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The Outer Hebrides and the Highlands

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
8 days From £1,755 £1,655 per person
4.1 stars(117 reviews)
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Journey on the scenic West Highland Line and lose yourself in the breathtaking Scottish landscapes of the Highlands and the Hebrides.

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Save up to £100pp on selected UK 2024 holidays when you book by 31st October 2023.

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Mobility Rating 2

2024 Tour code: OHS24

About the tour

Wild beauty and ancient wonders await on this holiday to the idyllic Hebrides and the dramatic Highlands. From the striking city of Glasgow, journey on the magnificent West Highland Line as imposing mountains, majestic lochs and verdant valleys unfold from the train window.

Enjoy a sea eagle safari, explore the mystical Callanish Standing Stones, and visit the historic Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. Along the way, we stay in enchanting Fort William, the untamed Isle of Lewis, and exciting Inverness. Escape to the natural majesty of some of Scotland's most scenic spots.

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Unforgettable experiences

West Highland Line
West Highland Line
Journey through the breathtaking mountains, rolling hills, and rugged terrain of the West Highland Line, one of the most beautiful railways in Europe.
Isle of Lewis
Isle of Lewis
Discover the timeless culture and captivating history of the Isle of Lewis with an expert local guide.
Isle of Lewis Safari
Isle of Lewis Safari
Spot incredible wildlife on a sea eagle safari along the pristine shores of the Isle of Lewis.
Callanish Standing Stones
Callanish Standing Stones
Witness the fascinating Callanish Standing Stones, Scotland's best-preserved Neolithic monument.
River Ness
River Ness
Stay in the bustling city of Inverness on the banks of the picturesque River Ness.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Bustling Glasgow

We meet at our hotel in Glasgow, a city of striking architecture, both historic and contemporary. After checking in, there's some time at leisure ahead of dinner this evening. You could begin exploring the city with the iconic Glasgow Cathedral or bustling Buchanan Street, both within walking distance. Or, you could relax with a drink in the hotel's champagne lounge.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - The beautiful West Highland Line to idyllic Fort William

Today, we travel on the magnificent West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William. 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.

Widely regarded as one of the most scenic train rides in the UK, we soak up the stunning drama of the glorious Scottish Highlands, where purple heather rolls over the moorlands and ancient forests tower above us.

Our hotel in Fort William sits on the banks of the River Ness. After checking in, there's time at leisure before dinner and you could start exploring our new surroundings with a picturesque stroll along the river.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and sailing to the Isle of Lewis

This morning, we experience more amazing landscapes on the West Highland Line. Bound for Mallaig, we journey along the banks of Loch Eil and over the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct. This famous Victorian archway is a true feat of engineering and is well-known for its cameo in the Harry Potter films. As we cross, the views of the valley below are astonishing.

We also pass by the shimmering glens and lochs of central Scotland before arriving in Mallaig, where we get our first glimpse of the beautiful Scottish coastline. From here, we catch the ferry to Skye and continue by coach over Skye Bridge to Ullapool. Here, we board another ferry to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. We arrive at our hotel in Borve by coach for a late check in and a peaceful night's rest.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – A unique sea eagle safari and discovering delightful Stornoway

Today we start discovering the Isle of Lewis with a boat excursion and coach tour. On the boat, we enjoy a unique sea eagle safari, hoping to catch a glimpse of the impressive creatures. While spotting these majestic birds soaring above us, other wildlife like herons, seals or dolphins could also appear.

Exploring Stornoway by coach, we experience the vibrant Gaelic culture that thrives in this characteristic town. Soak up the atmosphere of the Stornoway Harbour, admire the graceful Lews Castle, and gaze at our picturesque surroundings.

Back on dry land, we make our way to the nearby Royal Hotel for a fish and chip lunch overlooking the quaint harbour. We then return to our hotel in High Borve where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure in the unspoilt village.

You could wander by the humble cottages and natural beauty on your way to explore the stunning nearby beaches or simply unwind at the hotel ahead of dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – The Ness historical society, Callanish Standing Stones, and Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Today we're joined by an expert Hebridean guide for the full day. Starting with a visit to the Ness historical society, we discover the fascinating past of the Isle of Lewis. The museum is a treasure trove of historical artefacts and exhibits that bring the rich heritage of the area to lifegiving us an insight into the various aspects of island culture.

Continuing to the Callanish Standing Stones, we stand in the shadow of these giant Neolithic structures which are even older than the famous Stonehenge monument.

Our final visit of the day is to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a preserved 1800s village. Exploring the well-preserved blackhouses and traditional stone cottages with thatched roofs, we discover more about the daily routines, craftsmanship, and customs of the island's inhabitants.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – The fascinating Stornoway Museum and cheerful Inverness

This morning we head to the Stornoway Museum, which tells the story of this island in the Outer Hebrides and the people who have called it home for the past 5,000 years. With a wide range of artefacts and interactive exhibits, this is an interesting place to spend a couple of hours.

After time for lunch, we board our ferry to Ullapool, a village and port in Northern Scotland. As the ferry sails, we see the Isle of Lewis disappear into the horizon while the mainland beckons in the distance.

From Ullapool, we journey by coach through the awe-inspiring scenery of the Highlands to Inverness. We check into our hotel in this lively city in time for dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Vibrant Inverness and friendly Glasgow

Enjoy time at leisure in Inverness this morning. You could enjoy a beautiful riverside stroll along the River Ness, stopping at Inverness Castle on its banks. After time for lunch, we make our way to the station where we catch the train back to Glasgow.

After travelling through the wonderful mountains and shimmering lochs that make up the breathtaking landscapes of the Highlands, we check into our hotel in Glasgow.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Homeward bound

After breakfast this morning, our holiday together comes to an end. Once we've checked out and said goodbye to new friends, you can explore more of Scotland on your own or begin your journey home.

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

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Nevis Bank Inn

Nevis Bank Inn, Fort William

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Palace Hotel Inverness, Inverness

Palace Hotel Inverness, Inverness

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Borve House Hotel, Isle of Lewis

Borve House Hotel, Isle of Lewis

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Train

West Highland Line

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Reviews

4.1 stars4.1 / 5 · 117 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (42)
  2. 4 stars
    (57)
  3. 3 stars
    (9)
  4. 2 stars
    (6)
  5. 1 star
    (3)

David Butlin

5 stars

Submitted 13/Jul

A well organised and very pleasant tour. Good hotels and good food. A excellent way to see the islands and Highlands of Scotland.

Collected by Trustpilot

K Bailey

4 stars

Submitted 21/Jun

enjoyed the holiday but a long way for in effect two and a half days on the island

Collected by Trustpilot

C T

4 stars

Submitted 27 Sep 2022

We would have marked this trip higher but for one of the advertised highlights of the tour, one of the Great Rail Journeys of the world, the Rail trip from Fort William to Mallaig did not take place. The famous train trip was not listed at all on tour notes given to us by our tour leader on the first evening of our trip despite being part of the advertised itinerary. No real explanation was given why were taken by coach to Mallaig for the ferry instead of the train trip. The tour manger said she thought Scotrail had cancelled the train, but I checked, and it was booked to run as normal. We were looking forward to this world class rail journey including the trip over the Glenfinnan Viaduct with its Harry Potter connections. I must admit that day seemed to turn in to 'Great Coach Journeys of the World' rather the Great Train Journeys. I email the company on return and received an automated reply that one of the team would get back to me within 28 days. No reply as yet. (Not so good customer care.) We have used this company before without problem. Putting the above to one side We enjoyed the rest of trip throughout, first class tour manager, guides and drivers. Cannot fault the hotels or food.

Collected by Trustpilot

J Baldry

4 stars

Submitted 22 Sep 2022

Good trip but some long days. Hotels, food and Tour Manager good. Very disappointed not told until in Glasgow rail trip from Fort William to Mallaig cancelled and replaced with coach journey. Apart from that we enjoyed the holiday.

Collected by Trustpilot

Steve Squires

4 stars

Submitted 22 Sep 2022

Very busy and some amazing sights seen and enjoyed. Be prepared for a couple of long days and some great photo opportunities. Although the hotels were rated 4 stars they all had plus and minuses. I was thinking of a highlight and to be honest there was so many, you will experience all your senses and feelings on this holiday. Our tour manager was very helpful and engaging

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Steve Squires
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D Ashworth

4 stars

Submitted 22 Sep 2022

Very interesting but tiring holiday. Felt that the trip over to the Isle of Skye and three hours at Eilean Donan Castle was unnecessary, it made the day extremely long, from Breakfast at 6.45 to arriving in Stornoway at 21.30 and then coach to the hotel. The hotel Indigo was poor, lighting in the rooms made it impossible to read or do any close work,also the choice of menu (one being bangers and mash) something I would not entertain at home and certainly not expect in a first class hotel. On a plus point the party was superb and Liz the Tour Manager was wonderful, she was very hardworking and nothing was too much trouble. I would certainly wish to do another holiday with her 'in charge'

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