Itinerary
Discover the Hebrides: a wild, unspoilt archipelago thrown out into the Atlantic from Scotland’s west coast, with its dramatic vistas and deserted coastlines. This tour brings together the beauty of this dramatic region with the glorious mountains and sweeping moors of the Highlands
Our holiday begins with an overnight stay at the Gretna Hall Hotel, close to the famous Blacksmith’s shop, before continuing to the Alexandra Hotel in Fort William for our second overnight stay enroute to Ullapool for our ferry crossing to the Hebrides. We have a further one night stop at the Highland Hotel in Stirling on our homeward journey
Loch Lomond and Glencoe
We depart from the Gretna Hall Hotel and continue our northward journey over the Erskine Bridge and to the famous shores of Loch Lomond. As we drive along the west shore, taking in views of Ben Lomond and the bays and inlets, we reach Tarbet, where we join the boat for our sightseeing cruise of the loch
Continuing our journey, we cross the wild and atmospheric Rannoch Moor and through stunning Glencoe, both of which have been filming locations for films including Skyfall, Highlander, Rob Roy, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and the Outlander TV series, arriving in Fort William late afternoon
Inverness & the Great Glen
We depart Fort Willliam and continue our journey northwards, following the Great Glen past Spean Bridge and Fort Augustus, and following the shores of Loch Ness past the ruins of Urquhart Castle. We arrive in Inverness late morning for some free time in the city. Inverness has a stunning 19th century cathedral and indoor Victorian Market as well as city centre shops to explore, or perhaps even enjoy a stroll along the river
Leaving Inverness, we continue our journey to Ullapool, where we catch the evening ferry for our journey to Stornoway, with a 2-course dinner included onboard
Exploring the Isle of Lewis
We are joined by a local coach and guide who will take us on a full day tour of the Isle of Lewis to find out more about the island’s attractions, history and wildlife. Marvel at the awesome standing stones of Callanish, discover the fascinating broch at Dun Carloway, a type of structure unique to Scotland, and experience the way the people of the islands used to live at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
Stornoway
Enjoy a free morning in Stornoway, the capital of Lewis and Harris, which was founded by Vikings in the 9th century and grew up around a natural harbour. Then, we head southwards to Tarbert on Harris, where we catch the afternoon ferry to Uig, to continue our journey onto the Isle of Skye
Dunvegan Castle & Portree
Dunvegan Castle is one of the greatest Hebridean Castles and the only Highland fortress to have been occupied by the same family for 800 years. It is the seat of the MacLeod of Clan MacLeod and is famous for its five acres of gardens which are a hidden oasis amid the barren moorland and mountains of Skye. We continue to Portree, the island’s capital for free time in the afternoon
Fort Augustus and Pitlochry
Beginning our southward journey, we cross the Skye Bridge, passing the scenic Eilean Donan Castle, and travel to Stirling for our overnight stay. We visit Fort Augustus, at the foot of Loch Ness, and Pitlochry, Gateway to the Highlands, for short visits enroute
Your Hotels
All the hotels on this holiday are ideally situated to explore this beautiful region. With the exception of the Dunollie Hotel, there is lift access, and all hotels offer ensuite rooms and restaurant with choice menu
Our hotels are: Gretna Hall Hotel, Gretna; Alexandra Hotel, Fort William; Caberfeidh hotel, Stornoway; Dunollie Hotel, Isle of Skye; Highland Hotel, Stirling
