ISLE OF SKYE & EDINBURGH PHOTOGRAPHIC TOUR
Next tour dates: this tour is currently going through modifications
Duration: 7 nights
Available groups: 3 (+1 team leader) or 6 (+2 team leaders)
Possible meeting points: Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro (Oporto) // London Gatwick // Edinburgh Airport // Edinburgh
ISLE OF SKYE & EDINBURGH
Next tour dates: this tour is currently going through modifications
Duration: 7 nights
Available groups: 3 (+1 team leader) or 6 (+2 team leaders)
Possible meeting points: Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro (Oporto) // London Gatwick // Edinburgh Airport // Edinburgh
1525,00 €
(booking fee + 2 partial payments)
WHY TRAVEL WITH THE VIEWPOINT TOURS?
Besides experiencing a unique and extremely carefully curated itinerary, you’ll take advantage of all the guidance and experience of our team leaders. We’ve spent a lot of hours on the field (a lot!), gathering information, testing all the routes and tracks, so you won’t need to. Not all POIs are photo spots and not all photo spots are considered POIs for a “normal” travel or adventure agency.
Time of day is also of the essence! Compiling a strong itinerary, and combining it with a rich experience, good photo spots, and the correct time of day to approach them is something we are proud of doing well.
Contradicting what you may have heard or even experienced, you won’t spend more travelling with a company like ours than you’ll spend going solo, booking everything, trying to find each and every spot, avoiding all the setbacks and time-pressing issues. We manage an objective driven program, and we’ve done this a lot of times. We know you’d need more than double the time of this tour, to even get somewhere close to what we have for you.
Other common issues and pitfalls…
Discovering good local partners is something we know is important for your awesome experience. Good and reliable car rental companies with no hidden fees and strange policies, good, yet affordable accommodation, equipment rentals, and a lot more.
Isle of Skye & Edinburgh
The land of stunning views, lochs, haggis, whisky and legends. An amazing journey for photographers and nature lovers.
Far from being as famous as it would probably deserve, The Isle of Skye is an astonishing location as a whole, and easy-to-explore landscape, and a place you’ll be fervent to return to.
The Isle of Skye tour stands mainly on trekking and walks to the several POIs we’ve selected especially for landscape photographers. Road time is reduced to a minimum as Skye can best be seen on foot rather than aboard any vehicle.
BY PHOTOGRAPHERS, FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
The trekking programs have all been carefully tested and planned and no one is left behind. You’ll choose your own pace and desired speed and no one will ever force you into something else. Every aspect of the tour was rigorously designed so that your experience as a landscape photography and outdoors lover, will be as easy as possible.
We reduced to zero any stress or responsibility resulting from the need for choosing a suitable vehicle and the driving of it. You won’t need to invest your time with tasks other than photography and leisure.
It was all rigorously designed so that your experience as a photography and outdoors lover, will be as easy as possible. We pushed away tasks like the search for roads, shortcuts, and paths from the list of your concerns.
THE ISLE OF SKYE AS SO MUCH TO SEE AND PHOTOGRAPH THAT YOU'LL PROBABLY COME BACK FOR MORE!
As usual, the core of what we have developed for you is, very clearly, the rich roadmap we have grown! It results from a lot of research, local partnerships, exchange of ideas with fellow photographers recognized for their knowledge regarding The Isle of Skye, but above all, it’s the result of experiences lived in the first person. It is our great asset and it is what we secret until you’re aboard the adventure.
TAKE YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY TO THE NEXT LEVEL…
We want to bring together a group that shares a passion: Photography! We want to take you to a place where you can further develop your photography, and the magnificent Scottish landscape is the ideal subject.
Photography is our motor and we want this to be an intense and unforgettable experience. If your intention is a “regular” program and the usual dozen POIS around the highways, then, our group is not the most recommended.
An absolutely unique itinerary that is the result of a lot of research, local partnerships but mostly, on-the-field analysis and first-person experiences.
75 / 100
80 / 100
70 / 100
90 / 100
Payment
- Booking Fee: 10% of tour total (152,50 €)
- 1st payment: 40% at least 91 days before departure;
- 2nd payment: 50% at least 61 days before departure.
You can make your payments by wire transfer, Paypal®(please add 4,0% for Paypal tariffs), or MB WAY®. All the necessary instructions will be available on the booking form and you will also receive all the information through a confirmation email.
Flights
Flights are not included in the tour cost.
We may book your flights for you!
- The charges will be exactly the ones the air company would charge you;
- The receipt will be generated with your name on it;
- We don’t use aggregators (e.g. Skyscanner, etc.) for booking flights;
- You can still use your frequent flyer number or any other program number, if applicable;
- You will still be responsible for providing all the necessary documentation (passport, ID, any other that may apply) so you can proceed with the booking;
- You are still responsible to attend the flight on time and go through all the necessary formalities at the check-in process.
For your knowledge, but as non-binding information, the cost for a round trip from Portugal to Scotland (includes 4 flights)² normally costs less than 350,00 EUR.
² Includes the following flights: Includes the following flights: OPO >> LGW, LGW >> EDI and EDI >> AMS >> OPO
Accommodation
- BLOC Hotels in London Gatwick (single);
- Bunkhouse. Dorms with 4 or 6 beds for 2 or 3 participants per dorm. Dorms are big, exclusively booked for us and only used for half of its full occupancy.;
- Hotel in Edinburgh in a central location (shared room);
- Single Room supplement (Edinburgh only): 180,00EUR
Food & Drink
- Food is not included on this tour;
- We came to a conclusion that our participants spend less by buying their own food than to pay for a tour with all the meals and snacks included;
- We’ll stop several times for buying food at local stores. First time still in Edinburgh;
- We may also stop at coffee shops/restaurants if required;
- Tea, coffee, and water are provided.
Additional Notes
These tours are designed for relatively small groups. A maximum of 6 to 9 participants plus 2 to 3 tour leaders.
We came up with a long list of points of interest for photographers that result from a compilation fueled by personal experiences. We went there, we have tested the whole thing from start to finish. We’ve eliminated the unnecessary stops and the unpractical trails for photographers.
These POIs result from real-life field reconnaissance and were then fitted to a detailed, very demanding but tremendously rewarding program. We’ll take you there! You just need to bring your gear, your will to explore, and a good pair of boots. We’ll do the rest.
Our tour includes all the typical POIs like The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Viewpoint, Staffin Beach, Quiraing, The Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle, Neist Point Lighthouse, Bla Bheinn, Portree, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, among many others.
next group will leave in…
Isle of Skye & Edinburgh
The land of stunning views, lochs, haggis, whisky and legends. An amazing journey for photographers and nature lovers.
Far from being as famous as it would probably deserve, The Isle of Skye is an astonishing location as a whole, and easy-to-explore landscape, and a place you’ll be fervent to return to.
The Isle of Skye tour stands mainly on trekking and walks to the several POIs we’ve selected especially for landscape photographers. Road time is reduced to a minimum as Skye can best be seen on foot rather than aboard any vehicle.
BY PHOTOGRAPHERS, FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
The trekking programs have all been carefully tested and planned and no one is left behind. You’ll choose your own pace and desired speed and no one will ever force you into something else. Every aspect of the tour was rigorously designed so that your experience as a landscape photography and outdoors lover, will be as easy as possible.
We reduced to zero any stress or responsibility resulting from the need for choosing a suitable vehicle and the driving of it. You won’t need to invest your time with tasks other than photography and leisure.
It was all rigorously designed so that your experience as a photography and outdoors lover, will be as easy as possible. We pushed away tasks like the search for roads, shortcuts, and paths from the list of your concerns.
THE ISLE OF SKYE AS SO MUCH TO SEE AND PHOTOGRAPH THAT YOU'LL PROBABLY COME BACK FOR MORE!
As usual, the core of what we have developed for you is, very clearly, the rich roadmap we have grown! It results from a lot of research, local partnerships, exchange of ideas with fellow photographers recognized for their knowledge regarding The Isle of Skye, but above all, it’s the result of experiences lived in the first person. It is our great asset and it is what we secret until you’re aboard the adventure.
TAKE YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY TO THE NEXT LEVEL…
We want to bring together a group that shares a passion: Photography! We want to take you to a place where you can further develop your photography, and the magnificent Scottish landscape is the ideal subject.
Photography is our motor and we want this to be an intense and unforgettable experience. If your intention is a “regular” program and the usual dozen POIS around the highways, then, our group is not the most recommended.
An absolutely unique itinerary that is the result of a lot of research, local partnerships but mostly, on-the-field analysis and first-person experiences.
TOUR CHARACTERISTICS
75 / 100
80 / 100
70 / 100
90 / 100
TOUR DETAILS / BOOKINGS
Payment
- Booking Fee: 10% of tour total (152,50 €)
- 1st payment: 40% at least 91 days before departure;
- 2nd payment: 50% at least 61 days before departure.
You can make your payments by wire transfer, Paypal® (please add 4,0% for Paypal tariffs), or MB WAY®. All the necessary instructions will be available in the booking form and you will also receive all the information through a confirmation email.
Flights
Flights are not included in the tour cost.
We may book your flights for you!
- The charges will be exactly the ones the air company would charge you;
- The receipt will be generated with your name on it;
- We don’t use aggregators (e.g. Skyscanner, etc.) for booking flights;
- You can still use your frequent flyer number or any other program number, if applicable;
- You will still be responsible for providing all the necessary documentation (passport, ID, any other that may apply) so you can proceed with the booking;
- You are still responsible to attend the flight on time and go through all the necessary formalities at the check-in process.
For your knowledge, but as non-binding information, the cost for a round trip from Portugal to Scotland (includes 4 flights)² normally costs less than 350,00 EUR.
² Includes the following flights: Includes the following flights: OPO >> LGW, LGW >> EDI and EDI >> AMS >> OPO
Accommodation
- BLOC Hotels in London Gatwick (single);
- Bunkhouse. Dorms with 4 or 6 beds for 2 or 3 participants per dorm. Dorms are big, exclusively booked for us and only used for half of its full occupancy.;
- Hotel in Edinburgh in a central location (shared room);
- Single Room supplement (Edinburgh only): 180,00EUR
Food & Drink
- Food is not included on this tour;
- We came to a conclusion that our participants spend less by buying their own food than to pay for a tour with all the meals and snacks included;
- We’ll stop several times for buying food at local stores. First time still in Edinburgh;
- We may also stop at coffee shops/restaurants if required;
- Tea, coffee, and water are provided.
Additional Notes
These tours are designed for relatively small groups. A maximum of 6 to 9 participants plus 2 to 3 tour leaders.
We came up with a long list of points of interest for photographers that result from a compilation fueled by personal experiences. We went there, we have tested the whole thing from start to finish. We’ve eliminated the unnecessary stops and the unpractical trails for photographers.
These POIs result from real-life field reconnaissance and were then fitted to a detailed, very demanding but tremendously rewarding program. We’ll take you there! You just need to bring your gear, your will to explore, and a good pair of boots. We’ll do the rest.
Our tour includes all the typical POIs like The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Viewpoint, Staffin Beach, Quiraing, The Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle, Neist Point Lighthouse, Bla Bheinn, Portree, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, among many others.
next group will leave in…
Vehicle, Insurance & Fuel
It includes vehicles that can be used on all roads in Scotland (mainland and Isle of Skye). All road trips will be made aboard a well equipped and comfortable vehicle.
Each vehicle will accommodate a maximum of 4 people (1 driver and 3 participants), i.e. one less than the vehicle full capacity. If you come across the need to rest while we drive, you can do it comfortably. We’ll deal with the driving always regarding the Scottish traffic laws.
Our offer includes the full insurance bundle for all vehicles.
It also includes all the fuel and mileage you’ll ever need. Our participants, among many other things, enjoy unlimited mileage which, for us photographers, is absolutely vital.
Accommodation
In the first night, after landing in London (LGW), we’ll stay at the BLOC Hotels. This allows us to get ready for our adventure and will also permit us to get to Edinburgh very early in the next morning.
The first days you’ll be accommodated in a big enough room (shared with another participant) at a bunkhouse in a very central place in the Isle of Skye. The group will also have access to a well-equipped kitchen, showers, living room, briefing room and several other utilities.
The last two nights will be spent at a hotel in Edinburgh (twin shared room). All expenses such as crossing rates, transfers, and visitor taxes, are included.
Internet Access & Power
We don’t provide Wi-Fi Internet access in this tour. Prices are just too overwhelming and the quality of most services are simply not good enough.
Electrical power
The bunkhouse will have more than enough wall sockets for you to charge batteries, smartphones or laptops. We provide some adapters for the British sockets (BS 1363).
Food & Drinks
Food is not included!
We used to include food on this tour (increasing the tour initial cost) but we honestly think most people will benefit from the fact of having to buy its own food supplies or using their place of choice to eat their meals.
It’s way less expensive for our participants as we’d have to calculate what our participants consume in advance, and that varies greatly from person to person. Considering that we couldn’t risk not having enough food, costs were always higher than reality would afterwards prove it.
We provide more than enough stops for food shopping! That’s where we also get our food, right?! We buy local, so can you. Additionally, at some locations, you’ll also have the chance to eat at the hotel or restaurants.
We’ll include coffee (or decaffeinated), tea, and water.
We do not include soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, etc. The only drinks included are water, tea, and coffee (or decaf).
Flights
We can take care of your flight booking if you’re departing from Portugal! You’ll pay exactly the same the air company charges us.
The booking refers to the Oporto (OPO) to London Gatwick (LGW) and London flight to Edinburgh (EDI). It also includes the return flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Amsterdam (AMS) or alternative stopover, and from there to Oporto (OPO). For participants departing from any other airport, we can find the best solution to meet-up in London Gatwick, Edinburgh or even in the Isle of Skye.
We previously had participants originating from countries such as Russia, Brazil or Canada, and that didn’t present itself as a problem! Ideally, we should all leave from (OPO) Oporto, but we know it may not be easy for everyone.
If you choose to book your flights, you will be informed on the meeting point in London Gatwick or at the Edinburgh airport (very near from the city centre) and a deadline at which you must be present. If you fail, the group will try to wait but it will eventually continue the journey and you’ll have to reach the group by your own means.
If you have any questions regarding flight booking or any other issue, please get in touch so we can help you. Our job is to make your life easier when taking your photography to the next level. We’re here for you.
Other perks…
- Instalment plan (booking + 2 partials) – You can pay for your tour in a 1+2 payment plan; A booking fee to reserve your seat aboard the adventure, a second payment 91 days before the tour data, and a final payment 61 days before the tour date;
- Discount for group booking (2 or +) – We normally have special prices for bookings for 2 or more seats, depending on the tour in question. Same booking fees but lower total cost. Get in touch via info@theviewpointtours.com for more info;
- Photo Gear Rental Program available – All tour participants can take advantage of our photo gear rental program (limited to availability) More info at the Photo Gear Rental page;
- Pre-travel support – We always take great care of our participants! We provide you with all the needed information and support so your experience can go as smooth as possible;
- 20,00 EUR voucher by Coloreffects to use on any buy of 100,00 EUR or more;
- 5% rebate on future tours – Booking this tour gets you 5% off on any future tour, even on a more expensive one. This means that if you book a 480,00 EUR tour you can get a 5% discount on a 3000,00 EUR tour, that corresponds to 150,00 EUR.
Terms and Conditions
- All the Terms and Conditions, apply.
- You should only book your flights after the tour is confirmed. We cannot be held responsible for any losses (financial or other) if you book your flights more than 45 days prior to departure and the tour does not take place;
- Although we design alternatives to every POI in our itineraries, due to natural disasters or road traffic restriction imposed by the local authorities, for example, we cannot be held liable for unforeseen events and consequences;
- We will not be able to directly take responsibility for problems that originate from an unsatisfactory service provided by the third parties on which we depend on these trips (car rental, accommodations, restaurants, supermarkets, etc.);
- We do not include any alcoholic beverage or soda. Also, in relation to alcoholic beverages, we strongly advise you not to consume alcohol unless it’s the last meal of the day. Safety should be your first concern!
Itinerary
Day 1 of 8 - Off we go!
Day 1 (one) includes:
- Meeting before flight;
- 18:05 – 20:20 Flight from Oporto Airport (OPO) to London Gatwick (LGW);
- Accommodation at BLOC Hotel (LGW);
- Briefing for the Day 2.
Day 2 of 8 - From Gatwick to the Isle of Skye
Day 2 (two) includes:
- Meeting before flight at 05:00;
- 07:20 – 08:45 Flight from London Gatwick (LGW) to Edinburgh (EDI);
- Car pickup / Buy food;
- Travel by road to the Isle of Skye with ETA at 16:45.
- Time for discovering the area around the accommodation area (awesome photo spots);
- Dinner and briefing for the following day.
Day 3 of 8 - Getting that Wow Factor Out!
Day 3 (three) includes:
- Breakfast until 5:00;
- The day will include walks at/to: The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Viewpoint, Staffin beach;
- Return to base for bath, dinner, and some great time with everyone;
- Briefing for day 4 (four).
Day 4 of 8 - We walk!
Day 4 (four) includes:
- Breakfast until 5:00;
- The day will include walks at/to: Quiraing, The Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle, Neist Point Lighthouse;
- Return to base for bath, dinner, and some great time with everyone;
- Briefing for day 5 (five).
Day 5 of 8 - We at Blà Bheinn!
Day 5 (five) includes:
- Breakfast until 5:30;
- The day will include walks/visits at/to: Blà Bheinn, Portree, Elgol, The Fairy Glen;
- Briefing for day 6 (five).
Day 6 of 8 - Off to see the sisters!
Day 6 (six) includes:
- Yep! Wake up early again;
- Breakfast until 5:30;
- The day will include walks/visits at/to: Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe;
- Accommodation and briefing for Day 7.
Day 7 of 8 - We reach Edinburgh!
Day 7 (seven) includes:
- Wake up early;
- Head-on to Edinburgh, trying to get there soon enough, so you can enjoy the city for a bit.
- Group dinner!
- Off to some zzzzzzs!
Day 8 of 8 - Getting home!
Day 8 (eight) includes:
- Breakfast on your own time and schedule;
- Get shuttle bus to the airport at around 13:00 (01:00 PM);
- Flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Amsterdam (AMS) at 15:30 (3:30 PM);
- Flight from Amsterdam (AMS) to Oporto (OPO) at 20:30 (8:30 PM);
- Landing in Oporto (OPO) at 22:15;
- We say goodbye!
FAQs
How can I pay for my booking fee?
Do you have a schedule/plan for payments?
Unless otherwise clearly stated for a particular tour or program, our plan of payments is as follows:
- Booking Fee: 10% of trip total (this tour is 152,50 €)
- Midway Payment: 40% of the tour total at least 91 days before departure;
- Final payment: 50% of the tour total at least 61 days before departure.
Are the flights included in the cost?
No!
Can you book my flights?
Yes, considering you provide us access to all the necessary information like passport information, ID information, and/or anything else required by the flight operator.
- Flight’s payment is expected until 61 days prior to departure;
- The cost is exactly the same the air company charge us with;
- The receipt will be issued in your name by the air company;
- If you have a frequent flyer number or any other program number, you can provide it, so your account can be credited.
Is food included?
No! Food is not included.
Nevertheless, we always pack emergency rations and you will never be left without assistance. We stop frequently along the way for food shopping and you’ll also have opportunities to eat at a diner or restaurant. Iceland also has a fairly good offer on Subway and Domino’s Pizza restaurants.
Is water or other drinks included?
Yes! Water, coffee, and tea are included.
Water in Iceland will be the least of your concerns. Tap water is perfect for drinking and you don’t have the need for buying any water. Icelanders don’t buy it! When in Rome…
Itinerary
Day 1 of 8 - Off we go!
Day 1 (one) includes:
- Meeting before flight;
- 18:05 – 20:20 Flight from Oporto Airport (OPO) to London Gatwick (LGW);
- Accommodation at BLOC Hotel (LGW);
- Briefing for the Day 2.
Day 2 of 8 - From Gatwick to the Isle of Skye
Day 2 (two) includes:
- Meeting before flight at 05:00;
- 07:20 – 08:45 Flight from London Gatwick (LGW) to Edinburgh (EDI);
- Car pickup / Buy food;
- Travel by road to the Isle of Skye with ETA at 16:45.
- Time for discovering the area around the accommodation area (awesome photo spots);
- Dinner and briefing for the following day.
Day 3 of 8 - Getting that Wow Factor Out!
Day 3 (three) includes:
- Breakfast until 5:00;
- The day will include walks at/to: The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Viewpoint, Staffin beach;
- Return to base for bath, dinner, and some great time with everyone;
- Briefing for day 4 (four).
Day 4 of 8 - We walk!
Day 4 (four) includes:
- Breakfast until 5:00;
- The day will include walks at/to: Quiraing, The Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle, Neist Point Lighthouse;
- Return to base for bath, dinner, and some great time with everyone;
- Briefing for day 5 (five).
Day 5 of 8 - We at Blà Bheinn!
Day 5 (five) includes:
- Breakfast until 5:30;
- The day will include walks/visits at/to: Blà Bheinn, Portree, Elgol, The Fairy Glen;
- Briefing for day 6 (five).
Day 6 of 8 - Off to see the sisters!
Day 6 (six) includes:
- Yep! Wake up early again;
- Breakfast until 5:30;
- The day will include walks/visits at/to: Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe;
- Accommodation and briefing for Day 7.
Day 7 of 8 - We reach Edinburgh!
Day 7 (seven) includes:
- Wake up early;
- Head-on to Edinburgh, trying to get there soon enough, so you can enjoy the city for a bit.
- Group dinner!
- Off to some zzzzzzs!
Day 8 of 8 - Getting home!
Day 8 (eight) includes:
- Breakfast on your own time and schedule;
- Get shuttle bus to the airport at around 13:00 (01:00 PM);
- Flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Amsterdam (AMS) at 15:30 (3:30 PM);
- Flight from Amsterdam (AMS) to Oporto (OPO) at 20:30 (8:30 PM);
- Landing in Oporto (OPO) at 22:15;
- We say goodbye!
FAQs
How can I pay for my booking fee?
Do you have a schedule/plan for payments?
Unless otherwise clearly stated for a particular tour or program, our plan of payments is as follows:
- Booking Fee: 10% of trip total (this tour is 152,50 €)
- Midway Payment: 40% of the tour total at least 91 days before departure;
- Final payment: 50% of the tour total at least 61 days before departure.
Are the flights included in the cost?
No!
Can you book my flights?
Yes, considering you provide us access to all the necessary information like passport information, ID information, and/or anything else required by the flight operator.
- Flight’s payment is expected until 61 days prior to departure;
- The cost is exactly the same the air company charge us with;
- The receipt will be issued in your name by the air company;
- If you have a frequent flyer number or any other program number, you can provide it, so your account can be credited.
Is food included?
No! Food is not included.
Nevertheless, we always pack emergency rations and you will never be left without assistance. We stop frequently along the way for food shopping and you’ll also have opportunities to eat at a diner or restaurant. Iceland also has a fairly good offer on Subway and Domino’s Pizza restaurants.
Is water or other drinks included?
Yes! Water, coffee, and tea are included.
Water in Iceland will be the least of your concerns. Tap water is perfect for drinking and you don’t have the need for buying any water. Icelanders don’t buy it! When in Rome…