Hebridean Discovery Small Group Tour - 3 day tour
Hebridean Discovery Small Group Tour
3 day / 2 night tour
Although the neighbouring islands of Harris and Lewis share the same landmass, they are distinctively different, as we’ll discover. On Harris, you’ll find some of the finest beaches in all of Europe and spectacular mountains too. On Lewis, discover pre-historic sites, vast moors and magnificent lighthouses. Conveniently based in the historic port of Stornoway, all these attractions and much more can be easily be discovered.
Small Group Tour - travel in an intimate group of just 16 passengers
Dunrobin Castle - explore the grand home and gardens of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland
Harris Tweed - visit a traditional weaver to see how Harris Tweed is produced
Callanish Standing Stones - discover the mystical standing stones that date from Neolithic times
Luskentyre Beach - take a walk along this stunningly beautiful beach
Movie locations - 2001, A Space Odyssey, Brave and Barry Lyndon
Guest house accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Inverness - Ullapool - Stornoway (Isle of Lewis)
Your journey will begin with a drive west from Inverness through Sutherland’s beautiful and remote scenery.
The fishing port of Ullapool sits on Loch Broom and is where we board our ferry for the sailing to the Western Isles. You can enjoy some great lunch options on the ferry as you sail past the Summer Isles and head out into The Minch for our crossing to the Outer Hebrides.
After arriving on the Isle of Lewis, we waste no time exploring our new surroundings. Our first stop will be a visit to Arnol Blackhouse, a traditional style of thatched house that provides a fascinating insight into how life was lived on these islands not that long ago.
The weaving of Harris Tweed cloth has, traditionally, been an important home-based industry for islanders.
Our last visit of the day will be to a local weaver to see the fabric being handwoven in the time-honoured fashion – a truly fascinating process.
After our afternoon visits, we travel to Stornoway, the largest community on the Isle of Lewis and our island base, for the next two nights. You will have a chance to explore the town and enjoy dinner after settling into your accommodation.
Overnight: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (2 nights)
Day 2 - Exploring Lewis and Harris
Although they share the same landmass, Harris and Lewis are considered separate islands. Having been inhabited for over 6,000 years, there is a real sense of history here, as we will discover.
Today, we start our exploration by visiting Dun Carloway Broch, an Iron Age stone fort known to have been built more than 2,000 years ago. This is one of the best-preserved fortified towers in Scotland and has a beautiful location overlooking Loch Carloway and the sea beyond.
Our next visit* is to the astonishing Callanish Standing Stones. Archaeologists believe that Neolithic people placed these 5 metre (15 ft) stones here sometime between 3,000 and 1,000 BC. The site is rated second in importance only to Stonehenge. Please note that due to refurbishment work taking place at the Visitor Centre, it will not be possible to visit the Standing Stones until work is completed in spring 2026.
After a break for lunch, we turn our attention to the island of Harris.
We’ll travel through the imposing hills of North Harris to reach the village of Tarbert, the island’s main port.
The tiny island of Taransay has found fame as the setting for the popular TV programme Castaway and the movie “Rocket Mail”. We’ll stop so you can admire the views and take a stroll along Luskentyre Beach, which appears never-ending.
Look out for the machairs which sit behind the beach - these green grassy plains are covered in a mass of wildflowers in the summer.
Our next destination is the village of Rodel, where we visit the ancient St Clements Church, where many influential members of the MacLeod clan rest in peace. The church is a marvel of medieval architecture and one of the most important buildings in the Outer Hebrides.
There will be time to visit the church and explore its tranquil graveyard before a scenic drive along the banks of Loch Harmasaig returns us to Stornoway.
* Due to planned facility closures, tours departing in September 2024 will be unable to visit Callanish Standing Stones.
Day 3 - Stornoway - Butt of Lewis - Inverness
After breakfast, we will make our way to the Butt of Lewis, where a lighthouse stands warning passing ships of the nearby rocks. This is the most northerly point of the Outer Hebrides, and due west, there is nothing but the North Atlantic until you reach Newfoundland, Canada!
Later, we return to Stornoway for some free time before we board the ferry for the return sailing to the mainland.
On arrival in Ullapool, board the coach for the last part of the journey through the Northwest Highlands to Inverness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Small Group Tour?
With a maximum of just 16 passengers, a Small Group Tour provides a more personal and flexible travelling experience. You’ll enjoy more time off the bus, with freedom to explore free from the crowds.
While you will see all the highlights, these tours are carefully planned to travel off the highways, so you’ll discover quaint villages and picturesque vistas that other tours cannot reach.
Small group tours are operated by purpose-built mini-coaches with air-conditioning, panoramic windows and comfortable seating.
Each group is led by an experienced driver/guide who will entertain and inform you with stories of our history, nature and folklore.
Many travellers prefer small group touring as it’s considered more authentic and there is a better chance to connect with locals as well as their fellow explorers.
What are the optional extras on this tour and how much do they cost?
To give you complete choice, admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. The tour itinerary has been carefully designed to provide sufficient time for you to visit these attractions:
Arnol Blackhouse
Callanish Standing Stones
If you click on the links above, they will provide you with more information on each attraction, including current admission prices. In some cases a special discount is offered to tour passengers, your driver/guide will provide details if this applies.
Please note that credit/debit cards are not always accepted, so it is recommended that you carry sufficient cash with you should you want to make a visit.
Will I hear Gaelic being spoken?
The Outer Hebrides is the heartland of Gaelic culture and the majority of islanders will speak the Gaelic language, as well as English.
Of course, there is no need to learn Gaelic to enjoy your time in the Outer Hebrides, but if you would like to learn a few words why not try:
Hello - Halò
Goodbye - Mar sin leibh
My name is - Is mise
How are you? - Ciamar a tha sibh?
I’m fine thank you - Tha gu math tapadh leibh
Excuse me - Gabh mo leisgeul
Cheers! - Slàinte!
What can I expect on the ferry crossing to Stornoway?
The crossing between Ullapool and Stornoway will take 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The MV Loch Seaforth which normally operates the route is a modern CruiseFerry that is equipped to a very high standard with an observation lounge, shops, restaurant and comfortable seating inside and out.
What meals are included ?
A full Scottish breakfast is included from day 2 onwards.
This hearty meal can consist of fruit juice; a choice of cereal; bakery basket; cooked items such as eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomato and, maybe, a taste of haggis! plus tea or coffee. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available.
Lunch and dinner are not included in the price.
During the touring day there will be a stop where you can enjoy lunch in a local pub or restaurant. Your driver/guide will be happy to suggest a conveniently located restaurant where you can enjoy good food for dinner.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 2 nights guest house or hotel accommodation - all rooms with private bathrooms
- Location: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (2)
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (2)
Tour Essentials
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Ferry to the Isle of Lewis
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
25 Union Street
Inverness IV1 1QA
Check-in: 07:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 19:00 hrs
Child details
Concession discount applies to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 3 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 3 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Small Group Tour
Enjoy a more personal travelling experience with a maximum of just 16 passengers.
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes guest house accommodation with an en-suite bathroom.
Luggage Allowance
One medium-sized suitcase/bag per person (maximum weight: 15 kilos)
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. See Frequently Asked Questions for more information and guidance on prices.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
HEX 00771
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Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (5 /5) 21 Oct 2024
5 Stars for a professional but also personally guided Tour, with knowledge, care and heart. I felt part of the group and kindly taken care of. I appreciated that phone calls to the office have been personally answered beforehand. Jamie as our tour guide showed us bonnie Scotland from outside and inside. All in all a wonderful experience which I would like to repeat soon!
Martina from Freiburg im Breisgau , DE
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Rating: (5 /5) 19 Sep 2022
As above.
Bernadette from Dundee, GB
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Rating: (5 /5) 16 Sep 2017
Our tour guide Fergus was fantastic, extremely knowledgable regarding Scottish history and also very entertaining during our tour. Our accommodation was to an excellent standard with very welcoming hosts. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to visit the Scottish Highlands and if you are lucky enough to have Fergus as your guide that's an added bonus. Thanks Again for a great tour. Suzanne (Australia)
suzanne from Glasgow,
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