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Lewis, Skye & the Highlands of Scotland

 
4.2 stars(55 reviews)
You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
20262027
Duration
8 days
From per person
£1,949
Tour code
26WHS
Mobility Rating 2
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Explore the natural beauty of the Highlands and the Outer Hebrides combined with a journey on the legendary West Highland Line

Discover the wild charm of the Outer Hebrides and the Scottish Highlands on this culture-packed eight-day tour.

Journey through Scotland's stunning landscapes, as historic castles, fishing villages and breathtaking natural beauty set the scene. Explore Edinburgh, witness the wonder of modern engineering at the Falkirk Wheel, and experience one of the world's most beautiful train journeys on the West Highland Line.

From the iconic Callanish Standing Stones on Lewis to the Old Man of Storr on Skye, visit Scotland's most popular landmarks while uncovering hidden gems along the way.

Unforgettable Experiences

Journeying on the iconic West Highland Line
Journeying on the iconic West Highland Line
Travel on the famous West Highland Line on a round-trip from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct enroute.
Visiting Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel
Visiting Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel
Marvel at two modern engineering wonders that pay homage to Scotland's industrial past: the 98-foot-tall steel sculptures of the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel – the world’s only rotating boat lift.
Discovering the culture of the Isle of Lewis
Discovering the culture of the Isle of Lewis
Enjoy a guided tour of the unspoilt island, savouring wild coastal views from the Butt of Lewis and uncovering historic culture amid the 19th-century thatched crofters’ homes at Gearrannan Blackhouses.
Marvelling at the mysterious Callanish Standing Stones
Marvelling at the mysterious Callanish Standing Stones
Explore one of Scotland’s most evocative and significant Neolithic monuments while wandering among the Callanish Standing Stones which date from before Stonehenge.
Driving through the rugged landscapes of Skye
Driving through the rugged landscapes of Skye
During a scenic coach journey, enjoy views of the iconic Eilean Donan Castle before crossing to Skye, where we admire landmarks including the Old Man of Storr.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Arrival in Edinburgh

Your Highland and Hebridean experience begins today as you meet the Tour Manager in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. After checking in to your hotel, you're at leisure to start discovering the city.

The hotel's central location makes it the perfect base for exploring everything Edinburgh has to offer. You could wander the Old Town and see the majestic castle or sip on a dram of whisky while listening to live music at one of the traditional pubs. The city's remarkable architecture, rich culture and timeless history are ready for you to discover.

This evening, we enjoy our first dinner together at a local restaurant.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Along the West Highland Line to Fort William

Our explorations begin after breakfast, as we head by coach to the jaw-dropping Kelpies. These huge steel sculptures pay homage to the hardworking horses of Scotland that once pulled barges along the canals and worked in the fields of the area. A few miles down the road is the Falkirk Wheel. The world's only rotating boat lift connects the Forth & Clyde canal with the Union canal and there's time to admire this masterpiece of modern engineering.

The next stop is Dumbarton, a small town sitting on the banks of the River Clyde. From here, we embark on a memorable train journey on the West Highland Line to Fort William. After passing Loch Lomond, the route opens up to reveal stunning scenes of mountains and glens. Often hailed as one of the best rail journeys in the world, highlights include the Falls of Falloch, Rannoch Moor and Corrour station - the highest and most remote mainline station in the UK.

Arriving in Fort William, we check in to our new hotel and enjoy dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY3Crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct to Mallaig

A journey on one of the most beautiful train lines in the world awaits after breakfast today as we travel from Fort William to Mallaig on the West Highland Line.

In the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, we begin our journey along the serene banks of Loch Eil, before reaching a highlight of this dramatic route. Opened in 1898, the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct features 21 arches and is known for its role in the Harry Potter films. On arrival in Mallaig, there's time at leisure to stroll round this small port town or find some fresh local seafood for lunch.

Our return journey provides us with another opportunity to admire the scenic west Highlands. This landscape is synonymous with Bonnie Prince Charlie and the scenery evokes the tumultuous time of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Arriving back in Fort William, we enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY4By coach and ferry to the Outer Hebrides

A coach takes us from Fort William to Uig ferry terminal after breakfast this morning. During this scenic journey, we see the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most famous landmarks that sits on a small island at the confluence of three lochs.

Crossing the spectacular Skye Bridge, we drive across the beautiful Isle of Skye where towering peaks, rolling hills and vast, empty moors stretch out in all directions. Coastal views and waterfalls guide us across the island and keep an eye out for the Old Man of Storr, a striking rock formation that rises high above us as we pass.

Arriving in Uig, a ferry ride provides the chance to spot seals or dolphins while we sail across the body of water known as the Little Minch. Disembarking in Tarbert on Harris, we continue north by coach to the Isle of Lewis and our hotel in Stornoway. On arrival in this small harbour town - the largest in the Outer Hebrides - we check in to our hotel and enjoy dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY5Exploring the Isle of Lewis and Callanish Standing Stones

Today, we enjoy a full day touring the Isle of Lewis with a guide. Heading north by coach, our explorations begin at the Butt of Lewis, the northernmost point of the island defined by stunning cliffs and crashing waves.

Next, we visit the Port of Ness, a picturesque fishing village with colourful cottages lining the harbour. Continuing along the Atlantic coast, we reach Gearrannan Blackhouse Village to view the traditional thatched-roof cottages that fill the streets with reminders of a simpler way of life. After stopping for lunch at Doune Braes Hotel, we enjoy a highlight of the holiday.

One of the most iconic sights in the Outer Hebrides, the Callanish Standing Stones are ancient megaliths that date from more than 5,000 years ago. Laid out in a cross formation, with the central monolith measuring nearly 16-feet-tall, they predate Stonehenge by about 2,000 years and continue to fascinate visitors from around the world with their mysterious origins. After experiencing this magical location, we return to our hotel by coach ahead of dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6Discovering Stornoway and returning to the mainland

A guided tour of Stornoway follows breakfast this morning as we uncover the history and culture of this charming town.

Known as the capital of the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway is built around its working harbour and we may even see fishermen bringing in their hauls. Keep an eye out for the Gaelic street signs as we explore, while learning about the culture and history of Lewis and the Outer Hebrides.

This afternoon, we board a ferry to back to the Scottish mainland. Our destination is Ullapool, a quaint village on the shores of Loch Broom, surrounded by wonderful scenery. Ullapool has a popular art scene and shops and, after checking in to our hotel, there's time explore the village at leisure. This evening, we regroup and enjoy dinner at a local seafront restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY7Returning to Edinburgh

Leaving Ullapool behind after breakfast today, we enjoy a scenic coach journey to Inverness. Enroute, we pass rugged Highland landscapes including lochs and mountains such as Beinn Dearg and Ben Wyvis.

In Inverness, we continue by rail to Scotland's capital while our luggage travels by coach to the next hotel for our comfort. Endless hills, tranquil lochs and cascading waterfalls fly by the windows occasionally interrupted by historic towns and villages.

On arrival in Edinburgh, you have free time to view its architecture or soak up the city's history and cultural scene. From the vibrant Royal Mile to the elegant Georgian New Town, Edinburgh is a joy to discover. This evening, we gather in one of the city's restaurants for our final dinner together.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY8Homeward bound

From the glens of the West Highland Line to the coastal scenery of the Outer Hebrides, the colours and culture of Scotland have guided us around this beautiful country. We explored western Scotland from Fort William to Mallaig, before driving across Skye to reach the Isle of Lewis. Uncovering the mystical Callanish Standing Stones and the small port town of Stornoway gave us a glimpse into the landscapes and lifestyles of the islands, before we returned to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, for our final night.

After breakfast, your holiday draws to a close and you are free to make your way home or continue exploring independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Discoveries collection

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

Departure times

Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days before departure.

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

The Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish
The Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish
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Nevis Bank Inn
Nevis Bank Inn, Fort William
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Cabarfeidh Hotel
Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway
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Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile, Edinburgh
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Caladh Inn, Stornoway
Caladh Inn, Stornoway
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Royal Hotel Ullapool, Ullapool
Royal Hotel Ullapool, Ullapool
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Trains

More information on the different trains that are used on this tour.

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Scotrail
Scotrail

Providing the entirety of mainland Scotland with transport links, Abello Scotrail is a fantastic commuter service that means even the farthest reaches of this wild and wonderful country is easily accessible. Running since 1983 under a variety of operators, this service has numerous lines, including one that stretches from the tip, Thurso, down to Edinburgh.

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West Highland Line
West Highland Line

Also known as 'the Iron Road to the Isles', a journey on the West Highland Line is an epic rail adventure that takes passengers through some of the world's most beautiful and dramatic landscapes. In fact the line has twice been voted the world's best rail journey by readers of Wanderlust magazine.

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Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 55 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (24)
  2. 4 stars
    (24)
  3. 3 stars
    (3)
  4. 2 stars
    (3)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

V Honigmann

5 stars

Submitted 30/Apr

See letter already sent to Headquarters on 27April

Collected by Trustpilot

Neil Taylor

5 stars

Submitted 25 Sep 2025

Interesting, well run holiday trip.

Collected by Trustpilot

Jane Raybould

5 stars

Submitted 02 Sep 2025

A truly unforgettable experience! I enjoyed the trip with my granddaughter and it was wonderful spending time with her while seeing Scottish wonders in the Highlands and Islands. Out tour guide was first class and everything went smoothly from start to finish. I would definitely do it again ……

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Jane, Thank you for your review. I'm delighted to hear that you had such a memorable adventure to the Scottish Highlands with your granddaughter. I'm also glad that the tour ran so smoothly throughout. We look forward to welcoming you both on tour with us again in the future. Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

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Jane Raybould
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Jason Schmidt

5 stars

Submitted 29 Aug 2025

Amazing trip with amazing sights. Most hotels were perfect, but a few needed some upkeep such as Alexandra in Fort Williams. I would recommend going on this vacation to anyone.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Jason, Thank you for your review. I'm delighted to hear that you would recommend our Lewis, Skye & the Highlands of Scotland tour!! Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Nicola

5 stars

Submitted 29 Aug 2025

Well organised trip with very interesting things to see. Good hotels. Great tour manager.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Nicola, Thank you for your review. I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed your holiday up to the Scottish Highlands and that you found it to be an interesting place to visit. Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

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JoAnna McDonnell

5 stars

Submitted 28 Aug 2025

Our tour manager made the difference between a really good tour and a fabulous one. He kept us all on track, addressed a major and a minor emergency with knowledgeable calm and purpose, and kept us informed of what to expect and where to be at every step of the way. I'm sure it helped that we had excellent weather.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Joanna, Thank you for your review. I'm glad that your Tour Manager, Trevor was able to enhance your holiday experience and I will make sure that your kind words are forwarded on to him! Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

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British Isles Holidays 2026

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Discover the beauty and hidden gems on our doorstep. Whether you long to explore historic castles, stroll along windswept beaches, or sample traditional delicacies, the British Isles has endless possibilities for exploration.

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