Join us on a tour of Scotland's magical Western Isles, a land of unspoilt, timeless beauty, with spectacular scenery, ancient history and unique Gaelic culture.
Perched on the very edge of Britain, these beautiful isles have been continuously inhabited for more than 6000 years, and this trip will take you to the pristine sands of their vast, empty beaches, mountains and moorlands rich in flora and fauna, and villages with a pace of life long forgotten on the mainland.
Start your Hebridean adventure on the Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, where you'll visit Dunvegan Castle, the stronghold of the chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, and Portree, with its pastel-coloured houses lining the harbour.
Next it's on to Stornoway, to discover the intriguing archeological monuments of Lewis and Harris, including the ancient Calanais Standing Stones, which predate Stonehenge by hundreds of years, and the wonderfully-preserved Carloway Broch, a dry-stone fortified tower dating back some 2000 years.
There's also a trip to the Butt of Lewis, the northernmost tip of Lewis, which holds the title of the windiest place in the UK, according to the Guinness Book of Records. Battling the wind will reward you with unforgettable views of a dramatic rocky coastline and a grand lighthouse looking out over the north Atlantic.
Throughout your trip you'll be staying in a series of well-located hotels, all of which will be three-stars and with cosy bedrooms with private facilities for a restful night in between your adventures.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room, subject to availability and based on 7 October 2024 departure date and Bristol flight. Various departure dates are available, please call for details. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit £250pp. Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in conveniently located, alternative hotels of a similar standard. Tour not suitable for those with mobility issues. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays.
Today you'll fly to Inverness or Edinburgh where you'll be met by your tour manager.
You'll board the coach to head towards the Isle of Skye, a drive of around five hours from Edinburgh and two hours from Inverness. While the journey is long, it's incredibly scenic, and includes a break at the famous Eilean Donan Castle on the shores of Loch Duich.
On arrival on Skye you'll check into Hotel Dunollie, your home for the next two nights, where you'll enjoy a dinner with the rest of your group.
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll set off on a tour of the Isle of Skye. You'll pass by the famous Cuillin Hills mountain range, where jagged peaks are often obscured by a veil of mist, as you make your way to Dunvegan Castle.
This castle was the stronghold of the chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, and is said to be the oldest continuously occupied family home in Scotland. The castle is steeped in rich history which you'll discover as you visit.
Later in the afternoon, you'll head into Skye's main town, Portree, where you'll see its delightful pastel-coloured houses around the harbourfront, set against a backdrop of dramatic scenery.
Following an early breakfast this morning, you'll transfer to Ullapool, where you'll catch the ferry to Stornoway.
You'll be sailing for around two and a half hours before arriving in Stornoway and exploring the pretty capital of Lewis and Harris, with its dramatic landscapes and unique Gaelic culture.
Later on, you'll check into your next hotel, the cosy Cabarfeidh Hotel where dinner will be served this evening.
You'll head to Harris today, with its towering mountains and rugged coastline to the east, and its miles of pristine beaches lapped by Atlantic waves to the west.
Your first stop will be Rodel Church, one of the grandest mediaeval buildings in the Western Isles. You'll then explore the little port of Tarbert, before continuing to the fascinating Calanais Standing Stones, a collection of almost 50 ancient stones erected 5,000 years ago.
It's then a short walk from the road to the beautifully-preserved Carloway Broch, a circular dry-stone fortified tower dating back some 2000 years.
You'll also visit the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village with its typical crofting buildings to get a fascinating insight into the lives of the islands' inhabitants past and present.
This morning, following breakfast, you'll head to the Butt of Lewis, on the northern tip of Lewis, the final location of your Hebridean adventure and the northernmost tip of the Outer Hebrides. Hold on to your hat - this is the windiest place in the UK, according to the Guiness Books of Records.
See the lighthouse designed by David Stevenson and ancient rocks known as the Lewisian Gneiss before continuing your journey to Ullapool.
You'll set sail in the early afternoon for the crossing to Ullapool then follow a delightfully scenic route through Wester Ross to Newtonmore or Carrbridge and on to Gairloch where you'll check in at your final hotel.
After a final breakfast at your hotel you'll begin your journey to Inverness (one hour's drive) or Edinburgh (three hours' drive) to catch your flight home.
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