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The Outer Hebrides & The Highlands

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4.4 stars(12 reviews)
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Uncover breathtaking natural beauty

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
8 days From £2,048 per person

2023 Tour code: 23WHS

About the tour

Soak up the spectacular natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the Outer Hebrides on a holiday that takes in breathtaking rugged scenery and features a journey aboard the iconic Jacobite Steam Train.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Glasgow

Arrive in Glasgow and meet your Tour Manager. You're free to explore for the rest of the day. Glasgow is filled with incredible examples of Victorian architecture, having undergone a massive period of growth during the industrial age. The stunning buildings stand alongside some truly incredible examples of modern design, including 'the Armadillo' and the Glasgow Science Centre.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - The West Highland Line

Transfer to the station for a scenic ride on the West Highland Line to Fort William, travelling through stunning mountain and forest scenery. The route is often hailed as one of the best rail journeys of the world. Highlights include the Clyde Estuary, Ben Lomond, and the Falls of Falloch. Discover Fort William at your own pace, perhaps exploring Old Inverlochy Castle, located about one mile from the city centre. You could also visit the West Highland Museum, which details the history of the Highlands and Islands. On selected departures, you'll travel on the West Highland Line to pretty Oban, a waterfront town nestled in a scenic bay and your base for two nights.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - The Jacobite Steam Train

Journey on the famous Jacobite today, from Fort William to Mallaig. One of the most beautiful train lines in the world, a highlight of the route comes as you cross the dramatic arches of Glenfinnan Viaduct, recognisable as a filming location for Harry Potter. You have free time in Mallaig before moving on to the Glenfinnan Monument by coach. This afternoon, visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, where you enjoy a taste of Scotland with an included whisky tasting.

*Steam-hauled when possible. Some departures will make this journey on Scotrail's diesel service.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - To The Outer Hebrides

Travel by coach from Fort William to Uig, before boarding the ferry to Stornoway. On arrival, you transfer to your hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Isle of Lewis

Leave Stornoway by coach and drive north to see the Butt of Lewis and the Port of Ness, areas that highlight that wonderful natural beauty of the island. Return south to Barvas, visiting the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and the Callanish Standing Stones. This circle of thirteen stones was erected in the late Neolithic era and historians believe the site was used for ritual activity during the Bronze Age. Enjoy lunch at the Doune Braes Hotel before taking a scenic tour of the Uig District of Lewis, enjoying stunning views over Uig Bay as you walk along the pier. Back at the hotel, enjoy some authentic Scottish entertainment including bagpipes and lively Ceilidh dancers before dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Stornoway

Enjoy a morning exploring Stornoway and Garry Beach on a guided tour. Stornoway is known as the capital of the Outer Hebrides, and with its traditional harbour, Gaelic street signs and bustling atmosphere, it's a delight to explore. Continue to the golden sands of Garry Beach, taking a scenic walk along a heritage trail. Next, take the ferry to Ullapool, a quaint Scottish village. You're free to explore this Highland destination, nestled on the shores of Lochbroom. You could visit the museum, where local historical artefacts from different eras are on display. Perhaps stop at one of the waterfront pubs. To the west of Ullapool is Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, home to some unique Scottish wildlife.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Edinburgh

Leaving Ullapool behind today, you take a coach to Inverness. From here, you continue by rail to Scotland's vibrant capital, Edinburgh, where you spend the night.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Home

Your holiday comes to an end today, and you're free to depart or continue exploring independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

On many of our UK & Ireland tours, you may check in at the first hotel on your itinerary anytime after 14:00; your Tour Manager will be available between 16:00 and 18:00. However, if you are arriving later, you can meet your Tour Manager before dinner from 19:00.

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

Moxy by Marriott Fountainbridge, Edinburgh

Moxy by Marriott Fountainbridge, Edinburgh

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Alexandra Hotel, Fort William

Alexandra Hotel, Fort William

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Ben Nevis Hotel

Ben Nevis Hotel, Fort William

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Holiday Inn Express Glasgow City Centre Riverside, Glasgow

Holiday Inn Express Glasgow City Centre Riverside, Glasgow

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Hotel Ibis Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow

Hotel Ibis Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow

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The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel, Oban

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Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway

Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway

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Caladh Inn

Caladh Inn, Stornoway

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Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool

Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool

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Royal Hotel Ullapool

Royal Hotel Ullapool, Ullapool

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Trains

Jacobite Steam Train
West Highland Line

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Rail travel to and from Edinburgh
Rail travel to and from Glasgow
UK rail connections

Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 12 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (5)
  2. 4 stars
    (7)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

ROBERT HECTOR

4 stars

Submitted 26/May

Excellent rail trips with spectacular scenery which was enhanced with dry and sunny weather

Collected by Trustpilot

Gillian Bradley

4 stars

Submitted 25/May

Wonderful trip, excellent guides, slightly spoiled by the Ben Nevis hotel which did not seem to clean, our room smelt of smoke.

Collected by Trustpilot

Graham

4 stars

Submitted 25/May

The train travel, the tour guide and food were very good but the accommodation in the hotel in Fort William knocked a star off the rating

Collected by Trustpilot

Mr Fowler

4 stars

Submitted 25/May

Most enjoyable with spectacular scenery, However hotel in Fort William very, very disappointing. The building in much need of modernisation/renovation , this includes decor, bathroom, room fittings/fixtures.

Collected by Trustpilot

G Williams

4 stars

Submitted 25/May

The tour itself was brilliant with stunning scenery and excellent tour management. The only low point was the accommodation at the Ben Nevis hotel in Fort William. The ‘superior’ room first allocated had broken tiles and mouldy grouting in the shower. The second room was fine.

Collected by Trustpilot

Lorraine Barker

4 stars

Submitted 25/May

We had a lovely trip, our Tour Manager was very good. The reason for 4 stars is some of the accommodation was not as expected especially the Ben Nevis hotel. However the food at each location was good.

Collected by Trustpilot

Show all 12 reviews
European and UK Escorted Holidays by Rail 2023

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