Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Scotland
Island Hopping in Scotland – Discover the Hypnotic Hebrides
Along the west coast of Scotland, an array of rugged, wonderous archipelagos intertwine the space between sea and land, perfectly encapsulating Scotland’s natural beauty. These islands are known as the Hebrides. Stalwarts of the last remaining wildernesses in Britain, the Hebrides offer fantastic beaches, an abundance of wildlife and stunning landscapes. It is here, in the heart of the Hebridean landscape where you can also find fascinating traditions and cultures, passed down through generations, that have survived due to the remoteness of the land. Learn how the locals survived the harsh conditions and turned this rugged terrain into a home.
This popular tour starts on the picturesque Isle of Skye Lewis, before heading to Isle of Harris and Lewis before returning to the mainland to see the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness.
Read moreThe Jewel in the Skye
The Island of Skye may only be 50 miles long but it is still the largest of the Inner Hebrides. When travelling across the Skye bridge towards Broadford, your eyes will soon be drawn to the formidable Cuillins, said to be the most impressive Mountain range in the British Isles, Skye’s stunning scenery knows no bounds. Between the scaling yet, barren terrain set against the backdrop of the often tempestuous, yet pristine sea, the island seemingly has an infinite beauty to offer and is a photographers paradise. The capital, Portree, is a pleasant harbour town with a rich fishing industry and it has everything a visitor could wish for – cafes and restaurants, a swimming pool, gift shops and a tourist information centre. However, it is the village of Dunvegan to the north of the Island, where the imposing Dunvegan Castle stands in stark contrast to the barren moorland and mountains that dominate northern Skye’s landscape. Dunvegan Castle has home to the chiefs of the Clan Macleod for over 800 years and originally built as a large Fortress, today you can discover the beguiling history of one of Scotland’s most famous Clans.
The Hebridean Brothers in Arms; Harris and Lewis
They may sound like two separate islands, but Lewis and Harris are actually two parts of the one island, with the largest town Stornoway on the east coast. The Isle of Harris is the biggest island in the Western Isles of Scotland, famed for its dramatic landscapes and stunning beaches like Luskentyre and Scarista on the west coast, the rugged mountains in the north provide wilderness unlike anywhere else in the UK. With dramatic landscapes, a unique Gaelic culture and fascinating history, and its own cloth, Harris Tweed. From ancient thatched blackhouses at Gearrannan and mysterious standing stones at Calanais to thrilling outdoor activities and superb food, there are plenty of things to do on the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024 & 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Scotland
Depart northwards to Scotland and head through the remote and stunning scenery of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe. Stop for a lunch break in Fort William. During the afternoon take in the beautiful and remote countryside over to the West Coast. Crossing the Skye Bridge onto the romantic Isle of Skye you will soon arrive at the Kings Arms hotel with ample time to settle in before dinner is served.
Day 2
Isle of Skye
After a hearty breakfast to set you up for the day, join your coach for a full day tour of this beautiful island. Stop off in Portree, the capital of the island and rich in the fishing industry which can be seen in the pleasant harbour. A visit will be made to the imposing Dunvegan Castle today , home to the chiefs of the Clan Macleod for over 800 years and originally built as a large fortress. Return back to Broadford following the coast with views of the imposing Cuillins said to be the most impressive mountain range in the UK. Time to relax before dinner this evening.
Day 3
Skye to Lewis
After breakfast say farewell to your hosts at the Kings Arms and head to the North of the island for your sailing from Uig over to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris. Take a ride round the island before heading onto the Isle of Lewis arriving at the Cabarfeidh hotel with time to settle into your room before dinner is served.
Day 4
Isle of Harris
Enjoy the scenery of this beautiful Hebridean island . Included today is a visit to the Black House at Arnol, a typical thatched crafting settlement, learn how the local people lived years ago on this remote island. You may also wish to visit the Standing Stones of Callanish, older than Stonehenge dating back over 5000 years. Why not stop off at a local tweed mill and learn all about Harris Tweed. Once again enjoy dinner this evening.
Day 5
Depart the Hebrides for the mainland
This morning we join the 2.5 hour ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool with time to explore this pretty fishing village before driving through dramatic scenery to Inverness and through the Cairngorms to Fishers hotel in Pitlochry for your last overnight stay with dinner.
Day 6
Return home
After breakfast join your coach for the final leg of your journey back to your local area.
Suggested Hotels
Kings Arms Hotel, Skye ***
Dating back to the 1600s, this hotel is set on the shore of Kyle Akin Loch. It’s a 4-minute walk from Kyleakin village and 0.8 miles from the Skye Bridge. Rooms with loch or countryside views feature tea and coffeemaking equipment, flat-screen TVs and en suite bathrooms. Other amenities include an elegant restaurant and a bar with a fireplace. Parking is complimentary.
Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway ***
This modern hotel is less than a mile from Stornoway’s town centre. Rooms include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffeemaking equipment, and flat-screen TVs with premium channels. Room service is available. There’s also a contemporary restaurant serving Scottish-French fusion cuisine, plus a ballroom and parking is free.
Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry ***
Situated on Pitlochry’s main street within walking distance of all local shops and attractions, this cosy hotel has a restaurant, lounge, bar and gardens and an adjoining pub. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms; TV; tea & coffee making facilities. This hotel has a lift and ground floor rooms. Coach parking is available within a few minutes’ walk of the hotel (charges apply).
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Dates | 6 days / 5 nights |
2024 dates | Prices on request |
2025 dates | Prices on request |
Single room supplement available upon request.