4 Day Outer Hebrides (Western Isles) Private Tour from Inverness

4 Day Outer Hebrides Private Tour

4 Day Outer Hebrides (Western Isles) Private Tour from Inverness

Discover the 'Islands on the Edge' with a four day Outer Hebrides private tour from Inverness exploring the stunning landscapes, dramatic coastlines and breath-taking scenery that the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris have to offer.

Day 1 – An early start from Inverness to the coastal village of Ullapool where we board the ferry for a 2¾ hour journey across the Minch to the Isle of Lewis (my native island) and its main town of Stornoway. From there we spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent Neolithic Calanais Standing Stones, the 2000 year old Dun Carloway Broch and a traditional Hebridean blackhouse. We finish the day at the beautiful beach at Dalbeg before our return to Stornoway for our overnight stay.

Day 2 – Departing from Stornoway we head south to the Isle of Harris. The drive along the Atlantic coastline of Harris includes the stunning beaches at Seilebost and Nisabost. We visit Rodel to explore the medieval St Clement’s church, home to one of Scotland's most remarkable 16th century tombs. The late afternoon takes us back to Tarbert before we return north to Stornoway for our overnight stay.

Day 3 – After some free time in Stornoway, the late morning and afternoon is spent exploring the wonderful coastline of the parish of Uig on the western side of the Isle of Lewis including the stunning beaches at Mangersta, Valtos and Reef. After a visit to the reconstructed Iron-Age in Bosta we return to Stornoway for our overnight stop.

Day 4 – We spend our last morning in the Outer Hebrides at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly point in the Hebrides) for the dramatic views of the cliffs and Atlantic sea. We return to Stornoway where we explore Museum nan Eilean in Lews Castle and visit their collection of Lewis Chessmen. The early afternoon ferry takes us back to Ullapool and then it is a final drive through wonderful Highland scenery to Inverness.

Tour Highlights

   Calanais Stones

   Carloway Broch

   Dalbeg

   Seilebost

   St Clements

   Tarbert

   Butt of Lewis

   Lewis Chessmen

   Stornoway

Tour Highlights

Calanais Stones

Carloway Broch

Dalbeg

Seilebost

St Clements

Tarbert

Butt of Lewis

Lewis Chessmen

Stornoway

What to expect on a private tour to the Outer Hebrides...

All the video clips shown above were taken during tours to the Outer Hebrides and your tour will include all these wonderful views... though maybe not the weather – we are the land of four seasons in one day!

Private Tour Price (per tour)

May to September:    £2900

(Off-season tours in April)

Tour Information

Depart Inverness 7.30am
Return Inverness
(4 Days)

This tour is available on Monday and Tuesday start days from Inverness.

Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. We only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Prices include all ferry tickets, all taxes and a driver/guide (John Alasdair Macdonald) but exclude your accommodation costs, entrance fees and meals.

Accommodation Options
We recommend that you book accommodation in Stornoway (Day 1, 2 and 3) to make the most of your trip. Whilst we do not book accommodation for you we are happy to help with advice on where to stay and eat. The tour quote will include a list of accommodation recommendations and suggestions for overnight locations.

Tour Itinerary
The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, we have some flexibility and the itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. Please let us know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.

Tour Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay
The southern islands of the Outer Hebrides are not visited in the standard 4 day tour. However, for those with ancestral links to Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist or Eriskay – or just wishing to explore these wonderful islands – I can offer a 6 Day Outer Hebrides Tour from Inverness with two nights in Stornoway, two nights in Lochmaddy (North Uist) followed by a final night in Stornoway. The private tour price is £4500. This tour option is only available on Monday start days from Inverness. Please request any further information through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.

Tour Options
To explore more of the Highlands, any of the daily itineraries (East, North or West) of the 3 Day Highlands Tour can be added as extensions to the Outer Hebrides tours. The relevant tour price would be increased by £620 for each additional day. Please request this option through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form for the standard tour.

Ferry Sailings
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays can occasionally occur. While we cannot be responsible for additional accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, we will make every effort to adapt the tour to minimise disruption. Please note that no refunds will be given for tour and itinerary changes due to ferry changes and cancellations.

Weather
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather and even in the summer months we may experience some wet and windy weather conditions on tours. As such we always recommend a light waterproof jacket for all tours and decent footwear that you do not mind getting a little bit muddy or wet.

Tripadvisor Review for an Outer Hebrides Tour

... this was our second tour with John MacDonald. Visited Lewis and Harris - scenery and sights were incredible! John’s tours are a cut above all others because he prepares us for what we are to experience with background history and factual stories to set the stage for a priceless experience! We are already planning our third trip to Scotland with John as our guide. I have travelled extensively and often engaged guides. He is by far #1 on my list of tour guides! ...

... John made this trip a breeze. His professional approach and consideration was obvious every step of the way. John’s knowledge of the islands and their history and culture was extensive and coupled with his study of Highland clans and Scottish history he had a fascinating story to tell. His care with our travel arrangements and ferry crossings was perfect despite the unpredictable nature of the weather and circumstances. I don’t believe this trip could have been better, John was flexible to accommodate my interests and ultimately a happy client was the result. I should add that he’s a good conversationalist and a has a great sense of humour, thumbs up John! 5 stars! ...

... 5 Stars are simply not enough!!! 10 Stars at a minimum would be appropriate. John is an amazing, super knowledgeable, friendly, pro-active guide, who now feels more like a friend. We did the 3-day Outer Hebrides trip and could not suggest any changes to our wonderful experience. John connected with us long before our arrival in Scotland, helping with recommendations for Guest Houses and Restaurants. Everything went smoothly and we feel that we fully experienced the Isles of Lewis and Harris. Many, many thanks to John and our highest recommendations ...