7 Day Grand Outer Hebrides, Isle of Skye and Highlands Private Tour from Edinburgh

7 Day Grand Outer Hebrides, Isle of Skye
and Highlands Private Tour

from Edinburgh

Explore some of the most rugged and dramatic landscapes that Scotland has to offer with a grand seven day private tour from Edinburgh through the Scottish Highlands to the Hebridean Islands of Lewis, Harris and Skye

7 Day Grand Outer Hebrides, Isle of Skye and Highlands Private Tour from Edinburgh

Day 1 – Departing from Edinburgh we travel north over the Firth of Forth towards the Central Highlands. We explore the beautiful village of Dunkeld before our drive northwards takes us to the Cairngorms National Park. Arriving near Inverness by the mid-afternoon, we visit Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns before our overnight stay.

Day 2 – An early start (7.30am) 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 3 – 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 4 – Departing from Stornoway we head north to the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly point in the Hebrides) for the dramatic views of the cliffs and the North Atlantic. We return to Stornoway where we explore Museum nan Eilean in Lews Castle and visit their collection of Lewis Chessmen. The afternoon takes us south to Tarbert where we take a 1¾ hour ferry across to the Isle of Skye before our slightly later arrival in Portree (approx. 7pm) for our overnight stay.

Day 5 – A full day in the Isle of Skye begins with a tour around the stunning Trotternish Peninsula including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the magnificent views from the Quiraing. The afternoon takes us across to Dunvegan Castle, home of the clan Macleod, one of the Hebrides most powerful clans. We end the day at the old bridge at Sligachan with its great view of the peaks of the Black Cuillin before our return to Portree for our overnight stay.

Day 6 – Begins from Portree heading south to the wonderful Sleat Peninsula. One of the less explored areas of Skye, the Sleat Peninsula is home to a stunning coastline, heather-clad hills and opportunities to get off the beaten path and away from the crowds. We stop at Isleornsay with its stunning views across to the Knoydart peninsula. From Armadale we catch the ferry (30–40 minutes) across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig on the Scottish mainland. We then follow the 'road to the Isles' to Glenfinnan to explore the Jacobite monument, museum and viaduct before our arrival in Fort William for our overnight stay.

Day 7 – Begins from Fort William with a drive south to explore the dramatic landscape and the breath-taking views around Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, including a short tour down Glen Etive for even more amazing scenery. The afternoon takes us on a beautiful journey by the Trossachs on our our return to Edinburgh.

Tour Highlights

   Dunkeld

   Culloden Battlefield

   Clava Cairns

   Calanais Stones

   Carloway Broch

   Dalbeg

   Seilebost

   Butt of Lewis

   Lewis Chessmen

   Stornoway

   Tarbert

   Portree

   The Quiraing

   Kilt Rock

   Dunvegan Castle

   Cuillin Hills

   Sleat Peninsula

   Glenfinnan

   Fort William

   Rannoch Moor

   Glencoe

Tour Highlights

Dunkeld

Culloden Battlefield

Clava Cairns

Calanais Stones

Carloway Broch

Dalbeg

Seilebost

St Clements

Butt of Lewis

Lewis Chessmen

Stornoway

Tarbert

Portree

The Quiraing

Kilt Rock

Dunvegan Castle

Cuillin Hills

Sleat Peninsula

Glenfinnan

Fort William

Rannoch Moor

Glencoe

Private Tour Price (per tour)

May to mid-September:    £5500

(Off-season tours in April)

Tour Information

Depart Edinburgh
Return Edinburgh
(7 Days)

FAQs

Which days does this tour start on?
This tour is available on Sunday and Tuesday start days from Edinburgh.

What's included in the tour price?
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I 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 ferry tickets, all taxes and an experienced driver/guide (John Alasdair Macdonald).

What's excluded?
Your accommodation costs, entrance fees and meals.

Where should I book accommodation?
I recommend that you book accommodation in Inverness (Day 1), Stornoway (Day 2 and 3), Portree (Day 4 and 5) and Fort William (Day 6) to make the most of your trip. Whilst I do not book accommodation for you I am 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.

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

What about the ferry sailings?
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations 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.

What will the weather be like?
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather and even in the summer months we are likely to 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.

View the full list of FAQs here