6-Day Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye Tour with Optional Hogwarts Express Train Journey
by Highland Explorer Tours
Overview
This six-day tour travels through Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, focusing on the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Skye. The tour begins in Edinburgh and includes five nights of bed and breakfast accommodation. Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned midi-coach for the entire trip, including all ferry crossings. A local English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the tour. Highlights include visits to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and Harris Distillery on the Outer Hebrides. The itinerary also features a train journey across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is not on the Jacobite Steam Train but passes the same iconic location known as the 'Hogwarts Express' route. Each day starts with breakfast included in the accommodation. The tour covers a range of landscapes such as beaches, castles, coastal towns, and battlefields, with time spent on the Isle of Skye and in Glen Coe. The schedule may change due to weather or road conditions. Food, drinks, and gratuities are not included. Travelers should note that the Jacobite Steam Train service is subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
The Kelpies
Travel north to see the Kelpies, the world’s largest horse sculptures, created by Andy Scott to honor Central Scotland’s horse-powered history.
45 min
Highland Town Lunch
Pause for lunch in a pleasant Highland town.
60 min
Glencoe Scenery and History
Take in the atmosphere of Glencoe and listen to the guide recount the 1692 massacre story.
20 min
Loch Ness and Inverness
Visit Loch Ness to learn about the ‘Nessie’ legend before proceeding to Inverness.
30 min
Ullapool Exploration
Explore Ullapool while waiting for the ferry to the Hebrides.
45 min
Ferry Ullapool to Stornoway
Travel by ferry from Ullapool across to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, with opportunities to spot dolphins during the crossing.
150 min
Isle of Harris Distillery
Stop at the Isle of Harris distillery to relax with a small dram.
90 min
Dun Carloway Broch
Visit the broch of Dun Carloway to experience the Iron Age.
30 min
Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
Discover 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village.
60 min
Butt of Lewis Coastline
Explore Lewis’s Atlantic coast and visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse, the island’s northernmost point, observing the sea’s impact on the cliffs.
60 min
Calanais Standing Stones
Visit the Calanais Standing Stones, erected 5000 years ago.
60 min
West Harris Beach
View a clear Hebridean beach with turquoise waters and mountain backdrop on West Harris.
120 min
Ferry to Isle of Skye
Take a ferry crossing over the sea to reach the Isle of Skye.
100 min
Old Man of Storr
Stop for photos at the Old Man of Storr, a well-known rock formation with local legend.
20 min
Trotternish Peninsula Sea Cliff
View a sea cliff located on the Trotternish Peninsula.
15 min
Sligachan River and Cuillin Mountains
Observe the Sligachan River near the historic old bridge, set against the backdrop of the Cuillin mountains.
30 min
Lunch in Broadford
Stop for lunch at Broadford on the Isle of Skye.
60 min
Eilean Donan Castle
Visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most recognized castles.
90 min
Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig
Board the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, watching for sealife during the crossing.
25 min
Lunch and Jacobite Steam Train
Arrive in Mallaig for lunch before boarding the Jacobite Steam Train.
60 min
Hogwarts Express Journey
Travel along the West Highland Line by local train, following the Hogwarts Express route with views of Highland landscapes and Glenfinnan Viaduct. No train on 3 September 2026; on that day, travel the Road to the Isles by road. Train service available only until October.
120 min
Dunkeld and Return to Edinburgh
Stop in the Highland village of Dunkeld before finishing the tour back in Edinburgh.
15 min
Meeting point
This tour will depart at 8:30 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.
End point
This tour will depart at 8:30 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
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