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, arguably, some of the finest beaches in Europe and spectacular mountains. On Lewis discover pre-historic sites, vast moors and spectacular lighthouses. Conveniently based in the historic port of Stornoway all these attractions and much more are easily discovered.
Price range: £365 - £475
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 - hotel upgrade option available
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Inverness - Dunrobin Castle - Stornoway (Isle of Lewis)
After leaving Inverness we enjoy grandstand views of the Moray Firth as we travel over the Kessock Bridge.
After travelling through the Black Isle we will cross the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths to reach Golspie where, high above the town, sits an astonishing statue, 27m (90') high. This is of the First Duke of Sutherland and shortly we will make our first stop at Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. This magnificent castle is said to resemble a French chateau and inside you'll be able to see some of the 189 rooms including the grand dining room and the library, complete with 10,000 books. A popular attraction is the falconry display that takes place in the formal gardens.
We’ll explore the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve which is one of the most important geological sites in Europe. We’ll discover more about the mysteries that are locked up in the rocks during our visit.
The fishing port of Ullapool sits on Loch Broom and is where we board our ferry for the crossing of The Minch to reach Stornoway. On our arrival it's a short drive to our accommodation.
Overnight: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (3 nights)
Day 2 - Exploring Isle of Lewis
Together Harris and Lewis make Scotland’s largest island. These islands have been inhabited for over 6,000 years and there is a real sense of history as we will discover as we spend today discovering Lewis. 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. Due west from here is nothing but the North Atlantic until you reach Newfoundland, Canada!
The astonishing Callanish Standing Stones is our next visit. Archaeologists believe that these 15 foot (5 m) stones were placed here by Neolithic people sometime between 3,000 and 1,000 BC and the site is rated second in importance only to Stonehenge.
A short distance away is the impressive 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 it’s beautifully located with wonderful views over Loch Carloway and the sea beyond.
The weaving of Harris Tweed cloth has, traditionally, been an important home-based industry for islanders so when we visit a local weaver, on our last visit of the day, there will be an opportunity to see the fabric being hand woven in the time-honoured fashion – a truly fascinating process.
Day 3 - Exploring Isle of Harris
Today we concentrate on the neighbouring island of Harris. We’ll travel through the imposing hills of North Harris to reach the little village of Tarbert, the main port serving the island.
The little island of Taransay has found fame as the setting for the popular TV programme, Castaway as well as the movie "Rocket Mail”. We’ll stop so you can admire the views and take a stroll along Luskentyre Beach, which appears never-ending. This is a great place to enjoy some beach combing. Look out for the machairs which sit behind the beach - these green grassy plains are covered in a mass of wild flowers in the summer.
We return to Stornoway for some free time so can explore this bustling port before our island interlude comes to an end. We'll make our way to the ferry port where the MV Loch Seaforth waits for our crossing back to the mainland and journeys end in Inverness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Small Group Tour?
With an average of just 16 passengers (and never more than 20) a Small Group Tour will provide a more intimate and flexible travelling experience. These tours are carefully planned to travel off the highways so you’ll discover quaint villages and picturesque vistas that other tours just can’t access. All the small group tours that we feature are operated by purpose built luxury minicoaches that feature air-conditioning, panoramic windows, wifi, usb charging points 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. Comfortable guest house accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, tv and other amenities is included in the price of all tours. A delicious Scottish breakfast is included each morning of your stay. If you’ve got more time to spare a series of extraordinary itineraries has been created by combining one or more shorter tours. Seamless in operation these unique holidays allow you to discover even more of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. A feature of these tours is that you will travel with a different driver/guide and fellow travellers for each portion of the itinerary.
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:
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 is a new CruiseFerry which 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 consists 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 lighter Continental 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
- Transportation by luxury air-conditioned minicoach with wifi and usb charging points
- 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
From Platform 7
Inverness Bus Station
Margaret Street
Inverness IV1 1LT
Check-in: 09:15 hrs
Tour Departs: 09:30 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
Book Assured
Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 8 days notice before travel. Click here for more information.
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes guest house accommodation with en-suite bathroom. You can up-grade to hotel accommodation at extra cost during the booking process.
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) 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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Rating: (5 /5) 08 Feb 2017
To little time at Dunrobin Castle, otherwise excellent.
Alan from Hobro, Denmark
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Rating: (5 /5) 03 Nov 2015
My daughter and I were delighted with this tour and the chauffeur was insightful and helpful. We really enjoyed every minute. A1 Michael Peyron
Michael from GRENOBLE, France
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