Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer - 6 days
Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer - 6 days
Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer - 6 days
6 Days Starting and ending in Edinburgh, Scotland
Visiting: Edinburgh, Stornoway, Isle of Skye
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
5-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through the Outer Hebrides and Skye, starting and ending in Edinburgh. This small group tour offers an intimate exploration of Scotland's breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Traverse the majestic Scottish Highlands, visit the hauntingly beautiful Glencoe, and search for the elusive Loch Ness monster. Discover the traditional life on Lewis and Harris, marvel at the prehistoric Calanais Stone Circle, and enjoy the stunning beaches of Harris. On the Isle of Skye, hike the Quiraing, admire Kilt Rock, and savor local seafood in Portree. Travel in comfort aboard a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, guided by a knowledgeable local driver. Enjoy five nights in simple guesthouses, with breakfasts included, and experience the charm of Ullapool and Stornoway. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure through some of the UK's most scenic and storied locales.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House or similar
Edinburgh - Loch Ness - Ullapool. Departing from Edinburgh we journey past the iconic Forth Rail Bridge and into the Highlands. Our first stop is in Dunkeld, where we can stretch our legs and admire the unique architecture of the cathedral.
Following this we travel through the majestic Grampian Mountains, stopping for lunch at a Highland town in the Spey Valley. Next, we venture to Loch Ness, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary monster. Moving on we explore the lesser-known gem of Corrieshalloch Gorge with its stunning waterfall, before reaching the picturesque fishing port of Ullapool for our overnight stay.
Please note: Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
Accommodation: Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House or similar
Day 2: Ullapool
Location: Stornoway
Accommodation Name: Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ullapool - Stornoway. Today we wake up to breakfast overlooking Loch Broom's sparkling waters. We start with a ferry journey across the sea, a 2.5-hour trip through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles.
Keep your eyes peeled during the crossing; dolphins and whales may grace our journey. Upon arrival on Lewis and Harris, we head to the North West coast. Our driver-guide will showcase traditional crofting towns and seaside ports, including the iconic Butt of Lewis with its sweeping views towards America.
We cap off the day in bustling Stornoway, known for Scotland's tastiest black puddings.
Accommodation: Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven or similar
Day 3: Stornoway
Location: Stornoway
Accommodation Name: Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we discover the history and beauty of Lewis and Harris Island. Starting in Arnol Blackhouse we experience traditional farming life on this island without having to get our hands too dirty. Following this we head to the fort of Dun Carloway. Built in 100AD it has a rich history for us to discover. We then travel to the Calanais Stone Circle, one of the most famous sites on the island. Late in the afternoon we head back to Stornoway to spend the night.
*Please note the Calanais Standing stone site will be closed between 1st September 2024 and 31st March 2025 and we will be unable to visit the site during these dates. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Accommodation: Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven or similar
Day 4: Stornoway
Location: Stornoway
Accommodation Name: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stornoway - Luskentyre - Portree. Prepare for the dramatic as we venture into the realm of Harris. With its towering peaks and stunning white-sand beaches such as Luskentyre, Harris showcases nature's grandeur at its finest. The region is steeped in history, from the renowned Harris Tweed to its captivating myths and legends.
After a morning of exploring these dramatic landscapes, we pause for lunch. If weather permits, a beach picnic awaits, so sunglasses are a must-pack item. Our journey continues with a ferry ride over the sea to Portree, the largest town in Skye, where we'll be based for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar
Day 5: Skye
Location: Isle of Skye
Accommodation Name: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Having arrived on the Isle of Skye our driver-guide maximizes our time amidst this marvel-filled landscape.
We can trek to the Quiraing mountain pass for a breathtaking walk, witness the majestic Kilt Rock and its towering waterfall, or embark on a boat excursion to the hidden gem of Loch Coruisk.
Having soaked in the sights of Skye, we conclude our day with a final evening in Portree. We can indulge in the fabulous seafood restaurants, celebrating a day well spent exploring.
Accommodation: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar
Day 6: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Portree - Ben Nevis - Glencoe - Edinburgh. As our journey comes to an end, take heart in the remarkable sights awaiting us on the return trip to Edinburgh. After crossing the Skye Bridge, we're greeted by the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, a quintessentially Scottish sight perched atop a loch. Don't forget to capture this classic view with your camera.
Following this we pass beneath the cloud-shrouded peak of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain. On to the valley of Glencoe which carries profound historical weight, marked by a tragic massacre and framed by awe-inspiring mountains—a landscape etched with both beauty and sorrow.
As we journey onward through the Lowlands, the rolling hills give way to flatter terrain, leading us back to Edinburgh by early evening.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
What's Included
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Accommodation
Simple guesthouses -
5 breakfasts
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5 nights simple guesthouse
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Escorted by a local driver-guide
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Admission to Arnol Blackhouse
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Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning
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All necessary ferry journeys between Scottish Islands and the mainland
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All road tolls
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20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details
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Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.
What's Not Included
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International flights & visas
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Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)
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Meals not specified in itinerary
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
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Entry fees unless specified
Age Policy
Min:5yrs with an adultChild discount available for 5-15 yrs sharing with 2 adults
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach equipped with air-conditioning, ensuring a smooth journey across the Scottish Highlands and islands. All necessary ferry journeys between the Scottish Islands and the mainland are included, along with road tolls.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights in simple guesthouses, including stays at Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House, Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven, Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale, or similar accommodations, offering comfort and local charm throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning for transportation.
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Are there any ferry journeys included in the tour?
Yes, all necessary ferry journeys between the Scottish Islands and the mainland are included in the tour.
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Is there a guide accompanying the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 5 nights in simple guesthouses.
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What is the luggage allowance for the tour?
The tour allows for 20kg of luggage per person. Further details can be found in the Trip Notes.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Edinburgh.
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Is there a possibility of seeing wildlife during the tour?
Yes, during the ferry journey to Stornoway, there is a chance to see dolphins and whales.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions