With their diverse wildlife, white sand beaches and incredible historic attractions, Scotland's Hebrides enchant all who visit. This archipelago of over 50 inhabited islands offers some of the finest rural landscapes in the UK, where you can immerse yourself in Britain's natural beauty.
Making this trip extra special is the company of journalist and broadcaster John Craven who will join for the full tour, give an exclusive talk and host a Q&A where you have the opportunity to ask your burning questions.
This Hebridean adventure begins with a ferry crossing from Ullapool to Stornoway. From here, you'll explore the rolling moorlands of Lewis, the remarkable Standing Stones of Callanish, the tranquil little Norse Mill at Shawbost and the distinctive Black Houses at Gearrannan.
Your journey continues south through the magnificent mountain scenery of Harris and by ferry to North Uist, and on to Benbecula, where you'll stay for two nights.
You'll also visit the islands of Eriskay, Vatersay and Barra, including a trip to the atmospheric Kisimul Castle and the unique Cockleshell Beach, which is used as a runway at Barra's airport.
Your return route will take you by ferry to Mallaig, sailing past the Isle of Skye and its mist-covered mountains and the Small Isles of Canna, Rum and Eigg.
Your first two nights will be spent at the Cabarfeidh Hotel in Stornoway, where you'll experience true Hebridean Hospitality and enjoy views over the hotel's peaceful gardens and castle grounds. Your final two nights will be at the Dark Island Hotel on Benbecula, where wildflowers bloom on 'machair' tracks and corncrakes, oystercatchers and lapwings can be seen in the skies.
Enjoy breakfast and dinner at your hotel each day, with local produce used to rustle up traditional Scottish dishes.
* 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 required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. 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). Calls are made at local rates. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.
Today you'll depart from a designated pick-up point and head north, stopping en-route for refreshments.
You'll continue to Ullapool in time to catch the early evening Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Stornoway. Dinner will be served on board the ferry.
On arrival in Lewis, you will transfer the short distance to your hotel for the next two nights, the welcoming Cabarfeidh Hotel.
After breakfast, you'll travel to the west coast of Lewis to visit the 5,000-year-old Standing Stones of Callanish, the stones may be difficult to access due to planned works.
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.
This evening, John Craven will give an exclusive talk and host a Q&A and dinner will be served at your hotel.
After a last breakfast at the hotel, you'll check out and travel south to Harris, with its magnificent mountain vistas. 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.
Afterwards, you'll take the ferry from Leverburgh to Berneray on North Uist, and continue over a series of causeways (keep an eye out for otters!) to Benbecula, where you'll be based for the next two nights at the Dark Island Hotel.
After a filling full Scottish breakfast, you'll depart for Barra, 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 morning, you'll check out of your hotel and take the morning ferry from Lochmaddy in North Uist to Uig on Skye.
On arrival on Skye, you will be driven across the island, enjoying the views of the Cuillin Hills whose jagged peaks are often wreathed in mist, and cross to the mainland via the Skye Bridge and continue your homeward journey, arriving back at your original pick-up points in the evening.
Located on the outskirts of Stornoway, Cabarfeidh Hotel makes the ideal gateway to explore the wider Outer Hebrides. There are 46 ensuite bedrooms and you can unwind after a long day in the lobby by the open fire with a glass of your choice from an extensive wine list. For a culinary journey, dine in style at the Cleaver restaurant, where chefs craft exquisite dishes using the finest local produce. There’s also a popular afternoon tea available on Fridays and Saturdays.
Dark Island Hotel is the largest hotel on the Uists, which stretch from Berneray in the north to Barra in the south. The hotel hosts live music on most weekends in the public bar and a comfortable lounge bar. Cuisine on offer is made with the finest and freshest of produce, which includes the island’s own seafood and game, with A La Carte, Table d’ Hote or specials menus. Double rooms feature a welcoming and contemporary look, complemented by soft furnishings.
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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 required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. 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). Calls are made at local rates. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.