Enchanting Isle of Skye, scenic Highlands, and the bustling Highland capital.
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- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 6 Day Tour Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides
Prepare for an unforgettable journey across Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. On this Outer Hebrides tour, you’ll discover iconic destinations and hidden gems, from the world-famous Loch Ness to the remote corners of Isle of Lewis and Harris. We explore by land and sea, from beach to battlefield, castle to coastal town; where stunning scenery, ancient monuments, and whisky are guaranteed. Immerse yourself in the magic of the Isle of Skye and Glen Coe, while we keep you entertained with myths, legends, and tales from our rich history.
Tour Highlights
Inclusions
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Five-Night Stay at Bed & Breakfast Accommodation (Shared Hostel Option Available)
Complimentary Breakfast Each Morning of Your Stay (B&B Only)
Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
Distillery Visit
All Ferry Journeys
Accommodation
Bed & Breakfast or Guest House
Your tour includes carefully chosen Bed and Breakfast (B&B) or guest house accommodations, hand-picked for their unique charm. B&Bs are renowned for their warm Highland hospitality, often including a complimentary Scottish cooked breakfast. At times, you'll stay at a guest house hosted by local families, giving you the opportunity to experience Scotland in an authentic way. Conveniently situated within a mile of the town centre, both B&Bs and guest houses offer easy access to local attractions and restaurants. During peak season, accommodations may be slightly farther from the town centre.
Room Types
Optional: Shared Hostel Dormitory
Enjoy our reduced rate option with a comfortable and sociable stay at a local hostel, where you'll be in a mixed-gender, shared dormitory-style room with other travellers. Our hostel dormitories provide a relaxed and authentic experience amidst the stunning Scottish Highlands. It’s the perfect setting to connect with fellow explorers and discover local dinner spots together! Please note that breakfast is not included in hostel accommodation.
(Images for illustrative purposes only – accommodation may vary by location and availability.)
Room Types
Accessibility and Facilities
For more information, see our Accessibility Statement.
What Other Explorers Say
As first time visitors to Scotland (and our first bus tour) we didn’t know what to expect - but this 6 day trip far exceeded our expectations! Tiegan, our bus driver, tour guide, story teller, and music DJ was absolutely incredible. She kept us entertained, taught us more history than we thought possible. We came away with a deeper appreciation for our father’s homeland and memories that we will cherish forever.
Faye
17/09/2025This 6 day tour never has a dull moment. We were completely satisfied with the tour guide, bus and lodging. Tiegan is the guide to request if at all possible. Pure Scottish delight.
Theresa
17/09/2025Really enjoyed my tour! Steve was our guide and he made it so engaging and fun, I couldn't have asked for a better tour or guide experience.
Kate
08/09/2025Fantástico!!!! From the beginning to the end. Alastair could explain all what we were seeing or visiting as a unique experience. Harris and Skye islands are amazing!!! We were a small group of travelers who has enjoyed each moment. I have learn some Gaelic words 😊 and a lot of Scotland!!! I strongly recommend the 6 days journey with Alistair. Thank for your patience and your knowledge. It has been an extraordinary trip. GRACIAS
Edith
12/08/2025This tour has been amazing, discovering such a beatiful part of Scotland with a small group of travellers has been so pleasant!. Alistair did a great job, being so kind and professional, and his depth knowledge of places, wildlife and stories was key to enjoy even more the experience. Not to forget the music, his playlist was a perfect matching soundtrack for the trip.
Elvira
12/08/2025Tiegan is a fearless tour leader extraordinare! We had a grand time with her in the Outer Hebrides. Tiegan knows so much about the islands and showed us amazing rocky places plus uncommon history. She enthralled us with Scottish legends and lore. Fascinating to learn about Kelpies, Black Houses and life with peat. Plus the Hebridians really know how to cook mouth watering fish! Highly recommend!
Celia
03/08/2025This trip was outstanding, especially with because of our tour guide, Rich! From the moment we boarded, he was incredibly friendly and it was evident that he genuinely loved his job and knew what he was talking about. Rich was professional, easy to ask questions to and very kind especially being my first solo trip!
Emma
10/07/2025We couldn't fault this trip. Transport, accommodation, and guide, Rich, all great. Wonderful photograph opportunities and great memories made.
Fiona
08/07/2025The views were stunning and we went to many places even some that were not on the itinerary. Our driver, Tom Q, was knowledgeable of the areas and shared folklore. He made recommendations to eat at every place we stopped. He took care of all our needs. Highly recommend this tour!
Kara
03/07/2025Great holiday, we had lovely weather, there was just 8 of us. A special mention of Teigan, good driver great guide, she was professional and amusing, made for a great trip. Would recommend this trip, so much to learn and see, everyone was welcoming. Special memories of the song in the black houses and of course Hamish and friends!
Margaret
08/06/2025This is an excellent way to see some of the lesser explored/accessible areas of Scotland with someone who knows the lay of the land. The outer Hebrides are simply stunning and Skye as gorgeous as I remembered. The tour itself covers a lot of ground in 6 days (but makes plenty of stops for the bladder challenged). Our driver, Cara, was phenomenal - knowledgeable, personable and simply, a lovely person.
Macdone
05/06/2025Brilliant tour with Cara, our very knowledgeable tour guide. Our tour was a lot of fun with some great people. We stayed in some great hostels, the view from our room in Portree was fabulous! The Butt of Lewis was a definite highlight!
Lauren
03/06/2025Tiegan was a world-class driver and an excellent story teller. From the minute that the trip started, she tailored the tour to our needs and took care of all of us. She kept us safe on and off of the bus and her combination of Scottish history, local legends and geographic knowledge made the tour a five-star experience.
Bill
13/05/2025We travelled under the professional guidance of Tiegan, our exceptional tour guide. Her driving put us at ease. Her story telling and sharing of history added so much to the flavor of our experience. She kept us on time with very clear details of drop off points, pickup times and meal breaks. Our days were packed with such variety, fun, and education.
Heather
13/05/2025I would absolutely recommend this tour! It was such a great trip with our guide Ryan P, who was an excellent driver, a mine of information and also great company. I learned such a lot about the history and culture of this area as we stopped at a variety of locations. I loved the white beaches and the turquoise seas! A perfect holiday!
Michael
07/05/2025This wonderful, varied and relaxing tour included so much more than I was expecting - following the itinerary but with surprise stops along the way. We covered so much of interest on the first day. It would have been so stressful and unmanageable by car yet everything just slotted effortlessly into place. We never felt rushed.
Jan
06/05/2025Just wanted to say a big shout out to Louise a great host and a fantastic storyteller. My partner and I loved this tour, it was a great way to see the highlands and explore parts we’d never heard of before. From all of the stories and stops along the way we learnt so much about the rich Scottish lore and history. Highlights were definitely learning about the local folk legend of the different areas of the Highlands, Island of Skye and the Jacobite train!
Kieran
25/09/2024This trip was really amazing. Especially Sophie, our driver, was so great. She had all this knowledge and little details about Scotland and it's places. It was just awesome. We saw so many beautiful places, had some great dinners (Sophie provided us with many tips on where to get dinner or lunch), and had so much fun! I'll definitely miss this group. It was just extraordinary. Thank you Sophie. You are a lovely soul!
Eva
17/09/2024Loved the views and landscapes the whole group was so nice had fun with them Our tour guide was amazing she told great stories about Scotland and was always really nice and helpful. Had a really nice experience with highland explorer tours would really recommend this tour for everyone.
Lime
13/08/2024Our first time doing a tour. 1538km later. 22 of us left as strangers and returned as friends. What a wonderful experience Scotland has been. Ali P was our guide and was awesome. Fun and friendly but ran a tight ship to ensure we made as many destinations as possible. BnBs were all great. Wish I could do it all again. Can't fault a thing. Thank you Ali P 😊
Kristel
21/07/2024My 14 year old daughter and I had a great time on our trip. It felt like we really got lucky booking this trip. We got to see so much and nearly nothing was crowded. Tim our tour guide seemed to time everything so well. He was also super knowledgeable and a great storyteller. I also felt like Tim was a very safe driver.
Amanda
07/07/2024We had the best time- Tiim (Timothy) is an amazing driver, story-teller and guide. We can’t wait to come back- I still have Caledonia in my head and Mary Queen of Scots is my new hero! No otters but we did see a whale! 3 Americans, 9 Aussies, 2 Welch, 2 Canadians and a Dane make for an epic 6 days!
Trena
03/07/2024Touring the magical landscapes of the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Skye demands an equally magical storyteller. We have just returned from our tour and I can happily say that we had just that ! Steve was the perfect guide in every way, knowledgeable, charming, funny, helpful, and organized. If you’re lucky enough to be able to take this tour and to have Steve as your guide you will not be disappointed. Great experience, very well curated and narrated, with great tunes ...
Grand Tour
10/05/2024The ethereal landscapes of the Highlands are beyond imagination. Couple them with our effusive and engaging guide, Steve, and you have the best of vision, storytelling, and music.
John
09/05/2024A terrific 6 days. The success of any tour can never be just the places you visit. The weather, accommodation assuming multiple days, size and make up of the group, comfort of the bus all play a part. But you need a fantastic, talented, knowledgeable, quick witted and engaging tour guide and we did. ‘Sophie’ was all of these and more. She kept us entertained with lots of information, updates times and places coming up, histories, stories of the myths and mysteries of th...
Dacmelaus
22/05/2024Explore the Outer Hebrides with @highextours
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Frequently Asked Questions
Your 6-Day Isle of Skye & The Outer Hebrides tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.
Yes, five nights bed & breakfast or guesthouse accommodation is included in the tour price. You can also choose to stay in a shared hostel dormitory at a reduced rate (mixed-gender, multi-share rooms). Select your preferred accommodation type at the time of booking.
We have made some of the activities optional so you can tailor your Scotland trip to your liking.
Reserve at the time of booking
- Jacobite Steam Train
Pay on arrival at the site:
- Eilean Donan Castle
All essential information about the Jacobite Steam Train on our tours can be found here.
Accommodation is carefully selected by our experienced team ensuring a hearty Scottish welcome. While the specific bed & breakfast, guesthouse, or hostel may vary, you can be confident your stay will be comfortable.
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
If you choose bed & breakfast or guesthouse accommodation, you'll enjoy a freshly made breakfast each morning. Please note that breakfast is not provided with hostel accommodation. Both options do not include lunch, dinner, or snacks.
You'll have plenty of opportunities to explore outstanding restaurants and cafes throughout the Scottish Highlands. We highly recommend trying these local spots to experience Scottish flavours at your own pace, tailored to your preferences and dietary needs.
Absolutely! Joining us solo is a fantastic way to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. You'll typically find a mix of couples, friends, and fellow solo adventurers on our tours. Please note that single room availability is limited.
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
- Home
- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 6 Day Tour Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides
Soak up the atmospheric scenery in Glen Coe and look out for Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest mountain – on our journey towards Loch Ness. Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’, the Loch Ness monster, on our visit to the loch, before we continue onto Inverness. We arrive in Inverness, where we will be spending the night. Enjoy free time with a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city, then wander round the various bars and restaurants.
Free time back in Stornoway; wander around the harbour and go in search of fresh seafood in the local restaurants.
(Overnight: Stornoway)
6 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
Our Outer Hebrides tour begins with a visit to the stunning Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures dedicated to the horse powered heritage of Central Scotland, designed by Andy Scott. Learn about William Wallace as we pass Stirling Castle, and catch a glimpse of Doune Castle, which appears in Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Outlander and Game of Thrones.
Soak up the atmospheric scenery in Glen Coe and look out for Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest mountain – on our journey towards Loch Ness. Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’, the Loch Ness monster, on our visit to the loch, before we continue onto Inverness. We arrive in Inverness, where we will be spending the night. Enjoy free time with a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city, then wander round the various bars and restaurants.
Day Highlights
Start the day with fresh air and stunning scenery at Corrieshalloch Gorge. We continue north on a beautiful stretch of road and 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! On arrival to the island, we head straight for Harris in the south, where we’ll visit the world-famous Harris Distillery for a wee dram before we return to Lewis in the north for an overnight stay in the main town of Stornoway.
Day Highlights
Prepare for an exciting day touring the cultural attractions on the Isle of Lewis. First, go back to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline. 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.
Free time back in Stornoway; wander around the harbour and go in search of fresh seafood in the local restaurants.
(Overnight: Stornoway)
Day Highlights
On departure from Stornoway we’ll visit the Iolaire Monument, a memorial to an event which highlights the darker side of island life. We’ll then spend the day exploring some beautiful beaches and the oldest medieval church on the Isle of Harris before catching our ferry ‘over the sea to Skye’. The main town of Portree is our base for the next two nights. Head into town to enjoy the local seafood & whisky or stretch your legs with a scenic walk.
Day Highlights
Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye. Visit the enchanted waters of the Sligachan River with views of its old bridge and the breathtaking Cuillin mountains. We drive over the Skye bridge to view the iconic – and absolutely beautiful – Eilean Donan Castle; used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough. Free time back in Portree; visit the shops, restaurants, and picturesque harbour with its colourful facades before we end the day by exploring Skye’s most iconic landmarks, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr.
Day Highlights
We have the chance to explore a wee bit more of the beautiful Isle of Skye before taking the ferry to the fishing village of Mallaig on the west coast. Experience one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train; made famous by Harry Potter. We take the scenic route back to the city through the Cairngorms National Park and arrive at Edinburgh in the evening.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh
We depart from our blue corner shop at 60 High Street, centrally located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. A useful landmark to find us is the Radisson Blu Hotel, situated just one street further along.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
- Home
- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 6 Day Tour Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides
Jacobite Steam Train
Reserve at the time of bookingFollow the footsteps of Harry Potter and enjoy a magical ride on the Jacobite Steam Train aka the ‘Hogwarts Express’. The steam train between Fort William and Mallaig is said to be the most beautiful rail journey in the world. The steam train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and sweeps along the west coast, offering magnificent views of distant isles and white sand beaches. *Please note: Jacobite Steam Train tickets have limited availability and we only offer standard class seating, we are unable to offer first class seating or upgrades.
Eilean Donan Castle
Pay locallyEilean Donan Castle is situated on a sea loch surrounded by magnificent Highland scenery. This magical and idyllic setting is what makes this one of Scotland’s most iconic attractions. Take a tour to find out about the castle's colourful history. Please note there are days when Eilean Donan Castle is closed to the public. Adult from £12. Tickets are subject to availability.
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