6 Day Outer Hebrides, Isle of Skye & optional 'Hogwarts Express'
Overview
Available languages
144 hours
Mobile ticket
Join us on an unforgettable journey across the Highlands and Islands, where we discover some of Scotland’s most iconic destinations, as well as the hidden gems; from the world-famous Loch Ness to the remote corners of the Hebrides.
We explore by land and sea, from beach to battlefield, castle to coastal town; where stunning scenery, ancient monuments, and Scotch whisky are guaranteed.
Capture treasured pictures of the magical Isle of Skye and Glen Coe, while we keep you entertained with myths, legends, and tales from our rich history. Venture beyond the classic tourist trail on this extended adventure and prepare to fall in love with our beautiful wee country.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase weighing no more than 33lbs (15kg) and 1 carry-on bag
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark
Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train service may be subject to alterations and cancellations at short notice, outwith our control
It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
It is not possible to upgrade your Standard steam train ticket to a First Class ticket
Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.
If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Transport in an air conditioned midi-coach
Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
Harris Distillery
Jacobite Steam Train Trip (if option chosen when booking)
5 nights B&B Accommodation
All ferries
Local English Speaking Guide
Food and drinks
Gratuities
What To Expect
Edinburgh to Inverness
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3-star B&B in Inverness
The Kelpies & The Helix
We travel north stopping to marvel at the stunning Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures dedicated to the horse-powered heritage of Central Scotland, designed by Andy Scott.
Tyndrum
Stop for lunch in a lovely Highland town.
Glencoe
Soak up the atmospheric scenery in Glencoe and hear the harrowing tale of the massacre of 1692 from your guide.
Loch Ness
Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’, the Loch Ness monster, on our visit to the loch, before we continue onto Inverness.
Inverness to Stornoway
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3-star B&B in Stornoway
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
Start the day we as mean to continue, with fresh air and stunning scenery at Corrieshalloch Gorge.
Ullapool
Explore Ullapool while waiting for our ferry to the Hebrides
Stornoway
Take to the water on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis – keeping an eye out for dolphins along the way!
Isle of Harris Distillery
We stop at the Isle of Harris distillery to unwind with a wee dram.
Isle of Lewis
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3-star B&B in Stornoway
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Carloway Broch
Experience the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway
Gearannan Blackhouse Village
Experience 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village.
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
We explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline of Lewis and visit the Butt of Lewis – the most northerly point on the island – to see the isolated lighthouse and dramatic force of the sea against the cliffs.
Stornoway to Isle of Skye
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3-star B&B in Portree
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Isle of Harris
We marvel at a flawless Hebridean beach with turquoise sea and a backdrop of mountains on West Harris.
Uig
Enjoy a ferry over the sea to Skye.
Isle of Skye
Accommodations
Overnight at a 3-star B&B in Portree
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Isle of Skye
Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye.
Sligachan Old Bridge
Hear about the island’s resident fairies on our stop at one of the famous Fairy Bridges. Visit the enchanted waters of the Sligachan River with views of the old bridge and the breathtaking Cuillin mountains.
Eilean Donan Castle
We drive over the Skye bridge to the iconic – and absolutely beautiful – Eilean Donan Castle; used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough.
Isle of Skye to Edinburgh
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Armadale
Next, we board the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig. Look out for sealife!
Mallaig
We arrive in Mallaig, where we stop for some lunch before boarding the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
For those who have booked this bucket-list experience, today you ride the real-life Hogwarts Express, aka the Jacobite Steam Train! Enjoy breathtaking views of Highland landscapes and the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. For those who have chosen not to, we will drive along a similar route to meet the others, potentially stopping to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct if there is parking space available there.
Pitlochry
Stop in a picturesque Highland village, Pitlochry, before concluding our tour back in Edinburgh.
Options
Twin room without train ride
Guesthouse Twin Room: Tour including 5 nights in 3-star guesthouse - 1 room with 2 single beds; suitable for 2 people, no train ride
Double Room without train ride
Guesthouse Double Room: Tour including 5 nights in 3-star guesthouse - 1 room with 1 double bed; suitable for 2 people, no train ride
Twin Room with train ride
Guesthouse Twin Room: Tour including 5 nights in 3-star twin room guesthouse - 1 room with 2 single beds; suitable for 2 people, with train ride
Double Room with train ride
Guesthouse Double Room: Tour including 5 nights in 3-star guesthouse - 1 room with 1 double bed; suitable for 2 people, with train ride
Reviews
223 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely magical! Don't think twice- just go!
764bethanyt,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was a dream come true. Magical from start to finish...I didn't want it to end. My best friend and I work really demanding jobs, so we were looking for a trip that did all the "deciding" for us so that we wouldn't have to do much more than sit back and relax. This trip was all we wanted and so much more! Tiegan took great care of us- she was caring, hilarious, such a fantastic storyteller, and amazing navigator. Without her this trip would have been bland or confusing, but we ended up bringing Scotland home in our hearts thanks to her. (Tiegan's mom, if you're reading this- you raised a gem. ) I cried and cried leaving Scotland. If you're wanting the best way to tour everything from the history to the wild outdoors to the music and food and more- this is time and money so well spent. I'll never ever forget it!
A fun adventure – Thank You, Steve!
W354YOelizabethe,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently returned from an amazing 6-day Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye tour with Highland Explorer Tours! I can honestly say it was one of the most unforgettable travel experiences I’ve had, and that is thanks to our phenomenal guide, Steve! Steve set a great tone for the journey even including his very own playlist. His knowledge of Scottish history, culture, and landscape brought every stop to life. He has a unique gift for storytelling – blending facts, folklore, music, and humor – which made the long drives fun and exciting. The tour itself was reasonably priced and included lodging which made it an easy choice to just sit back and relax. It was beautifully curated – intimate, immersive, and thoughtfully paced. The group was small and we all got along really well. I so enjoyed making new friends and seeing so much! Each day struck a perfect balance between guided experiences and free time to explore on our own. I felt like I got to know the Outer Hebrides and Skye, not just see them. From gorgeous windswept beaches to ancient standing stones, picturesque villages to wild mountain passes - it was perfection. The hostels were warm, welcoming, and comfortable. It was a nice relief to have everything taken care of so I could just relax. Steve went above and beyond to make the experience memorable. His passion for Scotland is infectious, and it made a huge difference in how we all connected along the way. Steve made it feel like a journey shared with a friend, not just a tour group. If you're considering this tour – do it. And if you’re lucky enough to have Steve as your guide, you’re in for a great time!
Best Tour of the Scottish Highlands with Alistair!
eileenlB79LK,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fantastic time touring with Alistair from Highland Explorers. Alistair was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the areas we were touring. He was also helpful recommending places to eat and things to see. He is witty and humorous. He was an excellent driver and we felt very confident in his driving skills. We felt lucky to have him as our guide/driver!!
Scotland trip.
L1760OErobl,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Alistar was great and very knowledgeable. I had a great time. He is also a very safe driver. Some areas did not allow for adequate time for food and site seeing.
Country Great tour guide!
Flyer14137870329,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful time in Scotland!!.The country was beautiful, learning about the lore of the country was wonderful, and the accommodations were very comfortable. Alistair was absolutely a great tour guide!
Great tour, lots of amazing sites and an awesome tour guide!
davebH705TB,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great tour with Alistair guiding us along the way. He made the experience so much more enjoyable. We were able to see so many great locations across Scotland and the Highlands. There was an issue with our hotels one night, but Alistair and his team did a great job making it right.
6 non stop days!
jmatthiasjr,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alistair was our tour guide on a whirlwind overview of parts of Scotland. Some history, beautiful scenery, nature and history. Lots of time on and off the bus. It covers a lot of ground but has a nice balance.
2025 Scotland Tour
TheBottFamily W,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alistair was phenomenal throughout....very accommodating, informative, and handled an accomodation hiccup extremely well!
Best Tour in Europe!!
Belinda M,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Louise was an excellent guide with an amazing knowledge of Scottish history and folklore. Filled with fun, info, stories and lots of laughs. Brilliant driving and was considerate of my 83yo Mum (who is well travelled throughout Europe) We Loved it ❤️
Trip of a lifetime
Getaway824139,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience far exceeded any of my expectations!! The entire trip was well planned and organized. Tom our guide was wonderful! He made sure we got to see everything on the tour and more! He was so kind! I would absolutely encourage everyone to go on this trip. The people of Scotland and the beauty of the landscape is amazing! Hopefully you will get Tom as your guide!!!
From £1,219.00
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Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd