3-Day Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day tour itineraries

Compiled by

Melissa3 day travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Scottish Highlands, incl. Isle of Skye and Loch Ness

  Highland adventures await across 15 destinations in 3 days. Day 1 covers the journey to Skye via Glenfinnan, Day 2 explores the isle's dramatic landscapes, and Day 3 returns via Glen Coe and Doune Castle, with 2 nights in scenic hostels.

  

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  • Day 1

    Edinburgh to Isle of Skye

    Leave Edinburgh early and head north across the Highland Divide. "The morning drive sets the mood with Scottish music and folklore stories," according to one traveler. Your first stop is The Hermitage for a woodland walk. Pack sturdy shoes since the paths can get slippery in wet weather. Next up is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you might recognize from the Harry Potter films. A recent visitor suggests: "Time your visit around 3:00 PM to see the Jacobite Steam Train cross the viaduct. Get there 30 minutes early for the best viewing spot on the hill." Take the scenic "Road to the Isles" to Mallaig and catch the ferry to Isle of Skye. The 45-minute crossing offers great views but pack a warm layer. You'll spend the night in Kyleakin village. "The hostel in Kyleakin felt like staying at a cozy holiday house with new friends. The kitchen facilities were perfect for cooking dinner on a budget," shared one traveler.

    
  • Day 2

    Isle of Skye to Loch Ness

    Start your morning exploring Skye's Trotternish Peninsula. Begin with the Old Man of Storr hike. "Go early before tour buses arrive, and allow 2-3 hours for the full circuit. The path gets very muddy, so proper hiking boots are essential," a reviewer suggests. Visit Kilt Rock and the Quiraing landslip before stopping in Portree for lunch. After lunch, make your way to Loch Ness where you'll stay right on the shores. One traveler shares: "Swimming in Loch Ness at sunset was a highlight - cold but unforgettable. Bring a quick-dry towel and change of clothes if you plan to take a dip."

    
  • Day 3

    Loch Ness to Edinburgh

    Start at Fort Augustus with views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak. The real standout is Glen Coe. Plan for a 1-hour hike here. "The Three Sisters viewpoint in Glen Coe offers the most dramatic mountain scenery. Even in summer, bring a rainproof layer as weather changes quickly," notes one visitor. Pass through Rannoch Moor and stop at Doune Castle before returning to Edinburgh in early evening. The route covers about 500 miles but as one traveler puts it: "The driving times never felt too long because every turn revealed another stunning view."

    

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• 3 Days in Scottish Highlands, incl. Edinburgh and Isle of Skye

  A dynamic 3-day route maximizes time with 36 hours on Skye, two nights in Kyleakin, and scenic drives through the Highlands. Day 1 focuses on reaching Skye, day 2 explores the island's highlights, and day 3 returns via Glencoe and historic battlefields, covering over 15 key locations.

  

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  • Day 1

    Edinburgh to Kyleakin

    Leave Edinburgh early to make the most of daylight, especially during shorter winter days. Drive north through Pitlochry and Dunkeld, stopping at the Highland Folk Museum mid-morning. A traveler's note captures the journey perfectly: "Even the drive itself is spectacular - about an hour after Edinburgh, you'll find yourself constantly reaching for your camera as the landscape transforms." Visit Culloden Battlefield in the early afternoon before heading to Loch Ness for an optional swim. If you plan to take a dip, bring warm clothes to change into. The water stays cold year-round. Finish your day with a drive through Glen Shiel to see Eilean Donan Castle before reaching your hostel in Kyleakin on Skye. Your accommodation sits by the water and offers welcoming common spaces for evening socializing.

    
  • Day 2

    Isle of Skye Exploration

    Spend the full day discovering Skye's best spots. Start with the Old Man of Storr hike early at 9am to avoid crowds. A recent visitor shares: "The Storr hike is moderately difficult and extremely worth it. Wear proper hiking boots as the trail gets very muddy and slippery, especially after rain." Visit Kilt Rock and the Quiraing next. Later, head to the Fairy Pools. Pack swimwear if you want to try the crystal clear but very cold waters. Spend your evening in Portree, where you can find fresh seafood by the harbor. Save money by using the hostel kitchen to cook with your group.

    
  • Day 3

    Skye to Edinburgh

    Start your return trip through Glencoe, listening to stories about the MacDonald clan massacre. Stop for lunch in Fort William near Ben Nevis. A helpful tip from a traveler: "The Fish & Chips shop by the train station is excellent, but gets very busy around 1pm." Drive across Rannoch Moor in the afternoon and stop at either Doune Castle or the Wallace Monument. You'll get back to Edinburgh around 6-7pm, traffic permitting. One visitor suggests: "Sit on the right side of the bus leaving Glencoe for the best photo opportunities of the valley."

    

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• 3 Days in India's Golden Triangle, incl. Delhi and Agra

  Your Indian odyssey spans 3 days with one night each in Agra and Jaipur. Day 1 covers Delhi sights and reaches Agra. Day 2 features sunrise Taj Mahal tour and travels to Jaipur. Day 3 explores Jaipur's Amber Fort and City Palace before returning to Delhi by evening.

  

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  • Day 1

    Delhi to Agra

    Start in Delhi with visits to India Gate and Parliament House. "Without a guide, I couldn't imagine trying to navigate Delhi's bustling streets. Having someone explain the history made everything so much more meaningful," notes a recent visitor. Visit Humayun's Tomb early before crowds arrive. Take the 3-hour express highway to Agra, aiming to arrive by mid-afternoon. Good to know: Bring small bills for monument entrance fees since most sites only accept cash.

    
  • Day 2

    Agra and Jaipur

    Get up early at 5:30 AM to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Watching the Taj change colors as the sun rose was breathtaking. Our guide knew exactly where to position us for the best photos." After exploring the Taj, visit Agra Fort and have breakfast at your hotel. The drive to Jaipur runs 4-5 hours. Stop at Fatehpur Sikri on the way. Bring snacks and water for the road trip. Remember that traffic can get heavy near cities and road conditions vary.

    
  • Day 3

    Jaipur to Delhi

    Head to Amber Fort by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and heat. You can take an elephant ride up to the fort if you like. One visitor suggests: "Book the elephant ride for afternoon if possible – shorter queues and better photo opportunities." Spend your afternoon at the City Palace complex and Hawa Mahal. Plan for a 5-6 hour drive back to Delhi. If you're flying out, book flights after 10 PM to give yourself enough time.

    

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