Ancient Stones of the Outer Hebrides

Departing: August 2027 - August 2027

Around 1800 BC, while the Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt was flourishing, an equally remarkable civilisation was leaving its mark on the far-flung islands of the Outer Hebrides. The Calanais Standing Stones, towering slabs of silvery Lewisian gneiss, remain an enduring testament to the skill and knowledge of a mysterious prehistoric community, carefully aligned with the movements of the heavens. Now that the iconic site has reopened, visitors can once again experience one of Scotland's most important prehistoric monuments. Later generations have also shaped these islands, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of Neolithic cairns, Bronze Age standing stones, Iron Age houses, Norse mills and traditional blackhouses, creating a living timeline for archaeology enthusiasts.

Included

Bosta Iron Village, the Outer Hebrides' version of Skara Brae, & stones of Callanish, with entrance fees included
All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
Professional Tour Manager
4 nights at the Royal Hotel, Stornoway
4 breakfasts
Private air-conditioned coach travel

Highlights

Bosta Iron Village, the Outer Hebrides’ version of Skara Brae
The remarkable and mysterious standing stones of Callanish
Glimpses into a not-so-distant past at the Blackhouses of Gearrannan and Arnol
Echoes of vanished lives at the Genealogy Centre
The incomparable scenery of the Western Isles

Carol Knott

Tour Itinerary

We depart from our designated pick-up points and head north to Ullapool in time to catch the early-evening Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Stornoway. Upon arrival in Lewis, we transfer to our hotel.

Meal: Dinner

Accommodation: Royal Hotel, Stornoway

Day 1 Ancient Stones of The Outer Hebrides

This morning, we cross to Great Bernera and visit Bosta Iron Age Village, where reconstructed stone dwellings and excavated artefacts offer a glimpse into ancient island life. We continue to the world-famous Calanais Standing Stones, a remarkable prehistoric monument dating back around 5,000 years, with time to visit the newly reopened centre. At St Columba’s Ui Church, discover another important chapter in Lewis’s medieval history and the burial place of its ruling clans.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Royal Hotel, Stornoway

Day 2 Ancient Stones of The Outer Hebrides

After breakfast, we head south into Harris, where rugged mountains and beautiful white-sand beaches create a striking contrast to Lewis’s open moorland. At Rodel, we visit St Clement’s Church, built in the 16th century for the Macleods and renowned for its remarkable tombs and carved memorials. The Genealogy Centre at Northton offers fascinating insight into the people and communities who have shaped island life, while Clach Mhic Leoid, or MacLeod’s Stone, sits in a spectacular position overlooking Taransay. Returning to Stornoway, we visit Lews Castle, where the famous Lewis Chessmen provide a fascinating link to the islands’ Viking past.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Royal Hotel, Stornoway

Day 3 Ancient Stones of The Outer Hebrides

Today we have a chance to discover the stunning scenery of Lewis as we take a journey through time, from the Bronze and Iron Ages to the days of Norse settlement and the more recent past. Our visits include the exceptionally well-preserved and imposing Dun Carloway Broch, a circular, dry-stone fortified tower, dating back some 2,000 years, the Black Houses at Gearannan and Arnol which are typical of the crofting settlements found throughout the Western Isles, the Norse Mill at Shawbost, a recreation of the type of building where barley grain was ground into meal by Viking settlers and subsequent generations of crofters, as well as the standing stone Clach an Trushal, one of the tallest in Scotland at over 6m.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Royal Hotel, Stornoway

Day 4 Ancient Stones of The Outer Hebrides

This morning, we take the early morning Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool (breakfast is served on board). We then continue our homeward journey, arriving back at our original pick-up points in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Ancient Stones of The Outer Hebrides

Accommodation

Overlooking Stornoway Harbour with views towards the picturesque waterfront and Lews Castle, the Royal Hotel enjoys a scenic setting in the heart of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. All en-suite rooms include TV, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer and tea and coffee-making facilities, with complimentary toiletries provided. The hotel also has comfortable lounges and a bar.

Availability & Booking

2027

13th August from $2,655

Call to Book

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