Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides

Name: Day 1: Edinburgh to Inverness

Short Description: Our Outer Hebrides tour begins with a visit to the stunning Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures dedicated to the horse powered heritage of Central Scotland, designed by Andy Scott. Learn about William Wallace as we pass Stirling Castle, and 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 Glen Coe and look out for Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest mountain – on our journey towards Loch Ness. Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’, the Loch Ness monster, on our visit to the loch, before we continue onto Inverness. We arrive in Inverness, where we will be spending the night. Enjoy free time with a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city, then wander round the various bars and restaurants. (Overnight: Inverness)

Description: Our Outer Hebrides tour begins with a visit to the stunning Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures dedicated to the horse powered heritage of Central Scotland, designed by Andy Scott. Learn about William Wallace as we pass Stirling Castle, and 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 Glen Coe and look out for Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest mountain – on our journey towards Loch Ness. Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’, the Loch Ness monster, on our visit to the loch, before we continue onto Inverness. We arrive in Inverness, where we will be spending the night. Enjoy free time with a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city, then wander round the various bars and restaurants. (Overnight: Inverness)

Highlights

• Kelpies (Kelpies)
• Glen Coe(Glencoe)
• Loch Ness (Ness)
• Inverness(Inverness)

Name: Day 2: Inverness to Stornoway

Short Description: Start the day with fresh air and stunning scenery at Rogie Falls. We continue north on a beautiful stretch of road and take to the water on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis – keeping an eye out for dolphins along the way! On arrival to the island, we head straight for Harris in the south, where we’ll visit the world-famous Harris Distillery for a wee dram before we return to Lewis in the north for an overnight stay in the main town of Stornoway. (Overnight: Stornoway)

Description: Start the day with fresh air and stunning scenery at Rogie Falls. We continue north on a beautiful stretch of road and take to the water on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis – keeping an eye out for dolphins along the way! On arrival to the island, we head straight for Harris in the south, where we’ll visit the world-famous Harris Distillery for a wee dram before we return to Lewis in the north for an overnight stay in the main town of Stornoway. (Overnight: Stornoway)

Highlights

• Isle of Harris (Harris)
• Ullapool(Ullapool)

Name: Day 3: Stornoway

Short Description: Prepare for an exciting day touring the cultural attractions on the Isle of Lewis. First, go back to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline. 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. Free time back in Stornoway; wander around the harbour and go in search of fresh seafood in the local restaurants. (Overnight: Stornoway)

Description: Prepare for an exciting day touring the cultural attractions on the Isle of Lewis. First, go back to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline. 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. Free time back in Stornoway; wander around the harbour and go in search of fresh seafood in the local restaurants. (Overnight: Stornoway)

Highlights

• Dun Carloway Broch(Carloway)
• Gearrannan Blackhouse Village (Blackhouse)

Name: Day 4: Stornoway to Portree

Short Description: On departure from Stornoway we’ll visit the Iolaire Monument, a memorial to an event which highlights the darker side of island life. We’ll then spend the day exploring some beautiful beaches and the oldest medieval church on the Isle of Harris before catching our ferry ‘over the sea to Skye’. The main town of Portree is our base for the next two nights. Head into town to enjoy the local seafood & whisky or stretch your legs with a scenic walk. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: On departure from Stornoway we’ll visit the Iolaire Monument, a memorial to an event which highlights the darker side of island life. We’ll then spend the day exploring some beautiful beaches and the oldest medieval church on the Isle of Harris before catching our ferry ‘over the sea to Skye’. The main town of Portree is our base for the next two nights. Head into town to enjoy the local seafood & whisky or stretch your legs with a scenic walk. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Isle of Harris (Harris)
• Portree(Portree)

Name: Day 5: Portree

Short Description: Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye. Visit the enchanted waters of the Sligachan River with views of its old bridge and the breathtaking Cuillin mountains. We drive over the Skye bridge to view the iconic – and absolutely beautiful – Eilean Donan Castle; used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough. Free time back in Portree; visit the shops, restaurants, and picturesque harbour with its colourful facades before we end the day by exploring Skye’s most iconic landmarks, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye. Visit the enchanted waters of the Sligachan River with views of its old bridge and the breathtaking Cuillin mountains. We drive over the Skye bridge to view the iconic – and absolutely beautiful – Eilean Donan Castle; used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough. Free time back in Portree; visit the shops, restaurants, and picturesque harbour with its colourful facades before we end the day by exploring Skye’s most iconic landmarks, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Sligachan (Sligachan)
• Eilean Donan Castle(Eilean)
• Old Man of Storr(Storr)
• Kilt Rock(Kilt)

Name: Day 6: Portree to Edinburgh

Short Description: We have an early start for the ferry to the fishing village of Mallaig on the west coast. From there we take a train* along the world-famous West Highland Line, following the route of the Hogwarts Express, where we pass Dumbledore's Grave, cross Glenfinnan Viaduct and arrive in Fort William for lunch. Later in the day we take the scenic route back to the city through the Cairngorms National Park and arrive at Edinburgh in the evening. *Except 3 September, there is no train available. We will instead drive the Road to the Isles, passing stunning mountain landscapes, lochs and coastline.

Description: We have an early start for the ferry to the fishing village of Mallaig on the west coast. From there we take a train* along the world-famous West Highland Line, following the route of the Hogwarts Express, where we pass Dumbledore's Grave, cross Glenfinnan Viaduct and arrive in Fort William for lunch. Later in the day we take the scenic route back to the city through the Cairngorms National Park and arrive at Edinburgh in the evening. *Except 3 September, there is no train available. We will instead drive the Road to the Isles, passing stunning mountain landscapes, lochs and coastline.

Highlights

• Cairngorms National Park(Cairngorms)
• West Highland Line(WestHigh)

Inclusions

Item 1: Passionate Local Guide

Item 2: Live Commentary & Storytelling in English

Item 3: Five-Night Stay at Bed & Breakfast Accommodation

Item 4: Complimentary Breakfast Each Morning of Your Stay

Item 5: Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Item 6: Distillery Visit

Item 7: All Ferry Journeys

Item 8: Train journey over Glenfinnan Viaduct (Except 3 September, no train available)

Name: West Highland Line

NameShort: West Highland Line

Considered by many as one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys, the West Highland Line is famous for its diverse scenery and historical significance. Embark the train between Mallaig and Fort William to travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct as part of the magical route travelled by the Hogwarts Express from Harry Potter.

Considered by many as one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys, the West Highland Line is famous for its diverse scenery and historical significance. Embark the train between Mallaig and Fort William to travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct as part of the magical route travelled by the Hogwarts Express from Harry Potter.

Image Name: West Highland Line

Image Alt: West Highland Line

Name: Isle of Harris

NameShort: Isle of Harris

Harris is Scotland’s paradise. The island boasts stark and striking contrasts, from moody mountains and lunar-like landscapes, to the famous beaches on the west coast. It’s hard to believe the powdery white-sand and turquoise sea belongs in Scotland.

Harris is Scotland’s paradise. The island boasts stark and striking contrasts, from moody mountains and lunar-like landscapes, to the famous beaches on the west coast. It’s hard to believe the powdery white-sand and turquoise sea belongs in Scotland.

Image Name: Isle of Harris

Image Alt: Isle of Harris

Name: Old Man of Storr

NameShort: Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is a striking pinnacle of rock, perched high upon Skye’s otherworldly landscape. This geological wonder is one of the island’s most iconic sights - it looks even more impressive on a misty day.

The Old Man of Storr is a striking pinnacle of rock, perched high upon Skye’s otherworldly landscape. This geological wonder is one of the island’s most iconic sights - it looks even more impressive on a misty day.

Image Name: Old Man of Storr

Image Alt: Old Man of Storr

Name: Dun Carloway Broch

NameShort: Dun Carloway Broch

A broch is an Iron Age defence structure which is unique to Scotland. Dun Carloway is one of the best-preserved examples, with chambers, staircases and the remains of nine metre wall still intact after 2000 years.

A broch is an Iron Age defence structure which is unique to Scotland. Dun Carloway is one of the best-preserved examples, with chambers, staircases and the remains of nine metre wall still intact after 2000 years.

Image Name: Dun Carloway Broch

Image Alt: Dun Carloway Broch

Name: Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

NameShort: Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village offers a glimpse into the traditional Hebridean way of life, including Harris Tweed weaving. The crofting village, which is now a conservation area, was occupied until the 1970s when the last residents moved to more modern accommodation.

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village offers a glimpse into the traditional Hebridean way of life, including Harris Tweed weaving. The crofting village, which is now a conservation area, was occupied until the 1970s when the last residents moved to more modern accommodation.

Image Name: Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Image Alt: Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Name: Isle of Skye

NameShort: Isle of Skye

Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. Skye exudes magic from every mountain, waterfall and rainbow, while its unique geology and beguiling mythology are unlike anywhere else in Scotland. Skye is an ancient and truly enchanting island.

Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. Skye exudes magic from every mountain, waterfall and rainbow, while its unique geology and beguiling mythology are unlike anywhere else in Scotland. Skye is an ancient and truly enchanting island.

Image Name: Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Isle of Skye

Name: Portree

NameShort: Portree

Portree is Skye’s central hub and most populated town, with numerous shops and places to eat. The main square is a hive of activity, while the quaint harbour with its brightly coloured facades is lifted straight from a postcard.

Portree is Skye’s central hub and most populated town, with numerous shops and places to eat. The main square is a hive of activity, while the quaint harbour with its brightly coloured facades is lifted straight from a postcard.

Image Name: Portree

Image Alt: Portree

Name: Kilt Rock

NameShort: Kilt Rock

Kilt Rock is a breath-taking sight on Skye’s dramatic coastline. Marvel at the magic of Mealt Falls, as it cascades down the striking cliff face - which is said to be shaped by a mythical giant’s kilt.

Kilt Rock is a breath-taking sight on Skye’s dramatic coastline. Marvel at the magic of Mealt Falls, as it cascades down the striking cliff face - which is said to be shaped by a mythical giant’s kilt.

Image Name: Kilt Rock

Image Alt: Kilt Rock

Name: Glen Coe

NameShort: Glen Coe

This jaw-dropping landscape is the most atmospheric and evocative place in Scotland. Glen Coe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and the name reflects the sad history of the area, as well as the many waterfalls which cascade from misty peaks.

This jaw-dropping landscape is the most atmospheric and evocative place in Scotland. Glen Coe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and the name reflects the sad history of the area, as well as the many waterfalls which cascade from misty peaks.

Image Name: Glen Coe

Image Alt: Glen Coe

Name: Inverness

NameShort: Inverness

Inverness is world-famous for its proximity to Loch Ness, and its connections to the Outlander story. Known as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, Inverness has numerous pubs where Highland hospitality is best served with a local drink and live music.

Inverness is world-famous for its proximity to Loch Ness, and its connections to the Outlander story. Known as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, Inverness has numerous pubs where Highland hospitality is best served with a local drink and live music.

Image Name: Inverness

Image Alt: Inverness

Name: Loch Ness

NameShort: Loch Ness

Loch Ness is the most well-known loch in Scotland, thanks to tales of the Loch Ness Monster. Glaciers carved the deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales.

Loch Ness is the most well-known loch in Scotland, thanks to tales of the Loch Ness Monster. Glaciers carved the deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales...

Image Name: Loch Ness

Image Alt: Loch Ness

Name: Eilean Donan Castle

NameShort: Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. A charming stone bridge leads out to the island, which is surrounded by three lochs and a backdrop of mountains. The castle is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.

Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. A charming stone bridge leads out to the island, which is surrounded by three lochs and a backdrop of mountains. The castle is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.

Image Name: Eilean Donan Castle

Image Alt: Eilean Donan Castle

Name: Kelpies 

NameShort: Kelpies 

The Kelpies are steel sculptures of two horses’ heads; 30 meters high and weighing 300 tonnes. Kelpies are mythological creatures in Scottish folklore, and this modern attraction is the largest equine landmark in the world, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott.

The Kelpies are steel sculptures of two horses’ heads; 30 meters high and weighing 300 tonnes. Kelpies are mythological creatures in Scottish folklore, and this modern attraction is the largest equine landmark in the world, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott.

Image Name: The Kelpies 

Image Alt: The Kelpies

Name: Ullapool

NameShort: Ullapool

Ullapool is an idyllic fishing town in the north-west coast of the Scottish Highlands. Here, you can explore quaint shops, savour fresh seafood, or stroll along the town's shores while watching the sun set over the North Atlantic Ocean.

Ullapool is an idyllic fishing town in the north-west coast of the Scottish Highlands. Here, you can explore quaint shops, savour fresh seafood, or stroll along the town's shores while watching the sun set over the North Atlantic Ocean.

Image Name: Ullapool

Image Alt: Ullapool