6-Day Outer Hebrides, Isle of Skye & Optional Hogwarts Express

Set out on a captivating 6-day journey through the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Skye, where history, natural beauty, and a touch of magic collide. Uncover the rich cultural heritage of these enchanting regions, from the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village to the Harris Distillery. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes, with opportunities to explore coastal towns and ferry routes. For the true Harry Potter enthusiast, an optional Jacobite Steam Train adventure awaits, allowing you to experience the Highlands like never before. Get ready to be swept away by the breathtaking vistas and enchanting hidden gems that await.

Key Points

• A 6-day tour that explores the historical sites, coastal towns, and natural wonders of the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides.
• Includes accommodations, ferry transfers, and an optional Jacobite steam train adventure inspired by the Hogwarts Express.
• Visitors can experience a living museum at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and visit the Harris Distillery.
• Ferries between the islands provide breathtaking views and are scheduled to maximize exploration time.
• The tour departs from Edinburgh with a maximum group size of 30 travelers, and luggage is limited to 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag per person.

Tour Overview

This 6-day tour takes travelers on an immersive journey through the stunning landscapes of the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides, offering a comprehensive experience that showcases the region’s historical sites, coastal towns, and natural wonders.

Highlights include visits to Inverness, Loch Ness, and a range of castles, battlefields, and scenic locations. Accommodations and ferry transfers are included, ensuring a seamless experience.

For the adventurous, an optional Jacobite steam train adventure adds a touch of magic to the itinerary. With an English-speaking guide, 5 breakfasts, and transportation in an air-conditioned midi-coach, this tour provides an immersive and well-rounded exploration of these captivating Scottish islands.

Included Experiences

The tour includes several remarkable experiences that showcase the unique heritage and natural beauty of the region.

Visitors can explore the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a living museum that offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life on the Outer Hebrides.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the Harris Distillery, where travelers can learn about the art of whisky making and sample the local spirit.

The included ferries allow guests to seamlessly transition between the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides, providing breathtaking views along the journey.

For those seeking a touch of magic, the optional Jacobite Steam Train trip, inspired by the Hogwarts Express, offers a delightful and nostalgic experience.

Accommodation and Ferries

Accommodations throughout the 6-day tour are provided in comfortable bed and breakfast establishments, ensuring a cozy and authentic experience for travelers. The included ferries seamlessly transport guests between the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides, offering breathtaking vistas of the rugged coastline and nearby islands along the journey.

The ferry schedule is designed to maximize exploration time, with crossings timed to align with the tour itinerary. To highlight the convenience of the ferry travel, here is a breakdown of the key ferry routes:

Departure	Arrival	Duration
Skye	Harris	1 hr 45 min
Harris	Uist	1 hr 15 min
Uist	Barra	45 min

This well-planned transportation allows travelers to enjoy the stunning landscapes without disruption.

Optional Jacobite Adventure

For those seeking a truly magical experience, the tour offers an optional Jacobite steam train adventure.

This historic train journey transports passengers along the iconic West Highland Line, allowing them to retrace the footsteps of Harry Potter and glimpse the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in the films.

Travelers can enjoy the rich history and captivating scenery of the Scottish Highlands while enjoying a nostalgic ride on this historic steam locomotive.

The Jacobite steam train service is subject to alterations and cancellations, so guests should be prepared for any potential changes.

This enchanting option is the perfect addition to an already remarkable tour of the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Travelers depart for this tour from the 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB location at 8:30 AM, with check-in required 15 minutes beforehand.

The tour departs from and returns to this central meeting point, ensuring a convenient and organized start and end to the journey.

Confirmation of the booking is provided within 48 hours.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels are allowed.

Luggage is limited to 1 suitcase (33 lbs/15 kg) and 1 carry-on bag per traveler.

The maximum group size for this tour is 30 travelers.

Additional Tour Information

This 6-day tour provides participants with a comprehensive exploration of the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides, highlighting the region’s castles, coastal towns, beaches, battlefields, and other scenic wonders.

Visitors can also opt to embark on the iconic Jacobite steam train adventure, a unique opportunity to experience the enchanting landscapes made famous in the Harry Potter films.

Throughout the journey, travelers will be accompanied by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

However, guests should note that the Callanish Standing Stones will be inaccessible from September 1, 2024 due to conservation work. Plus, the Jacobite Steam Train service is subject to alterations and cancellations.

With a maximum group size of 30 travelers, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Flexible cancellation policies provide travelers with peace of mind, allowing them to receive a full refund if they cancel their booking at least 24 hours in advance. This thoughtful policy ensures that travelers have the flexibility to adjust their plans as needed without incurring financial penalties.

The tour operator understands that life can be unpredictable, and they want to make it as easy as possible for guests to enjoy their journey to the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour’s departure aren’t eligible for a refund. Travelers should review the cancellation policy carefully before booking to ensure it aligns with their needs.

In the event of unexpected changes or cancellations by the tour operator, guests will receive a full refund. The tour operator is committed to providing a hassle-free experience, from booking to the final destination.

Luggage and Accessibility

Packing light is essential for this tour, as the luggage limit is 1 suitcase (33 lbs/15 kg) and 1 carry-on bag per person. Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels are allowed, though the tour may not be fully accessible to all travelers due to the scenic, rural nature of the destinations.

To help you plan, here’s a table outlining the accessibility of the key sites:

Site	Accessibility
Gearrannan Blackhouse Village	Partially accessible
Harris Distillery	Partially accessible
Callanish Standing Stones	Inaccessible from September 1, 2024
Jacobite Steam Train	Not wheelchair accessible

While the tour aims to accommodate all travelers, the remote locations and historic sites may present some challenges. Please let the guide know if you have any special needs so they can assist you throughout the journey.

Recap

This comprehensive tour of the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides provides an immersive experience, blending historical sites, coastal towns, and natural wonders.

Comfortable accommodations, ferry transfers, and convenient transportation ensure a seamless journey.

The optional Jacobite Steam Train adventure, inspired by the Hogwarts Express, offers an enchanting addition to this unforgettable exploration of Scotland’s enchanting regions.