5-Day Outer Hebrides & the Scottish Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Your first stop of the day is in the village of Dunkeld. You get time here to stretch your legs and admire the cathedral’s unusual mixture of architectural styles.

Leaving the lush woodlands behind, we begin our ascent toward the majestic Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms National Park, heading toward Aviemore. This delightful resort, nestled amidst mountains and shimmering lochs, is a perfect base for outdoor adventures.

Breathe in the fresh mountain air in Aviemore, enjoy a lunch break, and explore the town center. Recharged, we continue through stunning glens and past Inverness, heading towards the rugged Northern Highlands and Rogie Falls. Here, you can take a short optional walk to admire the dramatic waterfall, crossing the suspension bridge for the best views. Keep an eye out for leaping salmon in late summer and autumn. Next, we visit Corrieshalloch Gorge, where you can go for a short walk through the forest to view the powerful cascade. Finally, we reach Ullapool, a charming village along the North Coast 500 where you'll have free time before boarding a ferry to Stornoway.

We board the ferry for an exciting journey past the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Outer Hebrides. This two-and-a-half-hour boat trip takes you through the Minch, a sea believed to be home to the legendary Hebridean Sea Serpent. Stornoway will be your base for the next three nights.

Over the next two days, you'll explore the rugged landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the slower pace of life that the Outer Hebrides are known for. We begin the day by heading to the Northwest coast, passing through traditional crofting towns and coastal ports. Your driver-guide will take you to the Butt of Lewis, home to the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the archipelago, designed by the renowned engineer Robert Stevenson.

Our journey takes us to the coast at Port of Ness, where a wide sandy beach with crystal-clear waters and rolling dunes invites you for a walk. Next, we visit Arnol Blackhouse, where you can step back in time and experience traditional farming life in these remote parts by exploring a restored 19th century croft house.

We journey through windswept moorlands, dotted with small lochs and shallow pools, before arriving in Stornoway for lunch. This is the perfect opportunity to try the famous Stornoway black pudding in one of the town's traditional Scottish pubs. After lunch, we'll head out to explore the west side of Lewis. Here, you'll discover hidden beaches and immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of the Hebrides, before returning to Stornoway for another peaceful evening.

Prepare for something more dramatic, it's time to experience the Isle of Harris. The first thing that strikes you about Harris are its towering mountains. As we weave through these majestic peaks, your guide will share the rich traditions and stories of this captivating part of Scotland. We'll explore the island in the morning, making a stop for a short break in Tarbert, a charming village nestled between the Isle of Lewis and Harris..

Next, we visit the Clo Mor Harris Tweed Centre, a delightful shop and cultural hub devoted to the iconic Harris Tweed. The center celebrates the heritage, artistry, and craftsmanship behind this handwoven fabric, made in the Outer Hebrides for centuries. You'll have the chance to explore exhibits showcasing the famous cloth's history and browse their shop.

We continue our exploration of Harris, uncovering its wild and remote beauty as we stop at several stunning locations like St. Clements Church. This 16th-century sanctuary, set against a dramatic backdrop, is a testament to faith and resilience. Inside, intricate stone carvings and centuries-old tombs silently tell stories of devotion and the deep bond between the land and its people. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy a meal in a village or a picnic in a scenic spot. We then head to the crown jewel of the island, Luskentyre Beach, often ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, where white sands meet turquoise waters, framed by rugged Scottish scenery.

Perched on a hillside overlooking the Isle of Lewis, this Iron Age structure has withstood the elements for nearly 2,000 years, a testament to the skill and resilience of its builders. As you walk through its stone passageways and gaze across the sweeping landscape, you can almost hear the echoes of its past inhabitants, who once sought shelter and community within its walls. From 8 June 2026, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Calanais Standing Stones and their new visitor centre.

We continue to uncover the wild, remote beauty of the Isle of Lewis, stopping to explore beaches and other hidden gems before returning to Stornoway for lunch. Make the most of your final moments in Stornoway, perfect for picking up souvenirs or local treats. Afterward, we say farewell to the Isles of Lewis and Harris as we board the ferry back to Ullapool.

We journey through a breathtaking mix of rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes, passing the shimmering waters of Loch Broom and the craggy hills of the Northwest Highlands on our way to Inverness. In the ‘Capital of the Highlands,' we'll stay overnight, giving you the chance to sample local cuisine and take a leisurely stroll through charming streets. Explore the impressive Inverness Castle or enjoy the peaceful beauty of the River Ness islands.

This morning we leave Inverness and head along the shores of Loch Ness. Get your cameras ready just in case Nessie decides to make an appearance.

Next you head for Tominoul, the highest village in the Highlands. Sitting on the north side of the Cairngorm National Park, with its central square and 18th-century buildings, Tomintoul is a fine example of a planned village.

Head into Royal Deeside, the great valley of the River Dee that runs all the way from the sweeping mountains to the Aberdeenshire coast.

Leisurely lunch (at own expense) in the charming village of Braemar in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. This beautiful and remote village feels like the Highlands of a bygone era. Set amongst majestic mountains, peat coloured rivers and cool dark forests, it’s easy to see why the British Royal Family have made this area their favourite summer retreat.

From here the route south passes over Scotland’s highest mountain pass, through Highland Perthshire before stopping at Scone Palace, the home of Scotland’s legendary Coronation Stone, better known as the Stone of Destiny.