Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides - Steam Train (single) Multi-day tour

Our partner: Highland Explorer Tours

Description

 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 photographs of the magical Isle of Skye and Glencoe, 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 country.  

What´s Included

  • 5 nights B&B Accommodation 
  • Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
  • Abhainn Dearg whisky distillery 
  • All ferry crossings
  • Bannockburn
  • Jacobite Steam Train
  • Local Scottish Guide

What to bring

  •  Passport / Photo ID
  • Travel Insurance
  • Students must hold a valid ISIC/ISE/ITIC card
  • Comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket in case of a few sprinkles.  

Additional information

  •  Adults / Students must be over 18 at the time of travel. 
  • Students must hold a valid ISIC/ISE/ITIC card. 
  • The minimum age for a Highland Explorer Tour passenger is 5 years old.  
  • Those who are 17 year old pay the adult price, but need to be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over.  
  •  Please arrive to check-in 15 minutes before departure
  • Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark. 
  • Highland hotels and guesthouses do not have lifts/elevators. Guests should be able to walk up steps in order to access rooms.
  • Cancellations made 21 day or less prior to departure will incur a 100% fee.
  • In this new, fast-changing Covid-19 era, we are doing all we can to adapt to new requirements and expectations, given the disruption caused. Read more about the important new steps and procedures that we have implemented to enhance hygiene protocols, to comply with physical distancing requirements by relevant government authorities and to give you peace of mind when you are travelling during these new times
    Your Responsibility
    All our guests are asked to follow hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organization and local Government guidelines.
    • Regular washing of hands and sanitising when required
    • Please bring your own:
    o Hand sanitiser
    o Face mask. These are to be worn at all times on the coach and in public areas.
    • Temperature checks will be taken at the start of each day on tour. If your temperature is above 37.5 degrees, you may not be able to travel.
    • Maintain social distancing. o You need to make the Guide aware if you develop any COVID like symptoms.
    • You need to make the Guide aware if you develop any Covid like symptoms.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Edinburgh to Inverness
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Edinburgh to Inverness

We depart Edinburgh at 08.30am and set off 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. 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 Glencoe, 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, at around 17.30. Free time in Inverness; enjoy a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city, then a wander round the various bars and restaurants. (Overnight: Inverness)  

DAY 2
Inverness to Stornoway
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Inverness to Stornoway

Start the day we as mean to continue, with fresh air and stunning scenery at Black Water Falls. 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! Explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline of Lewis. 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. We return to the main town of Stornoway for the night. (Overnight: Stornoway)  

DAY 3
Stornoway
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Stornoway

Prepare for an exciting day touring the cultural attractions on the Isle of Lewis. First, go back to the Neolithic period on our visit to the mysterious 5000-year old Callanish Standing Stones, and then fast-forward to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and unwind with a wee dram of whisky at Abhainn Dearg; the most westerly distillery in Scotland. Free time back in Stornoway; wander around the pretty harbour and go in search of fresh seafood in the local restaurants. (Overnight: Stornoway)  

DAY 4
Stornoway to Portree
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Stornoway to Portree

We depart Stornoway and drive south towards the idyllic Isle of Harris. Marvel at the flawless white sand beaches with turquoise sea and a backdrop of mountains on West Harris. Board the ferry and go over the sea to the Isle of Skye, where we spend the afternoon exploring the Trotternish peninsula. Soak up the enchanting scenery and learn about the island’s myths and legends. We arrive into our final stop at Portree in time to enjoy dinner in one of the town’s restaurants.(Overnight: Portree)   

DAY 5
Portree
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Portree

Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye. 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. 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. Free time back in Portree; visit the shops, restaurants, and picturesque harbour with its colourful facades. (Overnight: Portree)   

DAY 6
Portree to Edinburgh
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Portree to Edinburgh

Wander round Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum; the spiritual home of Clan Donald and our final stop on the Isle of Skye. Board the ferry back to the mainland, arriving at 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 into Edinburgh at around 8.30pm.