Scotland: A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 days (S-B) 6302

Scotland: A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 days (S-B) 6302

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5 Days From

$1815

Scotland: A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 days (S-B) 6302

5 Days Starting and ending in Scotland

Visiting: Stornoway, Lewis, Harris, Barra, Skye

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BGTR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1815

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 5-day coach tour through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, where history and natural beauty intertwine. Begin your journey with a scenic ferry ride to Stornoway, setting the stage for an exploration of ancient wonders like the 5,000-year-old Standing Stones of Callanish and the Norse Mill at Shawbost. Traverse the contrasting landscapes of Lewis and Harris, marveling at the rugged mountains and pristine beaches. Discover the historical St Clement’s Church and the unique Cockleshell Beach runway on Barra. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and the expertise of a professional tour manager as you travel through this enchanting region, with all meals and ferry crossings included. This special interest tour promises a blend of cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the UK.

Highlights

  • The unique airport at Cockleshell Beach.

  • 5000-year-old Standing Stones of Callanish.

  • The tranquil location of the Norse Mill at Shawbost.

  • Visit to the Black Houses at Gearrannan.

  • Scenic ferry crossings, including Leverburgh to Berneray.

  • Exploration of the island of Barra and Eriskay.

  • St Clement's Church at Rodel with its spectacular tombs.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Stornoway

Accommodation Name: Cabarfeidh Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart from our designated pick-up points and head north, stopping en-route for refreshments. We will continue to Ullapool in time to catch the early evening Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Stornoway, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Dinner will be served on board. On arrival in Lewis we will transfer the short distance to our comfortable accommodation at the Caberfeidh Hotel.

Day 2

Location: Lewis

Accommodation Name: Cabarfeidh Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning after breakfast we will travel to the west coast of Lewis for a visit to the 5,000 year old Standing Stones of Callanish.  Undoubtedly the most remarkable antiquity in the Western Isles, this collection of almost 50 stones forms a well-marked megalithic avenue, comprising 19 monoliths, ending in a circle of 13 stones, with a great cairn at the centre. Entry to the Visitor Centre is included (subject to re-opening following major refurbishment – if the main site remains closed we will visit the nearby smaller circles instead).
From here we move on to the Black Houses at Gearrannan, typical of the crofting settlements which until relatively recently were found throughout the Western Isles.
The final visit on our circular tour is the Norse Mill at Shawbost, a reconstruction of the type of grain mill used originally by Viking settlers and by islanders up until the 1930s. A short walk past a small lochan leads to two beautifully restored little thatched buildings with a fine view to the ocean beyond.
Dinner will be served back at our hotel in the evening.

Day 3

Location: Harris

Accommodation Name: Dark Island Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we check out of the hotel and travel south to Harris, which in contrast to the rolling moorland of Lewis is more mountainous – this is apparent within minutes of crossing the ‘border’ into Harris with a magnificent mountain vista to the right as the road climbs over the hill. There are further outstanding views as we travel along the coast, including the island of Taransay of ‘Castaway’ fame and the wonderful beaches at Horgabost, Borve and Scarasta. Continuing to the southern end of Harris we visit St Clement’s Church at Rodel, built on top of an earlier structure in the 16th century by Alasdair Crotach, 8th chief of the Macleods of Harris and Dun Bheagan. The church tombs are among the most spectacular in Scotland.
We then take the ferry from Leverburgh to Berneray on North Uist, and continue over a series of causeways (keeping a careful eye out for otters) to Benbecula, the ‘stepping stone’ between the Uists.
We are based for the next two nights at the Dark Island Hotel. Dinner is served in the evening.

Day 4

Location: Barra

Accommodation Name: Dark Island Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After our full Scottish breakfast we will depart for Barra, travelling via the little island of Eriskay, just three miles long and two miles wide, with a great sandy beach known as Prince Charlie’s Bay – Bonnie Prince Charlie having landed here in July 1745. From Eriskay we make the short ferry crossing to Barra and have a tour of the island.
Please note that Kisimul Castle is currently still closed but we will be able to view it from the shore.
We will also visit Cockleshell Beach, the unique runway whose use is governed by the tides. On approaching the airport keep an eye out to the left for the much loved former home of Sir Compton Mackenzie, the author of ‘Whisky Galore’, which is forever associated with the island.  In fact, it was on the neighbouring island of Vatersay, which we will visit by means of the causeway linking the two islands, that the classic film adaptation was made. In the course of our tour today we also hope to see some of the hundreds of species of wild flowers that grow on the island, particularly on the machair, the fertile, grassy pastures that lie between the moorland and the sea.
We return via the Eriskay ferry to our hotel, where dinner is served in the evening.

Day 5

Location: Skye

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we check out of the hotel and take the early morning Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Lochmaddy to Uig in Skye. Breakfast is served on board.  We then continue our homeward journey, arriving back at our original pick-up points during the evening.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is included throughout the tour.

  • Services of a professional tour manager

    The services of a professional tour manager are included.

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

    Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.

  • Meals as per the itinerary

    Meals are included as per the itinerary.

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

    All visits outlined in the itinerary are included.

  • Ferry crossings

    Ferry crossings are included in the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Kisimul Castle Entry

    Entry to Kisimul Castle is not included as it is currently closed.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses are not included in the tour.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coach travel and enjoy four scenic ferry crossings.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the Cabarfeidh Hotel in Lewis and the Dark Island Hotel in Benbecula, offering a welcoming atmosphere and convenient access to the tour's highlights.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour includes comfortable coach travel throughout and four scenic ferry crossings.

  • Are meals included in the tour?

    Yes, meals are included as per the itinerary. Dinner is served on board the ferry on Day 1, and breakfast and dinner are provided on subsequent days.

  • What historical sites will we visit during the tour?

    The tour includes visits to the 5,000-year-old Standing Stones of Callanish, the Black Houses at Gearrannan, the Norse Mill at Shawbost, and St Clement's Church at Rodel.

  • Will we have the opportunity to see any unique natural features?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to the unique runway at Cockleshell Beach, the sandy beach known as Prince Charlie's Bay on Eriskay, and the fertile machair on Barra, which is home to hundreds of species of wildflowers.

  • Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?

    You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.

  • What facilities do your coaches have?

    Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.

  • Do I have to go on the included excursions?

    Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.

  • Is there time to relax?

    Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.

  • Do I need to be an expert?

    Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.

  • How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?

    You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?

    There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.

  • Where are your departure points?

    UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .

  • What about the company that will be kept?

    For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.

  • What is a Brightwater Holiday?

    Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.

  • Why is there a single supplement?

    Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.

  • How much are your optional excursions?

    Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.

  • Can I pre-book my coach seats?

    Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.

  • How to get there? Easy!

    With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
David MacLennan (Google Reviewer)  

Noted a comment on taking...

23-Aug-2023

Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.

Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

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Sunday - Thursday

Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025
$1815
Prices last published on 20-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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