From Edinburgh: 8-Day Hebrides, Skye & The Far West Tour

Day 1

Through the Trossachs…

Our wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Here you’ll have time to explore Scotland’s ancient past. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before you, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle.

Onwards to Oban…

From here, we will then enjoy a scenic journey to the picturesque seaside town of Oban, your overnight stop for day 1, home to some of Scotland’s most delicious and freshest seafood. As we drive through the town, your driver-guide will delve into the history of this seaside village and point out some iconic sights to explore before dropping you off at your overnight accommodation.

Overnight: Oban

Day 2

Gruesome Glens and the Glenfinnan Viaduct…

Day two of this tour takes you over the Connel Bridge through Appin to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe (scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan). We’ll stop in Fort William: a town dominated by Ben Nevis – the UK’s tallest peak.

We’ll journey along the iconic route of the Jacobite Steam Train, pausing for photo opportunities at the famous Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct. Our next stop is Mallaig, a charming and bustling fishing port on Scotland’s west coast, where you’ll have time to explore its local sights. Then, we’ll take a short ferry ride across the sea to the Isle of Skye, where you’ll settle in for your second night on this enchanting island.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 3

A whole day to explore Skye…

You’ll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye’s mysteries and landscape with your driver-guide, visiting some of the best spots the island has to offer. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself amongst the Cuillin mountains, visit the black houses, take in the spectacular scenery of the Kilt Rock waterfall, the Old Man of Storr, and the Trotternish Peninsula, including a visit to the capital of the island, Portree.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 4

Castles, lochs, and beautiful beaches…

On this day, we’ll say goodbye to the Isle of Skye and head straight to one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, Eilean Donan* which you’ll have ample time to explore. From here we’ll then stop at the pretty Lochside village of Drumnadrochit for lunch, before having the option to cruise* on Loch Ness, look out for Nessie and visit Urquhart Castle* ruins. Leaving Nessie behind, we’ll then travel along the shores of Loch Ness to Inverness, which will be our overnight stop for the day.

Overnight: Inverness

Day 5

North to Lewis and Harris…

Say goodbye to the capital of the Highlands, and journey through the wild and remote landscapes of Sutherland area will then take you on to the beautiful seaside town of Ullapool, where you catch the ferry to the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

Start your island experience by visiting Arnol Blackhouse*, a traditional fully furnished thatched house, and gain an insight into island life.  Your afternoon will end in Stornoway, the largest settlement in the Western Isles and your base for exploring the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

Overnight: Stornoway

Day 6

Ancient history and traditional tweed…

Stornoway is the largest settlement in the Western Isles and your base for exploring the Isles of Lewis and Harris. We will visit the Carloway Broch, an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age structure located above Loch an Duin, and the ancient Callanish Standing Stones**. You’ll also have a chance to stroll along what is arguably the UKs’ most beautiful beach, Luskentyre. Harris is famous for Tweed cloth which you’ll learn more about during this tour.

Overnight: Stornoway

Day 7

Castaways and coastal splendour…

This morning, you’ll head to the far north of the island to visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse (the windiest place in the UK). We’ll have a short walk here before returning to Stornoway for lunch. You’ll wave goodbye to the island and take the ferry back to mainland. A scenic journey takes you back to Inverness, where we’ll spend our 7th night.

Overnight: Inverness

Day 8

Explore the famous battlefield of Culloden…

As we leave Inverness behind, our first stop of the day is at Culloden Battlefield*, the site of the last stand of the Jacobites against the British government forces on 16 April 1746. It was one of the most harrowing battles in British history. You can experience the events leading up to, during, and after the battle in the impressive visitor centre and interactive exhibition, as well as having the chance to wander the land where the battle itself took place.

The journey home begins…

We’ll begin our journey south by heading to a local distillery for a wee dram*. From here, we’ll then enjoy the stunning scenery as you travel through the spectacular wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest National Park in Scotland. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views before we arrive into the picturesque town of Pitlochry, the gateway to the highlands. Explore this quaint town before we head back to Edinburgh’s city centre.

*Optional attractions, separate entrance fees apply

**Due to planned facility closures, tours departing in September 2024 will be unable to visit Callanish Standing Stones

Q. How does our accommodation booking service work?

We can book your accommodation for you, or you can choose to book your own, as long as it is centrally located at the overnight stop location. We will send you a payment link before the tour departs so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or paying when you arrive each night. Your driver-guide will drop you off and pick you up from the accommodation during the tour.

Q. How much will the accommodation cost?

Accommodation is not included in the tour price, below is an estimate of the costs per room per night.

• Bed & Breakfast Ensuite: From £100 – £220 per room per night
• Ensuite: This means you will have your own private bathroom/toilet/shower

Accommodation costs depend on availability and season – so it may be more or less than estimated above.

Q. If I wish to book my own accommodation is there anything I need to know?

Once you’ve booked your accommodation, you’ll need to contact us at reservations@highlandexperience.com and let us know where you have booked to stay. Please, only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. If you’re unsure, please check with us first.

• No matter when you visit, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”, to say the least. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket (it has been known to rain in Scotland), sunglasses and plenty of layers.
• Ensure you bring shoes suitable for short walks, on rough or uneven terrain.
• Although most attractions & eating establishments we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.
• Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!
• Please limit your luggage to 1 x small/medium piece per person (no more than 15kg), along with 1 x small handbag or daypack.