Outer Hebrides & Skye Adventure
6 day tour
Discover Scotland's most beautiful landscapes on this tour to the Outer Hebrides and Skye.
Tour map
Highlights
Places you explore
Cairngorms - Gaze in awe at Scotland’s most beautifully rounded peaks.
Loch Ness - Take a chance to spot the famous Loch Ness Monster.
Lewis and Harris - These two areas with distinct landscapes make up the biggest island in Scotland.
Callanish standing stones - This mysterious monument is even older than Stonehenge.
White sands of Luskentyre - Walk along this phenomenal beach and feel like you’re in the Scottish Maldives.
Isle of Skye - Traverse one of the world’s most stunning islands with beautiful views around every corner.
Eilean Donan Castle - An iconic and gorgeous 13th century castle that once warded off Viking invasions.
Your journey
You’ll be surprised at what you find in the Hebrides.
This large group of islands conceals beaches as beautiful and blonde as what you’d find in the Maldives. There are mysterious, religious sites older than the pyramids. And there are landscapes so ruggedly spectacular that you'll be rubbing your eyes in disbelief.
Join this tour and be astounded by the local legends, spectacular sights, and curious culture of this incredible archipelago.
Tour Details
*If your tour departs after 1st April 2023, check-in closes at 8:15 and the tour departs at 8:30.*
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
- Tour accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1
- Take in views of the softly rounded peaks of the Grampian Mountains
- Look out for a beast lurking in the depths of 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 lesser-known 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 Isles
- Explore a lighthouse and the rugged coastline of Lewis
Wake up, enjoy your breakfast, and look out over Loch Broom as it glistens under the morning sky. First on the agenda today is a ferry journey across the sea.
This two and a half-hour boat trip takes you through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles. But don’t spend your time snoozing and reading as you sail across the ocean; because if you look out to sea, you may spot dolphins and whales.
Once you’ve arrived on Lewis and Harris, you head to the North West coast. Your driver-guide will make the most of what weather you’ve been blessed with and take you through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. You even get to see the Butt of Lewis; from the lighthouse here there’s nothing but fishes and water between you and America.
You spend the evening in Stornoway; a bustling port town and the home of Scotland’s most delicious black puddings.
Day 3
- Step inside a traditional Scottish home at Arnol Blackhouse*
- Ponder over the mysteries of the Neolithic standing stones of Callanish
Today, you immerse yourself in the history and landscapes of this wild island.
You first head to Arnol Blackhouse. Here, you can experience what traditional farming life was like in these remote reaches without getting your hands too dirty.
A little down the road, you visit the stone fort of Dun Carloway. This structure was built before 100AD and has experienced more battles than you’ve had hot dinners. It’s a wonderful location to ponder over the vast swathes of history that have come before you.
You then travel through a landscape littered with crofting villages to one of the most famous sights of the island, the Callanish Stone Circle. This prehistoric site still mystifies archaeologists today.
The rest of your afternoon is spent in the beautiful beaches and mountains of the western side of Lewis.
You head back to Stornoway in the late afternoon.
* Unfortunately, the Blackhouse will be closed between 12th September and 3rd October 2022 but the Visitor Centre and the White House will be open.
Day 4
- Admire the landscapes that inspired Harris Tweed
- Cast your eyes upon the slender, blonde curves of Luskentyre beach
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.
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.
Your adventure continues on a ferry over the sea to Portree, the largest town in Skye and your base for the next two evenings.
Day 5
- Set your sights on Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes on the Isle of Skye
- Snap a famous photo of Portree’s colourful harbour front
Every horizon in Skye conceals something astoundingly beautiful.
So today, your driver-guide makes the most out of your time on this marvel-studded landscape.
You may travel to the Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk, venture to Kilt Rock and see a gigantic waterfall, or take a boat trip to the lesser-known Loch Coruisk.
After you’ve enjoyed the sights of Skye, you have your final evening in Portree. There are plenty of fabulous seafood restaurants to celebrate a fine day of exploring.
Day 6
- Learn how Eilean Donan Castle survived Viking invasions and 343 barrels of gunpowder
- Discover how Glencoe earned its name, ‘the Weeping Glen’
Don’t be too sad that your trip is ending today, because there are a lot of amazing things to check out on the way back to Edinburgh.
Once you’ve crossed the Skye Bridge, you get a chance to see Eilean Donan Castle. This classic combination of a sturdy-stone fortification perched upon a loch is about as Scottish a view as you can get. Just ensure you’ve got some room left on your camera to take photos.
You then travel under Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. The peak of this mountain is likely to be shrouded high in the clouds.
Your driver-guide may become a little emotional as you move through the valley of Glencoe. This marvellously mountainous area was the site of one of the most tragic massacres in Scottish history. The story is as unforgettable as the landscape.
The hilly views become flatter as you enter the Lowlands and travel to Edinburgh.
You arrive in the early evening.
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay one night in Ullapool*, two nights in Stornoway, and two nights in Portree.
*Please be aware that Ullapool is busy. You may need to be flexible with rooms we're able to reserve for you here. If you'd prefer to find your own accommodation for this location, please choose the 'book your own accommodation' option when you book your tour.
How does the accommodation work?
Your tour excludes accommodation; but when you book, you can ask us to reserve local accommodation for you, or you can choose to reserve your own accommodation in the overnight locations.
I want Rabbie’s to book my accommodation, what happens now?
Once you've booked your tour, we'll reserve all your accommodation, and your driver will drop you off with your hosts.
We'll reserve your room(s) with one of our preferred accommodation suppliers and you'll pay them directly when you check-in. Most accommodation hosts don’t accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay cash.
You won't be able to choose which Hotel/B&B you stay in, but we will confirm the named property and exact prices on your first day of tour. If it's important for you to know where you're going to be staying in advance, or if you want to stay in a specific Hotel/B&B, we recommend that you select the option to book your own accommodation.
What if I want to change my accommodation booking with Rabbie’s?
Plans can change, so we let you alter your accommodation choices for free within the first 48 hours of booking. After this time, amendments aren't guaranteed and carry a surcharge. Please contact rooms@rabbies.com if you have any questions.
I booked my own accommodation is there anything I need to do?
You’ll need to contact us with your accommodation details. Please only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. Your driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation as long as it’s relatively central.
What if I cancel my tour at short notice?
You may be liable for the cost of your first nights’ accommodation for each separate accommodation booked. If you cancel less than three days before departure, you may be liable for all your accommodation costs.
What are the accommodation types?
We try to reserve accommodation that’s no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation suppliers to ensure they reach a certain standard. The prices below are for guidance only.
The prices below are for guidance only and are based on 2022 rates. We’re working with suppliers to bring you the most up to date pricing for tours departing in 2023.
B&B (Bed and Breakfast) Standard
The toilet and showering facilities are shared with at least one other room in the house, and the price includes breakfast. The cost is £35 - £50 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single standard room is £40 - £70 per night.
B&B En suite
The showering and toilet facilities are private, and breakfast is included in the price. The cost is £45 - £65 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single en suite is £75 - £90 per night.
* The cost of accommodation in Stornoway is higher, it's £45 - £70 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single en suite is £75 - £100 per night.
* The cost of accommodation in Portree is higher, it's £90 - £130 per night for a single room.
Hotels
Hotels have a bar or restaurant and provide evening meals. Breakfast is included in the price. The cost is £75 - £90 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single is £90 - £150 per night.
* The cost of accommodation in Stornoway is higher, it's £75 - £109 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single is £100 - £150 per night.
* The cost of accommodation in Portree is higher, it's £90 - £160 per night for a single room.
Hostels
Please note, we're unable to book hostels for this tour at the moment. You may still be able to book hostel accommodation yourself if you choose to the option to book your own accommodation for your tour.
A hostel consists of dormitory rooms with 4 to 16 bunk beds. The bathroom facilities are a short distance from the dorm room. Kitchen facilities are equipped so you can make your own meals. The cost based on dorm beds is £19 - £30 per person per night.
Please note that SYHA hostels only offer same gender dorms. Some independent hostels will offer mixed rooms (males and females together).
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, you can read our FAQs, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, or email rooms@rabbies.com.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies.
What are your cancellation policies?
We have a cancellation period of 48 hours for our one day tours, 15 days for two to nine day tours, and 21 days for 10+ day tours. If cancelled outside this period, we'll give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this period, refunds are at our discretion. Click here to view full terms and conditions.
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. While there are ongoing coronavirus restrictions throughout the UK and Ireland, itineraries are more likely to change than usual as opening hours and capacities at many visitor attractions are reduced and subject to change. Your driver-guide will keep you up to up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
4 reasons to choose Rabbie's
Travel the local way on small group tours of 16 people or fewer
You'll have a guaranteed experience, or your money back
Guaranteed departures: We’ll never cancel your tour because of minimum numbers
Our eco-friendly tours support local communities
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