Lewis and Harris These two areas with distinct landscapes make up the biggest island in Scotland.
Dun Carloway Broch Marvel at the history of this ancient stone fort
White sands of Luskentyre Walk along this phenomenal beach and feel like you’re in the Scottish Maldives.
Arnol Blackhouse The closest you can get to an ancient Highland home without a time machine.
On this tour, we give you a taste of every part of Lewis and Harris’ unique personality. Your guide explores the Viking past, takes you to traditional bodes, and helps you settle in at the famous port of Stornoway.
Join this tour and escape to one of Scotland’s wildest destinations.
Starts
Check-in closes at 08:00 (tour departs at 08:15) - Inverness Pick Up, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
Finishes (approx.)
19:00 - Inverness Drop Off, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
Luggage
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs)
of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag
(approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Discounts
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old).
Important information
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
Tour inclusions
- Transportation by a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
Tour exclusions
- Tour accommodation
- Attraction entry tickets
Day 1
- Venture past the Summer Isles on a scenic ferry
- Discover what a day-in-the-life of a Highlander was like at the Arnol Blackhouse
You don’t waste time on this tour. You get up early, travel straight from Inverness to Ullapool, and catch your ferry to the islands.
This stunning sea trip takes you along Loch Broom, past the Summer Isles, and out to Stornoway; the capital of the Outer Hebrides. But don’t let the waves rock you to sleep; because if you keep a lookout you might spot a dolphin or a whale.
Once you’ve arrived on Lewis, your first stop is the ancient past. You travel to the North West of the island and get the chance to visit the ‘blackhouse’ at Arnol. Dive into this traditional abode and discover how the Highland crofting families lived their day-to-day lives.
After this, you go through more crofting communities and venture to the northernmost tip of the island, the Butt of Lewis. The lighthouse here boasts epic views of waves crashing against sea cliffs.
It’s now time to head back to Stornoway for your overnight stay.
Day 2
- Listen to the waves on the famous white sands of Luskentyre Beach
- Marvel at the mountains of Harris
Today, you’re heading south to Harris.
The first thing you notice about Harris are the mountains. And as you weave through the towering marvels, your guide will tell you about the traditions and tales of this part of Scotland.
There’s not many towns around here; but after you’ve had your fill of unspoilt beaches and landscapes, you stop in a small town for lunch.
Now it’s time for one of the great Hebridean highlights, Luskentyre beach. On a good day, the sea turns turquoise and the sands look pristine white.
After you’ve enjoyed all these natural wonders, it’s time to head back to Stornoway. Maybe it’s time to try the famous black pudding for dinner.
Day 3
- Discover some of the loveliest locations on the Isle of Lewis
- Explore history at the stone site of Dun Carloway Broch
We begin the day by traveling to Dun Carloway Broch, stepping back in time to explore this ancient site.
Perched on a hillside overlooking the Isle of Lewis, this Iron Age broch has stood for nearly 2,000 years, a testament to the skill and resilience of its builders. As you walk through its stone passageways and gaze across the sweeping landscape, you can almost hear the echoes of past inhabitants who sought shelter and community within its walls.
Next, we visit Ardroil Beach, a stunning expanse of golden sands framed by rolling dunes and dramatic headlands. The beach is not only visually striking but also historically significant—it was here, in 1831, that the famous Lewis Chessmen, a set of medieval chess pieces, were discovered. Take a walk along the beach and keep an eye out for seals basking on nearby rocks.
After two unforgettable days exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Lewis and Harris, we travel back to Stornoway to board the ferry. Bid farewell to these enchanting islands as we set sail across the scenic waters of the Minch to Ullapool.
Once back on the mainland in Ullapool, we journey through the rugged beauty of the Northwest Highlands, passing the shimmering waters of Loch Broom and craggy hills on our way to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay two nights in Stornoway, the capital of Lewis and Harris.
How can I book accommodation?
Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE.
Alternatively, please email us your questions at tours@rabbies.com or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.
Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab: types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.
How much will the accommodation cost?
We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.
As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices, per person per night:
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Approximate prices, per person per night
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Overnight Location
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Sole Occupancy
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Multiple Occupancy
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(1 person per room)
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(2+ people per room)
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B&B Standard
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£80 - £120
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£60 - £80
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UK & Northern Ireland
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€80 - €120
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€60 - €80
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Ireland
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B&B En-suite
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£100 - £150
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£80- £110
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UK & Northern Ireland
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€100 - €150
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€80- €110
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Ireland
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Hotel
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£155 - £255
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£100 - £160
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UK & Northern Ireland
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€130 - €235
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€100 - €150
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Ireland
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NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc).
Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all scheduled packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 56 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click
here
to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our
terms and conditions
for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email
tours@rabbies.com
, or check out our full
FAQs
.
Children
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
Luggage
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs)
of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag
(approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
