Private tour to Outer Hebrides and Orkney Islands
Private Tour
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Tour ID:1600
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Tour theme:Historic and Cultural Tours,
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Duration:9 Days / 8 Nights
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Starts from:Edinburgh
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Private Tour
Tour Description
Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference. It can start from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.
Day 1: Today is a long journey up through the Highlands to get to Skye. Passing through some of Scotand’s most iconic scenery; the desolate moorlands of Ranoch Moor and Glencoe. Then go to Glenfinnan where we will stop for a photo stop of the Glenfinan Viaduct, the bridge used in Harry Potter for Hogwarts. Finally reaching the port town of Mallaig to take a short ferry to Skye (note this is seasonal and optional, itinerary can be adjusted).
Day 2: Today we will explore the mountainous landscape of the Isle of Skye. Depending on your level of fitness we could walk to the famous Fairy Pools to see its crystal clear waters (this is only possible with small groups). After we can then visit Dunvegan Castle, home to the Macleods of the Macleods. It is the most continuously lived in castle in Scotland. It has a 700 year history the involves the Viking and Gaelic cultures. After we drive down the narrow single track road to the Quiarang, a true out of this world experience. The day will end with a stop at the Kilt Rock and drive past the Old Man of Storr.
Day 3 Early in the morning we set sail from Uig to board the ferry to Harris. Once we arrive to the port town of Tarbert you will have an opportunity shop for Harris Tweed. Then we will walk the stunning beach of Luskintyre. The Outer Hebrides sits on the Gulf Stream leaving us with blue water and white sand, as if we are in the Caribbean. Finally we then drive across the rugged centre part of the Island to reach Lewis.
Day 4 In the morning we set off to go to the 4500 year old Calanais Standing Stones. There are 33 tall stones in total forming an alley to the ceremonial circle. At Dun Carloway Broch we can walk up to the ruins of the thick double walled tower used in the dark ages. After we go to Arnol Black Houses, which are Long stone Viking style houses that were home to both people and animals. In the afternoon we will take the ferry back to the mainland. Overnight at Ullapool or somewhere close by.
Day 5: Today we will have a scenic drive of the North Coast 500. Stop at Smoo Cave to see this historic and natural sight. Overnight in the Town of Thurso.
Day 6: In the morning we take the ferry across to Orkney. The town of Stromness played a big part in the Hudson Bay company. Take a walk through the streets of this unique 200 year old sailor's town. After we then go to Scapa Flow which during World War 1 and 2 was the biggest Naval Base in Britain. Here we will learn the tragic history of the events that happened, such as the torpedoed HMS Royal Oak, Kitchener and the scuttled German fleet. We will take a walk to see the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral which was original built by Norse Vikings in 1137.
Day 7: Today we will be go back in time to 3000-5000 years ago and explore the prehistoric wonders of Orkney. We begin with a guided tour inside Maes Howe Burial Chamber. Then visit the stone circles at Stenness and Brogdar. After we go to Skara Brae to visit it's prehistoric village which is older than the pyramids. They are the oldest most complete houses found in Northern Europe. You will also have the opportunity to visit Skaill House, the first manor house on Orkney. To end the day you have the option to visit 1 of 2 of Orkney's Distilleries; Scapa or Highland Park.
Day 8: In the morning we visit the Italian Chapel. An amazing chapel built by Italian POWs in 1940s with instructions from the brilliant artist Domenico Chiocchetti. We take a drive across the Churchill Barriers. Large blocks of concrete strategically placed on the straits between the islands during WW2 to block entry of U-Boats. Ferry from St Margaret's Hope back to the mainland. A quick stop at John O'Groats before heading north towards Inverness.
Day 9: This morning we will do some monster hunting at the famous Loch Ness. Here you have the option to take a boat ride OR visit Urquhart castle on the banks of the loch OR visit the Loch Ness Exhibition to learn the story of Nessie. After we continue our journey south through the Cairngorm Mountains to reach Edinburgh.
Prices & Dates
What's Included
This is a private tour and prices and details are available upon request. The prices for this tour will depend on your group size and itinerary. We can cater to small groups of 1 to 7 people with a private driver guide. Transportation would either be in a family size sedan car or MB Vito 9 seater. Executive vehicles also available upon request. We are also happy to organise a tour for a larger group with a coach, driver and guide. For more details contact us now!
Departure & Map
Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions
NOTICE TO TRAVELLERS
You should be aware that Scotland has particular features which may or may not appeal to you, including weather, food, local customs, etc. There are different living standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation. By buying the particular travel service you have selected, we assume that you have made all reasonable inquiries about the travel service.
TOUR INFORMATION
The outline of the itinerary must be taken as an indication of what each Group should accomplish and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Go Scotland Tours. Any changes in itinerary may be caused by local political conditions, delays, mechanical breakdown, weather, border restrictions, sickness or other unforeseeable circumstances. No refund will be given for services not fulfilled. It is a fundamental condition of joining the tour described in the itinerary that you accept this flexibility and acknowledge that delays and alterations with resulting consequences, comfort or disappointments are possible.
TOUR INSURANCE PROTECTION
To protect yourself against cancellation charges, we highly recommend that you purchase Travel & Medical Insurance for your added protection and convenience. We accept no responsibilities for these items.
REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS
Below are the standard terms of cancellations. For regular tours please refer to each tours individual terms when making the booking online. Be-spoke services terms may vary and change.
Be-spoke (Private) 1 Day Services; private services of only 1 day (tours, transfers, etc..) are non-refundable 1 week prior.
Be-spoke (Private) Multi-day Services; A 75% refund (25% of package price or £200 GBP if 10% of the price lower, the deposit is non-refundable) will be made if cancellations are received a minimum of 60 Days prior to the Tour departure. From 59 to 30 Days 50% of the tour cost is non-refundable. From 30 days prior to departure, 100% of the tour cost is non-refundable.
UNUSED SERVICES
In case of you are canceling any portion of the tour while en route, there are no refunds for pre-booked hotels, sightseeing tours or any other services or costs. Note: No refunds are made for any unused services including accommodations, sightseeing tours, transportation, etc. with or without notice and the above schedule lists cancellation penalties in effect from time of reservation on any tour or extension. Go Scotland Tours is not responsible for cancelations or delays caused by forces of nature or airlines or cruise line.
CHANGES OF BOOKING
Be-spoke services; Changes made 30 or more days prior of tour start date non-refundable fee of £85 GBP will be charged. Changes made within 30 of tour start date non-refundable fee of £115 GBP.
Regular tours; no charge for changes
Note; charges may vary then what is specified above. This will be discussed at time of change.
CHANGE OF ITINERARY
No changes can be made in the itinerary as set out in the itinerary once travel has commenced unless confirmed by the Tour organizers in accordance with the provisions listed here.
CHANGE OF HOTELS OR SERVICES
Go Scotland Tours. reserves the right to substitute hotels listed for others of a similar category. In the event of any program or hotel changes while you are on the tour, you will be immediately informed and booked in another hotel of the same category. Any costs incurred due to changes made by the tour participants or due to additional services requested will be borne by the tour participants.
RESPONSIBILITY
Go Scotland Tours., provide means of fully insured and licensed transportation, and act as agents contracting hotels, meals, or other services and receipts issued are subject to all terms and conditions under which such services are offered or provided. The acceptance of all such documents shall be deemed as consent. Further, Go Scotland Tours. shall assume no responsibility in any way for any injury, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by either reason or default of any company, agent or person engaged in carrying our arrangements for the tour. Further no responsibility can be accepted for any additional expenses incurred by the passengers due to delays, omissions, rerouting, changes in the schedule of the airlines or other events resulting from improper documents carried by the passenger, or by any act of government or any authority, strikes, civil disturbances, political unrest, acts of God and any act or omission or event while the passengers are not aboard their conveyances. The passenger contract in use when issued by the airline/s concerned shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the purchaser of this tour and/or other passengers.
ITINERARY, ACCOMMODATIONS AND PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
