Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days

Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days

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5 Days From

$1825

$1186

Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days

5 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Inverness, Scotland

Visiting: Edinburgh, Stornoway, Inverness

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

5-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1825 $1186 Operator discount: -$639 -35%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through Scotland's breathtaking landscapes with the "Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands" tour. Starting in Edinburgh, traverse the majestic Grampian Mountains and explore the charming fishing village of Ullapool. Discover the rich history and stunning scenery of Lewis and Harris, including the prehistoric Calanais Stone Circle and the fort of Dun Carloway. Enjoy the vibrant culture of Stornoway and the dramatic beauty of Harris's white-sand beaches. Experience the allure of Loch Ness and the picturesque Cairngorms National Park, before concluding your adventure in the historic city of Inverness. With comfortable guesthouse accommodations and a knowledgeable local driver-guide, this small group tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Scotland's natural and cultural treasures.

Highlights

  • Ullapool - Visit this pretty whitewashed fishing village, on the shore of Loch Broom

  • Lewis and Harris - Discover traditional farming life, the fort of Dun Carloway, and the prehistoric site of the Calanais Stone Circle

  • Inverness - Enjoy a free evening in the 'Capital of the Highlands'

  • Scottish Highlands - Uncover some of the UK's best scenery as you traverse coastal roads, pass mountains and native pine forests

  • Loch Ness - Hunt for 'Nessie', the mythical beast believed to dwell in the dark waters of Scotland's most famous loch

  • Explore the dramatic landscapes of Harris, including the stunning white-sand beaches such as Luskentyre

  • Visit the Butt of Lewis, the northernmost point of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, known for its windy conditions

Places You'll See

Loch Ness, Scotland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Edinburgh

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Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Dunroamin B&B, Hebridean Guest House or similar

Edinburgh - Ullapool - Stornoway. Departing from Edinburgh we journey past the iconic Forth Rail Bridge and into the Highlands. Our first stop is in Dunkeld, where we can stretch our legs and admire the unique architecture of the cathedral.





Following this we travel through the majestic Grampian Mountains, stopping for lunch in the Highland town of Aviemore. We then drive out to Rogie Falls and enjoy this lovely sight. Moving on we explore the lesser-known gem of Corrieshalloch Gorge with its stunning waterfall, before reaching the picturesque fishing port of Ullapool where we have a 2.5 hour ferry journey through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles.





Please note: Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ





Accommodation: Dunroamin B&B, Hebridean Guest House or similar

Day 2: Stornoway

Location: Stornoway

Accommodation Name: Dunroamin B&B, Hebridean Guest House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we journey to the Butt of Lewis, the northernmost point of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, known as one of the windiest locations in the United Kingdom.





We continue our exploration of the island's charms, passing through traditional crofting towns and picturesque seaside ports. We enjoy a stroll along the shores of Port of Ness, and history buffs can delve into the past at Arnol Blackhouse, offering a glimpse into traditional farming life on these islands.





After lunch in Stornoway, we explore Lewis's west side, including a visit to Uig Bay, before returning to Stornoway for the night. Don't miss the opportunity to sample Scotland's finest black pudding in this charming port town.





Accommodation: Dunroamin B&B, Hebridean Guest House or similar

Day 3: Stornoway

Location: Stornoway

Accommodation Name: Dunroamin B&B, Hebridean Guest House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Prepare for the dramatic as we venture into the realm of Harris. With its towering peaks and stunning white-sand beaches such as Luskentyre, Harris showcases nature's grandeur at its finest. The region is steeped in history, from the renowned Harris Tweed to its captivating myths and legends.





After a morning of exploring the dramatic landscapes, we stop for lunch. Depending on the weather, we may even go for a picnic on the beach – so don’t forget to pack your sunglasses. We then head back to Stornoway in the late afternoon.





Accommodation: Dunroamin B&B, Hebridean Guest House or similar

Day 4: Stornoway

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vickyfee

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: Dalmore, Pine Guest House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Stornoway - Inverness. To start the day we head to the Calanais Stone Circle, one of the most famous sites on the island. Following this we head to the fort of Dun Carloway. Built in 100AD it has a rich history for us to discover. We then head back to Stornoway to catch the ferry back to the mainland where we head straight to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands.





*Please note the Calanais Standing stone site will be closed between 1st September 2024 and 31st March 2025 and we will be unable to visit the site during these dates. We apologise for any inconvenience.





Accommodation: Dalmore, Pine Guest House or similar

Day 5: Inverness

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vickyfee

Location: Inverness

Meals Included: Breakfast

Inverness - Loch Ness - Cairngorms National Park - Edinburgh. Leaving Inverness, our journey follows the scenic shores of Loch Ness, make sure you have your cameras ready for any glimpse of Nessie. Next, we reach Tominoul, the Highlands' highest village, boasting charming 18th-century buildings and a picturesque central square.





Continuing into Royal Deeside, we traverse the majestic valley of the River Dee, leading us to the quaint village of Braemar in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Here, amidst stunning mountain views and serene forests, we enjoy a leisurely lunch. Our route south takes us through Highland Perthshire, crossing Scotland's highest mountain pass, before reaching Scone Palace, home to Scotland's historic Coronation Stone.





2025 Itinerary change: Please note that from 1st April 2025, the tour will also include a visit to Scone Palace's Gardens. Admission included.





From here it’s a short journey back to Edinburgh where our journey comes to an end.





Please note: This tour ends at 18:30 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Simple guesthouse (hotel upgrade available)

  • 4 breakfasts

  • 4 nights simple guesthouse (hotel upgrade available)

  • Escorted by a local driver-guide

  • Admission to Arnol Blackhouse

  • Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning

  • All necessary ferry journeys between Scottish Islands and the mainland

  • All road tolls

  • 20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details

  • Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

What's Not Included

  • International flights & visas

  • Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)

  • Meals not specified in itinerary

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

  • Entry fees unless specified

Age Policy

Min:5yrs with an adultChild discount available for 5-15 yrs sharing with 2 adults

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach equipped with air-conditioning, including all necessary ferry journeys between the Scottish Islands and the mainland, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Accommodation

Enjoy 4 nights in simple guesthouses such as Dunroamin B&B and Hebridean Guest House, with an option for a hotel upgrade, providing a comfortable stay amidst the scenic beauty of Scotland.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour uses a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning for transportation.

  • Is there a guide accompanying the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 4 nights in a simple guesthouse, with an option for a hotel upgrade.

  • Are ferry journeys included in the tour?

    Yes, all necessary ferry journeys between the Scottish Islands and the mainland are included.

  • What is the luggage allowance for the tour?

    The tour allows for 20kg of luggage per person.

  • Is there a visit to any historical sites during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Arnol Blackhouse and the Calanais Stone Circle, among other historical sites.

  • What is the policy on tipping during the tour?

    Tipping is not included in the tour package and is considered an entirely personal gesture.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
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Operator discount: -$639

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Operator discount: -$639

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Operator discount: -$670

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Operator discount: -$670

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Operator discount: -$670

Monday - Friday

Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
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Operator discount: -$670

Monday - Friday

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
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Operator discount: -$670

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Operator discount: -$670

Monday - Friday

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Operator discount: -$670

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Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025
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Operator discount: -$670

Monday - Friday

Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$1915 $1245

Operator discount: -$670

Monday - Friday

Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
$1915 $1245

Operator discount: -$670

Monday - Friday

Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
$1915 $1245

Operator discount: -$670

Monday - Friday

Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
$1915 $1245

Operator discount: -$670

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Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$1915 $1532

Operator discount: -$383

Monday - Friday

Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$1915 $1532

Operator discount: -$383

Monday - Friday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$1915 $1532

Operator discount: -$383

Monday - Friday

Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$1915 $1532

Operator discount: -$383

Monday - Friday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$1915 $1532

Operator discount: -$383

Monday - Friday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$1825 $1460

Operator discount: -$365

Monday - Friday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$1825 $1460

Operator discount: -$365

Monday - Friday

Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
$1825 $1460

Operator discount: -$365

Monday - Friday

Oct 27, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
$1825 $1460

Operator discount: -$365

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.