9 Day Grand Hebridean Explorer Private Tour
from Edinburgh
Outer Hebrides, Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
Explore the remarkable history and landscapes of the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye on this nine day private journey from Edinburgh. This historian-guided tour uncovers islands shaped by prehistoric communities, Hebridean heritage and centuries of clan history, including the ancient standing stones of Calanais on the Isle of Lewis and the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Isle of Skye.
Day 1 — Edinburgh to Inverness
Departing from Edinburgh we travel north towards the village of Dunkeld and the ruins of its historic cathedral followed by visit to the Falls of Bruar. The afternoon takes us into the Cairngorms National Park where we drive up towards Cairngorm Mountain. If the weather is clear we take the funicular railway to near the summit or alternatively, we enjoy a meandering walk at the nearby Loch an Eilein with its island castle ruin. The day ends with a short drive to Inverness where we will overnight for the next two days.
Day 2 — Inverness
Departing from Inverness, we visit the nearby Culloden Battlefield to explore the dramatic history of the Highland clans and the Jacobite uprisings. Next we explore the Bronze Age Clava Cairns, dating back over 4000 years, these standing stones offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past of the Highlands. The afternoon takes us east to the majestic ruins of Elgin Cathedral – even in its ruined state, it stands as one of Scotland’s most beautiful and historically significant medieval buildings. Our return to Inverness includes a stop at the Rodney Stone, a carved monument crafted over twelve hundred years ago by the Picts.
Day 3 — Inverness to Isle of Lewis
Departing early from Inverness, we travel to the coastal village of Ullapool to board the ferry for a 2¾ hour crossing of the Minch. Arriving in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis (my home island), we spend the afternoon stepping back through millennia of Hebridean history. We explore the magnificent Neolithic Calanais Standing Stones, the formidable 2000-year-old Dun Carloway Broch, and the traditional thatched blackhouses that once sheltered island families for generations. We conclude our first day at the secluded Atlantic beach of Dalbeg before returning to Stornoway for our overnight stay.
Day 4 — Isle of Harris
Heading south from Stornoway, we cross the mountain border into the Isle of Harris. The drive along the Atlantic coastline reveals the breathtaking white sands and turquoise waters of Seilebost and Nisabost. At the southern tip of the island, we visit Rodel to explore the medieval St Clement’s Church – home to one of Scotland’s most remarkable 16th-century tomb carvings. After a late afternoon pause in the ferry port of Tarbert, we journey back through the rugged North Harris hills to Stornoway for our overnight stay.
Day 5 — Isle of Lewis
We spend the morning at the Butt of Lewis – the most northerly point of the Hebrides – where a lonely lighthouse stands guard over towering cliffs and the crashing Atlantic waves. We then venture west into the remote parish of Uig. This is a landscape of dramatic coastal scenery, where we explore the stunning Atlantic beaches of Ardroil, Valtos, and Reef. Returning to Stornoway, we visit Museum nan Eilean within the gothic splendour of Lews Castle to see the world-famous Lewis Chessmen before our overnight stay.
Day 6 — Isle of Lewis to Isle of Skye
Leaving Stornoway, we travel south to Tarbert, where we board the mid-morning ferry for the 1¾ hour crossing to the Isle of Skye. Arriving at Uig, we spend the afternoon exploring the dramatic Trotternish Peninsula, one of Skye's most distinctive landscapes. We pause for views of the iconic Old Man of Storr, the coastal cliffs and waterfall at Kilt Rock and the spectacular scenery of the Quiraing. We then continue to the colourful harbour town of Portree for our overnight stay.
Day 7 — Isle of Skye
The day begins with a visit to the Museum of Island Life at Kilmuir before we head across to Dunvegan Castle. As the ancestral seat of Clan MacLeod and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, it offers grand history and exquisite gardens to explore. The afternoon takes us past the magnificent Cuillin Hills as we drive south to the Sleat Peninsula. Often missed by the crowds, this area of stunning coastlines and heather-clad hills offers secluded roads and hidden vistas. We explore the western shores of the peninsula before our return to Portree for our overnight stay.
Day 8 — Isle of Skye to Fort William
Departing Portree, we journey south to Armadale for a scenic ferry crossing across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig (40 minutes sailing) on the Scottish mainland. We then follow the 'Road to the Isles' to Glenfinnan to explore the Jacobite monument and viaduct before our arrival in Fort William. Subject to our arrival time, there may also be an opportunity to visit the West Highland Museum, whose collections explore the history, culture and Jacobite heritage of the Highlands, before our overnight stay.
Day 9 — Fort William to Edinburgh
On our final day, we travel south to explore the haunting beauty of Glencoe. We delve into the chronicles of the 1692 massacre and visit a reconstructed traditional 17th-century turf house. We pause at the River Coe and Loch Achtriochtan for some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. The afternoon involves a final scenic drive south across Rannoch Moor and through the Trossachs, with distant views of Stirling Castle as we return to Edinburgh.
Tour Highlights
- Dunkeld
- Bruar
- Cairngorms
- Culloden Battlefield
- Elgin Cathedral
- Clava Cairns
- Calanais Stones
- Carloway Broch
- Dalbeg
- Seilebost
- St Clement's Church
- Butt of Lewis
- Lewis Chessmen
- Stornoway
- Tarbert
- Portree
- The Quiraing
- Kilt Rock
- Dunvegan Castle
- Cuillin Hills
- Sleat Peninsula
- Glenfinnan
- Fort William
- Glencoe
Tour Gallery
Private Tour Price (per tour)
May to September: £7450
Depart Edinburgh
Return Edinburgh
(9 Days)
What's Included
What's included in the tour price?
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your private group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Your private tour price includes:
- Private tour for your group only (1, 2 or 3 persons)
- An experienced driver-guide and historian (John Alasdair Macdonald)
- A comfortable tour vehicle with good visibility and generous legroom
- All ferry tickets (I take care of all ferry bookings)
- All taxes and fees
What's excluded?
The tour price does not include your accommodation costs, entrance fees, meals and refreshments.
Where should I book accommodation?
To make the most of your tour I recommend you book accommodation in:
- Inverness (Day 1 and 2)
- Stornoway (Day 3, 4 and 5)
- Portree (Day 6 and 7)
- Fort William (Day 8)
Whilst I do not book accommodation directly, I am always happy to offer advice on where to stay and eat. Your tour quote will include a list of recommended accommodation options for our overnight locations along with suggestions for evening meals.
Route & Logistics
Which days does this tour start on?
This tour is available on a Saturday start day from Edinburgh.
Where does the tour start from?
Enjoy the ease of a private pickup – I will meet you directly at your Edinburgh City Centre or Airport accommodation on the morning of Day 1 to begin the tour. At the end of the tour I will drop you off at your preferred Edinburgh location.
What about the ferry sailings?
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While I cannot be responsible for additional accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, I will make every effort to adapt the tour to minimise disruption. Please note that no refunds will be given for tour and itinerary changes due to ferry changes and cancellations.
What will the weather be like?
Scottish weather is famously changeable, and it is not unusual to experience sunshine, showers and a brisk wind all in the same afternoon. This is part of the character of the Highlands and Islands: the light is often spectacular, and the big skies over the mountains, lochs and coastline are a highlight in themselves. As this is a private tour, I can adapt each day where possible to suit the forecast and conditions. Strong winds can also occasionally affect ferry sailings (see the ferry FAQ above).
Can the tour itinerary be customised?
The tour itinerary is based on nineteen years of guiding experience, previous client feedback, and practical travel timings. However, there is some flexibility and the itinerary can often be adapted in advance to suit particular interests or requests where possible. Changes usually work best as swaps rather than additions, as the routes are timed to keep an unhurried pace. Please mention any requests in the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Comfort & Practicalities
How much walking does this tour involve?
Most stops on this route are short walks from the vehicle to a viewpoint, castle or historic site. The pace is unhurried and there is plenty of time to enjoy each stop. If you would prefer to skip a particular walk or explore at your own pace, that is absolutely fine on a private tour.
How often do we stop?
The tour has plenty of viewpoint, photo and refreshment stops along with regular restroom stops. As it is a private tour, we can pretty much stop whenever you want!
Where do we stop for lunch, and can you cater for dietary requirements?
Lunch breaks are usually at local cafes (or on ferries) for light bites such as soup and sandwiches. If you have any special requests or dietary requirements, please let me know and I am happy to work around them (I'm gluten-free myself). Complimentary bottled water is provided in the vehicle, and you are welcome to bring your own snacks to enjoy as we travel. For evening meals, I recommend booking a table in advance at a restaurant or hotel, and your tour quote includes suggestions.
What clothing and footwear should I bring?
Walking shoes or sneakers with good grip are recommended, along with a light waterproof jacket, as the weather can change quickly. All walks are entirely optional and can be tailored to your comfort and mobility level.
How much luggage can I bring?
The current tour vehicle comfortably accommodates up to three passengers. For groups of two, there is room in the rear boot (trunk) for one large suitcase per person (up to 80cm / 31in tall including wheels) plus one small day bag/backpack each. For groups of three, space is a little tighter, so I ask that each person brings one medium bag/suitcase (up to 70cm / 27in tall including wheels) plus one small day bag/backpack. If your luggage is slightly larger than this, or you are unsure about capacity, please let me know the size of your cases and I will confirm whether there is room.
Booking & Availability
How do I book the tour?
The first step is simply to complete a Tour Enquiry Form with your preferred travel dates. I will then reply with availability and a detailed tour quotation (with absolutely no obligation to proceed at this stage). I usually reply to enquiries within 24 hours.
Can I just chat about the tour before booking?
Of course! You can reach me in whichever way is easiest for you:
- Complete a Tour Enquiry Form – just ask any questions in the 'Extra Information' section.
- Email me directly at info@thehebrideanexplorer.com.
- Send a WhatsApp message or call me on +44 7943 863292.