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The Outer Hebrides and The Highlands

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4.1 stars(39 reviews)
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Enjoy an adventure to Scotland’s idyllic Outer Hebrides

You are viewing the 2021 itinerary. Select your departure year
20212022
8 days Sold out

2021 Tour code: OHS21

About the tour

Soak up the spectacular natural majesty of some of Scotland's most scenic spots. We visit the idyllic Outer Hebrides and the ever-dramatic Highlands, and journey through some of the most spectacular Scottish scenery on the famous West Highland Line.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Glasgow

We meet in Glasgow, a city which has become one of Scotland's best tourist highlights. The striking architecture here delightfully represents the old beauty of the city, which contrasts against contemporary areas that showcase the modern-day revival of the industrial city. We spend the night here

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - The West Highland Line

We journey on the magnificent West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William today. This spectacular rail journey travels under the gaze of moody mountains and over stone bridges on a route which takes in the best of the wild and dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. This rail journey is widely regarded as one of the finest in the world, and for good reason. Few things can beat the stunning drama of the glorious Scottish Highlands, with purple heather running rampant over the moorlands and breathtaking mountain scenery, and we soak it all up on our journey. We arrive in Fort William where we visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, enjoying a tour and a whisky tasting before transferring to our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - The Outer Hebrides

We continue on the West Highland Line to Mallaig. This is an incredible stretch of one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world. Beginning with a journey along the brooding banks of Loch Eil we continue on to one of the highlights of this journey, the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct. This famous example of Victorian architecture is truly a wonderful feat of engineering, and well-known for its inclusion in the Harry Potter films. We enjoy astonishing views of the ancient forests and glens of central Scotland before arriving in Mallaig for our first glimpse of the beautiful Scottish coastline. We continue by coach through Skye and travel by ferry* to the Outer Hebrides and Stornoway.

*You will need to take you own bags on the ferry, rather than them travel via our luggage service.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Tarbert and Scalpay

We get to know the island on a fascinating guided tour today. Our first visit is to Rodel Church. Officially known as St Clement's Church, the structure dates back to around 1520 and is a beautiful example of grand medieval architecture. After free time to discover the church at your own pace, we continue to Tarbert, pausing en route at stunning Seilebost beach. After lunch in Tarbert, you have some free time to explore, and there's plenty of great shops you could visit, including the famous Harris Tweed shop. Our final visit of the day is to Scalpay, a small inhabited island just off the coast of Harris that boasts some spectacular natural beauty. Enjoy some free time to take in the scenery before we return to our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - The Butt of Lewis and Callanish Standing Stones

We take a coach excursion today, beginning with the Butt of Lewis, an atmospheric area at the most northerly point of Lewis. We continue to the Port of Ness, a pretty fishing village, and Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a preserved village from the 1800s. Next, we visit the Callanish Standing Stones and visitor centre. The stones were erected in the late Neolithic period and used for rituals during the Bronze Age, and are surrounded by local legend. We're accompanied by a specialist guide, who is full of fascinating insights about the island.

Includes
  • Day 5 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6 - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Ullapool

In the afternoon on Day 6, we transfer to Ullapool on the mainland. We enjoy a coach journey through the awe-inspiring scenery of the Highlands on our way to Inverness, where we check into our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Inverness to Glasgow

Enjoy a free morning in Inverness today. You may like to walk by the banks of the River Ness, which feeds the famous Loch Ness. One of the delightful sights that line the banks is Inverness Castle, a beautiful sight. You may also like to visit Inverness Cathedral and see its beautiful nave. This afternoon, we take the train onwards to Glasgow, where we enjoy a final meal at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Home

Following breakfast on Day 8, you're free to depart.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Please note: This may be suitable for reduced mobility passengers, please call for further information.

Hotels

Nevis Bank Inn

Nevis Bank Inn, Fort William

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Apex City of Glasgow Hotel

Apex City of Glasgow Hotel, Glasgow

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Macdonald Hotel Drumossie

Macdonald Hotel Drumossie, Inverness

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Cabarfeidh Hotel

Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway

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Train

West Highland Line

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Upgrades

UK rail connections

Reviews

4.1 stars4.1 / 5 · 39 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (11)
  2. 4 stars
    (22)
  3. 3 stars
    (3)
  4. 2 stars
    (3)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Mr C J Elliott

4 stars

Submitted 29/Jun

The holiday was fantastic. The Tour guides were very good. WOULD have given FIVE if we had traveled on the steam train from Fort William to Mailag there was time to do this within the day. And seeing the company is renowned for great rail travel this was MOST DISAPPOINTING. Do realize this would have added to the cost of the holiday but would have gladly paid the extra.

Collected by Trustpilot

William JappyFree Spirit Custome

5 stars

Submitted 23/Jun

Everything went according to plan and sometimes even better. Much of what went well was down to the excellent work of Rob the tour manager. For instance the one night stop at the Drumossie hotel which was apparently being used by Great Rail for the first time when he was able to rearrange the schedule for going into Inverness thus giving us more time there..

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Tracy Girvan

4 stars

Submitted 23/Jun

Despite the Covid restrictions and the itinerary having to be changed because of these, it was a great, relaxing holiday. The tour manager worked hard to make sure all the group had a good time.

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R Harris

4 stars

Submitted 23/Jun

Enjoyed the whole experience but the Caberfeidh hotel not up to scratch.stunning place to visit.

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michael

2 stars

Submitted 23/Jun

Poor value for money food on Islands hotel third rate . Far to long on coach first day on outer Hebrides boring on coach all day . This holiday is way over priced. Not enough. To do. Very disappointed. I think you have missed a trick. When things get back to normal we will return to abroad. The one plus was we had an excellent tour guide manager . You should be giving value for money holidays ensuring people return.

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Anne

2 stars

Submitted 19/Jun

Disappointed mainly due to lack of organisation and hotels understaffed

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The Outer Hebrides and The Highlands

Enjoy an adventure to Scotland’s idyllic Outer Hebrides

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