This spectacular Highlands and Islands tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The route then takes you through the haunting landscape of Glen Coe (scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan) and on through Fort William and the great Glen to arrive at the fabled shores of Loch Ness.
Itinerary
Lewis & Harris
This spectacular ‘Highlands & Islands’ tour gives you the time you really need to immerse yourself in the beauty of Scotland’s countryside, discover its history and fall in love with its people and culture.
Meeting Point:
1 Parliament Sq, Royal Mile, EH1 1RE, inside Caffe Nero, besides St Giles Cathedral
Pick Up Time: 8.30am
Drop Off Time: 19.00
Highlights include
1. Glen Coe & Loch Ness – Iconic Scottish locations
2. Callanish Standing Stones – Magnificent Neolithic monument
3. Harris Tweed weaver – Learn how the famous fabric is made
4. Culloden Battlefield* – Visit the historic battlefield
*Optional extra subject to availability. Exclusive discount with Highland Experience
Tour program
Edinburgh to Inverness
Start point
Adam Smith Statue, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 1RB, United Kingdom
08:10 - 08:15
Inverness to Stornoway
Day two takes you into the beautiful and remote scenery of Sutherland as you make your way towards the morning ferry. You will arrive in the beautiful seaside town of Ullapool, perched on the shores of Loch Broom. Ullapool is one of the least spoilt natural environments in the UK, making it a perfect base to explore from and also the perfect location to catch the ferry. There will be some great lunch options available on the ferry for you to enjoy as you sail out past the Summer Isles and onwards to the outer Hebrides.
Start your island experience by visiting Arnol Blackhouse, a traditional fully furnished thatched house, and gain an insight into island life. Your afternoon will end in Stornoway, the largest settlement in the Western Isles and your base for exploring the Isle of Lewis and Harris.
Explore the Isle of Lewis & Harris
Stornoway is the largest settlement in the Western Isles and your base for exploring the Isle of Lewis and Harris. The day features visits to the ancient Callanish Standing Stones and Carloway Broch, an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age structure located above Loch an Duin. You'll also have a chance to stroll some of the island's stunning beaches and and visit the main port on the island, Tarbert. You will then travel a little west to look across the beautiful Sound of Taransay to the island made famous by the BBC's Castaway programme. Here you'll have the chance to stroll along one of Harris' most beautiful beaches, Lusekentyre.
Stornoway to Inverness
Today you'll head to the far north of the island to visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse, the windiest place in the UK. You'll return to Stornoway for lunch, before setting sail again for the journey back to the mainland. You will travel back through the stunning scenery of Sutherland and Wester Ross, to spend the final night of your tour in Inverness.
Inverness to Edinburgh
The final day of the tour will begin with a visit to the battlefield of Culloden the site of the defeat of the final defeat of the Jacobite forces. We will also explore Clava Cairns, a group of Prehistoric Burial Cairns, a site that inspired the Outlander series. On your way south you could maybe enjoy a wee dram at a local distillery. Then you’ll pass the stunning mountains of the Cairngorms National Park and be able to explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry before arriving back in Edinburgh.
End point
435 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2NT, United Kingdom
Tour Details
accommodation
Includes a total of four nights of accommodation in a single occupancy, double or twin room, with two nights in Inverness and two nights in Stornoway. Accommodation is provided in a quality Bed & Breakfast, and all rooms will include a private bathroom.
transport
- 5 Days of transportation on one of our fleet of modern and comfortable touring vehicles
- Luggage restritions: Maximum weight: 15kg. Maximum size: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm per person or one larger suitcase between two travellers.
insurance
optional
Entrance fees for optional attractions are not included
flights
Flights are not included
others
Calanais Standing Stones will not be accessible in September 2024 due to a facility closure
meals
- Breakfasts will be provided by your accommodation, this may be a contintental breakfast, a full Scottish breakfast, or a mixture of both options.
guide
You will explore Scotland with one of our enthusiastic and knowledgeable driver-guides, as they share their passsion for Scotland with you.
Good to know
Currency
Pound Sterling
Scotland
Plugs and adapters
