Highlands and Islands - 8 day tour
Highlands and Islands
8 day / 7 night tour
On this wide-ranging tour of Scotland’s glorious West Coast, visit Skye to discover the towering peaks of the craggy Cuillin Mountains and the dramatic scenery of the Quiraing. Spend time in Glen Coe then Loch Ness before travelling to the very edge of Europe to explore the magical islands of Harris and Lewis. Discover ancient sites, walks along unspoilt beaches and experience the lilt of Gaelic.
Kilmartin Glen - discover 5,000 years of history at the birthplace of the Scottish nation
Dunrobin Castle - visit the fairytale home of the Dukes of Sutherland
Skye - discover the unrivalled beauty of the Cuillin Hills and the lunar landscape of the famous Trotternish Peninsula
Lewis - explore the mysterious pre-historic Callanish standing stones
Harris - take a stroll along the golden sands of Luskentyre Beach
Movie locations - Harry Potter, The Land That Time Forgot and The Rocket Post
Guest house accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh - Inveraray - Oban
Departing from Edinburgh, we travel westwards across Scotland to reach Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city.
Soon we enter the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, a natural wonder just waiting to be discovered. Loch Lomond is a real highlight - it's Britain's largest lake and one of Scotland's loveliest. It has 30 islands, including one inhabited by a colony of wallabies! We’ll make a stop in the pretty village of Luss so you can stroll by the "bonnie, bonnie banks".
The Argyll Forest Park is famed for its ancient trees, tranquil lochs and mountains. Look out for Ben Arthur, affectionately known as "The Cobbler” - it’s one of Scotland’s most popular climbs.
Soon our coach starts our ascent of the "Rest and be Thankful” mountain pass. You’ll soon realise why this road has such an unusual name when you look down on General Wade's original road that winds its way through Glen Croe all the way to the summit!
The 3rd Duke of Argyll built the "new" town of Inveraray at the head of Loch Fyne. The town sits in the shadow of Inveraray Castle and, as we will discover, this pleasant town retains much of its 18th Century charm.
From Lochgilphead we enter Kilmartin Glen. This mysterious Glen has one of the most concentrated areas of prehistoric sites in Scotland, including a linear cemetery – a line of burial cairns stretching over 2 miles.
Nearby is Dunadd, a hill fort that dates from the Iron Age. Dunadd was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, so this part of Argyll has played an important part in the creation of modern Scotland!
Soon we arrive in the bustling, beautiful port of Oban, our stop for tonight. Oban is known as the "gateway to the isles", so why not take a pre-dinner stroll and admire the views over the busy harbour?
Overnight: Oban
Day 2 - Oban - Glen Coe - Isle of Skye
We bid farewell to Oban and make our way to the Connel Bridge. As we cross Loch Etive, look out for the Falls of Lora below.
Glen Coe is arguably Scotland's most famous Glen partly because of its awe-inspiring beauty and, more sinisterly, because of the infamous massacre that took place here in 1692. The sad tale will be told as we make a short diversion to explore this special place for ourselves.
Fort William's glorious setting on the banks of Loch Linnhe has made it a popular tourist destination since the arrival of the steamships in the mid-1900s. The town sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis, which, at 4,406 feet, is the tallest mountain in the UK.
Our adventure takes us along the scenic "Road to the Isles," where we'll stop at the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, immortalised in the Harry Potter films as part of the route to Hogwarts. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Glenfinnan Monument, honouring the Highlanders who fought during the 1745 Jacobite Uprising.
There are lovely coastal views as we head towards Mallaig, where there is free time to explore before boarding a ferry to cross to the magical Isle of Skye, our home for the next two nights.
Overnight: Isle of Skye (2 nights)
Day 3 - Touring the Magical Isle
After breakfast, we board our coach to explore the beautiful Isle of Skye.
From the little villages and gentle scenery of the southern part of the island, the views will change dramatically as the Cuillin Hills come into sight. Considered by many to be amongst the finest hills in Britain, the Cuillins present a simply unforgettable vista.
Set around its natural harbour, the picturesque town of Portree is the largest community on the Isle of Skye. The town's name means the "King's Port" following a visit by King James V in 1540. Today the pretty painted houses surrounding the harbour give Portree an old-fashioned appeal. During our stop, there will be time to explore the town and browse the interesting shops surrounding bustling Somerled Square.
Later we tour the famed Trotternish Peninsula. From Portree, we travel northwards to the little ferry port of Uig, where ferries sail to the Outer Hebrides. At little Kilmuir, there is a monument to Flora MacDonald, who famously assisted Bonnie Prince Charlie in escaping the Government Troops who were hunting for him.
We'll stop to explore The Quiraing, a dramatic terrain formed by a landslide and enjoy a walk through a landscape that dates from Jurassic times! See if you can identify the rock formations that are known as the "Needle", "Table" and "Prison".
A short drive brings us to Kilt Rock, so named because the basalt columns of this rock fall to resemble the pleats of a kilt - we will stop so you can snap an "I was there" photograph!
Day 4 - Isle of Skye - Eilean Donan Castle - Inverness
After breakfast we bid farewell to the Isle of Skye and return to the mainland.
We stop to visit picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. This is, without doubt, one of Scotland's most iconic sights. The castle stands on a little island situated at the confluence of Loch's Alsh and Duich. We'll have time to discover the castle for ourselves during our stop here.
There are wonderful views as we travel through Glen Shiel, look out for the impressive mountain range known as the Five Sisters of Kintail. Wildlife thrives in this part of Scotland so as we drive through this striking scenery you might see local residents such as red deer, golden eagles and pine martins.
Enjoy a scenic drive along the banks of mysterious Loch Ness and free time to explore the attractive village of Drumnadrochit. This afternoon take the opportunity to visit impressive Urquhart Castle and take a monster-spotting cruise on the dark and deep waters of Loch Ness.
A relaxing drive brings a late afternoon arrival in Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands.
Overnight: Inverness
Day 5 - Inverness - Arnol Blackhouse - Stornoway (Isle of Lewis)
From Inverness, we head across the Black Isle, then tour westwards to the fishing port of Ullapool. Founded in 1788 at the height of the herring boom, this attractive town sits on the banks of Loch Broom. Here, we board our ferry bound for the Isle of Lewis.
After crossing The Minch, landfall is the bustling port of Stornoway, the island's main town and our base for exploring Lewis and Harris.
We step back in time when we visit Arnol Blackhouse, a traditional style of Hebridean dwelling that is a barn, byre and home all under a thatched roof. The last residents left in 1965 and left behind a well-preserved time capsule of life on these islands not so very long ago.
Harris Tweed is a luxury fabric handwoven by islanders using local wool. Our last stop of the day will be to a local weaver who will demonstrate the manufacturing process using a traditional handloom – a truly fascinating process.
It is a short drive to our comfortable accommodation in Stornoway. After settling in, there is time to explore before heading for dinner.
Overnight: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (2 nights)
Day 6 - Exploring Lewis and Harris
Together, Harris and Lewis make Scotland's largest island. These islands have been inhabited for over 6,000 years, and there is a real sense of history as we will discover as we spend today discovering these neighbouring islands.
After breakfast, we will head to the impressive Dun Carloway Broch, an Iron Age stone fort known to have been built more than 2,000 years ago. This is one of the best-preserved fortified towers in Scotland, and it has a beautiful location with incredible views over Loch Carloway and the sea beyond.
It is a short drive to our next visit*, the astonishing Callanish Standing Stones. Archaeologists believe Neolithic people placed these 15-foot (5 m) stones here sometime between 3,000 and 1,000 BC. The site is rated second in importance only to Stonehenge.
We'll travel through the imposing hills of North Harris, which offer beautiful vistas, to reach the ferry port of Tarbert, the main community on Harris. We'll stop here to explore this pleasant little village - a great place to pick up a souvenir of your Hebridean travels!
Our scenic tour continues with a drive to the island's west coast to savour the views over to the picturesque island of Taransay, the location of the BBC TV series "Castaway". Harris is home to some breathtaking beaches. The most famous is Luskentyre, whose white sands appear never-ending - it's the perfect place for some beach-combing!
The little village of Rodel is our final stop of the day. St Clement's Church is an impressive structure erected for the Chief of the MacLeods of Harris around 1520. It is believed to be the most significant medieval building in the Outer Hebrides. The church's interior is captivating and showcases some exquisite late medieval sculptures, such as a splendid wall tomb made in 1528 for Alasdair Crotach MacLeod, the 8th Chief.
* Due to planned facility closures, tours departing in September 2024 will be unable to visit Callanish Standing Stones.
Day 7 - Stornoway - Ullapool - Inverness
Our last day on these islands takes us westwards to see the Butt of Lewis lighthouse and to experience stunning clifftop views over the Atlantic Ocean. This remote location has the record for the windiest place in Britain, and due west from here, there is nothing but wild sea until the next landfall in North America!
We return to Stornoway for some free time to explore this bustling port before our island interlude comes to an end. Later, we make for the ferry port where the MV Loch Seaforth waits for our crossing back to the mainland.
On arrival in Ullapool, we head for our overnight accommodation in Inverness.
Overnight: Inverness
Day 8 - Inverness - Cairngorm National Park - Edinburgh
There’s time to explore Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, before travelling the short distance to visit tragic Culloden Moor. It was here that the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie was routed by Government troops in a bloody battle in 1746.
We’ll stop at Dalwhinnie Malt Whisky Distillery so that you can discover how our National drink is lovingly produced. After our tour, you’ll have the chance to sample a "wee nip” and shop for souvenirs.
The Cairngorms National Park is Britain’s largest and contains five of Scotland’s six highest peaks. The park provides a stunning backdrop to our travels through the Spey Valley then, we descend through the Drumochter Pass to reach the pleasant Victorian tourist town of Pitlochry, where we will stop for refreshments.
The dramatic scenery of Highland Perthshire gives way to rolling farmland as we reach the "Fair City” of Perth then we join the motorway for our journey through the ancient Kingdom of Fife.
The final part of our drive offers wonderful views of the Forth Bridge as we make our way into Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Multi-day Tour?
For the discerning traveller a Signature Multi-day Tour offers amazing value for money, comfortable accommodation, well-paced sightseeing and luxury travel.
All of this combines to create the definitive Scottish experience.
Each tour is hosted by a professional driver/guide, who has been chosen for their extensive knowledge as well as their driving skills. And being locals you are sure to get that extra insight. If you should have any problems during your stay, they’ll go out of their way to help.
You will want to see as much as possible, but you don’t want to be rushed. Our tours are carefully planned to strike the right balance, and as well as comfortable mini/midicoach travel many feature memorable railway or ferry journeys.
Having somewhere pleasant to stay after an exciting day of discovery is an important part of your holiday experience. Comfortable guest house accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, tv and other amenities is included in the price of all tours.
A tasty Scottish breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
Can you tell me more about the optional extras on this tour?
To give you complete choice, admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. The tour itinerary has been carefully designed to provide sufficient time for you to visit these attractions:
Eilean Donan Castle
Loch Ness Cruise
Arnol Blackhouse
Callanish Standing Stones
Culloden Moor Visitor Centre
Malt Whisky Distillery
If you click on the links above, they will provide you with more information on each attraction, including current admission prices. Sometimes a special discount is offered to tour passengers, your driver/guide will provide details if this applies.
Please note that credit/debit cards are not always accepted, so it is recommended that you carry sufficient cash with you should you want to visit.
What type of room should I choose?
There are different bedrooms types to choose from, here is what you can expect:
Single room - one person sleeping in a single bed
Twin room - two people sleeping in two separate beds
Double room - two people sharing one large bed
Family room - three people sharing a room sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person)
Please note that a family room can be a standard double room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
Will there be stops for meals and are they included in the price of the tour?
Meals are not included in the tour price, but we will make stops where you can get refreshments and something to eat.
If you wish, you can bring a packed lunch or pick up lunch items at a previous stop.
Vegetarian food is widely available.
Will I hear Gaelic being spoken?
The Outer Hebrides is the heartland of Gaelic culture and the majority of islanders will speak the Gaelic language, as well as English.
Of course, there is no need to learn Gaelic to enjoy your time in the Outer Hebrides, but if you would like to learn a few words why not try:
Hello - Halò
Goodbye - Mar sin leibh
My name is - Is mise
How are you? - Ciamar a tha sibh?
I’m fine thank you - Tha gu math tapadh leibh
Excuse me - Gabh mo leisgeul
Cheers! - Slàinte!
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 7 nights guest house accommodation
- Location: Oban (1); Isle of Skye (2): Inverness (2) and Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (2)
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (7)
Tour Essentials
- Transportation by luxury air-conditioned mini/midi coach
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
From 1 Parliament Square
Royal Mile/High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Check-in: 08:15 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 19:00 hrs
Child details
Concession discount applies to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 3 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 3 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes guest house accommodation with an en-suite bathroom.
Luggage Allowance
One medium sized suitcase/bag per person (maximum weight: 15 kilos)
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
HEX 00790
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
-
Rating:(5 /5) 07 Jul 2016
I really enjoyed my tour . The timing was very well done, and our 2 drivers (Andrew and Fergus were very nice and very knowledgeable). Some of the accomodations were less nice than expected given the price but overall, no complaints at all.
Lebret from Saint Julien en Genevois, France
-
Rating:(5 /5) 03 Nov 2015
Both Andrew and David were excellent drivers/guides. Each with an unique style. We had a wonderful group of passengers and an unforgettable experience. If I may make one criticism, a little silence every now and again to take in the stunning surroundings would have also been appreciated but the amount of history both men knew was remarkable. I'd definitely recommend you!
Fiona from Weesp, Netherlands
-
Rating:(5 /5) 02 Aug 2015
This was an excellent tour, Martin and I enjoyed it immensely; we only wish we could have kept travelling for another 8 days! Both Andrew and David were super guides. They both had their own style, one was a strict time keeper while the other was somewhat more laid back. Our group was also brilliant, age range 28 - 72. I've already recommended Highland Experience to many people on Facebook.
Fiona from Weesp, Netherlands
5 day tour from £ 850.00