Adventure of Outer Hebrides & Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh – 6 Days
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- Duration
- 6 days
- Guiding Style
- Fully Guided
- Hotel Rating
- B&B Ensuite
- Start / End
- Edinburgh → Edinburgh
- Group Size
- Min 1 / Max 16
- Physical Rating
- Easy Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Highlights
You'll be amazed by what the Hebrides have to offer. These stunning islands hide beaches as blonde and beautiful as those in the Maldives, ancient religious sites older than the pyramids, and landscapes so striking they seem unreal.
Join this tour to explore local legends, breathtaking scenery, and a fascinating culture.
- Journey north from Edinburgh through Cairngorms National Park, stop for photos at legendary Loch Ness, and witness the roaring waterfall at Corrieshalloch Gorge before overnighting in the harbour village of Ullapool
- Cross to the Outer Hebrides by ferry from Ullapool, watching for dolphins and whales en route, and spend two days exploring the wild coast of Lewis and Harris
- Visit the Arnol Blackhouse, the ancient stone fort of Dun Carloway, and the mysterious Calanais Stone Circle — a prehistoric site that continues to baffle archaeologists
- Walk the dazzling white sands of Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris — one of Britain's most breathtaking beaches — before taking the ferry to Portree on the Isle of Skye
- Explore Skye's most iconic landscapes, stop at Eilean Donan Castle, pass beneath Ben Nevis, and drive through the legendary valley of Glencoe on the dramatic return to Edinburgh
6-Day Outer Hebrides & Skye Adventure Itinerary
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Day 1
Loch Ness
We leave Edinburgh and cross the Queensferry Crossing, enjoying stunning views of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Heading north through Fife, Lowland farmland gives way to wooded hills as we near the Highland Fault line in Perthshire. In Perthshire — nicknamed "Big Tree Country" — you'll pass dense forests of towering Douglas firs and ancient oaks.
Beyond the forests, we enter the dramatic Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms National Park en route to Aviemore. Surrounded by lochs and peaks, this scenic resort town is ideal for outdoor lovers. We'll stop here for lunch and free time. Then, we journey through wild glens and rugged mountains, pausing for photos at legendary Loch Ness before reaching Corrieshalloch Gorge.
Take a short forest walk to view a roaring waterfall plunging into the gorge, from a lookout platform or thrilling suspension bridge. This final stop brings us to Ullapool, a charming fishing village on the North Coast 500. We'll overnight here before the ferry to the Outer Hebrides, with time to explore the harbour and local pubs.
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Day 2
Isle of Lewis and Harris
Start your day with breakfast and views of Loch Broom glistening in the morning sun. Then set off on a ferry ride across the sea. This 2.5-hour journey takes you past the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles. Keep an eye on the water — you might spot dolphins or whales along the way.
Once on Lewis and Harris, you'll head for the north-west coast. Your driver-guide will follow the best weather, guiding you through crofting villages and coastal ports. Don't miss the Butt of Lewis, where the lighthouse faces the open Atlantic.
Spend the evening in Stornoway, a bustling port famous for Scotland's finest black pudding.
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Day 3
Explore the Islands of Lewis and Harris
Today, you'll explore the rich history and landscapes of this wild island. Begin at the Arnol Blackhouse, where you'll step back in time and discover traditional farming life. Then, it's on to Dun Carloway, a stone fort from before 100 AD, steeped in stories of battles and centuries gone by.
Continue through crofting villages to the mysterious Calanais Stone Circle, a prehistoric site that continues to mystify archaeologists to this day. Please note: due to ongoing preservation work at the Calanais Standing Stones, this site will be unavailable until Spring 2026. In place of this, we'll spend extra time exploring the western beaches.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy Lewis's breathtaking beaches and mountains. Return to Stornoway by late afternoon.
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Day 4
Luskentyre Beach and the Isle of Harris
Get ready for something more dramatic as you enter Harris. This island features the highest peaks in the Outer Hebrides and the breathtaking white sands of Luskentyre — one of Britain's most stunning beaches. After a morning of exploring, we'll pause for lunch. If the weather's kind, we might even enjoy a picnic on the beach — so be sure to pack your sunglasses.
Your adventure continues with a ferry to Portree, Skye's largest town, where you'll spend the next two nights.
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Day 5
Explore the Isle of Skye
On Skye, every horizon hides something truly breathtaking. Today, your driver-guide will help you make the most of this stunning island. You might head north to the Trotternish Ridge to see natural marvels like the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the dramatic Quiraing pass — where wild beauty meets surreal landscapes.
After exploring Skye, unwind in Portree. It's the perfect spot for a seafood dinner to end your day of discovery.
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Day 6
Eilean Donan Castle and Glencoe
Don't be too sad that the trip ends today, because the return to Edinburgh is packed with unforgettable sights. Crossing the Skye Bridge, you'll pause at Eilean Donan Castle. Perched on a loch, this iconic stone fortress frames one of Scotland's most classic views — save some space on your camera.
Next, you'll pass under Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak, often cloaked in clouds. Your driver-guide may get emotional driving through Glencoe, famed for its rugged beauty and tragic history.
The hills ease as you enter the Lowlands and head toward Edinburgh. You arrive in the early evening.
What's Included
Accommodation
- 5 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast
What should I expect from a B&B?
B&Bs are traditionally small family owned and run properties offering a handful of guest rooms. They are usually residential properties, so they tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20–30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants.
It's unusual for a B&B to offer any additional services like concierge, porterage, evening meals or room-service. Wi-fi is usually, but not always available and it's worth bearing in mind that access can be unreliable in more remote locations.
If you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room (subject to availability, upon request only) as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
Guide
- Experienced English-speaking driver and guide throughout
Meals
- 5 breakfasts
Transport
- 16-seat mini-coach throughout
- Passengers are entitled to 1 piece of checked luggage (20 kg / 44 lbs). Checked luggage will be stowed in the luggage compartment and is not accessible until drop-off.
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Arrival & departure transfers
- Food and drinks
- Entry fees to visitor attractions unless specified
- Other activities and services not listed under Included
Additional Information
- You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
- This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
- The Calanais Standing Stones are currently undergoing preservation work and will be unavailable until Spring 2026. Extra time will be spent at the western beaches of Lewis in its place.
- Tour reference code: 317664
Dates & Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes 5 nights en-suite B&B accommodation with daily breakfast, and transportation by 16-seat mini-coach with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide throughout. Entry fees to visitor attractions are not included unless specified.
The tour starts and ends in Edinburgh. You depart from Edinburgh on Day 1 and return to Edinburgh in the early evening of Day 6 after passing through Glencoe.
Night 1 is in Ullapool, nights 2 and 3 are in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, and nights 4 and 5 are in Portree on the Isle of Skye. All accommodation is B&B en-suite with daily breakfast included.
On Day 2 you board a 2.5-hour ferry from Ullapool that passes the Summer Isles before arriving at Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles. Keep an eye on the water — dolphins and whales have been spotted along the route.
The Calanais Standing Stones are currently undergoing preservation work and will be unavailable until Spring 2026. In place of this stop, the tour spends extra time exploring the breathtaking western beaches of Lewis. Your guide will keep you informed of the latest situation.
Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris is widely regarded as one of Britain's most stunning beaches, with blindingly white sands and vivid turquoise waters that resemble the Maldives more than the Scottish Highlands. You visit on Day 4, with the chance of a picnic on the beach if the weather is kind.
Your driver-guide will make the most of the island's sights and conditions. Highlights may include the dramatic Trotternish Ridge with the Old Man of Storr, the towering Kilt Rock, and the extraordinary Quiraing mountain pass. The evening is free to enjoy Portree — ideal for a fresh seafood dinner by the harbour.
The tour starts from US $1,974 per person, reduced from the standard price of US $3,085 — a saving of 36%. Price may vary by departure date.