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. Back to top

Further Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time to your first and last hotel is approximately one hour from Inverness airport.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. For this tour specifically, it is important to note: - Due to the locations visited, anyone with limited mobility may struggle to experience the itinerary to its full. - Historic sites and castles are not well equipped for those with mobility considerations as they are often hundreds of years old - should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions will be harder, and in some cases impossible. This tour is therefore not recommended for those with limited mobility. If you have any queries, please do contact us prior to travel.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Sunday closing

Please note that most local businesses in the Outer Hebrides will be closed on Sundays.

Terms and conditions

Offer Terms & Conditions The 15% discount applies to new 2026 short-haul and long-haul booking made between 20th April and 30th April 2026 and cannot be applied retrospectively to bookings already confirmed. This offer does not apply to child pricing. The offer does not apply to holidays with late availability pricing and excludes Exclusively Solos, Premier Collection, Festive, River Cruise, Edinburgh Tattoo, André Rieu events and Wimbledon. This offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other discount, promotion or concession. When booking a holiday as described above, prices shown will automatically have the discount applied. The discount applies to the original tour price (excluding any discounts already applied, extras and holiday insurance) at the time of booking. This offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Newmarket Holidays reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any tour. Holidays booked with Newmarket Holidays, are financially protected in accordance with ABTA, ATOL & ABTOT regulations. Newmarket Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 02238316. Back to top