5 Day Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye Private Tour
Explore some of the most rugged and dramatic landscapes that Scotland has to offer with a five day private tour from Inverness to the Hebridean Islands of Lewis, Harris and Skye.
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 – 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 4 – 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 5 – Departing from Portree we tour south to the Sleat Peninsula, a less explored areas of Skye, and home to a beautiful coastline, heather-clad hills and plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path and away from the crowds. Along with a visit to Isleornsay and Armadale we explore the stunning western side of Sleat. The afternoon takes us across the bridge to the mainland where we savour a distance view of Eilean Donan Castle before our return to Inverness.
What to expect on a private tour to the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye...
All the video clips shown above were taken during tours to the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye and your tour will include all these wonderful views... though maybe not the weather – we are the land of four seasons in one day!
Tour Information
Depart Inverness 7.30am
Return Inverness
(5 Days)
This tour is available on Monday and Wednesday 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, a driver/guide (John Alasdair Macdonald), and guide accommodation and subsistence costs but exclude your accommodation costs, meals, and entrance fees.
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 a little 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 and cancellations 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.