A Hebridean Adventure 2021

A Hebridean Adventure

 

10 days 28th April 2021

 

From the magnificent Isle of Skye to the lush green crystal waters and the fine white sandy beaches of the Outer Hebrides, we will discover the history, culture, and breath-taking beauty of these wild and wonderful isles. This year we have extended this amazing tour to 10 days allowing the opportunity to relax in Strathpeffer and visit Aviemore, Pitlochery and Perth! Before we begin our journey home.

 

Tour Itinerary

 

Wednesday - Our luxury coach will depart this morning and head for Scotland where we will spend our first night in Gretna. Comfort stops on route.

 

Thursday – After a leisurely breakfast we leave Gretna and head for Loch Lomond for a lunchtime stop, we then continue our journey to Fort William for our next overnight hotel.

 

Friday - Arrival on the Isle of Benbecula Today, we will travel through the spectacular Scottish Highlands towards the Kyle of Lochalsh and the Isle of Skye and provide a photo opportunity on route at the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle. Situated on an island at the point where three sea lochs meet, Eilean Donan is one of the most iconic images of Scotland. From the Kyle of Lochalsh, we will cross the magnificent Skye road bridge onto the Isle of Skye itself and enjoy the scenic drive past the dramatic Cuillin Hills and through the island’s capital, Portree. We will then arrive at the port of Uig from which we will take a ferry to Lochmaddy on the Isle of Benbecula, our destination for the next two nights. This evenings meal will be on the ferry and included in your package. We arrive at our hotel mid-evening.

 

Saturday - South Uist & the Isle of Eriskay This morning, we will be joined for a full guided tour to explore the stunning South Uist, an island of the Outer Hebrides with crystal clear water and white powder beaches. We will drive past the ruins of the 18th Century Ormacleit Castle towards the Isle of Eriskay, which is linked to South Uist by a stone causeway. The beautiful little island of Eriskay is home to the bay where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot on Scottish soil. It is also known for its famous ponies, which are semi-wild and often seen wandering around the village. On our return, we will visit the Hebridean Jewellery Shop and Workshop where we have the chance to purchase some quality handcrafted silver and gold jewelry.

 

Sunday - Island hopping: Benbecula, Harris & Lewis After breakfast, we leave our hotel and travel northwards across North Uist, alongside 13 miles of stunning sandy beaches, freshwater lochs, rolling moorland hills and unrivalled bird watching opportunities before reaching Berneray, reputedly one of HRH Prince Charles’ favorite destinations. From here, we will board the ferry to Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris, which offers an incredible diversity in its landscapes, from the inhospitable, rocky shore in the east to the golden sandy beaches in the west. The Isle of Harris is linked by road to the Isle of Lewis and the drive passes some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the whole of the UK. Our final destination tonight is Stornoway, the capital of Lewis, where we settle into our hotel for two nights. Stornoway is a delightful destination offering excellent shopping opportunities, a host of traditional pubs and a harbor with a healthy seal population!

 

Monday - Isle of Lewis We remain on the Isle of Lewis today and once again will be joined by a professional guide for a tour of the island’s fantastic scenery. Lewis is the largest and well-populated of the Western Isles, although it remains refreshingly unspoilt and uncrowded. Home to some of the most important seabird colonies in the UK, the Isle of Lewis is a haven to all forms of wildlife. There is history and heritage to be discovered too and the island has more than its fair share of archaeological sites to explore. During our circular tour of the island, we will visit Carloway Broch, an ancient Iron Age fortification and enjoy an included visit to the Calanais Visitor Centre where we will be able to see the Callanish Standing Stones, one of the best preserved megalithic sites in the whole of Scotland. We will also visit Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and step back in time as we experience the way of life in a typical crofting township of the 19th Century.

 

Tuesday- Stornoway & Ullapool This morning, we will enjoy some free time to relax and explore the town of Stornoway with a chance to snap up a last-minute bargain in one of the Harris Tweed shops. We will then board the early afternoon ferry to Ullapool and continue to Strathpeffer and our hotel tonight.

 

Wednesday – A free day today, to catch your breath and enjoy the mountain views from our grand Victorian hotel. Maybe take a relaxing stroll around the 5acres of woodland that surrounds our hotel or visit the museum of childhood, just a 6-minute walk from here.

 

Thursday – We leave Strathpeffer this morning after a leisurely breakfast and head for Aviemore, a pretty little town in the Cairngorms National Park for a morning coffee stop. We continue to the charming town of Pitlochry for an opportunity to have lunch and explore this vibrant little town before continuing to Perth for our last night.

 

Friday – Sadly, it’s time to leave Scotland and head back to Wiltshire after a fascinating experience in the Outer Hebrides.

 

 

Your Hotels

 

Gretna Green Hotel – Gretna 1 night

 

Alexandra Hotel - Fort William 1 night

 

Dark Island Hotel – Benbecula 2 nights

 

Caladh Inn – Lewis 2 nights

 

Ben Wyvis Hotel – Strathpeffer 2 nights

 

Salutation Hotel – Perth 1 night

 

All hotels have en-suite bedrooms with comfortable accommodation.

 

Price Includes

 

Luxury Coach Travel with Extra Leg Room.

Home Pickup, Full Hostess Service.

9 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast - This Includes Meal on the Ferry to Uist

Tea & Coffee Included After Evening Meals

All Ferry Crossings

Full Day Step on Guide South Uist & the Isle of Eriskay

Full Day Step on Guide Isle of Lewis

Entrance to Calanais Visitor Centre

Entrance to Callanish Standing Stones

Entrance to Gearrannan Black House Village

A Free Day to Relax in Strathpeffer

Porterage in all Hotels

 

10 Days £1169.00

Single Supplement £140.00 (Limited)