Best price guarantee
GBP
0
Tour Operator: Highland Experience Tours 8 days Travel method:   Mini Bus / Car Region / Starts from: Edinburgh

Hebrides, Skye & The Far West

The Ultimate Scottish Experience

Duration

8 Days

Prices vary by season

About

From the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to the Isle of Lewis and Harris. This tour encapsulates all that is Scotland. Loch Ness, Skye and the Callanish Standing Stones and much more.

Please note the dates of the Jacobite Train for 2021 are not yet confirmed.

Tour Itinerary

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 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 Hogwarts Express...
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, then jump aboard the Jacobite Steam Train. It's one of the world's greatest train journeys and will take you over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. We'll continue to the end of the line, Mallaig, a pretty fishing port, bustling but remote. You will have the opportunity to have an early dinner and enjoy some excellent seafood before taking a short ferry ride over the sea to Skye, where you'll spend your second night.

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* ruin. Leaving Nessie behind, we’ll then head to the south end of Loch Ness for our overnight stop in Fort Augustus.

Overnight: Fort Augustus

Day 5

North to Lewis and Harris...
Day five takes you further north, first to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and then to Dunrobin Castle*, the most northerly of Scotland's great houses and home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. Here you can also enjoy a falconry display and a walk in its beautiful gardens. Then you will discover Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve and learn about one of the oldest landscapes in Europe. Your journey through the 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.

Overnight: Stornoway

Day 6

Ancient history and traditional tweed...
Stornoway is the largest settlement in the Western Isles and your base for exploring the Isle of Lewis and Harris. After you've explored the town, you'll head to the far north of the island to visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse (the windiest place in the UK). The day also features visits to the ancient Callanish Standing Stones and Carloway Broch, an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age structure located above Loch an Duin. You'll also have a chance to stroll some of the island’s stunning beaches and find out more about Harris Tweed cloth when you visit a traditional weaver*.

Overnight: Stornoway

Day 7

Castaways and coastal splendour...
Day seven gives you the chance to explore Harris, which is the southern part of the island. First you'll visit the main port, Tarbert, then you'll travel a little west to look across the beautiful Sound of Taransay to the island made famous by the BBC's Castaway programme. Here you'll have the chance to stroll along what is arguably Harris' most beautiful beach, Lusekentyre. The day ends as you wave goodbye to the island and take the ferry back to mainland.

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*, 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.

What to bring

It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go!
It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.

Best price guarantee
No hidden costs
Within 28 days of the tour departure, no refund will be given.
29 days or more before the tour departure, a 75% refund of the tour price will be given.
Tags
Attractions
Meeting point

Check-in closes 15 minutes before your tour is due to depart


If you think you will be late for check-in, please contact us as soon as possible to let us know. In fairness to all passengers, our tours will depart promptly at their scheduled time.



Caffe Nero, 1 Parliament Square, 192 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF, UK
Important information
What to bring

It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go!


It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.


For any luggage storage needs, Edinburgh’s luggage concierge service can help! Visit www.unbaggaged.com to find out more, and for our customers there is a 10% discount: type in the voucher code ‘HIGHLAND10’

BOOK NOW