Outer Hebrides and Scottish Highlands Tour
Small Group Tour
Small Group Tour
Tour Description
On this tour, you journey to the edges of Scotland to experience the epic landscapes, wonderful traditions, and ancient relics of the Isle of Lewis and Harris.
DAY 1: Grampian Mountains and Loch Ness
You depart the cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh, journey past the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Forth Rail Bridge, and travel into the Highlands. Your first stop of the day is in the village of Dunkeld. You get time here to stretch your legs and admire the cathedral’s unusual mixture of architectural styles. You then venture through the shadows of the great and gorgeous Grampian Mountains and stop for lunch at a Highland town in the Spey Valley. Perhaps it’s time for you to try haggis.
After you've satisfied your taste buds, you head to Loch Ness. Your driver-guide helps you attempt to catch a glimpse of Scotland's most-famously mythical monster. Corrieshalloch Gorge is a lesserknown Scottish sight, but it’s one that you’ll love. It's a short walk under forest canopies with a lovely view of a waterfall. In the early evening, you arrive in the scenic fishing port of Ullapool for your overnight stay.
DAY 2: Travel by ferry through the Summer Isle
After your breakfast, head off to the Butt of Lewis, the most northerly point of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Hold onto your beanies, as this headland spot is known as one of the windiest locations in the United Kingdom.
You'll continue to explore the island as your driver-guide makes the most of what weather you've been blessed with, taking you through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. Beach fans will love walking the beach at Port of Ness, and history buffs will adore Arnol Blackhouse*. Here, you can experience what traditional farming life was like in these remote reaches without getting your hands too dirty.
After lunch in Stornoway, you’ll explore the west side of Lewis out to Uig Bay, before returning to Stornoway for the night. Don't forget this port town is home to Scotland’s most delicious black pudding – so why not give it a try?
*Please note that if your tour departs between 4th and 29th of September 2023, Arnol Blackhouse will unfortunately be closed. Guests will still be able to see the blackhouse from the outside, but are unable to go inside. While on tour, we will endeavour to find another blackhouse for you to visit, however this cannot be guaranteed. We apologise for the inconvenience.
DAY 3: Landscapes that inspired Harris Tweed
It's time for something a little more dramatic. It’s time to enter the region of Harris. Harris boasts the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and one of the most beautiful white-sandy beaches in Britain, Luskentyre. The area is also famous for Harris Tweed and myths that are as strange as they are poignant. Sate your appetite for shopping with a visit to the Clo Mor Harris Tweed Centre. After a morning of exploring the dramatic landscapes, you stop for lunch. Depending on the weather, we may even go for a picnic on the beach - so don't forget to pack your sunglasses. You head back to Stornoway in the late afternoon.
DAY 4: Step inside an ancient Scottish home at Arnol Blackhouse
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, the Capital of the Highlands and our final overnight stop.
DAY 5: Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands
This morning we leave Inverness and head for Tominoul, the highest village in the Highlands. Sitting on north side of the Cairngorm National Park, with its central square and 18 th century buildings, Tomintoul is a fine example of a planned village.
Next we head into Royal Deeside, the great valley of the River Dee that runs all the way from the sweeping mountains to the Aberdeenshire coast. We pay a visit to the Royal Lochnagar Whiskey Distillery, where you can witness the craftsmanship of the distillers who make one of Scotland’s finest 12 year old single malts.
Following our distillery visit it’s time to relax over a leisurely lunch in the charming village of Braemar in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. This beautiful and remote village feels like the Highlands of a bygone era. Set amongst majestic mountains, peat coloured rivers and cool dark forests, it's easy to see why the British Royal Family have made this area their favourite summer retreat.
From here the route south passes over Scotland's highest mountain pass, through Highland Perthshire before stopping at Scone Palace, the home of Scotland’s legendary Coronation Stone, better known as the Stone of Destiny. From here it’s a short journey back to Edinburgh.
Tour the Outer Hebrides of Scotland!!
Prices & Dates
Departs: 09:00 | Returns: 19:00 approx
Departure Point: Gate J & Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrews Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DX
Departs:
Monday - April to October
Prices Per Person (including accommodation)
Click on the Calendar to find pricing on specific dates (in blue)
**children under 5 years of age are not accepted. See below for more price notes
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
What's Included
The Tour Includes:
- Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience.
- Forced air ventilation as standard.
- accommodation in B&B or Hotels (options on booking form)
- Services of a professional driver/guide
- All ferry crossings
- Admission to Arnol Blackhouse
Not Included:
- Lunch, Dinner and refreshments.
- Visitor Attractions fees not mentioned above
Important Information:
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!!
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Cancellation conditions:
1 day tours: For cancellations less than 72 hours before departure - 100% charge
Extended tours: For cancellations less than 3 weeks before departure - 100% charge
No charges apply for cancellations received outwith these periods.
Departure & Map
Terms & Conditions
Payment
Reservations will only be confirmed on receipt of full payment.
Cancellations and Refunds
The Company will only cancel tours due to circumstances outwith our control.
Where the Customer cancels the tour reservation then the effective date of cancellation will be the date the Company receives written notification. In the event of cancellation a charge, as detailed below, shall be payable by the Customer.
If cancellation for extended tours is made less than 3 weeks before the tour commences, refunds are at our discretion. Please also note that customers may be liable for 1 nights accommodation surcharge in this instance. If cancellations are made less than 72 hours before the tour commences, please be advised that customers may be liable for all accommodation costs.
Charges
For All Tours, City Breaks and holidays of more than 1 day
a) Cancellation more than 21 days before the tour date 10%
b) Cancellation less than 21 days before the start of the tour entirely at our discretion.
For 1 Day Sightseeing Tours
a) Cancellation more than 72 hours before tour departure 10%
b) Cancellation less than 72 hours before the tour departure entirely at our discretion.
Alternatives/Cancellations
While the Company shall do everything reasonably possible to provide your tour itinerary and details as planned, the Company reserves the right to alter itineraries, transport or accommodation for whatever reason. In the case of hotel accommodation a similar standard of alternative accommodation will be obtained wherever possible.
The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry any person whose conduct or manner is likely to cause offence or upset to other passengers. In such cases full cancellation charges apply and the Company shall have no further liability to that passenger.
Other operators/carriers
The Company will not accept or have any liability for any acts or omissions whether negligent or otherwise of any supplier or person providing services in connection with any tour unless such a person is employed by or under the direct control of the Company. Tickets for travel on other carriers are subject to the normal conditions of carriage of the individual carrier.
Luggage
Unless otherwise notified passengers are restricted to one medium sized suitcase/bag and one carry-on bag per person. Luggage is carried free of charge but at the passenger's own risk.
Children
We regret we do not carry children under the age of 5.
Insurance
The Company strongly recommends that passengers arrange suitable travel, medical and cancellation insurance.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on coaches but there are frequent stops en route for passengers who wish to smoke.
Financial Protection
In accordance with the EC Directive on Package Travel all customers monies are held in trust until such time as the tour has been completed.
Force Majeure
The Company does not accept any liability for any loss, inconvenience or damage caused by war, threat of war, riot or civil commotion, terrorist or criminal activity, industrial disputes, natural disasters, fires, sickness, weather conditions, road or traffic conditions, temporary technical, mechanical or electrical breakdown within booked accommodation, explosion of, or radioactive contamination from, any nuclear facility or other events beyond the control of the Company.
Jurisdiction
These conditions shall be construed and interpreted in accordance within the Law of Scotland and the Parties each submit to the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts.
