3-Day Isle of Skye, Hogwarts Express Train and Highlands Tour

Set out on a captivating 3-day journey through the Scottish Highlands and the enchanting Isle of Skye. This immersive tour offers a chance to experience the iconic ‘Hogwarts Express‘ steam train, explore breathtaking natural landscapes, and discover historic landmarks. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this comprehensive itinerary promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and stunning beauty of this remarkable region. The allure of the Highlands and the Isle of Skye awaits, beckoning you to uncover their secrets and create lasting memories.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 3 Day Tours In Edinburgh.

Key Points

• This 3-day tour covers the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye, including a ride on the ‘Hogwarts Express’ steam train.
• Highlights of the tour include regional landmarks like the Old Man of Storr, Eilean Donan Castle, and Loch Ness.
• Accommodation, breakfasts, and air-conditioned coach transportation are included, providing a seamless and hassle-free experience.
• The tour offers a visit to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre and services of a local English-speaking guide.
• Exclusions include some admission tickets, food, drinks, and gratuities, with a minimum age of 5 years for participants.

Tour Overview

This 3-day guided tour from Edinburgh takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the Scottish Highlands and the enchanting Isle of Skye, including a captivating steam train ride on the renowned ‘Hogwarts Express‘ from the Harry Potter films.

The comprehensive itinerary covers regional highlights such as the Old Man of Storr, Eilean Donan Castle, and Loch Ness, providing a well-rounded experience of Scotland’s stunning natural landscapes and historic landmarks.

With 2 nights’ accommodation, breakfasts, and transportation by air-conditioned coach, this tour offers a seamless and hassle-free way for travelers to discover the beauty and charm of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

Inclusions

The tour package includes 2 nights’ accommodation in 3-star bed and breakfasts or hotels, along with a captivating ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the ‘Hogwarts Express‘ from the Harry Potter films, that journeys between Mallaig and Fort William.

Plus, travelers will enjoy transport by air-conditioned midi-coach and the services of a knowledgeable local English-speaking guide throughout the tour.

Breakfast is provided on 2 mornings, and a visit to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre is also included in the itinerary.

While the tour covers the cost of these inclusions, food, drinks, gratuities, and admission tickets to some attractions aren’t covered and must be paid for separately by participants.

Exclusions

While the tour package covers a range of inclusions, some costs aren’t included and must be paid for separately by participants.

These excluded items encompass food and drinks, unless specified, gratuities, and admission tickets to certain attractions visited during the tour.

Travelers will need to budget for their own meals and snacks throughout the 3-day journey.

Plus, tips for the local guide and any entrance fees to sites like castles or museums aren’t covered in the tour price.

Itinerary

Over the course of the 3-day guided tour, travelers embark on an engaging journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

The first day takes them from Edinburgh to Portree, with stops at iconic locations like Glencoe, Fort William, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Mallaig, where they’ll board the famous Jacobite steam train.

On the second day, the tour explores the Isle of Skye, visiting the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and Dunvegan Castle & Gardens.

The final day features stops at Eilean Donan Castle, the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, Loch Ness, the Commando Monument, and Dunkeld before returning to Edinburgh.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Portree

Departing Edinburgh, the tour heads north through the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, making its first stop at the iconic Glencoe valley. Here, travelers can admire the dramatic mountain scenery that has played a role in Scottish history.

The journey continues to Fort William, the largest town in the Scottish Highlands. Next up is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express crosses it.

The tour then arrives at Mallaig, where guests board the Jacobite steam train for a picturesque ride to Fort William. Finally, the group reaches the charming fishing town of Portree on the Isle of Skye, their home for the next two nights.

Day 2: Isle of Skye

Guests awake in Portree to explore the Isle of Skye, starting with a visit to the iconic geological formation known as the Old Man of Storr.

This dramatic and imposing rock pinnacle offers stunning views across the island.

Next, they’ll visit the dramatic sea cliffs of Kilt Rock, with its impressive 90-metre waterfall.

In the afternoon, the group will head to Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod and one of the oldest continuously inhabited castles in Scotland.

Here, they’ll learn about the clan’s rich history and explore the beautiful gardens.

After a full day of sightseeing, the group will return to their accommodation in Portree for the evening.

Day 3: Portree to Edinburgh

The tour departs Portree, heading east towards Edinburgh, with the first stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. This 13th-century castle, situated on an island where three lochs meet, is one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. After exploring the castle and its stunning surroundings, the group continues on to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, where they learn about the efforts to restore the Highlands’ natural habitats.

Attraction	Description
Eilean Donan Castle	A picturesque 13th-century castle on an island where three lochs meet.
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre	A facility dedicated to restoring the Highlands’ natural habitats.
Loch Ness	The famous loch, home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
Commando Monument	A memorial honoring the British Commandos from World War II.
Dunkeld	A historic town with a beautiful cathedral and charming streets.

The tour then visits the famous Loch Ness, where the group has the chance to spot the legendary Loch Ness Monster, before heading to the Commando Monument and the town of Dunkeld, where the tour concludes.

Additional Information

Confirmation for the tour is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The minimum age for participants is 5 years.

Each traveler is allowed one suitcase with a maximum weight of 33 pounds (15 kg) and one carry-on bag.

Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated on the tour.

Tour durations may extend up to 8 pm during the shoulder seasons of April and October.

This comprehensive Highland and Isle of Skye tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s natural beauty, historic landmarks, and the iconic Hogwarts Express train ride.

With a knowledgeable local guide, travelers can explore the highlights while enjoying the comfort of an air-conditioned coach.

Advance booking is recommended to secure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t seem to offer any discounts or special offers at this time. Customers should check the tour website or contact the company directly for the most up-to-date information on any available promotions or deals.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Make Changes to the Tour?

The tour operator generally offers a fixed itinerary, but they may be able to accommodate some customization requests. Travelers should inquire about flexibility and any additional fees for making changes to the standard tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy, and Can I Get a Refund?

The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing customers to receive a full refund if they cancel at least 7 days prior to the tour’s departure. Refunds may be offered for cancellations made closer to the tour date, subject to availability.

Are There Any Dietary Requirements or Restrictions to Consider?

The tour doesn’t specify any dietary requirements, but you can inform the operator of any food allergies or restrictions prior to the trip. They’ll do their best to accommodate your needs during the included meals.

How Does the Tour Accommodate for People With Disabilities or Mobility Issues?

The tour accommodates travelers with disabilities and mobility issues, allowing collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels. The air-conditioned midi-coach provides comfortable transportation, ensuring an accessible and inclusive experience for all participants.

Recap

This 3-day tour through the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye offers travelers an unforgettable experience.

Highlights include a ride on the iconic ‘Hogwarts Express‘ steam train, visits to stunning landmarks, and an exploration of the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre.

With 2 nights’ accommodation, breakfast, and air-conditioned transportation, this tour provides a seamless and hassle-free journey for travelers aged 5 and above.