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Are you planning a trip to the UK and looking for the best 3 day Scotland tours from Edinburgh? We are here to help!
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and while it’s well worth spending a couple of days here, the true beauty of Scotland is in its nature and countryside.
If you want to see what Scotland is really all about, you need to go and explore.
IN A RUSH?
THE BEST 3-DAY TOUR FROM EDINBURGH is the Isle of Skye 3-day tour by Rabbie’s. It includes all the highlights on Skye, Glencoe and Inverness. It’s perfect for first-timers.
There are many places you can visit in Scotland in 3 days including the Isle of Skye, the Highlands (and the Harry Potter viaduct!) but also the Whisky trail and the Isle of Arran.
It all depends on what you are into and what you’d like to see! If it is your first time in Scotland, then we particularly recommend going to the Isle of Skye and the Highlands.
But there are also many options including some that will allow you to discover hidden gems in Scotland.
You can find below the ultimate list of the best 3-day tours of Scotland from Edinburgh.
1) The Isle of Skye 3-day tour by Rabbie’s
⭐ Reviews: 4. 8 / 5 – 200+ Reviews. See all reviews here. | ✅ Check Rates and Availability
📍Highlights: Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe, Quiraing Mountain Pass, The Old Man of Storr, Five Sisters of Kintail and Loch Ness.
Rabbie’s is one of the most famous tour operators in Scotland. This local company has been around for over 3 decades and offers some of the best tours of Scotland.
The guides are absolutely wonderful. They are what makes these tours truly unique!
They are born storytellers and will tell you loads about the places you visit. Scotland (a bit like Ireland) is known for its stories and tales so you can be sure of something, you’ll hear loads of stories!
🚗 Want help planning your Scotland trip? 📍
I offer travel planning services and can create the perfect (and 100% customised) Scotland itinerary for you.
This 3-day tour from Edinburgh is perfect for first timers who want to see all the highlights of the country.
You will meet with your guides and the rest of the group at 8:30 AM from Edinburgh bus station and start your journey to the Highlands.
Day 1 includes stops at Callander, Glencoe, Fort William so you can see Ben Nevis (the highest peak in Scotland) and the stunning Eilean Donan Castle.
FUN FACT: Eilean Donan Castle is the most photographed castle in Scotland and was one of the James Bond filming locations.
You will then head to the Isle of Skye on day 2 and get to see some of the most beautiful Skye landmarks such as Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing.
Finally, on day 3, you will go towards Inverness and have lunch by the beautiful Loch Ness.
All in all, this tour is ideal for those who are short on time and want to see the most famous spots in Scotland.
It’s also worth mentioning that Rabbie’s only use 16-seat minibuses which means that you will be with a small group. This is much more comfortable and perfect for group of friends, couples as well as solo travellers.
It’s important to note that accommodation is not included in Rabbie’s tours however, you can book it directly with them on their website. It’s super easy.
What are the reviews like?
❤️ “It truly was such a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it! Our tour guide made the trip so interesting with his knowledge of local history and amazing storytelling.” See all reviews here.
2) Isle of Skye & The Highlands 3-Day Tour by Haggis Adventures
⭐ Reviews: 4. 6 / 5. See all reviews here. | ✅ Check Rates and Availability
📍Highlights: Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe, Portree, Mallaig, Jacobite train, Glenfinnan Viaduct anda Glencoe.
This tour is similar to the one offered by Rabbie’s however, it has a bit of a different itinerary.
Haggis Adventures is a well-regarded tour company in Scotland that offers a variety of tours, from day trips to multi-day adventures.
They focus on providing an authentic Scottish experience and are known for their knowledgeable and entertaining guides.
The guides are absolutely fantastic. They are locals who truly want to show off the beauty of Scotland so you can be sure to be in for a good time with them.
This tour starts in Edinburgh at 8 AM and heads towards Fort Augustus and Loch Ness. You will then go to Eilean Donan Castle and reach Skye where you will spend the night.
On day 2, you will go to Dunvegan Castle, home to the MacLeod clan before taking the ferry to Mallaig.
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will be in for a treat on day 3 since you’ll have the opportunity to ride the Jacobite train (unofficially known as the Harry Potter train in Scotland) and see Glenfinnan Viaduct.
You will then drive back through Glencoe and discover some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland.
FUN FACT: Glencoe is also where the opening scene of Outlander was filmed so if you are an Outlander fan, you’ll love that part.
You will then make it back to Edinburgh in the evening.
Although you will be driving past some famous hiking spots in Scotland, this tour is actually quite relaxed and doesn’t include any strenuous activities.
What are the reviews like?
❤️ “t was worth every penny. Our tour guide made it a special experience since his family’s history is tied to the lands. It’s amazing how much you can learn and see in just 3 days.” See all reviews here.
3) Isle of Arran Adventure by Rabbie’s
⭐ Reviews: 5 / 5. See all reviews here. | ✅ Check Rates and Availability
📍Highlights: Culzean Castle, Robert Burns Country, Brodick and Brodick Castle, Lagg Distillery, Machrie Moor stone circles, Kintyre Peninsula and Loch Lomond
This 3-day tour from Edinburgh to the Isle of Arran is perfect for those who want a bit more adventure in their Scotland experience.
It’s also ideal for nature lovers and people who want to avoid the usual itinerary Loch Ness – Skye – Highlands.
If it’s not your first time in Scotland, you should really consider this tour. It’s quite different to the others and will allow you to discover a local spot.
The isle of Arran is located in the Firth of Clyde, on the West Coast. It’s a popular holiday destination for Scottish people as well as a nice day trip from Glasgow.
The Isle of Arran, fondly known as “Scotland in Miniature,” captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and warm island charm.
From rugged mountains and serene beaches to ancient castles and abundant wildlife, Arran offers a wealth of experiences for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.
On day 1, you will travel from Edinburgh past Glasgow and discover Culzean Castle as well as the birthplace of Robert Burns (the most famous Scottish poet of all time).
On day 2, you will explore Arran which includes Lochranza Castle, Brodick Castle, the beaches and Lagg Distillery. You will also have the opportunity to try some local food at Arran Cheese Shop.
If you were looking for some nice souvenirs from Scotland, this will be a great place. It’s a family-owned shop and their cheeses are pure deliciousness!
The Distillery is also a great place to buy souvenirs since they have all sorts of whisky as well as their own version of Bailey’s and it’s delicious! You can try it there and you’ll see, you’ll love it!
FUN FACT: The whisky on Arran is known as ‘Arran Waters’. It is particularly good because the water on the island is very pure.
Finally, on day 3, you will travel through the West Highlands and stop at the beautiful Loch Lomond before getting back to Edinburgh.
As always with Rabbie’s, you will be accompanied by a local tour guide who will tell you plenty of stories about the area and Scottish culture. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide questions, s/he will be more than happy to answer!
What are the reviews like?
❤️ “What a great 3 day trip! We couldn’t have had a better guide. Our tour guide was fabulous and gave us a great Scottish history lesson! He is a storyteller star and I will remember his engaging tales about the history of Scotland. He was very accommodating to the group needs and made us all feel comfortable and valued.” See all reviews here.
4) Isle of Skye & Highlands 3-Day Guided Tour by Highland Experience Tours
⭐Reviews: 4. 6/ 5 – 150+ Reviews. See all reviews here. | ✅ Check Rates and Availability
📍Highlights: Eilean Donan Castle, the Highlands, Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness cruise, Urquhart Castle, Glencoe, Fort William and Isle of Skye
Another option for those who want to discover the highlands and Skye is to join this 3-day tour by Highland Experience Tours.
This company has earned a stellar reputation for providing memorable and immersive tours across the stunning landscapes of Scotland.
People just can’t get enough of Highland Experience Tours, and for good reason!
These guys know how to show you the best of Scotland while keeping it fun and laid-back.
Their guides are total experts and will make you fall in love with the country’s rich history, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery.
With this tour, you will explore the famous isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands.
It is quite a similar itinerary to the ones mentioned previously but with the difference being that you will get to go to Culloden Battlefield.
This is an absolute must-see for history buffs and Outlander fans!
This historic spot is where the epic Battle of Culloden went down in 1746, marking the end of the Jacobite uprising and changing Scotland forever.
Here is what you will be doing during this tour.
On day 1, you will drive through the Trossachs National Park and past Loch Lomond. You will reach Glencoe and learn more about the MacDonald Clan massacre before reaching Inverness.
HEADS UP: If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will love this tour because you’ll stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was featured in the Harry Potter movies.
You will then spend day 2 on Skye where you will see the Quiraing, the Cuillin Mountains and the cute town of Portree.
Finally, on day 3, you will go to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Culloden Battlefield, where you will find out more about the Jacobite Rising before heading back to Edinburgh.
What are the reviews like?
❤️ “Visiting the Highlands and Isle of Skye were the highlights of our trip to Scotland in large part to our tour guide’s expansive knowledge, commitment to share lore from historical sites, letting us hike beautiful waterfalls and timing it perfectly so we could even see the railway viaduct made famous by Harry Potter.” See all reviews here.
5) 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour by The Hairy Coo
⭐Reviews: 4. 8 / 5 – 450+ Reviews. See all reviews here. | ✅ Check Rates and Availability
📍Highlights: Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Battlefield
Another option to discover Skye and the Highlands is to join a Hairy Coo tour.
The Hairy Coo tours are an absolute blast, and people can’t stop raving about them!
These lively tours showcase Scotland’s most stunning sights, all while being led by super-friendly and knowledgeable guides who know how to keep things fun.
And, let’s not forget the real stars of the show – the adorable and iconic Highland cows, or “Hairy Coos,” that you’ll get to meet along the way.
With a mix of famous landmarks, hidden gems, and entertaining storytelling, Hairy Coo tours are perfect for anyone who wants to explore Scotland in a laid-back and unforgettable manner.
While this tour follows roughly the same itinerary as the others, it is known to be very good fun and for this reason, often appeals more to young adults.
It also includes a stop at the Kelpies and Stirling castle which is not the case of the tours previously mentioned.
Here is basically what to expect.
On day 1, you will leave Edinburgh and go to the Kelpies, Stirling Castle, drive through the Trossachs National Park, stop at Glencoe and finish your day at the beautiful Loch Ness.
On day 2, you will go to Skye where you will discover Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing and then head to the famous Eilean Donan Castle.
Finally, on day 3, you will go to Culloden Battlefield and drive back through the Cairngorms before having a chance to do a Scotch Whiskey tasting (it wouldn’t be Scotland without Whisky after all!).
FUN FACT: Scottish Whisky is spelt ‘whisky’. There is no ‘e’.
What are the reviews like?
❤️ “Our tour was absolutely amazing! Our tour guide knew every little fact, story, myth, and history you would ever need to know. She went above and beyond for all of the passengers and we got to see SO much of Scotland in our short 3 days there! Highly recommend.” See all reviews here.
6) 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness by Timberbush Tours
⭐Reviews: 4. 8 / 5 – 300+ Reviews. See all reviews here. | ✅ Check Rates and Availability
📍Highlights: Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William, Portree, Dunvegan Castle, Uig, Old Man of Storr, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness and Pitlochry.
This tour is run by another popular tour company in Scotland: Timberbush Tours.
Timberbush Tours are a total hit with travellers who want to experience Scotland in a fun, relaxed, and super enjoyable way.
Their fantastic guides are not only experts on all things Scottish but also have a knack for storytelling that’ll keep you hooked throughout the journey.
With a variety of tour options, from day trips to multi-day adventures, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re after the legendary Loch Ness, historic castles, or breathtaking landscapes.
With this tour, you will get to discover the classic route ‘Skye – Highlands – Loch Ness’.
You will leave at 9AM from Lawnmarket in Edinburgh and head to Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William and finish in Portree, the main town on Skye.
You will also do a photo stop at Ben Nevis on that day.
On day 2, you will visit the most beautiful castle on Skye: Dunvegan Castle, the town of Uig as well as the famous natural wonder that is the Old Man of Storr.
On day 3, you will leave Skye, make a stop at Eilean Donan Castle, stop at Fort Augustus and Loch Ness and go to the cute town of Pitlochry.
FUN FACT: Eilean Donan Castle was used as a filming location for the movie ‘Highlander’.
What are the reviews like?
❤️ “Buying this tour was my best decision in Scotland! Our tour guide made our trip exceptionally perfect! We were so lucky to have her as our tour guide, because she like no other knows everything about Scotland and Skye in particular. We saw the best spots avoiding crowds (as much as possible) and even made the nicest hike in Quiraing, best route in Skye!”
See all reviews here.
7) Isle of Skye & Jacobite Train 3-Day Highland Tour by Highland Explorers Tours
⭐ Reviews: 4. 7 / 5. See all reviews here. | ✅ Check Rates and Availability
📍Highlights: Forth Bridge, Dunkeld, Loch Ness, Eilean Donon Castle, Quiraing, Old man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Dunvegan castle, Mallaig, Jacobite Train, Fort William.
This tour is run by Highland Explorers Tours, a local tour operator based in Edinburgh.
Highland Explorers tours are where it’s at if you’re looking for an awesome Scottish adventure with a unique twist!
People adore these tours because they go beyond the usual sightseeing, giving you a more immersive and off-the-beaten-path experience.
The guides are not only super knowledgeable, but they also have a passion for sharing hidden gems and lesser-known stories that make Scotland even more fascinating.
Plus, Highland Explorers keeps things fresh by offering themed tours for history buffs, nature lovers, and even film enthusiasts.
So, if you’re ready for a one-of-a-kind journey through the captivating Scottish Highlands, look no further than Highland Explorers tours!
This tour is particularly good for Harry Potter fans since it includes a ride on the Jacobite train which is the train that inspired the Hogwarts Express.
You will also get to see the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of the most famous Harry Potter locations in Scotland.
Please note that the Jacobite only runs from April to October so the ride can only be included if you book a tour during that time.
Besides that, here is what you will get to do during this Scotland 3-day tour from Edinburgh.
You will start the tour at 8 AM in Edinburgh and head north (don’t forget your camera because you’ll get to see amazing views of Forth Bridge along the way).
You will stop in the quaint village of Dunkeld, go to Fort Augustus and Loch Ness, Eilean Donan castle and finish the day in Portree, on Skye.
The second day will be spent exploring the Isle of Skye, from the Quiraing and Kilt Rock to Dunvegan castle.
The last day you’ll leave Skye by taking the ferry to Mallaig. This coastal town is super cute and where you will start your Harry Potter journey by embarking on the Jacobite Train, all the way to Fort William.
And yes, you will get to go on Glenfinnan Viaduct with the train!
What are the reviews like?
❤️ “This is a must book if you are going to the Highlands and Isle of Skye. Our tour guide with assistance from our driver and they were a hoot! Traveling the winding roads of the highlands to the Isle of Skye was absolutely beautiful. All while they told us all the history and folk tales. Our tour guide also played Scottish music old and new which was incredibly atmospheric. All in all, the best part of our two week trip to the UK.” See all reviews here.
Best Scotland 3 day tours from Edinburgh: Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know everything about the best multi-day tours from Edinburgh, it’s time to answer all the questions you may have.
Can you do Scotland in 3 days?
Of course you can! 3 days in Scotland will be enough time to see some of the highlights however, it’s important to note that Scotland is much bigger than you may think and you need to be very organised to make the best of it.
That’s why if you only have 3 days in Scotland, we highly recommend you book a 3-day Scotland tour. That way you don’t have to worry about a thing and you will get to see a lot more.
How many days do you need to tour Scotland?
Ideally, you will need between 1 and 2 weeks to do a good tour of Scotland however, if you book a guided tour, you will get to see a lot more in a shorter amount of time.
These 3 day Scotland tours from Edinburgh are optimised and ran by professionals. You will see a lot more places and learn a lot about the history of Scotland.
How do I plan a 3 day trip to Scotland?
There are two ways you can plan a 3 day trip to Scotland. The first one is to plan your own itinerary. This will require renting a car in Scotland and exploring by yourself. Don’t hesitate to check out our itineraries, they will help a lot.
The other options, which is recommended if you only have a short amount of time like that, is to book a 3-day Scotland tour from Edinburgh.
You will be with a local guide who will take you to all the best spots, give you information about the history of the area and look after all the logistics. That way, you can just relax and enjoy the experience.
What is the best way to tour Scotland?
The best way to tour Scotland is by car or with a guided tour. While public transport is very good in the UK, most of the places you will want to visit in Scotland are quite remote.
For this reason, you will need a vehicle. This means that hiring a car or opting for a guided tour of Scotland are the best options. You will be able to discover all the best places such as the Isle of Skye and the Highlands.
What is the best month to tour Scotland?
May and September are the best months to tour Scotland since you have a higher chance to have nice weather (though in Scotland, this can never be guaranteed) and there are no midges.
The midges are very annoying and you want to avoid the season when they are out as much as possible.
If you are only planning on visiting Edinburgh or Glasgow, the midges won’t be an issue and therefore June, July and August are also good options.
How far in advance should I book a trip to Scotland?
Scotland can get busy during the spring and summer season, especially since a lot of places that are liked by tourists are very remote. For this reason, we recommend to book your trip a few months in advance.
Is it worth going to Isle of Skye?
Absolutely! The isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful islands in Scotland. It’s full of stunning natural landmarks such as the Fairy Pools, the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr. The small town of Portree is also very pretty, especially the harbour.
How to get to Isle of Skye from Edinburgh?
There are no train going from Edinburgh all the way to Skye. Therefore, the best ways to get to the Isle of Skye is either by car (you can take the Skye bridge or the ferry from Mallaig) or with a guided tour of Scotland.
Do you need a car when visiting Scotland?
If you are just visiting Edinburgh or Glasgow, you won’t need a car. However, if you want to explore Scotland and places such as the Highlands or the Isle of Skye, you will definitely need a vehicle.
This means you can either hire a car or opt for a tour of Scotland.
Final thoughts on these Scotland 3-day tours from Edinburgh
We hope this article has helped you choose your ideal 3-day tour of Scotland from Edinburgh.
When choosing, remember to think about the places you’d like to see and whether you would prefer a small group tour or a more budget option.
Ultimately, we are blessed to have so many amazing tour companies in Scotland so no matter which one you choose, you can be sure of one thing. You’ll have a great time!
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