Known for their diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and smoky whiskies, the Hebrides are a delight to explore. This grand tour captures all the beauty and diversity of these isles.
Begin with a ferry crossing from Mallaig to Lochboisdale and on to Benbecula, where you'll stay for two nights. From here, you'll explore the islands of Eriskay, Vatersay and Barra, with their fantastic sandy beaches. Look forward to exploring fascinating historical monuments like the Standing Stones of Callanish, the Norse Mill at Shawbost, and the Black Houses at Gearrannan.
You'll enjoy a scenic journey as you travel north by ferry from North Uist and on through the mighty mountain scenery of Harris and the rolling moorlands of Lewis to Stornoway, your base for the next two nights.
Stay at two welcoming hotels: the Dark Island Hotel on Benbecula and the Cabarfeidh Hotel in Stornoway, where you'll have a hearty breakfast and dinner daily.
Please note, a good level of fitness is required for the trip and you will need to be able to get on and off the boats. The Callanish Standing Stones may be difficult to access due to development works in 2025.
A former Royal Marines Officer who worked for Nelson Mandela in the early '90s, Monty left the forces to pursue a career in expeditions, travel journalism, and marine biology. He has presented award-winning documentaries, including the series Monty's Hall Great Hebridean Escape.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £200. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. The Callanish Standing Stones may be difficult to access due to development works in 2025. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).
Today you'll depart from a designated pick-up point and head north, stopping en-route for refreshments. Monty Halls will join you from Glasgow.
You will continue via Glen Coe, Fort William and Glenfinnan to Mallaig. From here you will catch the early evening ferry to Lochboisdale in South Uist, and cross the causeway to Benbecula, the 'stepping stone' between the Uists.
On arrival in Benbecula, you will transfer the short distance to your hotel for the next two nights, the welcoming Dark Island Hotel.
After a filling full Scottish breakfast, you'll depart for Barra in the company of Monty Halls, stopping off at the little island of Eriskay, just three miles long and two miles wide, with a beautiful sandy beach known as Prince Charlie's Bay.
From Eriskay you'll make the short ferry crossing to Barra and have a tour of the island, visiting 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'. You'll also visit the neighbouring island of Vatersay, where the classic film adaptation of Whisky Galore was made.
Throughout your tour today you'll see some of the hundreds of species of wildflowers that grow on the island, particularly on the machair, the fertile, grassy pastures that lie between the moorland and the sea.
This evening Monty will give a talk and answer your burning questions during a Q&A session.
After a last breakfast at the hotel, you'll check out and take the early afternoon ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh at the southern end of Harris. You'll enjoy outstanding views as you travel along the coast, including the island of Taransay of 'Castaway' fame and the wonderful beaches at Scarista, Horgabost and Luskentyre - voted among the world's 25 Top Beaches in 2020.
Once you arrive at the southern end of Harris, you'll visit St Clement's Church at Rodel, built 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.
After your visit, you'll have a break for refreshments in Tarbert, before continuing through the mountainous countryside of Harris and the rolling moorland of Lewis. From here, you'll continue to the island capital of Stornoway and your next hotel, the Caberfeidh Hotel in Stornoway.
This morning after breakfast, you'll travel to the west coast of Lewis to visit the 5,000-year-old Standing Stones of Callanish.
Undoubtedly the most remarkable monument in the Western Isles, this collection of almost 50 stones forms a well-marked megalithic avenue, with a great cairn at the centre.
Next is a visit 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 your 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 your hotel in the evening.
This morning you'll check out of the hotel and take the early morning ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool, enjoying breakfast on board.
You'll then continue your homeward journey, arriving back at your original pick-up points in the evening.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £200. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. The Callanish Standing Stones may be difficult to access due to development works in 2025. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).