8-day Scotland travel tour: Highlands, Skye & Outer Hebrides
- Duration: 8 Days (approx.)
- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Product code: T040
Highlights
- See the Highland countryside unfurl before your eyes as you travel by train between Edinburgh and Inverness, accompanied by your Scottish tour guide, at the start and finish of your Scottish adventure.
- Travel by boat from Skye to the magical Outer Hebrides islands, staying overnight on Lewis before a morning trip to the extraordinary Calanais Standing Stones.
- Hear the most dramatic stories of the western Scottish Highlands and its famous castles, as you discover the dramatic landscapes and consider the human and geological forces that created them.
- Spend two whole days exploring Skye, including Elgol and Loch Coruisk, the Old Man of Storr, and the Quiraing. Enjoy two nights at Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree, the main town on Skye.
- Learn all about the local history, mountain building and the dramatic Ice Age landscapes as you return via Ullapool, taking in a visit to Corrieshalloch Gorge, one of the most spectacular box gorges in Britain.
Overview
Our seven-night tour takes you into the stories and traditions of Scotland. Travel over the sea to Skye, to Harris and to Lewis, starting from Edinburgh. You’ll explore the history, geology and traditions of Scotland as part of a small group (maximum 10).
This Scotland vacation package encompasses loch-fringed coastlines, towering mountain ranges and hidden-away gems, all in the company of your Scottish and expert guides, who will bring to life Scotland’s history, culture and geology.
Your Scotland vacation includes castles laden with tales of conflict, clans and courage. You’ll dig deep into the local landscape, marvel at the landscape’s rugged beauty and uncover its deep-time origins.
One highlight of the tour is Skye. This ‘Misty Isle’ just off the Scottish mainland holds so much history, culture and traditions that you’ll be enthralled the moment you set foot on the island. Our Skye vacation takes you across the island and from hundreds of millions of years to the present, from peaceful ports to jagged mountain peaks, with all the richness of island life in between.
More sea travel to the Isles of Harris and Lewis follows. There you will walk amongst ancient standing stones and hear about the billion-year history of the rocks that form these neolithic monuments.
We return via Ullapool and more insights into mountain building and dramatic ice age landscapes.
Start/finish
Waverley Railway station, Edinburgh.
Activity Level
Moderate, with a range of optional walks and hikes across the Scottish landscape between 1.5 to 5km (1 to 3 miles) long. (view our activity level definitions). This holiday also includes boarding a boat via a ramped pier.
Transport
- Getting there: First-class rail travel between Edinburgh and Inverness, accompanied by your Scottish guide, with a pre-ordered taxi to/from your hotel.
- Getting around: Comfortable minibus with air conditioning; passenger boat trip on Skye.
Weather
The West of Scotland’s weather is generally cool to warm in spring, but there can often be a risk of rain. Skye is also known as the Misty Isle, which can enhance its craggy landscape.Accommodation
Stay at the Coul House Hotel, Strathpeffer, a welcoming 18th-century Georgian mansion. Two nights at the Cuillin Hills Hotel, Portree, on Skye, with one of the best views of the island’s landscape and mountains and one night’s stay at The Royal Hotel, Stornoway, on the Outer Isles, both with excellent views.Testimonials"We had never been on a private tour before and I had my trepidation, but you could not have picked a better guide for us than Ali Motion…her knowledge, her enthusiasm, her flexibility, her sense of humor, her joy at what she is doing, and her personality all made for an exceptional experience…but above all, Ali listened and did her best to modify plans and have the days match our desires with some surprises that delighted – like the unexpected walk with the Highland Coos!
I would not hesitate to use GeoCultura again and have highly recommended you to our friends."
Scotland and Isle of Skye | Gina & Dave B, June 2024
"We had the absolutely best trip to the Highlands! We have been on many tours, and our guide, Ali, was one of the best ever! We would highly recommend this adventure!"
Scottish Highlands, Scotland | Lisa H, September 2023
"We thoroughly enjoyed the Highlands tour. Learned so much about the landscape, the history of the Clearances, the Clans and the Battle of Culloden. I got home and ordered a small selection of books for further reading! The company was great and the accommodation was excellent, especially the Coul House Hotel. Amazing hospitality there, beautiful grounds, walks from the doorstep, and great food."
Scottish Highlands, Scotland | Ron F, September 2022
