's snack-off between tea cakes and caramel wafers (wafers won, sorry Paul!). They gave wonderful recommendations for food, shopping, and activities. They took as many pictures of us as we asked, answered all of our questions about sheep, and dunked their heads with us in the River Sligachan. We were treated to the most unbelievable experience, and if we are lucky enough to return to Scotland, we will be sure to take another Highland Explorer Tour.
Highlands and Isle of Skye.
H5038ZGgeorgeh,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Most enjoyable tour. We saw and experienced so much of Scotland. The Hogwarts Express was a highlight! Sophie is very knowledgeable and fun! So glad we booked this tour.
Cool trip
Pioneer55782052174,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing tour and an amazing Guide thanks to Charlie 😁🏴❤️
Aye Aye Captain Charlie!
sonataw2026,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time with Charlie, with great vibes and fantastic stories to tell! She really took great care of us, even when one of the only two roads into Skye was blocked she turned us right around and got us there safe and sound! We had a ton of fun and would definitely look to book with Charlie to tour the west coast next time.
Amazing first trip to the Highlands
749ashleep,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Steve was an amazing guide! Very helpful, informative, and kind!
100% Recommending to friends and family
N4532CJcourtneym,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend! Our tour guide Paul was AMAZING. He was able to make a few special extra stops throughout to get the most out of our experience. We had people from Italy, Israel, Australia, Finland, the Netherlands, Mexico, Idaho, and Texas on our bus. Such a mix of cultures. The Jacobite was down so we took a quicker train on the same route which let us do extra stops afterwards before heading back to Edinburgh.
A truly memorable experience.
55jarrette,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience! Paul was an AMAZING guide who tried to fit in as many spots as he could and made the experience even more memorable. I would recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in touring the Highlands!
Dusty saved our trip after no tickets only Jacobite!
Kim S,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00First the good, Dusty our driver couldn’t have been better !! He was so knowledgeable and pleasant and kept everything running smoothly with a light hearted joke to brighten every stop. He went out of his way to be sure we saw everything we could. He truly made the trip a success. Now the bad, we booked this trip to ride the Jacobite steam train, we realize the train line was having problems but when we saw the train was up and running June 1st and I send an email confirming we had tickets on the 3rd and it was confirmed, imagine my great disappointment to learn they hadn’t gotten us tickets only on the Scotline, yet when we were queuing up that morning and a tour was heading out on the Jacobite how was this fair after booking in Jan 2026? Then the order of our days was totally changed and no one notified us! Everyone on the bus was confused as to what was happening. So word of advice Highland Tours/Viator need to get their act together and be upfront with people about how your trip is proceeding. As we pulled into Glenfinnan and the Hogwarts Express was parked along side of us with people on it and not us, imagine our disappointment after traveling from the USA! Thank goodness for Dusty or this trip really would of been a bigger disappointment.
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Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd