Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer - 6 days

Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer - 6 days

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6 Days From

$2165

$1407

Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer - 6 days

6 Days Starting and ending in Edinburgh, Scotland

Visiting: Edinburgh, Stornoway, Isle of Skye

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

5-

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2165 $1407 Operator discount: -$758 -35%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through the Outer Hebrides and Skye, starting and ending in Edinburgh. This small group tour offers an intimate exploration of Scotland's breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Traverse the majestic Scottish Highlands, visit the hauntingly beautiful Glencoe, and search for the elusive Loch Ness monster. Discover the traditional life on Lewis and Harris, marvel at the prehistoric Calanais Stone Circle, and enjoy the stunning beaches of Harris. On the Isle of Skye, hike the Quiraing, admire Kilt Rock, and savor local seafood in Portree. Travel in comfort aboard a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, guided by a knowledgeable local driver. Enjoy five nights in simple guesthouses, with breakfasts included, and experience the charm of Ullapool and Stornoway. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure through some of the UK's most scenic and storied locales.

Highlights

  • Glencoe - Soak up the stunning mountain views and learn about the tragic massacre of 1692.

  • Isle of Skye - Enjoy hiking and sightseeing on this beautiful island.

  • Loch Ness - Hunt for 'Nessie', the mythical beast of Scotland's most famous loch.

  • Scottish Highlands - Traverse coastal roads, mountains, and native pine forests.

  • Lewis and Harris - Discover traditional farming life, Dun Carloway fort, and the Calanais Stone Circle.

  • Luskentyre - Experience the stunning white-sand beaches and dramatic landscapes of Harris.

  • Eilean Donan Castle - Capture the quintessentially Scottish sight perched atop a loch.

Places You'll See

Ben Nevis, Scotland

Valley Of Glencoe

Eilean Donan Castle

Loch Ness, Scotland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Edinburgh

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Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House or similar

Edinburgh - Loch Ness - Ullapool. Departing from Edinburgh we journey past the iconic Forth Rail Bridge and into the Highlands. Our first stop is in Dunkeld, where we can stretch our legs and admire the unique architecture of the cathedral.





Following this we travel through the majestic Grampian Mountains, stopping for lunch at a Highland town in the Spey Valley. Next, we venture to Loch Ness, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary monster. Moving on we explore the lesser-known gem of Corrieshalloch Gorge with its stunning waterfall, before reaching the picturesque fishing port of Ullapool for our overnight stay.





Please note: Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.





Accommodation: Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House or similar



Day 2: Ullapool

Location: Stornoway

Accommodation Name: Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ullapool - Stornoway. Today we wake up to breakfast overlooking Loch Broom's sparkling waters. We start with a ferry journey across the sea, a 2.5-hour trip through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles.





Keep your eyes peeled during the crossing; dolphins and whales may grace our journey. Upon arrival on Lewis and Harris, we head to the North West coast. Our driver-guide will showcase traditional crofting towns and seaside ports, including the iconic Butt of Lewis with its sweeping views towards America.





We cap off the day in bustling Stornoway, known for Scotland's tastiest black puddings.





Accommodation: Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven or similar

Day 3: Stornoway

Location: Stornoway

Accommodation Name: Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we discover the history and beauty of Lewis and Harris Island. Starting in Arnol Blackhouse we experience traditional farming life on this island without having to get our hands too dirty. Following this we head to the fort of Dun Carloway. Built in 100AD it has a rich history for us to discover. We then travel to the Calanais Stone Circle, one of the most famous sites on the island. Late in the afternoon we head back to Stornoway to spend the night.





*Please note the Calanais Standing stone site will be closed between 1st September 2024 and 31st March 2025 and we will be unable to visit the site during these dates. We apologise for any inconvenience.





Accommodation: Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven or similar

Day 4: Stornoway

Location: Stornoway

Accommodation Name: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Stornoway - Luskentyre - Portree. Prepare for the dramatic as we venture into the realm of Harris. With its towering peaks and stunning white-sand beaches such as Luskentyre, Harris showcases nature's grandeur at its finest. The region is steeped in history, from the renowned Harris Tweed to its captivating myths and legends.





After a morning of exploring these dramatic landscapes, we pause for lunch. If weather permits, a beach picnic awaits, so sunglasses are a must-pack item. Our journey continues with a ferry ride over the sea to Portree, the largest town in Skye, where we'll be based for the next two nights.





Accommodation: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar

Day 5: Skye

Location: Isle of Skye

Accommodation Name: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Having arrived on the Isle of Skye our driver-guide maximizes our time amidst this marvel-filled landscape.





We can trek to the Quiraing mountain pass for a breathtaking walk, witness the majestic Kilt Rock and its towering waterfall, or embark on a boat excursion to the hidden gem of Loch Coruisk.





Having soaked in the sights of Skye, we conclude our day with a final evening in Portree. We can indulge in the fabulous seafood restaurants, celebrating a day well spent exploring.





Accommodation: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar

Day 6: Edinburgh

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Location: Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Portree - Ben Nevis - Glencoe - Edinburgh. As our journey comes to an end, take heart in the remarkable sights awaiting us on the return trip to Edinburgh. After crossing the Skye Bridge, we're greeted by the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, a quintessentially Scottish sight perched atop a loch. Don't forget to capture this classic view with your camera.





Following this we pass beneath the cloud-shrouded peak of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain. On to the valley of Glencoe which carries profound historical weight, marked by a tragic massacre and framed by awe-inspiring mountains—a landscape etched with both beauty and sorrow.





As we journey onward through the Lowlands, the rolling hills give way to flatter terrain, leading us back to Edinburgh by early evening.





Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Simple guesthouses

  • 5 breakfasts

  • 5 nights simple guesthouse

  • Escorted by a local driver-guide

  • Admission to Arnol Blackhouse

  • Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning

  • All necessary ferry journeys between Scottish Islands and the mainland

  • All road tolls

  • 20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details

  • Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

What's Not Included

  • International flights & visas

  • Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)

  • Meals not specified in itinerary

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

  • Entry fees unless specified

Age Policy

Min:5yrs with an adultChild discount available for 5-15 yrs sharing with 2 adults

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach equipped with air-conditioning, ensuring a smooth journey across the Scottish Highlands and islands. All necessary ferry journeys between the Scottish Islands and the mainland are included, along with road tolls.

Accommodation

Enjoy 5 nights in simple guesthouses, including stays at Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House, Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven, Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale, or similar accommodations, offering comfort and local charm throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour uses a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning for transportation.

  • Are there any ferry journeys included in the tour?

    Yes, all necessary ferry journeys between the Scottish Islands and the mainland are included in the tour.

  • Is there a guide accompanying the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 5 nights in simple guesthouses.

  • What is the luggage allowance for the tour?

    The tour allows for 20kg of luggage per person. Further details can be found in the Trip Notes.

  • What is the starting and ending point of the tour?

    The tour starts and ends in Edinburgh.

  • Is there a possibility of seeing wildlife during the tour?

    Yes, during the ferry journey to Stornoway, there is a chance to see dolphins and whales.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Sunday

Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Sunday - Friday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Tuesday - Sunday

Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Sunday - Friday

Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Tuesday - Sunday

Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Sunday - Friday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Tuesday - Sunday

Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Sunday - Friday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Tuesday - Sunday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Sunday - Friday

May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Tuesday - Sunday

May 06, 2025 - May 11, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Sunday - Friday

May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Tuesday - Sunday

May 13, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Sunday - Friday

May 18, 2025 - May 23, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Tuesday - Sunday

May 20, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Sunday - Friday

May 25, 2025 - May 30, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Tuesday - Sunday

May 27, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$2165 $1407

Operator discount: -$758

Sunday - Friday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Aug 26, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Sunday - Friday

Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$2315 $1505

Operator discount: -$810

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
$2315 $1852

Operator discount: -$463

Sunday - Friday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$2315 $1852

Operator discount: -$463

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$2315 $1852

Operator discount: -$463

Sunday - Friday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$2315 $1852

Operator discount: -$463

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$2315 $1852

Operator discount: -$463

Sunday - Friday

Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$2315 $1852

Operator discount: -$463

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$2315 $1852

Operator discount: -$463

Sunday - Friday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$2315 $1852

Operator discount: -$463

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$2315 $1852

Operator discount: -$463

Sunday - Friday

Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$2165 $1732

Operator discount: -$433

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
$2165 $1732

Operator discount: -$433

Sunday - Friday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$2165 $1732

Operator discount: -$433

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$2165 $1732

Operator discount: -$433

Sunday - Friday

Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
$2165 $1732

Operator discount: -$433

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
$2165 $1732

Operator discount: -$433

Sunday - Friday

Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
$2165 $1732

Operator discount: -$433

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
$2165 $1732

Operator discount: -$433

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.