The Isle of Skye is the most photographed place in Scotland, and getting there is half the adventure. This three-day tour from Glasgow runs north through Glencoe and the Great Glen, passes Loch Ness, crosses to Skye over the bridge and returns by a different line of road, which means you see far more of the country than a simple round trip could. Skye's fame rests on its shapes: the pinnacles of the Cuillin, the rock spires of the Old Man of Storr, the cliffs of the Quiraing and the colourful harbour of Portree. The tour is run as a coach trip with overnight stays, a format that suits solo travellers, couples and anyone wary of driving long Highland roads. Three days is short for such a big island, so expect a highlights version with the best scenery, a couple of short walks and time in Portree, rather than a deep exploration. The guide supplies the history, from clan feuds to the Clearances, and the landscape does the rest.
Practical details
The trip lasts three days, starting and ending in Glasgow. Check the tour page for what is included, such as accommodation, breakfasts and entry fees, and for the exact itinerary and any single-supplement for solo travellers, because three-day Skye tours differ widely in what they cover. Baggage is usually limited to one bag per person, and you should pack for four seasons: waterproof layers, walking shoes and midge repellent in summer.
What to expect
Long days in the coach, broken by walks at the best viewpoints. The weather on Skye is famously changeable and mist can close in over the Cuillin in minutes, so the scenery can be either spectacular or soft and mysterious. From October to March days are short, and some walks or ferry crossings may be curtailed. In summer Skye is busy and the narrow roads near the best-known sights can be slow, so a coach with an experienced driver is a real advantage.
Alternatives
If you have only a day, choose a Glencoe, Oban or Loch Ness tour instead, since a one-day Skye trip from Glasgow is a marathon. Skye also has its own guide on this network, which covers the island in more depth for those basing themselves there. This tour is for travellers who want Skye as part of a Highland circuit from Glasgow, with someone else doing the driving.
What to expect
The experience
A three-day coach tour with overnight stays, running from Glasgow through Glencoe and the Great Glen to the Isle of Skye and back via Loch Ness.
Best time
May to September for long daylight and the best chance of clear Cuillin views; spring and autumn are quieter and beautiful.
How long
Three days, starting and ending in Glasgow.
Tips
Check the inclusions and luggage limit, pack four seasons of clothing, and keep expectations flexible about the weather.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want Skye and the Highlands on a single trip without driving.
- Families
- Better for older children and teenagers; three days on a coach is a lot for small ones.
- Couples
- A shared adventure with big views and a night or two away from the city.
- Pair with
- A day or two in Glasgow before or after, with the cathedral, Kelvingrove and a Mackintosh tea.
- Time needed
- Three full days, plus a rest day afterwards.
Good questions
How long is the Isle of Skye tour from Glasgow?+
It runs for three days, with overnight stays on the route.
Is accommodation included?+
Check the tour page for inclusions, which vary between three-day tours. Confirm accommodation, meals and entry fees before booking.
Does the tour go to Loch Ness?+
Yes, the route includes Loch Ness on the way to or from Skye.
Is three days enough for Skye?+
It gives a highlights tour. For a deeper visit, plan to stay on the island for longer.
What should I pack?+
Waterproofs, layers, walking shoes and midge repellent in summer. Luggage space is usually limited.
