Hebridean Island Adventure - 6 days - Scotland's stunning islands

Scotland's stunning islands

Explore Scotland’s magical Western Isles, an unspoilt, uncrowded and timeless land of stunning scenery, ancient history and unique culture. Perched on the very edge of Britain, these beautiful, unspoilt islands, guardians of a rich culture with its roots in the mists of time have been continually inhabited for over 6000 years. Combining huge skies and the ocean-washed sands of vast empty beaches with mountains and moorlands rich in flora and fauna, and a pace of life long forgotten on the mainland, a holiday to the Outer Hebrides is an unforgettable experience.

Highlights

Enjoy a tour of the enchanting Isle of Skye
Travel around the Isle of Harris
Explore the beautiful Isle of Lewis
Visit charming Portree and historic Dunvegan Castle
Venture to the Standing Stones of Calanais, a Black House, the Broch of Carloway and the Butt of Lewis

Inclusions

Five nights' dinner, bed and Scottish breakfast accommodation at a series of hotels on the Isle of Skye (2 nights), Stornoway (2) and Gairloch (1)
All ferry crossings
Tour of the Isle of Skye and visit to Dunvegan Castle and Portree
Tour of Harris and Lewis
Visit to the Butt of Lewis and travel to Ullapool
Return flights to Edinburgh or Inverness, with coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day 1

Fly to Scotland to meet your tour manager. Once onboard the coach, you'll head towards the Isle of Skye. It's a long but beautiful journey, which, time permitting, you'll break at the famous Eilean Donan Castle on the shores of Loch Duich.

Day 2

Passing the famous Cullin Hills, whose craggy peaks are often obscured by a veil of mist, you’ll head to Dunvegan Castle. Stronghold of the chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, and said to be the oldest continuously occupied 'family home' in Scotland, this is an amazing place steeped in history. This afternoon, explore the island’s main town, Portree, where you'll find delightful white- and colour-washed buildings set around the harbour, all surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Day 3

Early this morning, you’ll head to Ullapool to catch the ferry to Stornoway. After two and a half hours sailing, you’ll arrive in Stornoway and begin explorations of this pretty capital of Lewis and Harris. Check into the Cabarfeidh Hotel where dinner will be served this evening.

Day 4

Today, you'll head to Harris, with its high mountains and rocky coastline to the east, and its miles of unspoilt beaches washed by Atlantic waves on the west. Our first stop is Rodel Church, perhaps the grandest medieval building in the Western Isles. After time to explore the little port of Tarbet, you'll continue to the celebrated Standing Stones of Calanais, a dramatic collection of almost 50 ancient stones. A short walk from the road (over fairly rough ground) takes us to the exceptionally well -preserved Carloway Broch, a circular dry-stone fortified tower dating back some 2000 years. Moving on, you'll visit the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village with its typical crofting buildings which give a fascinating insight into the lives and resourcefulness of the islands' inhabitants.

Day 5

This morning, you'll head to the Butt of Lewis, at the northern tip of Lewis, the final highlight of your stay in the Hebrides. "Set sail", in the early afternoon, for the two-hour 30-minute crossing to Ullapool then follow a wonderfully scenic route through Wester Ross to Newtonmore or Carrbridge (depending on your departure date) and your final hotel.

Day 6

Journey back to the airport, this morning, to catch your flight home.

Further Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time to your first hotel is approximately five hours from Edinburgh airport and two hours from Inverness airport. The transfer time from your last hotel to Edinburgh airport is approximately three hours, and one hour to Inverness airport.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

October 2024 hotel changes

Please note the Caladh Inn replaces the Cabarfeidh Hotel, and the Ben Wyvis Hotel replaces the Gairloch Hotel on this tour date. Both hotels are of a comparable three-star standard.’

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Access to Carloway Broch

Please note that the Broch is a short walk over fairly rough ground from the road.

Access to Dunvegan Castle

Please note that disabled access to this ancient building is limited. There are two shallow steps into the reception area, followed by approximately 20 steps up to the main rooms. Thereafter the route is level. Many of the garden paths are suitable for wheelchairs.

Sunday closing

Please note that most local businesses in the Outer Hebrides will be closed on Sundays.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Airport development fees

An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.

Calanais Stones excursion replacement (1 September 2024 onwards)

From the 1st of September onwards, the Calanais Stones visitor centre is closed for renovation, so the site will be closed to the general public. As a replacement to the included visit to the Calanais Stones, there will be a visit to Lews Castle, with its exciting Museum nan Eilean.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel. Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names. Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date"). Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.