Scotland - Hebridean Highlights
An area of breathtaking beauty - a serene yet chaotic landscape untouched by mass-tourism - a fabulous island hopping experience!
An area of breathtaking beauty - a serene yet chaotic landscape untouched by mass-tourism - a fabulous island hopping experience!
Hamish Haswell-Smith, in his book ‘The Scottish Islands’, has a nice way of describing the Hebridean Island feeling: ‘There are few parts of the world which possess such magic and mystery as the seas around Scotland. This is an area of breathtaking beauty with a character formed not only by the proximity of mountains and sea but also by the complexity of the geography and the geology, of the climate and the social history. It is a serene yet chaotic landscape in which every isle has a distinct personality. Each is an individual entity with differences so remarkable that the mere crossing of a short stretch of water can be like visiting another continent.’
This spectacular tour, based on the Isles of Skye and Lewis, is a fabulous island-hopping opportunity to view some of the best scenery in Scotland – landscapes untouched by mass-tourism, dramatic vistas of jagged mountains, peace and tranquility.
ITINERARY
Thursday - Morning departure from Dorset heading northwards via motorways with stops for refreshment as appropriate. Overnight stay at the 3 star Shap Wells Hotel in rural Cumbria. Lift to most floors.
Friday - Continuing northwards across the border into Scotland - past Glasgow - moody Loch Lomond - spectacular Glencoe - Fort William - to arrive on the Isle of Skye. 2 night stay at the 3 star Dunollie Hotel, Broadford. Picturesquely set right on the waterside with views out to sea where dolphins can sometimes be sighted. No lift - plenty of ground floor bedrooms.
Saturday - Tour through the dramatic Cullin Hills into the heart of Skye and enjoy a visit to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the loch - home of the chiefs of MacLeod for 800 years. Five acres of formal gardens are a hidden oasis in contrast to the mountains which dominate Skye's landscapes. This afternoon make a scenic drive via Uig and around the Trotternish Peninsula which features such weird rock formations as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the truly extraordinary Pinnacles of Quaraig. Return to Dunollie Hotel.
Sunday - This morning we shall visit the islands "capital" Portree with its pretty natural harbour and lively arts and crafts scene. After lunch check-in for the early afternoon ferry from Uig to Tarbet on The Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides - a 1¾ hours crossing affording spectacular sea-views. Cross by road onto The Isle of Lewis and arrive at the 4 star Cabarfeidh Hotel, Lewis's finest hotel - a modern and comfortable venue on the outskirts of town surrounded by extensive gardens. Lift to all floors.
Monday - We are joined by a local guide for a full day sightseeing tour of the Isle of Lewis which will include a visit to Callanish Standing Stones, one of the finest prehistoric sites in Scotland. Later to the historic Broch at Carloway and the Gearannan Blackhouse Village, consisting of traditional thatched croft houses. Our guide will give us the facts and tell us the stories and legends - fascinating!
Tuesday - The morning is free to discover Stornoway - this stalwart town is the capital city of the Western Isles, a beautiful bustling town in the wilds of the Outer Hebrides that is filled with amazing attractions, vibrant culture and history. Join the early afternoon ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool - another 2½ hour breathtaking sea-crossing that provides panoramic views of the Scottish coast.
On arrival Ullapool we drive inland through the West Highlands to Strathpeffer for overnight stay at the Ben Wyvis hotel. Lift to most floors but some steps in corridors.
Wednesday - Touring southbound through magnificent mountain and glen scenery - passing Inverness, capital of the Highlands - Aviemore - Pitlochry - Perth - stop at The Kelpies near Falkirk for lunch. These 30 metre tall sculptures embody the power and grace of Scotland's rich heritage and are a marvellous feat of engineering. Resume back into England this afternoon and stay overnight at Holiday Inn Lancaster. Lift to all floors.
Thursday - The final leg of our epic road-trip sees us homewards bound with stops as appropriate to return to Dorset by that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Your holiday hotels
A number of hotels are used to facilitate this “road-trip” and enable us to effectively cover the ground – these are named in the itinerary below. They will range from renowned modern chains to family run traditional hotels – all are graded as three star standard or higher and provide as a minimum, the following facilities : Private bathroom, hairdryer, toiletries, television, phone, tea tray and free wifi. All hotels will provide a cooked breakfast and 3 course dinner with choice. While most have a lift, some do not, but we can request lower floor bedrooms. Even those hotels that do have a lift may still involve some stairs. Your suitcases will be portered in an out at all hotels. In our opinion we have selected the best hotels available in a remote region not best served by venues able to accommodate tour groups and they will vary in standards and facilities available – what will not be in question is the warm welcome you are sure to experience.
TOUR PRICE : £1249.00 Per Person
Single room Supplement: £225.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, Return ferry crossings, 7 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals throughout, Admission to Dunvegan, Local guide on Lewis, Entry to Lewis sites.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Other Points in Dorset | Phone us to discuss a convenient pick up. |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Queens Avenue | Dorchester, Bus stop end of Queens Avenue |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ridgeway Bottom (DNU) | DO NOT USE |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Upwey (DNU) | DO NOT USE |
| Value House | Value House Car Park |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
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