SCOTLAND – 8 days

Another journey of discovery visiting no less than 8 of Scotland’s Western Isles! Some are linked by causeway and others  by water, with ferry rides amidst stunning and ever-changing scenery. This is a circular tour travelling up and back by  different routes so you see the best of the Scottish mainland as well.

The Cabarfeidh Hotel Stornoway- Tel: 01851 702604

Known as ‘Stornoway’s finest hotel’ the Cabarfeidh is situated an easy level stroll, about one mile north of the town centre.
All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea and coffee, there is a lift serving all floors  and the restaurant serves Buffet style breakfast and waiter service evening meals with choice of menu.

The Isle of Barra Hotel – Tel: 01871 830266

Situated on the Atlantic west coast of the Island, the Isle of Barra Hotel overlooks Halaman Bay and the white sands of Tangasdale Beach. All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea and coffee, there is a lift serving all floors and the restaurant serves Buffet  style breakfast and waiter service evening meals with choice of menu.

Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Stirling for a one night stay at the Golden Lion Hotel.
Day 2: Continue north along the A9 through the Cairngorms & Speyside to the Highland capital of Inverness, where a visit to a kilt maker is included. Overnight at the Caledonian Hotel in the beautiful port of Ullapool.
Day 3: Morning ferry crossing to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis where we spend two nights at the Cabarfeidh Hotel arriving around lunchtime.
Day 4: A wonderful guided excursion around the Isle of Lewis, viewing traditional Blackhouses, amazingly still lived in until recently, “Scotland’s Stonehenge” at Callanish and a historic “Broch” at Carloway”.
Day 5: A day of island-hopping. Travel south through Lewis and Harris, famous for Harris Tweed made by the crofters. Morning ferry crossing to the Isle of Berneray. Travel south, crossing by causeways the islands of North Uist, Benbecula
and South Uist. Late afternoon ferry crossing to the Isle of Barra and spend two nights at the Isle of Barra Hotel.
Day 6: A leisurely day on the Isle of Barra.
Day 7: Board your ship at Castlebay for a wonderful morning cruise to Oban, crossing open sea for the first section then down the Sound of Mull and into Oban Bay, with wonderful views most of the way. After a brief stop in Oban continue south, alongside Loch Awe passing the iconic Kilchurn Castle, and alongside the Bonnie Banks of Loch
Lomond before a final overnight stop at the Erskine Bridge Hotel near Glasgow.
Day 8: Homeward journey arriving late afternoon.