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5 Day Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye Private Tour

Explore some of the most rugged and dramatic landscapes that Scotland has to offer with a five day private tour from Inverness to the Hebridean Islands of Lewis, Harris and Skye.

Day 1 – An early start from Inverness to the coastal village of Ullapool where we board the ferry for a 2¾ hour journey across the Minch to the Isle of Lewis (my native island) and its main town of Stornoway. From there we spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent Neolithic Calanais Standing Stones, the 2000 year old Dun Carloway Broch and a traditional Hebridean blackhouse. We finish the day at the beautiful beach at Dalbeg before our return to Stornoway for our overnight stay.

Day 2 – Departing from Stornoway we head south to the Isle of Harris. The drive along the Atlantic coastline of Harris includes the stunning beaches at Seilebost and Nisabost. We visit Rodel to explore the medieval St Clement’s church, home to one of Scotland's most remarkable 16th century tombs. The late afternoon takes us back to Tarbert before we return north to Stornoway for our overnight stay.

Day 3 – Departing from Stornoway we head north to the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly point in the Hebrides) for the dramatic views of the cliffs and the North Atlantic. We return to Stornoway where we explore Museum nan Eilean in Lews Castle and visit their collection of Lewis Chessmen. The afternoon takes us south to Tarbert where we take a 1¾ hour ferry across to the Isle of Skye before our slightly later arrival in Portree (approx. 7pm) for our overnight stay.

Day 4 – A full day in the Isle of Skye begins with a tour around the stunning Trotternish Peninsula including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the magnificent views from the Quiraing. The afternoon takes us across to Dunvegan Castle, home of the clan Macleod, one of the Hebrides most powerful clans. We end the day at the old bridge at Sligachan with its great view of the peaks of the Black Cuillin before our return to Portree for our overnight stay.

Day 5 – Departing from Portree we tour south to the Sleat Peninsula, a less explored areas of Skye, and home to a beautiful coastline, heather-clad hills and plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path and away from the crowds. Along with a visit to Isleornsay and Armadale we explore the stunning western side of Sleat. The afternoon takes us across the bridge to the mainland where we savour a distance view of Eilean Donan Castle before our return to Inverness.

What to expect on a private tour to the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye...

All the video clips shown above were taken during tours to the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye and your tour will include all these wonderful views... though maybe not the weather – we are the land of four seasons in one day!

Private Tour Price (per tour)

May to September:    £3400

Tour Information

Depart Inverness 7.30am Return Inverness (5 Days)

This tour is available on Monday and Wednesday start days from Inverness.

Tours are exclusively for your private group only ( up to 3 persons ) and prices are per tour . We only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Prices include all ferry tickets, all taxes and a driver/guide ( John Alasdair Macdonald ) but exclude your accommodation costs, entrance fees and meals.

Tour Itinerary The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, we have a little flexibility and the tour itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. Please let us know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form .

Ferry Sailings Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While we cannot be responsible for any extra accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, we 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.

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The Hebrides Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through The Hebrides. We've got 9 trips going to The Hebrides, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 13 days. The most popular month to go is May, which has the most tour departures.

9 The Hebrides tour packages with 18 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

3-Day Lewis, Harris and the Outer Hebrides Small-Group Tour from Inverness

We had the best driver/guide (Liam) we could have wished for. He was flexible when needed especially in dealing with individual requests and good company yet covered everything on schedule. We were also very lucky with the weather. On the beach in Harris we thought we were in the Carriban!

Isle of Skye & Hebridean Hopper

Rich, our guide was amazing! There were some great people on the bus which made every stop really enjoyable! We really loved the islands and the highlands and were sad to leave it behind, BUT we have made some cool friends. It was totally worth it. Rich has awesome pub and restaurant recommendations and his knowledge about Scotland and its history are out of this world! So ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars from Suus and Dieuwke

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Hebridean Escape 3 Day Tour

I was sold the moment James greeted us and started his tour with us. He has such a lovely personality and sold me on Scotland as the best place to visit in the world. It was the most wonderful tour ever. He was exceptional and even when I return to Scotland, i fear no one will never match up to his standards. I think his tour was unsurpassed. My grandson was even captivated by James stories and tourr stops which says a tremendous amount in James favor considering how difficult it is to keep a 16 year old captivated!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

Self Guide Cycle Tour - Hebridean Way

• Ocean Cruise

Island Hopping in the Hebrides

Remote Islands, Natural Wonders & Diverse Coastline

The Scottish Isles – Highlights of the Hebrides

Remote Islands, Natural Wonders & a Diverse Coastline

• Volunteering

Wild Skye Volunteer Adventure

• Fully Guided (8)
• Explorer (6)
• Small Group (6)
• Spring 2024 (5)
• Summer 2024 (5)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (4)
• Spring 2025 (3)
• May 2024 (6)
• June 2024 (5)
• July 2024 (4)
• August 2024 (4)
• September 2024 (4)
• October 2024 (1)
• March 2025 (1)
• April 2025 (2)

Other Regions in Scotland

• Northern Scotland (54)
• Scottish Highlands (38)
• Isle Of Skye (25)
• Central Scotland (8)
• Orkney Islands (7)

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (5)

Scotland Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London

Book today reserve your seats by paying a non-refundable deposit of just £175 per person., for details click here.

• Scotland Tours
• Highlights of the Ou...

• Seilebost Beach
• Callanish Standing Stones
• Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
• Kisimul Castle, Castlebay
• Stornoway Harbour

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Highlights of the Outer Hebrides - 5 day tour

Highlights of the Outer Hebrides 5 day/4 night

The idyllic Western Isles lie off the West Coast of Scotland and feature dazzlingly white beaches, loch-dotted landscapes, pre-historic sites and a fantastic array of wildlife. This comprehensive tour will introduce you to no less than eight different Hebridean islands, including Eriskay, Vatersay, Barra, North and South Uists, Benbecula, Harris and Lewis. If you are seeking an island adventure, then this is just the tour for you.

Eriskay – walk on the sands where Bonnie Prince Charlie stepped ashore in Scotland to launch the 1745 Jacobite Uprising

Barra - see the famous Cockleshell Beach, Barra Airport’s tidal runway and learn the beguiling story of Whisky Galore      

North Uist - discover a natural landscape of beaches, peat bogs and lochans that provide a haven for all kinds of wildlife  

Harris - explore stunning white sandy beaches that rival any found in Thailand or the Caribbean   

Callanish Standing Stones - step back 5,000 years to visit these enigmatic standing stones thought older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids   

Movie locations – Brave, 2001, A Space Odessey and Whisky Galore

Hotel accommodation included

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Full Tour Itinerary

Select Day:

Day 1 - Edinburgh/Glasgow - Mallaig - Benbecula

From Edinburgh and Glasgow, we make our way into the beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park . Following a drive along the “bonnie, bonnie banks” and with a song in our heart, we continue through the countryside to reach the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor.  

The haunting atmosphere persists to this day in magnificent Glen Coe , where the Campbells massacred the MacDonalds in 1692. From there we make for Fort William for close-up views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.

From Fort William we make our way along the famed “ Road to the Isles ”, undoubtedly one of Scotland’s most scenic routes. Our journey will take us to Glenfinnan, where we will see the famous viaduct that stars in the Harry Potter movies. Next, we travel along the banks of Loch Eilt and see the beautiful sands of Morar.

At the historic fishing port of Mallaig, we join the ferry for the crossing to Lochboisdale on South Uist. Dinner will be served on-board, and when we arrive, it’s a short drive to our hotel on the neighbouring island of Benbecula.

Overnight: Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 2 - Eriskay and Vatersay Excursion

After a leisurely breakfast, we join the rest of our party for a drive through South Uist and across the causeway to reach Eriskay. This little island is just three miles long and two miles wide and has a beautiful sandy beach known as Prince Charlie’s Bay. It was here that Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in July 1745 at the start of the ill-fated Jacobite Uprising.

From Eriskay we join a ferry for the short crossing to Barra. On arrival, we drive to Castlebay, the main village on the island, where we visit Kisimul Castle .

Kisimul is the only remaining medieval castle to be found in the Outer Hebrides and is the seat of the Clan MacNeil. It sits on a little islet in the middle of the bay so, just like the chieftains of old, we’ll take a boat to reach this ancient fortress where we’ll see the grand hall, kitchen, dungeon and tower.  

Later, we will travel to see Cockleshell Beach, which doubles as the runway for Barra Airport . Barra is served by a twice-daily service from Glasgow, to a timetable that is governed by the tides.

Overlooking the beach is the home of the famous author Sir Compton Mackenzie, who wrote ‘Whisky Galore’. The book is based on the true story of a shipwreck in 1941. The cargo included 260,000 bottles of whisky, much of which was “rescued” before the official salvage team arrived.  

The story was made into a classic film in 1949. Much of the filming took place on Vatersay, which is next on our island-hopping itinerary. This little island is famed for the many species of wildflower that can be found here.

Later we return to Eriskay by ferry and make our way back to our hotel in time for dinner.

Day 3 - Benbecula - Isle of Harris - Stornoway

After breakfast, it’s time to move on to explore Harris and Lewis. First, we make our way through the lochans of Benbecula and into North Uist. At Berneray we catch the ferry for Leverburgh of the Isle of Harris.

Our first stop is to the little village of Rodel, where we will visit St Clements Church . This 16th Century church was built on an earlier building by Alasdair Crotach, 8th Chief of the MacLeods of Harris. He died in 1547 and is buried here in an ornate tomb which is decorated with fine carvings.

Harris is famed for its beautiful beaches, and we’ll pass Horgabost , Borve and Scarasta, which have some of the finest sands to be found anywhere. Enjoy the views over the sound to the island of Taransay, which featured in the popular “Castaway” TV series.

We will make a stop in Tarbert, the main community on the island before travelling through the Harris mountains to reach the moors of Lewis and our home for the next two nights in Stornoway.

Overnight: Caberfeidh Hotel, Stornoway (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 4 - Exploring the Isle of Lewis

Today ancient history is on the itinerary as we explore the treasures of Isle of Lewis. First, we make for the west coast of the island to see the mysterious Standing Stones of Callanish . Thought to be 5,000 years old this collection of monoliths is believed to be older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids. The visitor centre contains interactive displays which investigate how the stones were built and what their purpose might have been.

Next, we move on to the Black Houses at Gearannan , to discover how islanders lived, not so very long ago, in these sturdy houses made of drystone walls and thatched roofs.

Our last visit of the day is to the Norse Mill at Shawbost. This reconstruction of an Iron Age grain mill is built on the site of the original mill used by Norsemen.

There are two buildings The Kiln, where grains was dried by a peat fire and The Corn Mill, which is powered by water from Loch Roinavat. The mill was in use up until the 1930s and provides a fascinating view of life on these islands.      

Day 5 - Stornoway - Inverness - Edinburgh/Glasgow

We catch the early morning ferry from Stornoway. Breakfast will be served on-board, and there will be time to head out on deck to enjoy the view as we pass the Summer isles and make our approach to Ullapool by sailing up Loch Broom.

Back on our coach, we make our way through the North West Highlands to reach the Black Isle then across the Moray Firth into Inverness. The tour will continue through the Cairngorms National Park then a descend through the Pass of Drumochter to reach Highland Perthshire , where there will be a stop.

The last part of our journey will be through the Kingdom of Fife, then across the Firth of Forth and into Edinburgh. The coach will continue to Glasgow, for those wishing to end the tour there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i expect on this escorted tour.

If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. You’ll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons!

You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too.

An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. In certain locations you’ll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights.

These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals.

On many tours you’ll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation.

What type of room should I choose?

Selecting the right sleeping arrangements can be a little bit confusing, so here is a description of what you can expect from the hotel accommodation offered as part of your tour:

Single room - this is a room for one person sleeping in a single bed. 

Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds.

Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. 

Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person).

Please note that a family room  is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.

All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. 

Will I hear Gaelic being spoken?

The Outer Hebrides is the heartland of Gaelic culture and the majority of islanders will speak the Gaelic language, as well as English.

Of course, there is no need to learn Gaelic to enjoy your time in the Outer Hebrides, but if you would like to learn a few words why not try:

Hello - Halò Goodbye - Mar sin leibh My name is - Is mise How are you? - Ciamar a tha sibh? I’m fine thank you - Tha gu math tapadh leibh Excuse me - Gabh mo leisgeul Cheers! - Slàinte!

Can you give me advice on tipping?

It is customary to acknowledge excellent service by offering a tip.

We are often asked for guidance on the matter. It's such a difficult question to answer; however, we offer these suggestions as being a fair amount. 

If your tour was operated by a driver/guide  £7.00 per person per day.

If your tour was operated by a separate driver & guide £5.00 per person per day to each staff member.

Please bear in mind that these amounts are purely discretionary and it is customary to present tips on an individual basis at the end of the tour.

How many people will be on the tour?

The number of people travelling on an Escorted Tour will not normally be more than 50 passengers. On a Premium Escorted Tour you will travel with around 38 fellow passengers.

View all Frequently Asked Questions...

Accommodation

• 4 nights hotel accommodation
• Location: Benbecula (2) and Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (2)
• Cooked/Continental breakfast (4)
• Table d’ hote dinners (4)

Visits, Admissions and Experiences

• Admission to Kisimul Castle, St Clement’s Church, Callanish Standing Stones, Gearrannan Black Houses and Norse Mill

Tour Essentials

• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats 
• All ferry fares and reservations
• All baggage handling and hotel tips are included
• Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director
• Service charges and taxes 

Departure information

From Glasgow

North Hanover Street Bus Stance, Glasgow, G1 2BP

Tour departure and return times will be advised in your tour documentation.

Check-in: TBA hrs Tour Departs: TBA hrs Tour Returns: TBA hrs

From Edinburgh

Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh 111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF

Child details

Please contact us for information on child prices. 

Price Notes

Accommodation The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with en-suite bathroom. 

Departure and Return Times Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days before departure.

FAQs Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.

Product code BW 02971

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5 day tour from £ 850.00

6 day tour from £ 1240.00

8 day tour from £ 1500.00

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Outer Hebrides

With their awe-inspiring landscapes, incredible array of sweeping beaches and unique way of life, the Outer Hebrides are simply unforgettable.

Whether you choose to visit the standing stones at Callanish, walk along stunning beaches or watch Harris’ famous tweed being handwoven, you’ll experience the unique and authentic experience that each island –  Barra, South Uist, North Uist , Harris and Lewis –  has to offer.

Top Tips for your Outer Hebrides Holiday

Beaches, beaches, beaches - Vatersay, Luskentyre, Uig Sands, Scarista...the Outer Hebrides are packed with stunning white beaches.

St Kilda - take a day trip to the remotest part of the British Isles and explore this long-abandoned island chain.

Calanais Standing Stones - you can get up close to these 4,000-year-old mysterious standing stones on the Isle of Lewis.

Barra Airport - even if you arrive by ferry, head for the cockle strand and watch a plane land on the beach. Great home-cooked food, too!

Visit the new Harris Distillery - their whisky's not mature yet, but you can be among the first to taste their gin.

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Things To See & Do

Isle of Lewis ‘must do’ list:

Step back in time and wonder about the meaning and purpose of the standing stones at Callanish  – or Calanais in Gaelic. You can walk right among them and soak up the atmosphere across the millennia. Nearby Carloway Broch is one of the best-surviving examples of a fortified dwelling, not as ancient as the standing stones, but equally impressive. You can learn more about traditional island life in a blackhouse village, with its preserved thatched cottages. Stornoway boasts more-modern experiences, with a bustling social scene and arts centre, and is famous above all for its spicy black pudding – some claim it’s the best in Scotland – do try it at breakfast.

Isle of Harris ‘must do’ list:

You’ll be spoilt for choice along the south-west coast of the Isle of Harris, as one expansive white sandy beach after another unfurls before your eyes. Sometimes it’s hard to know where one ends and the next starts. On a sunny day, the contrasting pure turquoise waters give rise to many a comparison with the Caribbean, yet here you won’t need to wander far to find solitude and tranquillity, with not a sunbed in sight. On the opposite coast, travel the ‘Golden Road’ – a ribbon of tarmac meandering across a barren and rocky lunar landscape. You’ll still come across crofter’s cottages where you can watch Harris Tweed being woven and perhaps treat yourself to a special souvenir. And – if you’re feeling particularly adventurous – Harris is the best departure point for boat trips out into the Atlantic to the long-abandoned St Kilda archipelago, on the very edge of the British Isles (advance reservations vital – please ask us).

North & South Uist ‘must do’ list:

Explore more endless white-shell beaches along the western shores, and gaze at an unspoilt landscape of peat bog and heather-clad moorland, interspersed with pools of water – fabulous for photographs when the light is right. If you fancy a spot of fishing, then Uist’s thousands of freshwater lochs can answer your every whim. Get closer to nature at the RSPB reserve at Balranald, one of the best spots for wildlife in the UK. Sit by the visitor centre and listen for the distinctive rasping call of the rare corncrake, take the path to the shore or join one of the guided walks which take place through the summer months. Technically a different island, but easy to reach via causeway, Berneray is another beautiful wilderness, with great seal-spotting, fabulous views and  – you guessed it – more amazing beaches!

Barra and Eriskay ‘must do’ list:

There aren’t many places in the world where we’d recommend you spend an hour or two at the airport – even if you aren’t due to fly – but you won’t find another airport anywhere in the world like Barra’s …where the runway is a cockleshell strand, the timetable varies with the tide and you can enjoy delicious home-cooking while you wait. There’s another great beach just over the dunes, too. It’s easy to understand the naming of the main town as Castlebay – from whichever direction you approach, your eyes will be drawn to Kisimul Castle, ancestral clan seat of the MacNeils, seemingly floating in the bay. Hop aboard the wee boat run by Historic Scotland and see it up close for yourself. Chat to locals in the bar about life on the island and get a taste of it by trying some tooth-achingly sweet but delicious Hebridean Toffee. Tick off the neighbouring islands. Vatersay’s apple-core beaches are a stunning spectacle, though tainted with tragedy as the sites of a major shipwreck in 1843 and plane crash in 1944 – reminders that these are remote and wild shores. The most famous shipwreck of all – the inspiration behind Whisky Galore!  – happened on the Isle of Eriskay, reached by a short ferry-ride from Barra. Take time to linger by the dock and beautiful Prince Charlie Bay. Perhaps also take a drive around the island – it’s not that big – and spot some cute Eriskay ponies before stopping for a quick refreshment in Am Politician – a simple-looking bungalow, now a pub, but which houses many a relic of the ship with its doomed whisky cargo.

Travelling To & Around

The islands are connected by ferry routes from Oban and Ullapool, on the West coast of Scotland, and for those who prefer shorter crossings you can also access the islands from the North of the Isle of Skye. You can then travel by a series of causeways and ferry crossings between the islands. Grappling with the timetables – sometimes subject to tidal change – is not for the faint-hearted, however, so why not leave it to us? We can work out the best combinations and timings to ensure you get the most out of your adventure

If time is short, there are also flight connections from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Lewis, and of course the unique experience of landing on the beach runway on the Isle of Barra is on many “bucket-lists”,  with daily services from Glasgow. As a fully bonded tour operator, licensed with the Civil Aviation Authority, McKinlay Kidd can offer fly-drive holidays, complete with one-way car hire, flights, accommodation and inter-island ferries. Leave it to us and enjoy a stress-free holiday!

Outer Hebrides Holiday Ideas

All of McKinlay Kidd's holidays in the Outer Hebrides can be adapted and tailor-made to suit your requirements.

Outer Hebrides Guided Small Group Tour

Car-Free Outer Hebrides

Slowly Through the Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides Hopscotch

Outer Hebrides Fly-drive

Land on the Sand on Barra

Grand Hebrides Road Trip

Fly-drive through the Western Isles

Other destinations to inspire you.

Isle of Skye

Scottish Highlands

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Billy Heaney and James Stevens to lead wildlife cruise

Hebridean Wildlife Explorer Cruise

Wildlife cruise around some of the Inner Hebrides seeking encounters with basking sharks, whales, dolphins, eagles, deer, otters and more. Your guest guides will be wildlife presenter Billy Heaney and cameraman James Stevens.

Our plan is to head south to Crinan for a visit to the Knapdale beaver site before turning north via Mull/Iona to visit Coll & Tiree. From there we continue heading a little further north to explore the lovely Small Isles of Rum, Canna, Eigg and Muck. With the Isle of Skye just another short hop away, we will likely explore its coastline as well and possibly have the chance to explore further inland as well.

You will be cruising through great waters for cetacean spotting as well as basking sharks at this time of year potentially. As well as the expert insights and wildlife spotting skills of Billy and James on board, they will spend a couple of evenings entertaining you with short talks about their experiences making wildlife films and TV.

This cruise will be searching for white-tailed eagles, golden eagles, red deer, otters, seals, whales, dolphins and porpoise, not to mention a variety of seabirds and other land-based species too. A perfect trip for those interested in our beautiful wildlife and spectacular Hebridean islands. You can expect great food on board courtesy of our Chef, and certainly won't go hungry - that's for sure!

This adventure cruise itinerary requires a level of flexibility to respond to conditions and local sightings news, but don't worry as we always have a backup plan. The central pickup point will be in Fort William with minibus transfers to and from the ship.

From £2040 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

September — September

Contact details

• +44 (07871) 463755
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Fort William
• Small Group (1-16)
• Island Hopping
• Outdoor Activities
• Photography
• Walking/Hiking

Tour prices

From £2040 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour company information

Hebridean adventures.

Join our small ship the MV Hjalmar Bjørge from Oban for island-hopping plus whale, dolphin and wildlife watching cruises around Scotland's Hebridean islands and the Highlands' west coast, with itineraries including Mull, Skye and St Kilda! Our adventure cruises and charters range from six to 10 nights and are all-inclusive, with shore excursions. We often have a wildlife guide on board who will point out the whales, dolphins, eagles, puffins, and other wildlife that call this area home, while keeping a safe and respectful distance. Please ask about our private charters for group bookings.

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Opening times

We work standard UK office hours - Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm.

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Click Here to Call : +44 (0)7871 463755

Explore Scotland from Sea to Shore

Join us for the best all-inclusive Scottish island and wildlife adventure cruises aboard the Hjalmar Bjørge from Oban around the beautiful Inner and Outer Hebrides.

Wildlife-Watching Adventures

The Hebrides are rich in eagles, seals, otters, gannets and puffins. But did you know they are one of the best places in Europe to spot whales, dolphins and porpoise too?

An Experience to Remember

With itineraries to suit all tastes, our Scottish island and Hebridean cruises will create long-lasting memories sure to bring a smile to your face for years to come.

Make the most of your holidays

Hebridean Adventures Cruises

Please take a look at our short video which will give you a flavour of who we are and why you should join us for a Scottish cruise adventure around the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the West Coast of the Highlands plus occasional special destinations too. We encourage you to share this video with your friends and family and make up a small group. We also offer Private Charters for your own unique getaway around the islands. Get in touch today!

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Scottish Scenic Wildlife Cruises and Tours

Hebridean Adventures' experiences start with our all inclusive scheduled cruises from Oban or private charter cruises around Scotland's West Coast Highlands and Hebridean Islands, or even further afield on occasion. We look forward to welcoming you aboard the MV Hjalmar Bjørge   in Oban (also trading as The Northern Light Cruising Company ). 

For amazing wildlife-watching day trips you can also enjoy an amazing day touring  Lewis and Harris with our  Lewis & Harris Safari , or explore the Isle of Skye with our sister company  SKYEFARI .

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Latest news and reports.

Have a quick read of our latest blog posts below or choose the Blog option here or in the menu above to browse through them all.

Thirty Years of Adventures in Search of the Past - The Outer Hebrides

Marc Calhoun's new book sharing three decades worth of adventures to the fascinating islands of the Outer Hebrides, filled with history and amazing sights. 

Chris Packham's Birdwatching Guide - From Beginner to Birder

A review of Chris Packham's brand new book about birdwatching.

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust's Boat Operator Celebration

We recently attended HWDT's Boat Operator Celebration last week at SAMS in Oban. A great gathering of our fellow small-ship cruise operators.

Our affiliations and partners

We are proud to be associated with the following tourism, conservation and other organisations. Please take a look at our   Green & Sustainability Page for full details of all our commitments and partnerships.

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Office Address: Hebridean Adventures Ltd, Tullielarach, Tulliemet, Pitlochry, PH9 0NZ, Scotland.

Contact: [email protected] / +44 (0)7871 463755

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    Guided ​ To​urs of Scotland

Private tours with dri​ver-guide greg kain.

Hebrides Tours

Island hopping on Scotland's West Coast

A Hebrides Tour is an island hopping trip Scottish style! It allows you to explore Scotland's Western Isles at your own pace, a chance to discover world class beaches, the freshest seafood and perhaps meet some of the local marine life. These islands are as rich in history as they are in the variety of landscapes, from the peaks of the Cuillin Mountains on Skye to the flat windswept beaches of Tiree, the Vikings and the Celts have shaped the culture of the Hebridean archipelago. If you enjoy unspoilt places with a real 'edge of the world' feel you will love a Hebrides Tour.

The Hebrides islands are split into two geographical groups; the Outer Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles, or Na h-Innse Gall in gaelic - the indigenous language of this archipelago, principally consist of Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis, plus hundreds of other small islands and skerries, most of which are uninhabited. The second group, the Inner Hebrides are split into two sub groups; North & South. The Northern Hebrides are principally made up of Skye, Raasay and the Small Isles, a mini archipelago with an archipelago which includes Eigg, Muck, Rúm and Canna, where (non-natives')cars are forbidden traffic so it's walking tours only here!  Lastly, the Southern Hebrides are primarily made up of  Mull, Iona, Lismore, Tiree, Coll, Islay, Jura, Colonsay and Gigha. Each group of islands has a very different feel to the others and each isle has its own distinct character so island hopping in the West Highlands never feels repetitive.

There are so many islands that there are endless permutations of itinerary options. A sample grand tour, which would take most of the main islands from the Southern Hebrides to the Outer Hebrides and on to the Northern Hebrides, would look something like this:

Glasgow/Edinburgh >> Kennacraig >> Islay >>Jura >> Islay >> Colonsay >> Oban >> Mull >> Iona >> Mull >> Kilchoan >> Mallaig >> South Uist >> Eriskay >> Barra >> Eriskay >> South Uist >> Benbecula >> North Uist >> Berneray >> Harris/Lewis >> Skye >> Raasay >> Glasgow/Edinburgh

A trip of this length would require 7 to 14 days, or 10 - 21 days if including Orkney and/or Shetland in the Northern Isles. My guided island hopping tours are conducted in a relaxed no-rush manner, which is perfect because the pace of life in the Hebrides and Northern Isles is much slower than the mainland and this makes them the perfect place for that 'getaway from it all' type of vacation.

For those looking for a unique island whisky tour it would be easy to incorporate visits to Islay, Scotland's 'whisky island', Jura, Mull, Skye and Orkney, visiting distilleries such as Laphroaig, Jura, Tobermory, Talisker, Highland Park, with the occasional Highland distillery, such as Oban, thrown in for good measure, to create a combined Highlands and islands whisky tour.

Of course I can tailor make an island tour for you from anything from one day (eg. Arran or Isle of Bute day trip), two/three days (eg. Islay/Jura, Mull, Skye) or a multi-day tour (eg. Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland) or as many island as you can fit into two or three weeks - my record, so far, in one trip is 17 islands!

Contact me to discuss your tour requirements at   [email protected]   or through the enquiry form for a no-obligation quote

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Tours of the Scottish Islands - Skye, Hebrides, Orkney | Go Scotland Tours

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Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour

• Tour ID: 1062
• Tour theme: Scotland Island Hopping Tours , Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) ,
• Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights
• Starts from: Edinburgh

Scotland treasured islands. Tour Scotland west coast islands, Orkney islands, Lewis and Harris, Hebrides Islands Tour, Whisky Isle of Islay, tour of Scotland...

Whisky Tour

Scotland Whisky Coast Tour - Islay, Mull, Iona and Skye

• Tour ID: 1064
• Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

A tour to tease the palette; the world famous isle of Islay, a whisky connoisseurs dream, then the 4 Hebrides magical islands of Mull, Iona, Staffa and Skye...

Small Group Tour

Orkney and the Outer Hebrides Tour

• Tour ID: 1063
• Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

A tour of Scotland to remember forever, enjoy the northern Orkney Isles, then the western Isles of Lewis and Harris, Scotland Orkney and Hebrides combined tour.

Scottish Islands Highlights Tour

• Tour ID: 1127
• Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

Explore the 5 fantastic west coast islands including Islay, Iona, Mull, Staffa and Skye and the prehistoric beauty and history of the northern Orkney islands...

Scotland Island Hopping Adventure Tour

• Tour ID: 1045
• Tour theme: Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) , Scotland Island Hopping Tours ,
• Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights

West Europe last great wilderness. Tour Scotland west coast islands, Orkney islands, the Isles of Lewis and breathtaking Harris, Hebrides Islands Tour and Skye.

Scotland West Coast Islands and Orkney Tour

• Tour ID: 1046
• Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

The tour of dreams 9 days to enjoy 5 fantastic west coast islands, Iona, Mull, Staffa, Skye and the prehistoric Orkney islands, Scotland Tour also Loch Ness....

From The Blog

Whisky Day Tours from Edinburgh

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Tours by Start City

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EXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF SCOTLAND AND IRELAND WITH HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES

The word unique is greatly overused these days, but Hebridean Princess and Lord of the Highlands cruises are undoubtedly two of a kind. A Hebridean cruise is truly unforgettable; in a world where mediocre standards are all too common you will be assured of the best of service from a hand-picked crew, for whom supreme attention to detail is the norm.

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Hebridean Island Cruises is one of the smallest and finest luxury cruise lines because of their commitment to ensure everyone on board receives the best care and attention. Not only are Hebridean Princess  and Lord of the Highlands welcoming and comfortable boutique cruise ships, but also places where lasting friendships are made. A Scottish cruise with Hebridean Island Cruises is a truly unforgettable experience.

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Finding new and beautiful places is a Hebridean speciality. The Hebridean Island Cruises team tirelessly seeks locations that will thrill, inform and excite. Small boutique cruise ships like Hebridean Princess and Lord of the Highlands are able to sail where larger ships cannot. Our cruises allow you to explore the rich culture and history of each destination. Discover and explore the varied itineraries .

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On board you will find none of the brash garishness so often associated with cruise ships. Instead, we welcome our guests into an atmosphere where service and comfort are paramount and where our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides are a fount of knowledge on the spectacular Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Hebridean Princess and Lord of the Highlands echo the company philosophy that “small is personal”, giving a small number of guests the very special Hebridean Experience of luxury cruising. Our excellent crew has earned us a world-class reputation for unbeatable service, together with fine food and wine and an attention to detail.

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Voyages with Hebridean Island Cruises are all-inclusive. This means you can have a carefree holiday, both on board and ashore. The tariff includes all meals and snacks, wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Additionally, all shore visits, use of the ship’s bicycles and fishing tackle are included. It also covers any port and passenger taxes and gratuities.

So, prepare for a Scottish cruise like no other on Hebridean Princess or Lord of the Highlands!

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