The inner Hebrides islands offer some of the most stunning scenery in the world. These calm, coastal waters make way to the rugged and un-populated Isle of Mull and picture-postcard town of Tobermory.
Venture into the western highlands, visit castles and lochs and learn the turbulent history of this region of Scotland.
This tour offers the best of Scotland both on land and on water. With three days on a small ship cruise and three days exploring the mainland by private minivan.
Each private tour is conducted in our premium Mercedes minivans, ensuring your comfort as we venture along the narrow back roads of Scotland.
Your knowledgable kilt-wearing private tour guide will tell you the stories and show you the sights on this tour. We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.
Guide Price for this tour
£2,350 per person
Based on two people, double or twin rooms
Inclusions:
- Dedicated private tour guide and driver
- Full board (exc. alcoholic beverages) on cruise
- Contemporary accommodation, minimum 4 star
- Accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast basis
- Guided entry to all historic sites
- Jacobite steam train tickets
- Talisker whisky distillery tour and tasting
- All travel costs
- Luxury Mercedes tour van
- Chilled water in your tour vehicle
Exclusions:
- Lunch & dinner on shore days
- Drinks
- Gratuities
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WHAT WE’LL DO…
This private multi-day tour of Scotland is a great way to see many famous sights, monuments, landscapes and attractions over 6 or more days. Visit medieval cities, ancient landscapes and stunning coastal scenery with the knowledge and guidance of your private driver and tour guide.
This tour also includes three days aboard a converted fishing boat that offers a truly authentic and relaxing experience, giving access to waters, sights and wildlife just just not possible to see by land.
Step aboard a small boat cruise from Oban to explore the Hebrides islands and west coast including the Isle of Mull and Isle of Skye as generations of seafarers have done for thousands of years.
Day 1
Departing Edinburgh we head west, driving past Linlithgow Palace and the Kelpies to visit Stirling Castle. We then travel to Loch Lomond, stopping in the conversation village of Luss for lunch and to take in stunning views over the national park before driving north along the bonnie banks towards Oban. As we arrive in the Seafood Capital of Scotland, the scenery turns from rugged mountains to sea vistas, looking over the inner Hebrides and the island of Mull.
Arriving at this picturesque harbour the small cruise ship of The Majestic Line awaits us. These traditional-style converted boats combine the history of west coast fishing vessels, but onboard these meticulously converted ships greet you with well appointed en-suite cabins and spacious public areas. After being shown to your cabin for the next three days, sit back on deck with a glass of your favourite tipple and look forward to your time aboard with local hospitality from the passionate crew.
Day 2 (cruise day)
Onboard the ship you’ll sail across the coastal waters towards the Isle of Mull visiting the remote Loch Spelve. A visit to Duart Bay will see you going ashore to the imposing Duart Castle before sailing up the Sound of Mull into quaint Tobermory Bay. Experience the local hospitality, have a dram (or two!) and get a feel for island life as it has been for hundreds of years.
Day 3 (cruise day)
Today is a leisurely day cruising the stunning coastline and spotting the flora and Forna that abound in this region. Spot sea birds including the sea Eagle, Cormorants, Guillemots and puffins to name a few. On-land the perfect spot is the mighty stag or ‘Monarch of the Glen’ as he is locally known.
The day is not complete without an overnight stop at Loch Spelve, going ashore to visit a local mussel farm and land the catch for dinner!
Day 4
Disembarking from the ship in Oban, we bid a fond farewell to the crew and continue our journey north, skirting Loch Linnhe before a stop in Glencoe.
Arriving in Fort William it is time to board The Jacobite steam train that runs through this iconic part of Scotland. Shortly after departure, the train passes Neptunes Staircase and the iconic Glenfinnan monument were Bonnie Prince Charlie famously started the Jacobite Uprising in 1745. More recently Glenfinnan features in the Harry Potter film series. Considered one of the best railway journeys on the planet, “The Road to the Isles” brings us to the quaint fishing village of Mallaig.
A short ferry crossing takes us onto the Isle of Skye, with views to the Small Isles and our destination of Portree, where we spend the night.
Day 5
The Isle of Skye offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Today’s schedule is quite relaxed as we depart Portree and visit famous sights including The Old Man of Storr, The Kilt Rock and the Trotternish Peninsular, which affords fantastic views to the Outer Hebrides Islands across The Minch. We visit the famous Talisker Whisky Distillery for a guided tour before returning to Portree via Sligachan bridge and stories of local Folklore.
Day 6
On this day we leave the Isle of Skye. Back on the mainland we stop at Eilean Donan Castle for photos and refreshments before traveling to the Great Glen and Fort Augustus for lunch on the southern banks of Loch Ness. We drive through the Cairngorm National Park and the remote Central Highlands and stop to stretch our legs at The Hermitage woodland walk. We then venture south through The Kingdom of Fife and across The Forth Bridges to our final stop in Edinburgh.
Hotels
There are a range of hotels ranging in style and rating in Portree, from quaint lodges to luxury Highland hotels. We can pair hotels to your wishes.
Your guide
Throughout the tour we’ll ensure that every step is flawless. We’ll ensure you get the most from your time with us, from history, folklore, photos and their personal recommendations of the best places to eat and drink at each stop. Onboard the cruise, you’ll have the attention of the full crew from the Captain to the chef, there to ensure everything is perfect aboard.
Variations
Of course everything is possible so if you want to see something specific, add or remove days, stay in a hotel of your choosing or anything else please let us know. Note that the exact cruise itinerary is tide and weather dependent and maybe reversed or altered accordingly.
RECENT CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
Heather C
Our tour was a wonderful and immersive experience with Hazel, who has a wealth of historical knowledge! Tremendously affable, she took us to several unexpected points of Outlander related interest, a delicious place for lunch and our private tour felt like spending the day with [...]
ML
If you're reading this review trying to decide if you want to book this tour, let me tell you that you absolutely should! You will not regret it and will have memories for a lifetime. I highly recommended his tour. Alexander thank you for an [...]
Martin L
We actually took the full day tour and I can't say enough good things about our tour experience and, more importantly, our guide Alexander (Sandy). He was top notch. He immediately made us feel at home. Alexander was down to earth, funny and SO knowledgeable. [...]
Alex M
We went on a tour with Hazel today. She was a rock star! We had the best day ever! She was so friendly, knowledgeable and kind! She was very attentive to our interests and we truly enjoyed her company. She’s the best tour guide ever!