Multi-day trip

Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides 6-Day Tour from Edinburgh

4.7 / 5

3 reviews

Activity provider:Highland Explorer Tours
Multi-day trip

Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides 6-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Activity provider:Highland Explorer Tours

From US$ 1,418.30 per person

Eco-certified

Join an unforgettable journey across the Highlands and islands to discover some of Scotland’s most iconic destinations as well as hidden gems. Travel from the world-famous Loch Ness to the remote corners of the Hebrides.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 6 days
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Small group
Limited to 16 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • Be amazed at the sheer beauty of the isolated Outer Hebrides
  • Discover the myths, legends, and stunning scenery of the Isle of Skye
  • Fall in love with the wild Atlantic coastline
  • Travel back in time at the Callanish Standing Stones
  • Enjoy a ride on the world famous Jacobite Steam Train
Full description
Day 1: Edinburgh to Inverness. Depart Edinburgh at 8:30 AM and head north towards Bannockburn, which is the site of the famous battle won by outlaw king Robert the Bruce. Learn about William Wallace as you pass Stirling Castle. Catch a glimpse of Doune Castle, which appears in Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones. Soak up the atmospheric scenery in Glencoe. Look out for Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, on your journey toward Loch Ness. Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness monster then continue onto Inverness. Arrive around 5:30 PM and spend free time enjoying a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city. Then you can wander around the various bars and restaurants.  Day 2: Inverness to Stornoway. Begin your day with fresh air and stunning scenery at Black Water Falls. Continue north along a beautiful stretch of road then take to the water on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Keep an eye out for dolphins along the way. Explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline of Lewis. Visit the Butt of Lewis, the most northerly point on the island, to see the isolated lighthouse and dramatic force of the sea against the cliffs. Return to the main town of Stornoway for the night. Day 3: Stornoway. Prepare for an exciting day touring the cultural attractions on the Isle of Lewis. First, go back to the Neolithic period as you visit the mysterious 5000-year old Callanish Standing Stones. Then fast-forward to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and unwind with a wee dram of whisky at Abhainn Dearg, which is the most westerly distillery in Scotland. Spend free time back in Stornoway. You can wander around the pretty harbour and go in search of fresh seafood in the local restaurants.  Day 4: Stornoway to Portree. Depart Stornoway and drive south towards the idyllic Isle of Harris. Marvel at the flawless white sand beaches with turquoise sea and a backdrop of mountains on West Harris. Board the ferry and go over the sea to the Isle of Skye, where you will spend the afternoon exploring the Trotternish peninsula. Soak up the enchanting scenery and learn about the island’s myths and legends. Arrive at your final stop, Portree, in time to enjoy dinner in one of the town’s restaurants. Day 5: Portree. Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye. Hear about the island’s resident fairies on a stop at one of the famous Fairy Bridges. Visit the enchanted waters of the Sligachan River, with views of the old bridge and the breathtaking Cuillin mountains. Drive over the Skye bridge to the iconic and absolutely beautiful Eilean Donan Castle. This castle was used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough. Spend free time back in Portree visiting the shops, restaurants, and picturesque harbour with its colourful facades. Day 6: Portree to Edinburgh. Explore more of the beautiful Isle of Skye before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig on the west coast. Experience one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous by Harry Potter. Take the scenic route back to the city, through the Cairngorms National Park. Arrive into Edinburgh around 8:30 PM. 
Includes
  • Local Scottish guide
  • 5 nights accommodation in a B&B with breakfast
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned coach
  • Tickets for the ferry journeys
  • Tickets for the Jacobite Steam train
  • Downloadable audio guide
  • Pick up or drop-off at your accommodation
  • Additional entrance fees
  • Food or drink
  • Gratuities (optional)
Not suitable for
  • Children under 5 years

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meet at Edinburgh Bus Station Stance 15 and 16. Find the check-in staff wearing high-vis vests there to greet you. Edinburgh Bus Station is also accessible by the back entrance located at 26 Elder Street, EH1 3DX.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card

Not allowed

  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • This tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old and children under 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult
  • Travel insurance is recommended
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 3 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    5/5
  • Value for money
    5/5

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Star rating:

September 19, 2022

Amazing scenery and very knowledgeable driver/guide. Seafood was also top notch. Our tour bus guide/driver did the most amazing job of driving us, picking up ferry and train tickets and making sure we were booked in easily to all accommodation and any event we had booked. I would love to go back and would certainly request the same driver as Rich was very knowledgeable about the area and the historical events. Dont drive be driven and then use your energy to sight see. Way to go from booking and talking with the office staff to enjoying the route from start to finish.

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August 28, 2021

This trip met, and even exceeded, our expectations. We're usually not big fans of organized bus trips. However, when faced with limited time, this option made perfect sense. This tour gives you a perfect feel for the beauty and history of Scotland from the Highlands to the Outer Hebrides. Highland Explorer Tours does a phenomenal job in creating a wonderful experience. Our tour guide (Caitlyn Burnett) was truly exceptional. She deftly drove our mini bus while narrating our trip with a lovely mix of rich history and funny anecdotes. She is professional and courteous, and has a youthful exuberance with a wicked sense of humor. Of course, one must realize even one unruly or rude fellow passenger can ruin a trip. We were lucky to be among a group of likeminded and laid-back souls. We can heartily recommend this tour.

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August 31, 2019

Product ID: 202408