Hebrides, Skye & The Far West

Hebrides, Skye & The Far West

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8 Days From

$1882

$1823

Hebrides, Skye & The Far West

8 Days Starting in Edinburgh and ending in Edinburgh, UK

Visiting: Loch Lomond, Kilmartin, Oban, Edinburgh, Fort William, Mallaig, Skye, Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, Inverness, Ullapool, Isle of Lewis, Culloden, Pitlochry

Tour operator:

Highland Experience Tours

Tour code:

273772

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

16 - 32

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

3-99

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1882 $1823 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$59

NB: Prices correct on 13-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This is the tour for you to immerse yourself into the wonderous history and awe-inspiring scenery of the Scottish Highlands & Islands. Across eight incredible days, you will explore this beautiful country, discover its culture and history and meet its welcoming people. Your journey will take you through high mountain passes and across historic battlefields, along rugged coastlines and through misty glens. The Hebrides, Skye & The Far West tour gives you the opportunity to explore the beauty of Scotland our expert team of local driver-guides, who will be able to enhance your experience with the stories and history of these beautiful and intriguing parts of the country. Whilst travelling with you us, will explore the diverse landscapes of the Highlands, from the dramatic mountains of Glen Coe, the world famous Loch Ness in the great glen, and the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor and the North-West Highlands. You will enjoy the stunning coastal towns of Oban and Stornoway, whilst your island-hopping trips to the Isles of Skye and Lewis & Harris, will allow you to enjoy more of Scotland's magnificent west coast. Across your Island-Hopping trips to the Isle of Lewis & Harris & Isle of Skye, where you will be able to immerse yourself into the distinct culture and history of these Hebridean Islands, whilst also exploring the scenery of places such as Skye's Trotternish peninsula or Luskentyre beach in Harris, which rank amongst the most incredible landscapes anywhere in Scotland. You will also world famous sites such as Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is a feature of what is often described as one of the world’s most scenic railway journey (this journey may be included in your tour, depending on date of travel) and learn more about the often troubled history of Scotland, particularly the Jacobite rebellion with a visit to Culloden Battlefield.

Highlights

  • Loch Lomond, Kilmartin & Oban: The Trossachs & Western Highlands – A walk through history

  • Skye & Eilean Donan: Scotland’s most beautiful castle

  • Callanish Standing Stones: & Carloway Broch. Explore pre-historic sites

  • Harris Tweed Weaver: Discover the story of weaving

  • Culloden battlefield: And the Whisky Distillery

Places You'll See

Ben Nevis, Scotland

Eilean Donan Castle

Loch Ness, Scotland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Edinburgh - Oban

Location: Loch Lomond, Kilmartin, Oban, Edinburgh

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite bathroom

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our tour will begin in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town before we travel to Glasgow - Scotland’s largest city and industrial capital - where the rest of your group will join for the first part of this tour. Our wide-ranging tour begins heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond and the surrounding national park contain some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, alongside some picture-postcard villages.

From here we will travel to Kilmartin Glen, an area rich archaeological legacy which is almost unrivalled in Scotland. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before us, we will walk in the footsteps of the first Scots and decipher the mysteries of an area soaked in history, visiting sites such as Dunadd Hill Fort, the Temple Wood Stone Circle and the extraordinary Neolithic rock art at Achnabreck.

To conclude your first day we will have a scenic journey to the picturesque seaside town of Oban, you first overnight stop, and home to Scotland’s best seafood! As we drive through it, your guide will provide you with an overview of the history of the town and its most famous sights

Day 2 : Oban - Skye

Location: Oban, Fort William, Mallaig

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite bathroom

Meals Included: Breakfast

We begin our second day travelling over Connel Bridge through Appin to the haunting and dramatic landscape of Glen Coe where you will be able to hear more about of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan. We’ll stop in Fort William; a town dominated by Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK.

In the afternoon, you will travel to the pretty fishing village of Mallaig following the route of the Jacobite Steam Train, this will take in the opportunity to admire the incredible mountainous and coastal scenery, as well as a chance to see the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which famously featured in the Harry Potter films.

From Mallaig we will take the ferry to the Isle of Skye, where will be staying overnight for the second and third nights of this tour.

Day 3 : Explore Skye

Location: Skye

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite bathroom

Meals Included: Breakfast

On the third day of your tour, you will have the opportunity to explore Skye’s mysteries and landscape with your knowledgeable driver-guide, who will be able ensure you get the most out of your time on the island based on the weather and group.

Stops often include the likes of Cuillin Mountains, Dun Beag Broch, the Black Houses, the Kilt Rock Waterfall, The Old Man of Storr and the Trotternish Peninsula, and of course the capital of the island, Portree.

It’s the perfect Scottish experience where you will be able to visit and walk amongst the dramatic and often other-worldly scenery of the Isle of Skye all whilst learning more about the fascinating history and legends of the Island.

Day 4 : Skye - Inverness

Location: Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, Inverness

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite bathroom

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 begins with a journey over the Skye Bridge, where we return to the mainland and travel to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed locations. Eilean Donan is one of the greatest medieval castles in Scotland. With a history that dates back to the 13th century, this fortress will take you back in time to most troubled and times of Scottish history. You’ll have ample time to explore the Castle, which sits on its own Island on Loch Duich.

We then travel through the stunning mountains of Glenshiel to the pretty village of Drumnadrochit, which sits on the shores of Loch Ness for lunch. Here, you can choose taking a boat cruise on the world-famous Loch Ness, which would also include a visit to Urquhart Castle on the shore of the Loch. Alternatively, you would have the time to enjoy and explore the surroundings.

We’ll then head North to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, where we will spend the fourth evening of the tour.

Day 5 : Inverness - Stornoway

Location: Inverness, Ullapool

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite bathroom

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day five of your tour begins in Inverness, where you will meet you new driver-guide and travel companions for the second half of your tour.

Then you will then travel through the remote landscapes of Sutherland to admire some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. Your journey through this wild part of the Highlands will then take you on to the beautiful seaside town of Ullapool, which is where you will catch the ferry to the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

You will arrive in the largest town on the Island, Stornoway, in the early afternoon. You will spend the afternoon visiting the Arnol Blackhouses, to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of Hebridean Crofting families. You will then return to Stornoway which is where you will be spending your two nights on Lewis and Harris.

Day 6 : Explore Lewis

Location: Isle of Lewis

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite accomodation

Meals Included: Breakfast

From your base in Stornoway, you will spend this day of your tour exploring the Isle of Lewis and Harris. On your first day on the island, you will be able to explore Carloway Broch, an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age structure located above Loch an Duin.

The day also features visits to the ancient Callanish Standing Stones, an ancient formation of standing stones constructed in the neolithic era, over 4000 years ago.

In the afternoon you can stroll along what is arguably Harris’ most beautiful beach, Lusekentyre, we’ll then continue down to the most southerly point of the island and Rodel Church, the ancient burial ground of the MacLeod family. Then it’s time for an exciting trip around the Golden Road before returning to Stornoway.

Day 7 : Lewis - Inverness

Location: Isle of Lewis

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite bathroom

Meals Included: Breakfast

On your second morning on the island, you will begin your day by heading to the far north of Lewis to visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse (the windiest place in the UK) before returning to Stornoway for lunch and a ferry journey back to the mainland.

Once back on the mainland, we’ll make our from Ullapool, through some more areas of the North West Highlands remote yet beautiful landscapes, to Inverness, our overnight stay on this final night of the tour.

Day 8 : Inverness - Edinburgh

Location: Culloden, Pitlochry, Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast

As we leave Inverness behind to begin our journey south, our first stop of the day is at Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last stand of the Jacobite’s against the British government forces on 16 April 1746. You can learn more about the battle and the events which surrounded the Jacobite uprising in the impressive visitor centre and interactive exhibition, as well as having the chance to wander the land where the battle itself took place.

Our journey will continue south, heading to a local distillery for a wee dram. From here, we’ll then enjoy the magnificent scenery as you travel through the mountainous wilderness of the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, the largest National Park in Scotland. This large mountain range has five of the highest mountains in the UK within its limits.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the views before we arrive into the picturesque town of Pitlochry, the gateway to the highlands. Pitlochry has been a tourist centre since the 1860s thanks to being popularised as the gateway to the Highlands by Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott, the towns popularity as a tourist centre continued to increase as the railways made accessing the Highlands significantly easier than ever before 1870s.

Explore this quaint town before we head back to Edinburgh’s city centre, where your tour will end.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • Fully Guided

  • Meals – Breakfast Only

  • Ferry Travel to and from The Isle of Lewis & Harris

What's Not Included

Tipping and Gratuities

Booking Notes

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.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Due to the size of our vehicles, on our multi-day tours, we guarantee to carry one piece of luggage per passenger of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, with a maximum of 15 kg. This is equivalent to hand luggage allowed in an aircraft cabin.

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    Due to the variety of accommodation providers we use, we are unable to guarantee the availability of free Wi-Fi at the B&B's we use

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Unfortunately, we do not organize pre- or post-tour accommodation.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Optional attraction tickets are not included in the price.

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    We are proud to welcome travellers from around the world on our tours

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes, the relaxed nature of our tours makes them uniquely appropriate for children 3 and above. Unfortunately, children under the age of 3 years old are unable to travel on our tours.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    We use B&B's with a minimum of 3 stars

  • What should I bring with me?

    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.

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    There will be opportunities for short walks throughout our tours, however these will not be overly strenuous. Our tours are suitable for a wide range of fitness levels

  • What will the weather be like?

    Scotland is routinely unpredictable, but we do have a very temperate climate. The geography of Scotland means that it does rain more frequently in the west of the country and there are stronger winds in the east.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    This tour will run on a minibus or mini-coach with a maximum of 32 seats

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • How much luggage can I bring?

    Due to the size of our vehicles, on our multi-day tours, we guarantee to carry one piece of luggage per passenger of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, with a maximum of 15 kg. This is equivalent to hand luggage allowed in an aircraft cabin.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    If you are delayed due to a flight cancellation for example, we will do our best to help you catch up with the tour. However, we cannot allow the tour to be affected negatively for the other passengers.

  • Should I take out travel insurance?

    We highly recommend you take out travel insurance.

Reviews of this operator

Tito Munoz (Google Reviewer)  

Terry the tour guide, she...

31-Oct-2024

Terry the tour guide, she was amazing.. Full of life and personality we could tell how much she loves her job… and John the driver both were a great team. Terry very friendly and very knowledgeable and she is so beautiful… ! John very funny guy and very friendly we felt like we were with family taking a road trip. We spent 12 amazing hours sightseeing the beautiful Scottish Highlands. We will do it again. Thank you Terry and Thank you John. Keep up the great work. 👍👍👍👍👍

James Huben12 (Google Reviewer)  

Went on the Highland Experience...

30-Mar-2024

Went on the Highland Experience tour today. Started in Edinburgh, drove up the center of Scotland and returned on the western highway. We stopped in several places, most notably Loch Ness and the Three Sisters of Glencoe. The trip was absolutely incredible and what made it even better was our comedic and informative tour guide Steven B (not Steven A). I highly recommend doing the tour with Steven B as he was thorough and concise with his explanations of what we were seeing, also adding a few clever jokes along the way. Make sure to ask if he’s a “True Scotsman” if you do the tour with him.

Rachel Zein (Google Reviewer)  

I was honestly worried this...

03-Jan-2024

I was honestly worried this would be too long of a day. Alex made it perfect. He stopped just enough times for some AMAZING photo spots. He gave great info without talking TOO much. The music was not too loud either. I am so glad I chose this specific tour because you really had enough time to do everything. JUST USE THE BATHROOM WHEN HE SAYS. Also, the food options at the first stop was actually really good (but pack snacks if you get hungry like me). Dinner coming home was harder so if you need dinner before 830PM pack food. Do you HAVE to do boat and castle tour? No, but I got some great photos and the boat had alcohol and a bathroom. The bus was the least comfortable I’ve been on with all of my tours on my trip, but not a reason to not go. Highly recommend!!

Erica Mulkern (Google Reviewer)  

My friend and I booked...

09-Apr-2024

My friend and I booked on, and we had the lovely Brodie as our guide! From start to finish, he was lovely. Very knowledgeable, and we felt the day had a great pace. Loved every stop and photo op. Would highly recommend this tour, and Brodie, you won't regret it!

Richard Blair (Google Reviewer)  

Outstanding tour. Guide Terry...

24-Jun-2024

Outstanding tour. Guide Terry and Driver Alex were exceptional. Good historical and fun information about the sights and places. Yes, there is a lot of time on the bus, but any one-day tour of the highlands from Edinburgh will be long. The journey was enjoyable and paced adequately! Comfort stops and sightseeing stops were planned perfectly. What an enjoyable day. Being able to see so many different things in one day is wonderful. I had thought of renting a car and driving it myself, but this was so much better. We never would have been able to do it on our own in the time. I highly recommend Highland Experience Tours. They took use through some of the most beautiful areas on earth! So happy we chose this tour. Value for price spent, and experiences had was top notch! Thanks for a wonderful day in Scotland.

nancy (Google Reviewer)  

My time in Scotland would...

08-May-2024

My time in Scotland would have been remiss without this experience!! I could not have asked for a better tour experience or a better tour guide! I did the 'Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness Tour'. Firstly, the buses are very easy to find and check-in to the bus is extremely simple! My tour guide was Keith and he was both tour guide and bus driver. Immediately, we hit the road and got so much information throughout the 13 hour trip! He was extremely knowledgeable, very funny, and extremely warm. He sprinkled in personal stories from his life and his family's that truly made the history come alive. I went on a similar tour to this one in Ireland and this one had significantly more stops and views! I also felt like I had sufficient time at each stop along the path to take photos as well as to sit and just take in the splendor of the Scottish countryside. Keith was also a very safe driver (he mentioned being a bus driver before being a tour guide) and I never felt nervous or as if he was driving too fast!! I highly recommend taking the Loch Ness cruise and exploring Castle Urquhart! Along the journey, there were ample rest stops for snacks and restrooms and so I never felt overly uncomfortable. I will think about this tour for a long time and Keith was a perfect shepherd throughout all of it! I highly recommend this experience!

Michael Horsey (Google Reviewer)  

Amazing trip through the Highlands...

24-Jun-2024

Amazing trip through the Highlands to Isle of Skye. Breathtaking iconic Scottish scenery and memorable experiences. Fairy Pools are a great addition to this one day tour (where other tours only add it on two day trips). Owen was a fantastic guide. Pleasant, funny, good story teller.

gabriella sarkadi (Google Reviewer)  

I spent five wonderful days...

17-May-2024

I spent five wonderful days in the Scottish Highlands. Every day was full with experience. The tour was very well organized, the accommodations are very comfortable. I have a lot of good memories. Thank you so much!

Anil Dandu (Google Reviewer)  

I must say this trip...

09-Feb-2024

I must say this trip was one of my best experiences that i ever had. Where do i start the views the guide the city everything was perfect. The views throughout the ride were eye feast and the guide Steven B was so good.The B in his name is not just best but it’s Brilliant. I wish i had such guide every-time i have a trip. Overall it was my best experience and will definitely look forward to come back again. Thank you Highland experience tours

Kristin B  

2 AMAZING days!

12-Oct-2023

Amazing! That is all I can say. Absolutely, amazing! We spent the most wonderful 2 days with our guide Steven B, who made this trip over the top amazing. We had unexpected side trips, a beautiful hotel, fabulous food, we met some lifelong friends, saw the unbelievably beautiful Highlands, learned some history we've never heard before, rode a piece of history with the Jacobite train. We will never think of The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond the same way after learning the background story. I have never been on a guided tour before and I don't know that I can ever do another one because there is no way it will be as good as this one. Thank you Steven B for this amazing memory for my Daughter, my Mom, myself, along with the other members of our group.

Review of the 2-day Jacobite Tour - TripAdvisor

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Highland Experience Tours requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of highland experience tours charges.

    Up to 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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