5 Day Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye Tour
Explore some of the most rugged and dramatic landscapes that Scotland has to offer with a five day tour from Inverness to the Hebridean Islands of Lewis, Harris and Skye returning through the stunning West Highlands.
Day 1 – An early start from Inverness to the coastal village of Ullapool where we board the ferry for a 2½ hour journey across the Minch to the Isle of Lewis and its main town of Stornoway (my native town). 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 Atlantic coastal beach of 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 Luskentyre, Seilebost and Nisabost. We visit Rodel to explore the historic 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 stop.
Day 3 – Departing from Stornoway we travel south to Tarbert where we take a 1¾ hour late morning ferry across the Little Minch to Uig on the Isle of Skye. The afternoon takes us around the stunning Trotternish peninsula including the Museum of Island Life, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the magnificent views from the Quiraing before our arrival in Portree for our overnight stay.
Day 4 – A full day on Isle of Skye includes Dunvegan Castle, home of the Clan Macleod, one of the Hebrides most powerful clans. The afternoon takes us to the Sleat Peninsula, a less explored areas of Skye, and home to a stunning coastline, heather-clad hills and plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path and away from the crowds. Along with Isleornsay – where you can enjoy some Hebridean whisky tasting – we explore the remote western side before our return Portree for our overnight stay.
Day 5 – Leaving Portree we tour south through the Isle of Skye and cross the bridge to the West Highlands where we explore the stunning Eilean Donan Castle by the shores of Loch Duich. The afternoon takes us east through Glen Shiel and the Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range. Before our return to Inverness we end our tour with a visit to medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle by the banks of Loch Ness.
What to expect on a 5 Day Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye Tour...
Our tour will include all the wonderful views shown above... but maybe not the weather – we are the land of four seasons in one day!
Tour Information
Depart Inverness 7.30am
Return Inverness
(5 Days)
The standard tour is available on Tuesday start days from Inverness.
An amended tour is available on Monday start days from Inverness (due to later ferry times on Day 3 we have an additional half-day in the Outer Hebrides instead of the Isle of Skye).
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 and 2) and Portree (Day 3 and 4) 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 tour 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.
Ferry Sailings
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays can occasionally occur. While we cannot be responsible for any extra 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 on the standard tour.
