Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

Why should we choose WOW Scotland?+

We know that you have a choice of tours, and we are always reviewing our offering to ensure that we are providing the best tour, combined with the best value for money and best customer care, from the minute you land on our website. We are confident that we do this, and our reviews stand testament to this.

We have been consistently rated as “excellent” on Trip Advisor (as of January 2026 over 96% of our reviews rate us as excellent) and are proud to be ranked as the number 1 tour operator in Inverness (out of more than 200!).

We are also one of very few companies to have consistently maintained a 5 star rating on Google (check out some other tour companies and you will see that 5.0 is very rare!). We have over 900 5 star reviews on this platform.

For those who are unsure about booking with a small company, please click on any of the following links for assurance that we are a member of the national tourism body; Visit Scotland, the local tourism organisation; Visit Inverness Loch Ness and also the Federation of Small Businesses.

Can I drive to the tour pick-up point in Inverness then leave my car?+

Absolutely. Rose Street car park is a five minute walk from our tour pick-up point on Union Street and you can find further information on parking here.

Is the itinerary fixed/guaranteed?+

The itinerary has been carefully planned to ensure that you get the most out of your day. However, there are factors outside of our control, such as traffic flow, road closures and adverse weather, which mean that, on rare occasions, we may not be to achieve everything listed in the tour itinerary. Consequently, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary, although this will be a last resort, and we will endeavour to visit alternative places of interest instead.

Can I bring luggage?+

Yes, we do have space for a limited amount of luggage. If you wish to bring luggage please contact us before booking. There are also left luggage facilities at Inverness train station for those travelling back to Inverness (please contact the station to find out opening times of this facility prior to use).

Do I need to bring cash with me on the tour? If so, are Euros/US dollars accepted in Scotland?+

It is advisable to bring some cash (GBP £) on all tours. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted but, in some small shops (or for smaller purchases), cash is the only option.

Please note that American Express is not commonly accepted in Scotland, but Visa and Mastercard should be fine. Unfortunately very few places will accept other currencies such as Euros or US dollars.

Do you have charging points on your vehicles?+

Yes, all vehicles have USB charging points on all vehicles, at every set of two seats. Just bring a cable and you can ensure that you have plenty of charge for the endless photo opportunities you will no doubt have!

Can I bring dogs and other pets on the tour?+

Unfortunately dogs and other pets are not able to travel on our tours. If you are partially sighted or blind and use a guide dog to get around please do get in touch to discuss ways in which we can accommodate you and your dog.

Who will our tour guide be?+

One of our highly competent local driver guides will lead your tour – you can read all about the team here or have a look at their reviews on TripAdvisor.

Does the tour only run on the dates listed on your website?+

Yes, you’ll find the most up-to-date tour dates on our calendar. Scheduled tours will run on the listed dates but, if you are interested in a date which is not listed, please feel free to get in touch with us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

We do have limited availability for private tours – please just get in touch to organise a private tour as these are not listed on our calendar. Please note that private tours are most suited to groups of 8+, as the smallest vehicle we have is an executive 16-seater mini-coach.

How do I get to Inverness?+

To find out how to get to Inverness click here.

Where can I stay in Inverness?+

Inverness is a compact city so any city centre accommodation will be walking distance (up to 20 minutes) from our pick-up point at 15 Union Street. Some hotels, such as the Premier Inn West, Premier Inn East and the Holiday Inn Express, are on the outskirts of the city but all are still easily reachable from the city centre (these are all 2 – 5 miles/a 5 – 10 minute taxi ride from our pick-up point). You can see a list of suggested accommodation in Inverness and Loch Ness here.

Do you offer foreign language tours?+

At the moment we only offer tours in English, and we are unable to offer any translation services. This is something which we are working to improve in the future but, for now, hopefully the fantastic Highland scenery can speak for itself!

Do you have any reviews?+

Yes, we are exceptionally proud of our reviews!

We have been consistently rated as “excellent” on Trip Advisor (as of January 2026 over 96% of our reviews rate us as excellent) and are proud to be ranked as the number 1 tour/activity operator in Inverness (out of more than 200!).

Should I tip my guide?+

If the tour meets or exceeds your expectations then please feel free to tip as it is always very much appreciated. However, please rest assured that tips are not expected in Scotland, so no offence will be taken if you don’t tip! Our guides keep all of their tips.

Booking FAQs

What forms of payment do you accept?+

Payments are taken through our secure online booking system, which utilises Stripe. Stripe accepts almost any debit or credit card, including American Express (it does not accept Diner’s Card or Discover).

We also accept international bank transfers (you will require to accept all bank/currency conversion fees).

Can I book with confidence?+

Yes! We know that you have a choice of tours, and we are always reviewing our offering to ensure that we are providing the best tour, combined with the best value for money and best customer care, from the minute you land on our website. We are confident that we do this, and are proud to have been awarded a coveted 5 star rating from VisitScotland every year from 2016 to 2022 for providing “exceptional” tours.

Also, we have been consistently rated as “excellent” on Trip Advisor (as of January 2026 we had 2800 5 star reviews) and are proud to be ranked as the number 1 tour company in Inverness (out of over 130!).

Do you offer group discounts?+

We currently offer preferential pricing for groups on our Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour, our Classic Highland Shore Tour from Invergordon and our Highland Highlights Shore Tour from Invergordon. Pricing works on a tiered system, with groups categorised as being under 3 guests, 4 – 9 guests and 10+ guests.

We do not offer group pricing on our Skye Explorer Hiking Tour as we use a smaller mini-coach and find that this tour generally appeals more to couples and solo travellers.

For larger groups of 8+ we do have very limited availability for private tours.

Can I cancel my tour if I change my mind, or if I am unable to get to Inverness for any reason?+

Yes, we try to be as flexible as we possibly can with regard to cancellation.

On our Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour we offer 24 hour cancellation.

On our Skye Explorer Hiking Tour we offer 24 hour cancellation.

On our shore tours from Invergordon we offer 24 hour cancellation.

Seat upgrades are non-refundable for all tours.

For most private tours, we ask for a 25% non-refundable deposit upon booking.

Please see our full terms and conditions here – scroll down to read conditions for the tour you are interested in.

If you wish to change or cancel your booking please just email info@wowscotland.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Do you offer guaranteed departures?+

Yes, if you book onto one of our tours then we will run this tour, regardless if anyone else has booked on or not! When you are booking a tour from Inverness we would highly recommend checking the supplier’s policy regarding this, as quite a number of our competitors have a minimum number policy, and will cancel your booking at the last minute (we really hate getting those stressed phone calls from customers who have been let down by other companies, particularly as we rarely have availability last minute!)

We will not cancel due to bad weather, unless the weather forecast is so bad that we or one of our suppliers consider it dangerous to travel (this has only happened once in 13 years!). If we do require to cancel the tour we will give you as much notice as we possibly can.

If we do require to cancel for any reason then we will do our utmost to accommodate you, either on an alternative tour that day, or on an alternative date.

What are your terms and conditions of booking?+

Our full terms and conditions can be found here.

Is it possible to pay on arrival?+

Due to high demand for our tours, we are unable to secure your booking unless you pay the full amount in advance. That being said, you are welcome to come to the bus stop in the morning and, if there are places available, you can join the tour and book/pay online on our website.

Ultimate Isle of Skye

Why should we choose WOW to take us to Skye?+

There are a number of companies in Inverness offering tours to Skye, and we appreciate that it can be difficult to decide which company to use. We wanted to summarise the main benefits of coming on our tour, so that you can make the best choice for your group. So..here goes…

First and foremost, we have the most comprehensive tour itinerary available from Inverness; our tour is the only one to include all of the sights in Northern Skye (Portree, Trotternish Peninsula, Old Man of Storr and Cuillin Mountains) as well as giving you the opportunity to hike to the Fairy Pools, and see Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness/Urquhart Castle en-route. It truly is the ultimate tour of Skye!
We are the only company offering convenient pick up and drop off at two city locations, ensuring that your day is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible
We are the only company offering free pick-up and drop-off in Drumnadrochit and Invermoriston (for Fort William) giving you the flexibility to stay wherever suits you best.
We are the only company offering a seat reservation system for our front row (plus second row and extra legroom) seats so, if taking uninterrupted photos is important to you, this will be a great benefit.
We have the smartest and most comfortable tour vehicle (ok, this is partly subjective, but we are pretty confident!)
Skye has a fragile economy, which is very dependent on tourism, and we want to ensure that the local community see the benefit of our tours. Consequently, we work with fantastic local suppliers on all of our tours.
We are the only company to offer a lunch pre-ordering service on the tour , in order to save your sightseeing time
We have been awarded 5 Star Tour status by our national tourism organisation, Visit Scotland, for nine consecutive years, which means that they have rated our tours as “exceptional”
We have over 2700 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor and are the top-rated tour company in Inverness out of over 150 (around 700 of these reviews are specifically for our Skye tours – that’s a lot of very happy customers!)

We very much hope that you will choose to come with us to Skye, and are looking forward to meeting you, and showing you the best the island has to offer, very soon!

Why should I book this Skye tour direct?+

We sell our tours through a number of online agents. However, we would strongly encourage you to book directly on our own website, for the following reasons;

Convenient pick-up and drop-off
If you book direct we offer pick-up and drop-off from two convenient locations in central Inverness! We do this in order to make your day as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.
Seat upgrade options
By booking direct you can purchase optional front row, second row and extra legroom upgrades. So, if unparalleled views or the ability to stretch out are important to you, be sure to book direct and take advantage of this option.
The best seats
All of the seats on our vehicles are comfortable with great views. However, customers who book direct will be given preferential seating.
Excellent customer service
We are a small family-run business, and we are always on hand to give you quick and accurate responses to your queries or requests, either by phone or email. If you require to change or cancel your booking, or want to switch to another tour, we will do this quickly and easily, and will be as flexible as we possibly can in response to your requests. It is our business, and we really care about ensuring that every one of our guests has an excellent experience, from the minute you land on our website, right through to dropping you off back at your hotel.
Support the Highlands
If you book with an agent 25% of the ticket price goes to an international corporation. That means that 25% less money is flowing into the fragile economy of the Scottish Highlands. Please support our small local business by coming to us direct.

We very much look forward to showing you the Highlands!

What times does the Skye tour start and finish?+

This tour departs from Union Street (in Inverness city centre) at 8.15am. Please ensure that you are ready to board the bus at 8.05am as we will leave promptly at 8.15am (0815), and are unable to wait for any latecomers, and it is not possible to catch up with the tour. The tour will return to Inverness city centre at approximately 8.15pm (2015). It is possible that we may return a bit later than this, although we always try to keep to our schedule as much as possible.

We also offer a few other pick up locations. These will be available to select when booking, with a specific pick-up time and place provided in your email confirmation.

Where is the pick-up point in Inverness?+

Our main departure point is at 15 Union Street in Inverness city centre. Look out for the kilted WOW guide and WOW-branded coach and you won’t miss us!

When you book you will be given the option to book from a few other pick up locations, as an alternative to the bus station. Further details on these pick ups are provided in the next FAQ, and precise timing information will be provided in your booking confirmation email.

Can I join the tour anywhere else?+

Yes, as a thank you for booking direct, via our own website, we are delighted to be able to offer you the following alternative pick ups:

Tomnahurich Street (for Columba Hotel, Palace Hotel, Strathness House, Premier Inn (Inverness Centre) Huntly Street, Coo’s Guest House , Ardross Street B&Bs, Aye Stay B&B , Lairds Lodge and B&Bs on Glenurquhart Road, Ballifeary Road and Bruce Gardens)(8.20am)
Drumnadrochit – see information on our Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour from Drumnadrochit page
Invermoriston – see information on our Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour from Invermoriston/Fort William/Fort Augustus page
Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh, Kyleakin and Dornie – see information on our Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour from Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh, Kyleakin & Broadford page

Please just select your preferred location when booking and we will collect you there in the morning, and drop you off again in the evening.

Timings above are approximate and are subject to change – more precise timings will be provided on your booking confirmation email.

Can I reserve seats on the tour?+

Firstly, it is worth mentioning that all seats offer great views and plenty of legroom. However, many guests have seating preferences so, in response to this, we give you the opportunity, on our Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour and our Invergordon shore tours, to book the following chargeable upgrades;

4 front row seats – these seats give you unparalleled views out of the front windows, and the opportunity to disembark first at every stop. They are, justifiably, our most popular seats.
4 second row seats – many guests prefer to sit near the front of the coach, or be reassured that you will be seated together if they are a couple/group, both of which you get with this option. These seats also have a little more legroom than the front row seats.
2 extra legroom seats – these are situated near the back of the coach and have approximately 20% more legroom than regular seats. They are particularly suited to those who are tall, or like to stretch out.

The price of the upgrades vary depending on the option and tour selected, with prices between £5 and £20 per person (note that any fees paid for seat upgrades are non-refundable if you cancel your tour). If they are available, upgrades will be given as an option when booking. Please note that it does not make any difference which side of the coach you sit on, so we don’t take requests for specific sides.

The rest of our seating is allocated upon arrival (unless the tour is fully booked, in which case we compile a seating plan in advance, to ensure that couples/groups can be seated together). If you are unhappy with your seat please let your tour guide know and he will do his best to accommodate your requests, although obviously many guests would prefer a window seat so it is not possible for everyone to have these!

The opportunity to purchase seat upgrades is a definite advantage of booking with us directly, through our own website. These upgrades are not available if our tour is booked through online agents.

Please note that seat upgrades are not currently available on our Skye Explorer Hiking Tour. The reason for this is because we have less time on the coach and use a smaller 16-seater vehicle for this tour. Consequently, seat position is not as crucial, and we try to seat guests logically, according to group composition (we have four single window seats, four double window seats and four seats together at the back).

What sort of vehicle do you use?+

For our Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour we generally use one of our two 33-seater mini-coaches, both of which were built to our precise specifications, to ensure the highest levels of passenger comfort. They are very well-appointed with panoramic windows, comfortable reclining seats and USB ports under every seat. You can rest assured that you will be able to relax and enjoy the majestic scenery in complete comfort. You can read more about our coaches here.

On occasion we may use our smaller, 16-seater executive mini-coach. It offers all of the same features as described above, but also boasts a panoramic glass roof, for that extra special view!

How often are bathroom/toilet stops?+

There are five main stops where toilets/bathrooms can be accessed (timings are for our 0815 departures and can vary slightly but this gives you a very good indication of time between comfort breaks).

8.50am (Drumnadrochit)
10.00am (Eilean Donan Castle)
11.15 – 12pm (Portree)
2.40pm (Portree)
3.30 – 5pm (Fairy Pools)
6pm (Eilean Donan Castle)
8pm (if required, Drumnadrochit)

Outside of these times it may be possible to make unscheduled bathroom stops – please just ask your driver guide to see what they can do for you, as the last thing we ever want is for our passengers is to be uncomfortable.

Will we be stopping for coffee/snacks enroute?+

We would recommend that you purchase your lunch and any snacks in Portree at 11.15am (you have approximately 40 minutes here and there are a number of cafes, bakeries and shops). This is the one and only opportunity on the tour to purchase food and drink on the tour, due to the lack of any shops/cafes on our route. Consequently, we would also recommend that you bring some light snacks and drinks with you on the coach, in order to keep your energy up for the adventure!

Where will we get lunch & dinner?+

In 2026 we are delighted to be working with our friends at The Isle of Skye Baking Company in Portree to offer a delicious packed lunch option. At the start of the tour you will be given access to a menu with QR code. By scanning this QR code or visiting the website you can order and pay for a lunch, which your driver guide will collect in Portree, and deliver to you upon your return to the mini-coach there.

We offer this service to enable you to save time, and focus on seeing the sights of Portree. If you do not wish to take this option you are welcome to bring your own food with you, or pick something up during our 40 minutes in Portree. Please note that there is definitely not time for a sit-down lunch in Portree.

The lunch service is available on all tours running from Monday to Friday. The bakery is closed at the weekend so, if your tour is on a Saturday or Sunday, we will give you time to pick-up lunch to take away in Portree instead.

The Isle of Skye Baking Company offers a lunch package especially for WOW guests. This consists of your choice of filled bread (e.g. oat bread with slow-cooked gammon ham or damson cheese and jelly) or quiche (e.g. bacon & leek or panfried mushroom ), two mini cakes and a shortbread. The price of the lunch package is £13.50pp.

In addition, you can order add-on items including various scones (£3.50) and cold drinks (£2.50).

For kids, there is a pick ‘n’ mix lunch box option, containing gammon ham, grated cheese, wedges of bread, fruit, shortbread, a little chocolate cake, cucumber cubes, butter and jam (£10).

All food is made on the premises and their exclusive WOW menu changes on a regular basis. They also offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and can cater to other dietary requirements – please just indicate any requirements you have when ordering lunch (or in advance when booking your tour, if you wish).

We are delighted to support this wonderful local business who, like ourselves, pride themselves in providing excellent products and service to their customers.

Dinner

The tour returns to Inverness city centre at around 8.15pm. For dinner we would recommend booking a table in Inverness and we will send you a list of a few of our favourites a few days prior to the tour.

What should I wear on this tour?+

On this tour you spend approximately 1 1/4 hours at the Fairy Pools; the location is windy and exposed, with absolutely no shelter from the elements, so it is imperative that you are appropriately dressed for this. We really cannot stress this enough – if you are soaking wet you will struggle to enjoy the rest of the day. As we say in Scotland, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”!

We would strongly recommend wearing hiking boots with ankle support (as a minimum you will need sturdy comfortable trainers/sneakers) as the path is often muddy and slippery. We would also strongly recommend bringing a waterproof jacket, and ideally waterproof trousers/pants too (note that umbrellas are not appropriate on Skye – they just blow inside out and are rendered useless very quickly). In addition to these essentials we would suggest wearing layers, including a thick sweater/fleece option, and bringing a hat and gloves and warm jacket in your bag.

Even if the sun is shining brightly when you leave Inverness, they do say that you only really experience Scotland when you see four seasons in one day, so please be prepared!

You can read our blog here for further details about what we recommend bringing/wearing on this tour.

How much time will we spend on the coach on the Skye tour?+

The Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour is approximately 11 ¾ – 12 hours in duration. Of this time, we spend approximately 7 ½ hours on the mini-coach (the drive to Skye takes 2 ½ hours direct each way) and 4 ¼ hours out and about exploring.

The time we spend at each of the sights can be summarised as follows;

Highland cows – 15 minutes
Eilean Donan Castle – 15 minutes
Portree – 60 minutes
Old Man of Storr viewpoint – 10 minutes
Kilt Rock – 20 minutes
Fairy Pools – 90 minutes
Urquhart Castle – 10 minutes

This is a rough guide, and we will always strive to optimise every minute of the day, by ensuring that you are out exploring the Isle of Skye as much as possible. When you are on the mini-coach you will be entertained by our guides’ wonderful stories, as well as the world-class scenery, so please rest assured that the time will fly by!

How much walking is involved?+

The stop where we spend most time on this tour is at the Fairy Pools. The walk from the coach park to the pools is uphill on a rough path. To get to the first pool will take a fit person around 15 – 20 minutes and the distance is 0.7 miles. To then walk on to the last of the pools is a further 0.3 miles and will take around 10 minutes (this is entirely optional as you can enjoy the beauty of the pools from the first vantage point). In total a fit person will walk the 1.5 miles there and back in around 40 minutes, and will have around 35-50 minutes to enjoy at the pools themselves.

You can choose to go for a walk in Portree but there is no requirement to do any walk other than at the Fairy Pools (even at the pools your guide can take you to an alternative natural sight nearby, but please note that there are no other activities, shops or things to see at the Fairy Pools).

What if the weather is bad?+

In the summer of 2023 bridges were built at the Fairy Pools, in order to enable access to the pools, whatever the weather. (Previously, stepping stones had to be used to cross the streams and, if the stones were submerged, it was not possible to cross). The being said, if it is very rainy and windy the Fairy Pools is really not a pleasant experience, as you cannot see the views, the water will not be the brilliant blue the pools are famous for and, most importantly, there is no shelter, so you are likely to get completely soaked. This makes for a really unpleasant experience, if you have to spend the next six hours feeling damp! Consequently, if the weather is bad we may decide that it would be advantageous to visit another sight instead. We really only do this if we have to, as we know many people book this tour primarily to visit this top sight.

On this tour in general we will do our best to tailor our itinerary to the weather conditions. Whilst it is not always possible to avoid the rain, we can adjust our timings to try and ensure that we visit the most exposed sights at the least rainy times.

Can I swim in the pools?+

First and foremost; we would not encourage you to swim in the pools. However, if you are considering it please bear the following in mind;

We cannot stress enough how cold the water is – it might look enticing but, even in the height of summer, it is estimated to be around 4-6oC (42oF) which is colder than the (notoriously chilly) North Sea!!

Open water swimming is inherently dangerous and should only be attempted by very confident swimmers

There is nowhere to change, which is fine if you put your swimming stuff on under your clothes, but perhaps not as fine when you come out desperate to get some warm clothes on, but everyone is looking and pointing at the crazy person who has just been swimming!

If you do decide that you still wish to swim in the pools, you should bring a towel and swimming costume.

Swimming in the pools is done entirely at your own risk.

Can we visit Talisker?+

In a word, no. We do not visit Talisker Distillery on any of our scheduled or private tours, as it often gets exceptionally busy there and, as such, we are unable to guarantee the quality of the experience offered.

Can we book a private tour instead?+

Yes – we’d be delighted to offer you a private tour! These are suited to groups of 8+, as the smallest vehicle we have is an executive 16-seater mini-coach. Please contact us for details of availability and pricing.

Can wheelchair/walking frame users come on the Skye tour?+

Unfortunately not all of the stops offer wheelchair access, as a lot of the terrain on Skye is very rugged. Also, the coach is not equipped for passengers to remain in their wheelchairs. That being said, if you are able to get out of your wheelchair at the coach steps and walk onto the coach, there is no reason why you could not enjoy the tour from the comfort of the coach and we will make every effort to accommodate those with mobility problems.

Can children come on this tour?+

We welcome children over the age of six on our tour.

It should be noted that approximately 60-70% of the day is spent on the coach, so it may be an idea to bring some toys, games and snacks with you. Unfortunately, due to the duration of the tour and time on the coach, we do not feel that this tour is appropriate for children under the age of six, so the tour is not open to this age group. This is for the comfort of other passengers and also to ensure that the driver guide can focus on doing their jobs without any distractions.

UK law states that each passenger must have their own seat and use their seatbelt at all times. Consequently, it is not possible to take a child on your lap. From experience we know that, very occasionally, parents try to bring children on without purchasing a seat. However, we would like to make it clear that this is not allowed and there will be no refund if you are refused entry to the tour for taking children under 6 or those whom you haven’t booked.

Can I be dropped off in Skye after the tour?+

Yes! If you would like to spend a few days in Skye we are happy to drop you off there, so that you can continue your trip independently. In order to see as much as possible of Skye on the tour we’d recommend dropping you off in Sligachan, Broadford or Kyleakin at the end of the day. However, if you would like to be dropped off somewhere else please contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request (although please note that we cannot drop you off in Portree, as we do not return there at the end of the day).

If you are dropped off in Skye you will most likely miss the photo stops at Eilean Donan Castle and Urquhart Castle/Loch Ness.

I am planning to drive to the tour pick-up point then leave my car – is this possible?+

Absolutely. Rose Street car park is a five minute walk from our tour pick-up point on Union Street and you can find further information on parking here.

Please note, you will not be able to park larger vehicles such as campervans here, it is for cars only!

Classic Highland

What dates/ships will this tour run from?+

If you don’t see your date/ship listed, please check out our Highland Highlights Tour, which is an alternative shore tour

2026 Dates

April 2026

24th April – Majestic Princess – 8.15am – 4.30pm

May 2026

6th May – Majestic Princess – 8.15am – 4.30pm
19th May – Celebrity Eclipse – 8.15am – 4.30pm
30th May – Majestic Princess – 8.15am – 4.30pm

June 2026

13th June – MSC Preziosa – 8am – 3.30pm
21st June – Norwegian Sky – 8.15am – 4.30pm

July 2026

3rd July – Norwegian Sky – 9.15am – 5.30pm
12th July – Norwegian Sky – 8.15am – 4.30pm
17th July – Majestic Princess – 8.15am – 4.30pm
29th July – Majestic Princess – 8.15am – 4.30pm

August 2026

2nd August – Norwegian Star – 8.15am – 4.30pm
4th August – Majestic Princess – 10.15am – 6.30pm
11th August – Norwegian Sky – 8.15am – 4.30pm
12th August – Celebrity Eclipse – 9am – 4.30pm
22nd August – Majestic Princess – 8.15am – 4.30pm

September 2026

9th September – Oceania Marina – 8.15pm – 4.30pm
15th September – Majestic Princess – 8.15am – 4.30pm

If you do not see your ship listed above, please contact us and we will do our best to schedule a tour for you.

We hope to have 2027 shore tours available for booking by late September 2026. If you wish to be informed when booking is available please just contact us, providing information about the date, ship etc you are arriving on.

What size of vehicle do you use?+

We have two well-appointed 33-seater mini-coaches with panoramic windows, comfortable reclining seats, USB charging points and AC. We will use these two vehicles for most of our shore tours, though on occasion may use our executive 19-seater or 16-seater. You can rest assured that you will be able to relax and enjoy the majestic scenery in complete comfort and, with our smaller group size, you are guaranteed a more personal experience.

Can I reserve seats on the tour? +

Yes. Due to customer demand, we have a booking system for the following seats;

4 front row seats – these give you unparalleled views out of the front windows, and the opportunity to disembark first at every stop. Our most popular seats.
4 second row seats – many guests prefer to sit near the front of the coach, or be reassured that you will be seated together if you are a couple/group, both of which you get with this option. These seats also have a little more legroom than the front row seats.
2 extra legroom seats – these are situated near the back of the coach and have approximately 20% more legroom than regular seats. They are particularly suited to those who are tall, or like to stretch out.

The price of the upgrades vary depending on which tour you are on, with prices between £7.50 and £20 per person. If they are available, upgrades will be given as an option when booking.

Please note that it does not make any difference which side of the coach you sit on, so we don’t take requests for specific sides.

The rest of our seats are allocated on arrival, as we feel that this is the fairest system of allocating seats (if the tour is fully booked/nearly fully booked we will usually compile a seating plan in advance, to ensure that groups/couples are seated together). It is not possible to reserve window seats, or seats together if you are travelling as part of a group but, if you do wish to choose your seat, we would recommend arriving early at the bus stop (i.e. a few minutes before check-in closes). If you are unhappy with your seat please let your tour guide know and he will do his best to accommodate your requests, although obviously many guests would prefer a window seat so it is not possible for everyone to have these!

Note that any fees paid for seat upgrades are non-refundable if you require to cancel your tour.

Where do we meet you in Invergordon?+

There is a walkway to lead you from the ship and out of the port. When you come out of the port please cross the road, where a WOW representative will be waiting for you. He will be wearing a WOW-branded fleece/jacket and a kilt, so should be very visible! The mini-coach will be parked a short walk from the meeting point (usually approximately 2 minutes/0.1 miles).

At the end of the tour we will drop you off as close as we can to the port.

Are there admission charges on this tour?+

Yes, there is one admission charge on this tour; Cawdor Castle.

The admission price in 2026 is £13 for adults and £7.50 for children. This is a special discounted price for WOW guests who purchase tickets in advance (regular price online/at the door is £17 for adults, £15 for concessions and £8.50 for children). This price includes an excellent audio guide, which is available in 10 languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Dutch and Portugese).

The entrance fee for Cawdor Castle must be booked and paid when booking your tickets for this tour. It is not an optional fee and, even if you just want to go the gardens/cafe/shop, you still require to pay the entrance fee. We spend around 2 hours at the castle, and there is nothing else to do at this location.

There are no other admission charges payable on this tour.

What are the arrangements for lunch?+

There will be the opportunity to pick up lunch to-go at Cawdor Castle. They have an exclusive WOW Scotland lunch offer, which can be purchased in the cafe and eaten later, either on the mini-coach or at one of the sights.

The package consists of a lunch item (e.g. quiche or pork pie), a bottle of water, crisps (chips) and a chocolate biscuit bar for £11.50pp.

There are gluten-free and Vegan sandwich substitutes available.

We offer this lunch arrangement in order to save you valuable sightseeing time. However, you are also more than welcome to bring your own cold food and drinks on the mini-coach.

Will we have time to shop for souvenirs?+

Every tour has the opportunity to buy souvenirs (for those that like that sort of thing!).

There are two gift shops at Cawdor Castle, which stock an extensive range of high quality gifts. These include Scottish wool and cashmere sweaters, local craft gins, single malt whiskies and a selection of sweet treats, toys and exclusive souvenirs.

The gift shop at Culloden Battlefield also stocks a wide selection of Scottish gifts and souvenirs, including Highland honey and shortbread, beautifully crafted silver jewellery and a range of history books and maps.

If you are looking for a unique souvenir from Scotland look no further..there will usually be a chance to buy handmade Nessie souvenirs from Steve Feltham (the legendary Nessie Hunter) at Loch Ness, as long as he is not out monster hunting at the time!

Depending on the duration of your tour, you may have time to visit the plethora of brand name and independent shops in Inverness.

All of the above places accept debit/credit card payments.

Will you get us back to the ship in time?+

Yes, of course!! This is the most common question we are asked by cruisers and we would like to state unequivocally that we have a 100% success rate in ensuring that every single guest is returned to their ship in a timely fashion.

We are aware that the cruise ships warn their guests against taking private tours as, if that tour is late, they say that they will not wait for you. In reality, if any of our tours had ever run late and our guests had missed their cruise departure, there is no way that we would still have a business, due to the terrible reviews we would have received! We have been running shore tours for 13 years and have shown thousands of guests the Scottish Highlands; each and every one of these guests has returned to their ship on time. You can read reviews from hundreds of happy cruisers on Google and TripAdvisor.

We aim to get you back to Invergordon at least 1 1/4 hours prior to your ship’s scheduled departure time. Additionally, as all of our shore tours are exclusively for passengers of one ship only, if your ship changes its schedule then we will of course alter our tour timings accordingly to ensure we make the most of your time in the Scottish Highlands.

Is the tour suitable for disabled passengers?+

If you have mobility issues please contact us to discuss your requirements and we will do our utmost to assist you.

Please note that we cannot transport mobility scooters on any of our coaches, due to limited boot/trunk space.

Can children come on this tour?+

Yes – children are welcome on our shore tours. Please note that you must purchase a ticket for every child as, even if they sit on a parent’s lap, they officially take up one space on the coach.

We only have one ticket price. However, the admission charge to Cawdor Castle is £5.50 lower for children, so please be sure to select the child entrance ticket (listed at the foot of the optional extras page) when booking.

What is your cancellation policy?+

For tickets purchased for our scheduled shore tours, the following cancellation charges shall apply (depending on the effective date of cancellation):

a) Cancellation more than 24 hours prior to the tour departure: You will be entitled to a full refund (note that any fees paid for seat upgrades are non-refundable)

b) Cancellation less than 24 hours prior to the tour departure: You will not be entitled to a refund

c) If you need to cancel as your ship is unable to reach port we will refund the full cost of your tour.

If you require to cancel or change your booking please just send us an email to info@wowscotland.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Skye Explorer

What time does the Skye Explorer Tour tour start and finish?+

This tour departs from 15 Union Street at 7.45am (0745). Please ensure that you are ready to board the bus at 7.35am (0735) as we will leave promptly at 7.45am and are unable to wait for any latecomers. The tour will return to Inverness city centre at approximately 8.45pm (2045). It is possible that we may return a bit later than this, although we always try to keep to our schedule as much as possible. We also offer a few other pick up locations. These will be available to select when booking, with a specific pick-up time and place provided in your email confirmation.

Where is the pick up point in Inverness?+

Our main departure point is at 15 Union Street, in Inverness city centre. Look out for the WOW-branded coach and you won’t miss us! When you book you will be given the option to book from a couple of other locations. Further details on these pick ups are provided in the next FAQ, and precise timing information will be provided in your booking confirmation email.

Can I join the Skye Explorer tour anywhere else?+

Yes, if you book directly on our website we are delighted to be able to offer you the following alternative pick ups:

Tomnahurich Street (for Columba Hotel, Palace Hotel, Strathness House, Premier Inn Inverness Centre Huntly Street, Coo’s Guest House, Ardross Street B&Bs, Aye Stay B&B, Lairds Lodge and B&Bs on Glenurquhart Road, Ballifeary Road and Bruce Gardens) (7.50am)
Drumnadrochit (8.10am)
Invermoriston (8.30am)

Please just select your preferred location when booking and we will collect you there in the morning, and drop you off again in the evening. Timings above are approximate and are subject to change – more precise timings will be provided on your booking confirmation email.

What should I wear/bring?+

You’ll be hiking on fairly rough, and sometimes muddy, paths. For that reason a sturdy pair of shoes is absolutely essential. We’d recommend a hiking trainer/sneaker or hiking boots.

You’ll also need a waterproof jacket, a warm layer (like a fleece or jumper) and waterproof over trousers are ideal if you have them (if a heavy squall comes over, you will definitely appreciate these!).

We’d recommend bringing some snacks and drinks so you’ll need a small rucksack to carry your extra layers, food and water.

You can read our blog here about what we recommend bringing/wearing for this tour.

One thing we don’t recommend wearing is jeans as these are very impractical for hiking. If they get wet they don’t dry out and they make movement very difficult indeed!

Midge repellent is not generally required, unless it is a very calm day (generally it is windy on Skye, and the midges cannot fly in these conditions!). If it is very calm then there can be midges at Sligachan. If you wish to protect against midges we’d recommend purchasing Smidge.

What sort of vehicle do you use on the Skye Explorer tour?+

For the Skye Explorer Tour we use our 19-seater executive mini-coach. This vehicle is well-appointed with comfortable leather seats, AC, USB charging points and panoramic windows.

How often are bathroom/toilet stops on the Skye Explorer Tour?+

There are five main stops where toilets/bathrooms can be accessed and a very approximate guide to the timings is shown below. However, please note that the timings could change significantly on the day, if we require to switch the itinerary due to the weather conditions. That being said, comfort breaks are a key consideration on all tours.

9.15am (Dornie)
12pm – 12.45pm (Portree)
3.20pm & 5pm (Old Man of Storr)
6.30pm (Eilean Donan Castle)

Where will we get lunch and dinner?+

We are delighted to be working with our friends at The Isle of Skye Baking Company in Portree to offer a delicious packed lunch option. At the start of the tour you will be given access to a menu with QR code. By scanning this QR code or visiting the website you can order and pay for a lunch, which your driver guide will collect in Portree, and deliver to you upon your return to the mini-coach there.

In addition, you can order add-on items including various scones (£3.50) and cold drinks (£2.50).

For kids, there is a pick ‘n’ mix lunch box option, containing gammon ham, grated cheese, wedges of bread, fruit, shortbread, a little chocolate cake, cucumber cubes, butter and jam (£10).

We are delighted to support this wonderful local business who, like ourselves, pride themselves in providing excellent products and service to their customers.

Dinner

The tour returns to Inverness city centre at around 8.45pm. For dinner we would recommend booking a table in Inverness and we will send you a list of a few of our favourites a few days prior to the tour.

Will we be stopping for coffee/snacks along the way?+

There is only one opportunity to purchase food on this tour, and that is in Portree at around midday (see previous question). Consequently, we would strongly recommend that you bring some snacks and water/soft drinks with you to consume prior to our stop in Portree, in order to keep up your energy for the adventure (as we depart at 7.45am it might seem a long time since breakfast when you are doing your first hike at around 11am!).

How much walking is involved on the Skye Explorer Tour?+

As a rough guide, the distances and ascent of the hikes is as follows;

Sligachan/Cuillin Mountains – the optional walk is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4km) but you can walk as much or as little as you wish here
Old Man of Storr – the hike is approximately 3 miles (5km) in total, with a fairly steep ascent of 340m (1105ft)
Quiraing – the optional hike is 0.5 miles (500m) with 60m (197ft) of ascent
Fairy Glen – you can walk as much or as little as you wish here

In order to get the most out of this tour we would recommend that you have a moderate level of fitness, as we provide enough time at each of the hiking destinations for a moderately fit person to complete the walk.

Of key importance is that you are properly equipped for the walking, with hiking shoes/boots being absolutely vital. Please read our blog here on what we suggest to bring/wear for this tour.

What if the weather is bad on this tour?+

In Scotland we have a saying; “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes”! You can read our blog here on what we would suggest bringing/wearing for the tour.

We will not cancel this tour if the weather is forecast to be bad.

How long do we spent on the mini-coach versus at the sights?+

The Skye Explorer Hiking Tour is approximately 12 1/2 hours in duration. The drive from Inverness to Skye takes 2 1/2 hours each way (i.e. 5 hours in total) and the rest of the time (7 1/2 hours) is spent exploring Skye. The time we spend at each of the sights can be summarised roughly as follows;

Sligachan/Cuillin Mountains – 1 hour
Portree – 45 minutes
Fairy Glen – 30 minutes
Quiraing – 1 hour
Old Man of Storr – 2 hours
Eilean Donan Castle – 10 minutes

Consequently, the total amount of time spent out of the mini-coach at the sights will be around 5 1/2 hours. This is a rough guide, and we will always strive to optimise every minute of the day, by ensuring that you are out exploring the Isle of Skye as much as possible. When you are on the mini-coach you will be entertained by our guides’ wonderful stories, as well as the world-class scenery, so please rest assured that the time will fly by!

How many people will be on the tour?+

We use a 20 seater mini-coach for the tour so numbers are limited to a maximum of 19 (as we don’t use the middle seat at the back).

Can I reserve seats on the Skye Explorer Tour?+

On this Skye Explorer Tour it is not possible to reserve seats. We use a smaller vehicle than for our other tours (a 19-seater executive mini-coach) and, due to the configuration, there are more window seats and more legroom available for all guests. Consequently, we do not feel that charging for upgrades offers the same excellent value as it does for other tours, in our larger vehicles. Also, we aim to ensure that groups/couples can be seated together so, by not offering seat reservations, we have more flexibility to ensure that we can achieve this e.g. by seating solo travellers in single window seats.

Can children come on the Skye Explorer Tour?+

We would recommend this tour for children over the age of 10 only. The main reason for this is that there are three hikes, which require a moderate level of fitness, and which need to be done in a set time period. We don’t think that it is realistic for children under the age of 10 to manage and, crucially, enjoy these hikes fully. That being said, we are very aware that there are plenty of active young (7 – 9 year old) kids out there who may be more than capable of completing these hikes. If you are unsure of whether this tour will be suitable for your child/teenager, please just get in touch with us to discuss further and we will be happy to help.

Unfortunately, due to the duration of the tour, time spent hiking and time on the coach, we do not feel that this tour is appropriate for children under the age of six, so the tour is not open to this age group. This is for the comfort of other passengers and also to ensure that the driver guide can focus on doing their jobs without any distractions. UK law states that each passenger must have their own seat and use their seatbelt at all times. Consequently, it is not possible to take a child on your lap. From experience we know that, very occasionally, parents try to bring children on without purchasing a seat. However, we would like to make it clear that this is not allowed and there will be no refund if you are refused entry to the tour for taking children under 6 or those whom you haven’t booked.

Is this tour available on any other dates?+

No, the tour is only available on selected dates currently. It is generally running around twice per week between mid-April and mid-October and we’d recommend booking as early as you can, as it is really popular and some dates tend to sell out months in advance.

When you click on the “book now” button on the website you will see a calendar, with availability shown as follows;

If the tour is running and has seats available the date is shown in black text and you will be able to click on your required date to book seats.
If the tour is running but is sold out then the date is shaded with a grey box and you will get the option, when you click on the date, to “join waiting list”. If you join the waiting list, we will get in touch with you if we get any cancellations, so that you can get booked onto the tour.
If the tour is not running on a particular date then the date is shown in light grey text and you cannot click on it (please don’t mistake this for the tour being sold out).

You can see the tour calendar and book the Skye Explorer Hiking Tour here

Highland Highlights

What dates/ships will this shore tour run from?+

If you don’t see your date/ship listed, please check out our Classic Highland Shore Tour, which is an alternative shore tour

2026 Dates

May 2026

4th May – Nieuw Statendam – 9am – 3.30pm
13th May – Norwegian Star – 8.15am – 3.15pm
18th May – MSC Preziosa – 9.15am – 4.15pm
21st May – Costa Favolosa – 10.15am – 5.15pm
22nd May – MSC Preziosa – 8.15am – 3.15pm
27th May – AIDAsol – 10.15am – 5.15pm
28th May- Norwegian Star – 8.15am – 3.15pm

June 2026

2nd June – Norwegian Star – 9.15am – 4.15pm
9th June – MS Rotterdam – 9am – 3.30pm
12th June – Cunard Queen Anne – 10am – 4.30pm
13th June – MSC Preziosa – 8.15am – 3.30pm
16th June – AIDAsol – 8am – 2.30pm
18th June – Norwegian Star – 8.45am – 3.30pm
23rd June – Ambassador Ambience – 10am – 4.30pm
24th June – Norwegian Star – 8.15am – 3.15pm
29th June – AIDAsol – 10.15am – 5.15pm

July 2026

1st July Mein Schiff 2 – 9am – 4.30pm
7th July – Oceania Sirena – 8.15am – 3.15pm
8th July – MSC Preziosa – 8.15am – 3.15pm
9th July – Norwegian Star – 8.15am – 3.15pm
13th July – Celebrity Eclipse – 9.15am – 4.15pm
14th July – Nieuw Statendam – 9.00am – 4.30pm
15th July – P&O Britannia – 8.15am – 2.30pm
20th July – Costa Favolosa – 9.15am – 4.15pm
23rd July – Mein Schiff 2 – 9am – 4.30pm
30th July – Norwegian Star – 8.15am – 3.15pm

August 2026

5th August – Oceania Marina – 10.15am – 5.15pm
7th August – MSC Preziosa – 10.15am – 5.15pm
18th August – Nieuw Statendam – 8am – 2.30pm
20th August – AIDAluna – 10.15.am – 5.30pm
24th August – Mein Schiff 2 – 10.15am – 5.15pm
25th August – MSC Preziosa – 8.15am – 3.15pm
26th August – Nieuw Statendam – 8.15am – 3.15pm

September 2026

1st September – Valiant Lady – 10am – 4.30pm
7th September – Mein Schiff 2 – 9am – 4.30pm
10th September – Norwegian Star – 8.15am – 3.15pm
11th September – MSC Preziosa – 9.15am – 4.15pm
12th September – Spirit of Adventure – 8am – 2.30pm
16th September – Norwegian Star – 8.15am – 3.15pm
24th September – Costa Favolosa – 10.15am – 5.15pm

If you do not see your ship listed above, please contact us and we will do our best to schedule a tour for you.

What size of vehicle do you use?+

Can I reserve seats on this shore tour?+

Yes. Due to customer demand, we have a booking system for the following seats;

4 front row seats – these give you unparalleled views out of the front windows, and the opportunity to disembark first at every stop. Our most popular seats.
4 second row seats – many guests prefer to sit near the front of the coach, or be reassured that you will be seated together if you are a couple/group, both of which you get with this option. These seats also have a little more legroom than the front row seats.
2 extra legroom seats – these are situated near the back of the coach and have approximately 20% more legroom than regular seats. They are particularly suited to those who are tall, or like to stretch out.

The price of the upgrades vary depending on which tour you are on, with prices between £7.50 and £20 per person. If they are available, upgrades will be given as an option when booking.

Please note that it does not make any difference which side of the coach you sit on, so we don’t take requests for specific sides.

Note that any fees paid for seat upgrades are non-refundable if you require to cancel your tour.

Where do we meet you in the Port of Invergordon?+

At the end of the tour we will drop you off as close as we can to the port.

Are there admission charges on this shore tour?+

Yes, there is one admission charge on this tour; Cawdor Castle.

What are the arrangements for lunch on this shore tour?+

The package consists of a lunch item (e.g. quiche or pork pie), a bottle of water, crisps (chips) and a chocolate biscuit bar for £11.50pp.

There are gluten-free and Vegan sandwich substitutes available.

We offer this lunch arrangement in order to save you valuable sightseeing time. However, you are also more than welcome to bring your own cold food and drinks on the mini-coach.

Will we have time to shop for souvenirs?+

Every tour has the opportunity to buy souvenirs (for those that like that sort of thing!).

All of the above places accept debit/credit card payments.

Can I visit Inverness on this tour?+

No, the Highland Highlights Shore Tour does not visit Inverness.

Our Classic Highland Shore Tour from Invergordon is 8+ hours in duration, and is available for guests of ships who have a long docking time in Invergordon.

Our Highland Highlights Shore Tour from Invergordon is 6 – 7 hours in duration, and is available for guests of ships who have slightly shorter docking times in Invergordon.

The difference between these two tours is that the Highland Highlights Tour does not visit Inverness. The main reason for this is that we just can’t fit all stops into a 6 – 7 hour tour, without compromising time at all other stops.

Our post-tour surveys of guests who have taken our Classic Highland Shore Tour, which visits Inverness, show overwhelmingly that Cawdor Castle is guests’ favourite sight (59% of visitors in 2024 voted it as such), followed by Culloden Battlefield (16% voted it as top), Clava Cairns (9%), Loch Ness (9%) and then Inverness (7%). Consequently, we have listened to the feedback and are confident that our itinerary maximises use of your time in Invergordon, by visiting the key sights which are unique to the Scottish Highlands, and omitting the small city of Inverness, as most ships will visit other UK ports where there will be shopping and eating opportunities.

Will you get us back to the ship on time?+

Is this shore tour suitable for disabled passengers?+

If you have mobility issues please contact us to discuss your requirements and we will do our utmost to assist you.

Please note that we cannot transport mobility scooters on any of our coaches, due to limited boot/trunk space.

Can children come on this shore tour?+

Yes – children are welcome on our shore tours. Please note that you must purchase a ticket for every child as, even if they sit on a parent’s lap, they officially take up one space on the coach.

What is the cancellation policy for this shore tour?+

For tickets purchased for our scheduled shore tours, the following cancellation charges shall apply (depending on the effective date of cancellation):

a) Cancellation more than 24 hours prior to the tour departure: You will be entitled to a full refund (note that any fees paid for seat upgrades are non-refundable)

b) Cancellation less than 24 hours prior to the tour departure: You will not be entitled to a refund

c) If you need to cancel as your ship is unable to reach port we will refund the full cost of your tour.

If you require to cancel or change your booking please just send us an email to info@wowscotland.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Ultimate Skye - Invermoriston

How can I join the tour from Fort William?+

Travel by car

If you are staying in Fort William you can drive to join the tour in Invermoriston.

If you plan to drive the journey is approximately 40 miles and will take a minimum of one hour. Please leave plenty time for your journey as the road can be busy and it can be tricky to overtake large vehicles, so it may well take longer than you expect. Upon arrival you can park at the Invermoriston Falls car park in the village (postcode for your satnav is IV63 7YA) which is just down the road from our pick up point. There are public toilets here.

Make your way to the small carpark across the road from The Clog & Craft Shop, where the tour will collect you at 9.25am. You will be dropped off back in Invermoriston at around 7.15 – 7.30pm.

Travel By Taxi

We recommend using Nevis Taxis and they must be booked in advance. You can book them by phoning 01349 70300 or emailing nevistaxi@hotmail.com. Pick-up is from the Glenmoriston Arms hotel and it will help to tell them that you are on a WOW tour. The cost is £90 one way (so £180 return) as of May 2025 and payment can be made in cash or card. We’d recommend booking as far in advance as you can, then reconfirming with them the night before the tour.

Travel by Citylink bus (one way only from Invermoriston)

If you do not have a car you can take the Citylink bus in the morning to meet the tour, but please note that there is no longer a late return service from Invermoriston (as of 2023). Consequently, if you take the bus in the morning you will need either need to organise a taxi back from Invermoriston, or return with us to Drumnadrochit or Inverness.

In the morning you need to take the 7.35am Citylink bus from Fort William Bus Station. This bus arrives in Invermoriston (outside the village hall) at 8.44am. From here it is a very short walk (approx. 1 minute, public toilets on the way) to the small carpark across the road from The Clog & Craft Shop, where the tour will collect you at 9.25am.

You can purchase a single ticket from the Citylink website in advance (£13 approx.)

At the end of the day the tour will drop you off in Invermoriston at around 7.15-7.30pm, or you can return to Inverness.

You can purchase your tickets from the Citylink website in advance.

Citylink – Dornie return option

Citylink have not yet confirmed their summer schedule but, in the past, there was a 8.33pm bus from Dornie to get back to Fort William. If this is available then we can collect you in Invermoriston in the morning, then drop you off in Dornie in the evening (at around 6.15pm), to return to Fort William from there.

How can I join the tour from Fort Augustus?+

To join the tour from Fort Augustus you can either take a bus (one way only) or drive to join the tour in Invermoriston.

You need to catch the Citylink bus at 8.33am in Fort Augustus. This bus arrives in Invermoriston (outside the village hall) at 8.44am. From here it is a very short walk (approx. 1 minute, public toilets on the way) to the small carpark opposite The Clog & Craft Shop, where the tour will collect you at 9.25am. Please note that there is no late bus returning to Fort Augustus after the tour returns at 7.15-7.30pm. Consequently, you would need to pre-book a taxi, or return with the tour to Inverness at the end of the day.

You can purchase a single ticket from the Citylink website in advance (£3.40 approx.)

If you plan to drive the journey is approximately 7 miles and will take around 15 minutes. Upon arrival you can park at the Invermoriston Falls car park in the village (postcode for your satnav is IV63 7YA) which is just around the corner from our pick up point. There are public toilets here.

What time will you pick me up in Invermoriston?+

The tour will pick you up at 9.25am in Invermoriston. Note that, when you start to book the tour, you will see that there is only an option to book the 8.15am tour. Please rest assured that this is the correct tour – it departs from Inverness at 8.15am and will pick you up at 9.25am. As you progress through the booking you will be able to select the pick up time and place (Invermoriston, 9.25am) and your booking confirmation email will also contain this information.

Please note that the pick up time is approximate and we may collect you a little later than this, depending on road conditions etc. If we are going to be late we will do our best to inform you. In order that we can do this please ensure that you include a working cell/mobile phone number on your booking.

Ultimate Skye - Drumnadrochit

Why should we choose WOW to take us on tour to Skye?+

First and foremost, we have the most comprehensive tour itinerary available from Inverness; our tour is the only one to include all of the sights in Northern Skye (Portree, Trotternish Peninsula, Old Man of Storr and Cuillin Mountains) as well as giving you the opportunity to hike to the Fairy Pools, and see Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness/Urquhart Castle en-route. It truly is the ultimate tour of Skye!
We are the only company offering a seat reservation system for our front row (plus second row and extra legroom) seats so, if taking uninterrupted photos is important to you, this will be a great benefit.
We are the only company offering convenient pick up and drop off at two city locations, ensuring that your day is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible
We are the only company offering free pick-up and drop-off in Drumnadrochit and Invermoriston (for Fort William) giving you the flexibility to stay wherever suits you best.
We have the smartest and most comfortable tour vehicle (ok, this is partly subjective, but we are pretty confident!)
We are the only local company offering coach tours to Skye from Inverness (we operate from Tomatin, 20 miles south of Inverness, and the company owner is an Invernessian born and bred!). We think that this is important, as it means that the money you pay for your ticket goes back into the local economy.
Skye has a fragile economy, which is very dependent on tourism, and we want to ensure that the local community see the benefit of our tours. Consequently, we work with fantastic local suppliers on all of our tours.
We are the only company to offer a lunch pre-ordering service on the tour – we work with the Isle of Skye Baking Company in Portree to offer this self-service option, in order to save your sightseeing time
We have been awarded 5 Star Tour status by our national tourism organisation, Visit Scotland, for the last eight years, which means that they have rated our tours as “exceptional”
We have over 2200 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor and are the top-rated tour company in Inverness out of over 130 (around 700 of these reviews are specifically for our Skye tours – that’s a lot of very happy customers!)

We very much hope that you will choose to come with us to Skye, and are looking forward to meeting you, and showing you the best the island has to offer, very soon!

Why should I book this tour direct with WOW?+

If you would like to be picked up and/or dropped off in Drumnadrochit then we only offer this option for guests who book directly on our own website.

That aside, we would always encourage you to book directly with local companies whenever you can. Online agents take 25% commission from every ticket they sell, which means 25% less money flowing into our local Scottish Highland economy (and instead going to an multi-national corporation!)

We very much look forward to showing you the Highlands!

What times does the Skye tour start and finish in Drumnadrochit?+

This tour picks up from the Loch Ness Hub carpark in Drumnadrochit at 8.55am. Please ensure that you are at the pick-up location a few minutes prior to pick up time, as we are unable to wait for any latecomers. The tour will return to Drumnadrochit at approximately 7.45pm. It is possible that we may return a bit later than this, although we always try to keep to our schedule as much as possible.

Where is the pick-up point in Drumnadrochit?+

The pick-up point is from Loch Ness Hub carpark (next to the public toilets).

Can I reserve seats?+

4 front row seats – these seats give you unparalleled views out of the front windows, and the opportunity to disembark first at every stop. They are, justifiably, our most popular seats.
4 second row seats – many guests prefer to sit near the front of the coach, or be reassured that you will be seated together if they are a couple/group, both of which you get with this option. These seats also have a little more legroom than the front row seats.
2 extra legroom seats – these are situated near the back of the coach and have approximately 20% more legroom than regular seats. They are particularly suited to those who are tall, or like to stretch out.

The rest of our seating will be allocated by your driver guide and we will do our best to seat all groups/couples together. If you are unhappy with your seat please let your tour guide know and he will do his best to accommodate your requests, although obviously many guests would prefer a window seat so it is not possible for everyone to have these!

The opportunity to purchase seat upgrades is a definite advantage of booking with us directly, through our own website. These upgrades are not available if our tour is booked through online agents.

Please note that seat upgrades are not currently available on our Skye Hiking Tour. The reason for this is because we have less time on the coach and use a smaller 16-seater vehicle for this tour. Consequently, seat position is not as crucial, and we seat guests according to group composition (we have 4 single window seats, 4 double window seats and four seats together at the back).

What vehicle do you use?+

On occasion we may use our smaller, 16-seater executive mini-coach. It offers all of the same features as described above, but also boasts a panoramic glass roof, for that extra special view!

How often are bathroom stops?+

When joining the tour in Drumnadrochit there are four main stops where toilets/bathrooms can be accessed, as follows

10.00am (Eilean Donan Castle)
11.15 – 12pm (Portree)
2.40pm (Portree, if required)
3.30 – 5pm (Fairy Pools)
6pm (Eilean Donan Castle)

There are also public toilets at the meeting point in Drumnadrochit (at The Loch Ness Hub)

Will we be stopping for snacks/lunch on the way?+

In addition, you can order add-on items including various scones (£3.50) and cold drinks (£2.50).

For kids, there is a pick ‘n’ mix lunch box option, containing gammon ham, grated cheese, wedges of bread, fruit, shortbread, a little chocolate cake, cucumber cubes, butter and jam (£10).

We are delighted to support this wonderful local business who, like ourselves, pride themselves in providing excellent products and service to their customers.

What should I wear for this tour?+

Even if the sun is shining brightly when you leave Drumnadrochit, they do say that you only really experience Scotland when you see four seasons in one day, so please be prepared!

How much walking is involved in this tour?+

What happens if the weather is bad?+

Can I swim in the Fairy Pools?+

First and foremost; we would not encourage you to swim in the pools. However, if you are considering it please bear the following in mind; We cannot stress enough how cold the water is – it might look enticing but, even in the height of summer, it is estimated to be around 4-6oC (42oF) which is colder than the (notoriously chilly) North Sea!! Open water swimming is inherently dangerous and should only be attempted by very confident swimmers There is nowhere to change, which is fine if you put your swimming stuff on under your clothes, but perhaps not as fine when you come out desperate to get some warm clothes on, but everyone is looking and pointing at the crazy person who has just been swimming! If you do decide that you still wish to swim in the pools, you should bring a towel and swimming costume. Swimming in the pools is done entirely at your own risk.

Can you accommodate wheelchair/walking frame users?+

Unfortunately not all of the stops offer wheelchair access, as a lot of the terrain on Skye is very rugged. Also, the coach is not equipped for passengers to remain in their wheelchairs. That being said, if you are able to get out of your wheelchair at the coach steps and walk onto the coach, there is no reason why you could not enjoy the whole tour from the comfort of the coach and we will make every effort to accommodate those with mobility problems.

Can children come on this Skye tour?+

We welcome children over the age of six on our tour.

It should be noted that approximately 60-70% of the day is spent on the coach, so it may be an idea to bring some toys, games and snacks with you.

Unfortunately, due to the duration of the tour and time on the coach, we do not feel that this tour is appropriate for children under the age of six, so the tour is not open to this age group. This is for the comfort of other passengers and also to ensure that the driver guide can focus on doing their jobs without any distractions.

Can I be dropped off somewhere else at the end of the day?+

If you are dropped off in Skye you will most likely miss the photo stops at Eilean Donan Castle and Urquhart Castle/Loch Ness.

You are also welcome to start the tour in Drumnadrochit, then finish in Inverness. Please just book the tour from Drumnadrochit, then note in the “special requests” section that you will finish in Inverness (main drop off is the Inverness Bus Station at 8.15pm).

Ultimate Skye - Skye and Lochalsh

How can I join the tour from Dornie?+

The pick up point in Dornie is outside the village hall. You can see a map of the location here.

We will pick you up at approximately 10.25am. However, please note that, as this tour starts in Inverness at 8.15am, it is possible that we may be delayed. Please ensure that you provide a contact phone number on your booking, as we will do our best to inform you if the tour is running late. Please ensure that you are at the pick up point 10 minutes before the meeting time, as we have a tight schedule and are unable to wait for latecomers.

We will drop you off back in Dornie at around 6pm.

How can I join the tour from Kyle of Lochalsh?+

The pick up point in Kyle of Lochalsh is at the Kyle of Lochalsh A87 bus stop, which is also the Citylink bus stop and is close to the Fisherman’s Kitchen restaurant. You can see a map of the location here.

We will pick you up at approximately 10.50am. However, please note that, as this tour starts in Inverness at 8.15am, it is possible that we may be delayed. Please ensure that you provide a contact phone number on your booking, as we will do our best to inform you if the tour is running late. Please ensure that you are at the pick up point 10 minutes before the meeting time, as we have a tight schedule and are unable to wait for latecomers.

We will drop you off back in Kyle of Lochalsh at 5.50pm.

How can I join the tour from Kyleakin?+

The pick up point in Kyleakin is on the main A87 road, outside the Taste of India Restaurant. You can see a map of the location here.

We will pick you up at approximately 10.55am. However, please note that, as this tour starts in Inverness at 8.15am, it is possible that we may be delayed. Please ensure that you provide a contact phone number on your booking, as we will do our best to inform you if the tour is running late. Please ensure that you are at the pick up point 10 minutes before the meeting time, as we have a tight schedule and are unable to wait for latecomers.

We will drop you off back at the same place, outside Kyleakin, at 5.45pm.

How can I join the tour from Broadford?+

The pick up point in Broadford is on Ford Road, at the Post Office Bus Stop. You can see a map of the location here.

We will pick you up at approximately 11.05am. However, please note that, as this tour starts in Inverness at 8.15am, it is possible that we may be delayed. Please ensure that you provide a contact phone number on your booking, as we will do our best to inform you if the tour is running late. Please ensure that you are at the pick up point 10 minutes before the meeting time, as we have a tight schedule and are unable to wait for latecomers.

We will drop you off back in Broadford at around 5.35pm.

Can I take this tour in July or August?+

Currently, pick up in Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh, Kyleakin and Broadford is only available in April, May, September and October. We are unable to offer this service in July and August.

Why should we choose WOW to show us Skye?+

We wanted to summarise the main benefits of coming on our tour, so that you can make the best choice for your group. So..here goes…

First and foremost, we have the most comprehensive tour itinerary available; our tour is the only one to include all of the sights in Northern Skye (Portree, Trotternish Peninsula, Old Man of Storr and Cuillin Mountains) as well as giving you the opportunity to hike to the Fairy Pools
We are the only company offering convenient pick up and drop off in Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh, Kyleakin and Broadford
We are the only company offering a seat reservation system for our front row (plus second row and extra legroom) seats so, if taking uninterrupted photos is important to you, this will be a great benefit.
We have the smartest and most comfortable tour vehicle (ok, this is partly subjective, but we are pretty confident!)
We are one of very few locally owned and operated companies offering coach tours to Skye . We think that this is important, as it means that the money you pay for your ticket goes back into the local economy.
Skye has a fragile economy, which is very dependent on tourism, and we want to ensure that the local community see the benefit of our tours. Consequently, we work with fantastic local suppliers on all of our tours.
We are the only company to offer a lunch pre-ordering service on the tour – we do this in order to save you sightseeing time

Why should I book this tour direct on the WOW website?+

We sell our tours through a number of online agents. However, we would strongly encourage you to book directly on our own website, for the following reasons;

Convenient pick-up and drop-off
You can only book pick-up and/or drop-off from Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh, Kyleakin and Broadford if you book on our website! We offer a variety of pick up and drop off locations in order to make your trip, and related accommodation and onward travel arrangements, as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.
Seat upgrade options
By booking direct you can purchase optional front row, second row and extra legroom upgrades. So, if unparalleled views or the ability to stretch out are important to you, be sure to book direct and take advantage of this option.
The best seats
All of the seats on our vehicles are comfortable with great views. However, customers who book direct will be given preferential seating.
Excellent customer service
We are a small family-run business, and we (Gordon and Kay) are always on hand to give you quick and accurate responses to your queries or requests, either by phone or email. If you require to change or cancel your booking, or want to switch to another tour, we will do this quickly and easily, and will be as flexible as we possibly can in response to your requests. It is our business, and we really care about ensuring that every one of our guests has an excellent experience, from the minute you land on our website, right through to dropping you off back at your hotel.
Support the Highlands
If you book with an agent 25% of the ticket price goes to an international corporation. That means that 25% less money is flowing into the fragile economy of the Scottish Highlands. Please support our small local business by coming to us direct.

Can I reserve seats if joining from Skye/Lochalsh?+

Firstly, it is worth mentioning that all seats offer great views and plenty of legroom. However, many guests have seating preferences so, in response to this, we give you the opportunity, on this tour to book chargeable upgrades, which are described below.

4 front row seats – these seats give you unparalleled views out of the front windows, and the opportunity to disembark first at every stop. They are, justifiably, our most popular seats.
4 second row seats – many guests prefer to sit near the front of the coach, or be reassured that you will be seated together if they are a couple/group, both of which you get with this option. These seats also have a little more legroom than the front row seats.
2 extra legroom seats – these are situated near the back of the coach and have approximately 20% more legroom than regular seats. They are particularly suited to those who are tall, or like to stretch out.

If you do not purchase upgrades and are joining the tour in a couple/group from Skye or Lochalsh we will do our best to save you seats together, as we appreciate that you are boarding the tour much later than most guests, and we don’t want you to get seated separately due to this. If you are unhappy with your seat please let your tour guide know and he will do his best to accommodate your requests, although obviously many guests would prefer a window seat so it is not possible for everyone to have these!

What size of mini-coach do you use?+

On occasion we may use our smaller 16-seater executive mini-coach. It offers all of the same features as described above, but also boasts a panoramic glass roof, for that extra special view!

When are the bathroom/toilet stops?+

When joining the tour are Dornie/Kyle of Lochalsh/Kyleakin/Broadford there are three main stops where toilets/bathrooms can be accessed (timings can vary slightly but this gives you a very good indication of time between comfort breaks).

11.15 – 12pm (Portree)
2.40pm (Portree)
3.30 – 5pm (Fairy Pools)

Will we stop for coffee/snacks enroute?+

Where will we get lunch?+

In addition, you can order add-on items including various scones (£3.50) and cold drinks (£2.50).

For kids, there is a pick ‘n’ mix lunch box option, containing gammon ham, grated cheese, wedges of bread, fruit, shortbread, a little chocolate cake, cucumber cubes, butter and jam (£10).

We are delighted to support this wonderful local business who, like ourselves, pride themselves in providing excellent products and service to their customers.

What should I wear on this Skye day tour?+

Even if the sun is shining brightly before you get on the mini-coach, they do say that you only really experience Scotland when you see four seasons in one day, so please be prepared!

You can read our blog here for further details about what we recommend bringing/wearing on this tour.

How much walking is required?+

What will happen if the weather is bad?+

Is it possible to swim in the pools?+

First and foremost; we would not encourage you to swim in the pools. However, if you are considering it please bear the following in mind;

Open water swimming is inherently dangerous and should only be attempted by very confident swimmers

If you do decide that you still wish to swim in the pools, you should bring a towel and swimming costume.

Swimming in the pools is done entirely at your own risk.

Can wheelchair/walking frame users join this tour?+

Are children allowed to come on this tour?+

We welcome children over the age of six on our tour.

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