Edinburgh: 5-Day Outer Hebrides and Highlands Tour

9 Reviews

Tours Culture & history Reseller exclusions Eco Certified Nature & adventure Multi-day tours Sightseeing Tours Theme Tours Meet the Locals National Parks Nature & Panorama Cruises & boat tours Viewing points History & heritage Medium-risk activities Castle & palace tours Market Tours

Experience the timeless traditions and brilliant beauty of the Outer Hebrides and the Highlands on this 5-day trip from Edinburgh that includes 4-nights of accommodation with breakfast.

Our Top Experiences and Tours in Edinburgh:

If youʻre booking your trip to Edinburgh last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!

View All Experiences

Highlights

Admire Callanish Standing Stones; a mysterious monument older than Stonehenge
Walk along the white sands of Luskentyre
Take in the atmopshere and Victorian architecture of Inverness
Take in views of the softly rounded peaks of the Grampian Mountains
Try your luck at spotting Nessie

Description

Day 1 Your tour will begin as you depart the cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh and travel into the Highlands. Your first stop of the day is in the village of Dunkeld. There you can stretch your legs and admire the cathedral’s unusual mixture of architectural styles, before you venture through the shadows of the great and gorgeous Grampian Mountains and stop for lunch in the charming town of Aviemore. After you’ve satisfied your taste buds, you drive out to Rogie Falls and take a short walk out to see this lovely sight. Next up is Corrieshalloch Gorge, a lesser-known Scottish sight, but it’s sure to be one that you’ll also love. Then you’re off to Ullapool for a short visit before you jump on the ferry to Stornoway, where you will be spending the night. Day 2 After breakfast, set off for the Butt of Lewis, the northernmost point of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Hold onto your hats as it's one of the windiest spots in the UK. Explore the island with your driver-guide, passing through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. Beach enthusiasts will enjoy a walk at Port of Ness, while history lovers can visit Arnol Blackhouse* to experience traditional farming life. After lunch in Stornoway, explore the west side of Lewis to Uig Bay before returning to Stornoway for the night. Don't miss trying Scotland's delicious black pudding while in this port town. Day 3 On your third day, it will be time to enter the region of Harris. Harris boasts the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and is home to one of the most beautiful white-sandy beaches in Britain, Luskentyre. After a morning of exploring the breathtaking landscapes, enjoy lunch. Depending on the weather, a beach picnic might be on the agenda, so don't forget your sunglasses. Return to Stornoway in the late afternoon Day 4 First up today is a visit to the Calanais Stone Circle*, so prepare yourselves for the possibility of time travel. This prehistoric sight still mystifies archeologists today. Continue your exploration with Dun Carloway Broch – these unique ruins sit atop a mound of rock on the Isle of Lewis. Following lunch in Stornoway, you’ll jump back on the ferry to the mainland. We head straight for Inverness, our final overnight stop. Day 5 This morning, we leave Inverness, tracing Loch Ness's shores, cameras ready for a glimpse of Nessie. Then to Tomintoul, Highland's highest village, nestled in Cairngorm National Park, exemplifying planned village architecture. Continuing to Royal Deeside, following River Dee from mountains to Aberdeenshire coast. Relax over lunch in Braemar, Cairngorms National Park's heart, a remote village cherished by the British Royal Family. Surrounded by majestic mountains, peat-colored rivers, and dark forests, it's a Highland retreat. Heading south, we cross Scotland’s highest mountain pass, traversing Highland Perthshire before reaching Scone Palace, home to Scotland’s legendary Stone of Destiny. From here it’s a short journey back to Edinburgh.

Includes

Tour transport in a top-of-the-range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach Driver/guide 4 nights’ bed and breakfast/guesthouse accommodation with breakfast Admission to Arnol Blackhouse

Important Information

You are restricted to 20 kilograms of luggage (44 pounds) per person (one medium sized suitcase/bag similar to airline standard carry-on luggage, plus a small bag for onboard personal items)
The minimum age to participate in this tour is 5 years old
It is recommended that you bring a waterproof jacket and footwear suitable for short walks
Small, locally owned guesthouses and bed and breakfasts are used for accommodation (all rooms are ensuite, but note that the guesthouses may be a short walk from the town center) *Itinerary subject to change.