The classic 5 night end-to-end tour of the Outer Hebrides, in the comfort of your own car.
On the Island Experience holiday, you’ll arrive in the Western Isles by sea with your own car. Then you can explore all the islands between Barra and Lewis travelling from one end to the other. From Ullapool or Oban, visiting Lewis, Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay and Barra. From Ullapool there are at least two daily sailings between Monday and Saturday. Spend a couple of days exploring Lewis and Harris before taking the ferry from Harris to Berneray in the Uists. After taking a few days to explore the local attractions, historic sights and beautiful scenery, take the ferry from Eriskay to Barra. Soak up Barra’s scenery and atmosphere for a couple of days before making the journey back across the Minch from Barra to the mainland port of Oban. Start and finishing in Ullapool and Oban, choosing the travel direction according to your preference. The Island Experience is designed as a 5 night holiday, with a route that is only 140 miles directly from start to finish. There is always the option of adding more days if you would like to spend a little more time exploring these incredible islands.
At the end of each day, there will be a comfortable bed waiting for you at each accommodation of your choice. Whether you have selected B&B’s, four-star hotels or a mix of properties, we’re certain you’ll enjoy wonderful hospitality.
A typical 5 night Western Isles itinerary
You are completely free to pick your places to stay and time to stay in each, so this Western Isles itinerary is just an illustration of what you might choose to do. If time allows, we would suggest you book 6 or 7 nights, allowing you to split one extra day between Barra and the Uists and one extra day in Harris. Call us now on 01851 706611 and chat to one of our friendly holiday advisors who will be happy to discuss your plans with you and help you create your own unique Western Isles experience.
Travel | Stay | |
Day 1 | Morning departure from Ullapool for your crossing to Stornoway (Lewis). Afternoon tour of local attractions. | Lewis |
Day 2 | Circular tour of west and north Lewis, including Uig beach, the ancient Callanish stones, restored black house village. | Lewis |
Day 3 | Travel through the Western Isles via South Lewis over the mountain pass to Harris and explore the fabulous Atlantic facing beaches of Harris. Ferry to Berneray and the Uists. | North Uist |
Day 4 | Tour the beaches and nature reserve of North Uist. Coastal and otter walks. | North Uist |
Day 5 | Make an early start to explore South Uist en-route to the ferry from Eriskay to Barra. Spend the afternoon getting to know Barra and Vatersay. Perhaps enjoy the craic in a Castlebay bar, as you’ll be away early in the morning. | Barra |
Day 6 | Depart Castlebay for the scenic ferry crossing to Oban |
Travel information
You can choose to begin your holiday in Oban or Ullapool. As some Western Isles Calmac ferry times vary considerably according to the day of the week, one of our holiday advisors will be happy to work out the direction that fits best for your chosen dates and mainland journey needs. Don’t forget that you can mix and match between price groups, so you may prefer to consider these prices as a guide.
Example Prices |
Main Season 01/05/24 – 30/09/24 |
Low Season 01/01/24 – 30/04/24 01/10/24 – 30/04/25 |
5 nights | B&B | B&B |
£ | £ | |
Group 1 | 519 | 499 |
Group 2 | 579 | 549 |
Group 3 | 649 | 599 |
Group 4 | 769 | 689 |
Group 5 | 899 | 769 |
Extra Nights |
£ | £ |
Group 1 | 68 | 64 |
Group 2 | 79 | 74 |
Group 3 | 92 | 83 |
Group 4 | 114 | 95 |
Group 5 | 140 | 112 |
Extra Nights: The extra night prices shown are for additional B&B only. Our holiday adviser will provide more information for you.Prices shown in this panel are per person, based on two adults travelling in one car and sharing a twin or double room. Per person prices will generally be higher for one person in a car and lower for three or more. Please ask our advisor for more information.These example lowest prices are per person, based on two adults travelling together and sharing a twin or double room. |