Skye & Outer Hebrides 6-Day Tour from Edinburgh

From the nation’s capital, we head north, leaving its bustling streets behind as we adventure through rolling fields and glens.

Visit The Kelpies Horse Head Statues

Our first stop is to see the magnificent Kelpies. Sculptor Andy Scott designed these massive equine statues to celebrate the role heavy horses played in the industrial development of Central Scotland. 

See Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument

We are surrounded by history as our journey continues through William Wallace country, which takes us past the imposing heights of Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. Remember to keep a lookout for the ramparts of Doune Castle, the star of both Outlander and Game of Thrones.

Experience the Beauty of Glen Coe

More atmospheric scenery awaits as we thread our way through the dramatic peaks and valleys of Glen Coe – also known as the ‘Glen of Weeping‘ – and the snow-capped peak of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

Search for Nessie at Loch Ness

As we near the banks of Loch Ness, we learn more about the legendary creature said to inhabit its icy depths. A short stop on its shores gives you the chance to look out for Nessie herself before we continue to Inverness.

We arrive in plenty of time for a leisurely stroll beside the river or castle, before a relaxing dinner among the city’s many bars and restaurants.

After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to Inverness and turn northwards.

See the Rogie Falls

Our first stop is the tumbling waters of the Rogie Falls near Garve, where we pause awhile to drink in the clean mountain air and stunning scenery.

Thoroughly invigorated, we leisurely wind our way north on one of Scotland’s most picturesque roads, passing majestic mountains and peaceful glens along the way.

Sail to the Outer Hebrides from Ullapool

The next stop is the pretty fishing port of Ullapool on Loch Broom, which serves as our stepping stone to the Isle of Lewis.

From here, we hop aboard the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry for the crossing to Stornoway. Keep an eye out for the friendly leaping dolphins who often accompany travellers on their way!

Discover the Isle of Harris

On arrival in the Outer Hebrides, there’s plenty of time to explore these beautiful islands' remote and rugged charms.

We start our island adventure by meandering south towards the idyllic splendour and welcoming tranquillity of the Isle of Harris.

Visit the Isle of Harris Distillery

In the harbour village of Tarbert, we stop to visit The Isle of Harris Distillery, one of the islands' most celebrated attractions. Home to the award-winning Harris Gin and The Hearach single malt whisky, the distillery offers us the chance to discover the island's unique distilling traditions and to learn about the craft that goes into every bottle.

Why not celebrate your visit with a wee dram of their finest uisge beatha before we return to the Isle of Lewis?

A relaxing night in Stornoway

Our day ends gazing across the water amid the welcoming lights of Stornoway, where a choice of freshly-caught specials awaits in its cosy eateries.

With an exciting day of discovery ahead of us, another delicious Highland breakfast is essential before we set out to explore the many delights of Lewis.

Visit the Calanais Standing Stones

First, we journey back 5,000 years to the Neolithic age as we explore the dramatic beauty of the old Calanais Standing Stones, their weathered faces standing impasively in the shadow of the Great Bernera hills. 

Discover Dun Carloway Broch

From here, we jump forward thousands of years as we wander the Iron Age settlement at Dun Carloway Broch. Close your eyes and imagine the hustle and bustle of the thriving community that prospered here for centuries.

Experience a Traditional Black House 

Our next port of call is a little more up-to-date as we head to the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, where we receive a fascinating first-hand demonstration of 17th-century life on this remote island.

The Spectacular Butt of Lewis

No visit is complete without a trip to its most northerly point, the Butt of Lewis, where the swirling foam crashes against the cliffs beneath a majestic lighthouse.

Dinner in Stornoway

Today’s travels complete, we head back to Stornoway, where there is still time to wander the pretty harbour and choose which delicious seafood to sample tonight.

Our time on the Outer Hebrides is drawing to an end, but there are many attractions planned for today.

Visit the Iolaire Monument

The first visit, after leaving Stornoway, is to the moving Iolaire Monument, which remembers a tragic shipwreck which cost the lives of 205 men, mainly islanders, in 1919.

Next, we travel along the banks of Loch Seaforth, then through the Hills of Harris to discover more of the island.

Discover the Beaches of Harris

Harris is famous for its sweeping sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast, so there will be time to take a stroll and marvel at the crystal clear turquoise waters.

Explore St Clement's Church at Rodel

There will also be a visit to the little village of Rodel, where we can visit ancient St Clement’s church, which was founded in the early 1500s as a burial place for the MacLeod Clan.

Sail "Over the sea to Skye"

Later, we return to Tarbert, where we board the ferry for our crossing of the Little Minch.

The dramatic coastline’s many bays and inlets can be seen as we set sail for our next island destination, gulls wheeling noisily above us as we head over the sea to Skye.

Evening in Portree

On arrival, we head to the scenic town of Portree, where fresh ingredients and delicious local specialities await in its many welcoming restaurants.

As the sun stretches its fingers across the waters of our peaceful harbour home, we breakfast in anticipation, knowing another day of exploration awaits.

Discover Sligachan and the Cuillin Mountains

The first stop is to see the sparkling waters of the Sligachan River, which tumble beneath breathtaking views of the Cuillin mountains. Said to grant eternal beauty, we will pause for a while to appreciate the scene and hear their fascinating mythology.

Visit Eilean Donan Castle

Another fairytale sight greets us as we cross the Skye Bridge to arrive at one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks – Eilean Donan Castle.

Standing proudly at the meeting point of three sea lochs, this 13th-century island fortress is world-famous thanks to appearances in films including Highlander and The World Is Not Enough.

There’s plenty of time to put yourself in the picture too, as we explore its delights and pose for photographs amid stunning scenery.

Explore the Trotternish Peninsula

Back on Skye, the afternoon is spent on the island’s northern point, exploring the famous Trotternish peninsula.

Here, we soak up the stunning scenery and admire the awe-inspiring rock formations, including the Quiraing, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr.

Flora MacDonald and her Bonnie Prince

Folklore is also on our agenda as we learn about the island’s fascinating myths and legends and its famous history, including Flora MacDonald helping the fugitive Bonnie Prince Charlie flee to the isle disguised as her maid in 1746.

Final Evening in Portree

We then return to Portree for your final chance to browse its colourful shops and restaurants and sample the real taste of Scotland.

Our final day dawns with a slight sadness at leaving this magical isle – but also excitement at the epic experiences that are still to come.

After enjoying breakfast in our charming village, we set out for a drive through the lush Sleat Peninsula, known as the garden of Skye. Our destination is the ferry port of Armadale.

Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig

From here it’s a hop, skip and jump back to the mainland as we board our ferry once again, this time arriving at the historic fishing village of Mallaig.

Ride the Scenic West Highland Line

After a brief pause to catch our breath, we head to the station to board our train for one of the world’s most spellbinding railway journeys along the scenic West Highland Line.

The journey starts by crossing Scotland’s shortest river, which ends in the deepest loch - Loch Morar. Our next treat is the silvery sands of Morar and views of the islands of Muck and Eigg in the distance.

Harry Potter Filming Locations

Two Harry Potter filming locations come next. First, Loch Eilt, with its little island that was the site of Dumbledore’s grave. The second is likely to be the highlight of the journey!  

Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct

With spectacular views all around us, we follow in the tracks of the Hogwarts Express as we cross the 21 giant arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, 100ft above the forests and rivers below. The crossing provides amazing views of Loch Shiel and the poignant Glenfinnan monument.

Travel through the Cairngorms National Park

After alighting in Fort William, we take the scenic route south, admiring the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park before arriving home in Edinburgh.