Hebridean Island Adventure - 8 Days

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Fly to Inverness - Fly to Scotland, where you'll be greeted by your friendly, experienced tour manager. Afterwards, travel by coach towards the Culloden Battlefield, where you'll be transported back in time to one of the most significant battles in Scottish history (time-permitting). Learn about the Jacobite rising of 1745 and the fateful battle that took place here. Stand where the brave Jacobite soldiers once stood, fighting for their beliefs. Later, continue to your hotel in Strathpeffer for an overnight stay.
• Day 2
  Drive to Gairloch - Today, head west with a drive through the picturesque village of Achnasheen, before continuing to Kinlochewe in the centre of the Wester Ross National Scenic area, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This national nature reserve offers some of the best scenery in the region and you'll have ample time to soak up the views. You'll then drive to Inverewe Gardens, a loch-side garden which was created by a father and daughter on the barren Atlantic Coast. There will be an opportunity to spot red squirrels, red deer, sea otters and maybe Golden or Sea eagles. On your visit, you will even view the Giant California Redwoods, which Inverewe is renowned for. Stay overnight in Gairloch for one night.
• Day 3
  Included visit to Dunvegan Castle and ferry crossing to Dark Island - Drive to the Isle of Skye, head towards Dunvegan Castle, a former stronghold of the chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years which is said to be the oldest continuously occupied 'family home' in Scotland. Here, you'll discover its fascinating history and wander the beautiful formal gardens that lie hidden amid the surrounding moorland and mountains. Continue to Portree, where you can admire the dramatic scenery and colourful buildings around the harbour, browse the shops, and find out about the local environment at the town's exhibition. This evening, take the ferry from Uig to Lochmaddy and check in to the Dark Island Hotel.
• Day 4
  Included tour of South Uist - This morning, join a local guide and cross the causeway to South Uist, the Western Isles' second largest island. Stunningly beautiful, the island is a stronghold of the Gaelic language, and you'll find the crofting industries of peat cutting and seaweed gathering are still an important part of everyday life. Visit the Kildonan Museum, which introduces the island's archaeology and history, and includes a collection of South Uist artefacts. You'll then cross the 1650m-long causeway to the idyllic island of Eriskay (just three miles by two), immortalised in Compton Mackenzie's bestselling novel 'Whisky Galore'.
• Day 5
  Included cruise of North Uist and Benbecula - Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning and enjoy some time at leisure. This afternoon, board a ferry in Berneray to Leverburgh for a one-hour scenic sailing. From here, drive and check into your next hotel.
• Day 6
  Included excursion to the Isle of Harris - Today, you'll head to Harris, with its high mountains and rocky coastline to the east, and its miles of unspoilt beaches washed by Atlantic waves on the west. Your first stop will be Rodel Church, perhaps the grandest medieval building in the Western Isles. After time to explore the little port of Tarbet, you'll continue on a short walk from the road (over fairly rough ground) to the exceptionally well-preserved Carloway Broch, a circular dry-stone fortified tower dating back some 2000 years. As you pass through the island's rugged landscapes keep an eye out for the ancient standing stones which dot the surrounding countryside. Moving on, you'll visit the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village with its typical crofting buildings which give a fascinating insight into the lives and resourcefulness of the islands' inhabitants.
• Day 7
  Sail to Ullapool - Enjoy a relaxing morning, perhaps exploring the local area under your own steam, ahead of a journey on board the afternoon ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool. After two and a half hours on the water, you’ll arrive in Ullapool and travel onwards to your Highland hotel.
• Day 8
  Fly back home - This morning, visit the turreted Brodie Castle for a guided tour (time-permitting). This grand landmark was the ancestral home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years, boasting a treasure trove of priceless antiques and artefacts, and still reflects the changing needs of the residents over the centuries – from the impenetrable 16th-century guard chamber to a sprawling Victorian extension with some magnificent rooms. The beautiful grounds, which boast a dazzling display of daffodils in the spring, are also well worth exploring. After your visit, you will travel back to the airport to catch your flight home.