An early start from Inverness to the coastal village of Ullapool where we board the ferry for a 2¾ hour journey across the Minch to the Isle of Lewis (my native island) and its main town of Stornoway. From there we spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent Neolithic Calanais Standing Stones, the 2000 year old Dun Carloway Broch and a traditional Hebridean blackhouse. We finish the day at the beautiful beach at Dalbeg before our return to Stornoway for our overnight stay.
Departing from Stornoway we head south to the Isle of Harris. The drive along the Atlantic coastline of Harris includes the stunning beaches at Seilebost and Nisabost. We visit Rodel to explore the medieval St Clement’s church, home to one of Scotland's most remarkable 16th century tombs. The late afternoon takes us back to Tarbert before we return north to Stornoway for our overnight stay.
After some free time in Stornoway, the late morning and afternoon is spent exploring the wonderful coastline of the parish of Uig on the western side of the Isle of Lewis including the stunning beaches at Mangersta, Valtos and Reef. After a visit to the reconstructed Iron-Age in Bosta we return to Stornoway for our overnight stop.
We spend our last morning in the Outer Hebrides at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly point in the Hebrides) for the dramatic views of the cliffs and Atlantic sea. We return to Stornoway where we explore Museum nan Eilean in Lews Castle and visit their collection of Lewis Chessmen. The early afternoon ferry takes us back to Ullapool and then it is a final drive through wonderful Highland scenery to Inverness.
Depart Inverness (7:30am)
Return Inverness
(4 Days)
This tour is available on Monday and Tuesday start days from Inverness.
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Prices include ferry tickets, all taxes and an experienced driver/guide and historian (John Alasdair Macdonald).
Your accommodation costs, entrance fees and meals.
I recommend that you book accommodation in Stornoway (Day 1, 2 and 3) to make the most of your trip. Whilst I do not book accommodation for you I am happy to help with advice on where to stay and eat. The tour quote will include a list of accommodation recommendations and suggestions for overnight locations.
The southern islands of the Outer Hebrides are not visited in the standard 4 day tour. However, for those with ancestral links to Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist or Eriskay – or just wishing to explore these wonderful islands – I can offer a 6 Day Outer Hebrides Tour from Inverness with two nights in Stornoway, two nights in Lochmaddy (North Uist) followed by a final night in Stornoway. The private tour price is £4500. This tour option is only available on Monday start days from Inverness. Please request any further information through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, I have a little flexibility and the tour itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. Please let me know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
To explore more of the Scottish Highlands, any of the daily itineraries (East, North and West Highlands) of the 3 Day Highlands Tour can be added as a tour extension. The total tour price would be increased by £600 for each additional day. If you are interested in an extended multi-day trip, this tour can be combined with other tours listed on the website. Please request any tour extensions through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form for the standard tour.
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While we cannot be responsible for additional accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, we will make every effort to adapt the tour to minimise disruption. Please note that no refunds will be given for tour and itinerary changes due to ferry changes and cancellations.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather and even in the summer months we are likely to experience some wet and windy weather conditions on tours. As such we always recommend a light waterproof jacket for all tours and decent footwear that you do not mind getting a little bit muddy or wet.
