Overview

Self-Drive Holidays
8 Nights
  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Prices from: £1320 per person
  • Best time to go: April - October
  • Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Walking on Eriskay Beach
Sandy beaches
Read more

The Outer Hebrides are home to some of the most stunning beaches in Europe, clear golden sands of the highest quality, which you’ll often have all to yourself. Make sure you visit the jaw-dropping Luskentyre beach on the Isle of Harris.

Sparkling seas
Read more

Hop from island to island and enjoy views over the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see. Sit and watch the sparkling waves meet the shore and allow yourself to drift off and dream.

Wildlife-watching
Read more

From the seas to the hills there are a whole host of wildlife spotting points. From playful seals and dolphins to orcas and minke whales, they all call the Hebridean coast home. Flying high above the hills of Harris the white-tailed eagle soars and on the moorlands of Lewis, the red deer roams.

Isle of Harris
Read more

With some of Britain’s best beaches lining its western coastline, much of the east coast terrain of the Isle of Harris is lunar in appearance, with huge grey rocks across the landscape peppered with patches of grass. Explore the famous east coast Golden Road and you will be treated to twisting roads connecting these small communities.

Gaelic culture
Read more

The Outer Hebrides is one of the few places in Scotland you can hear the Gaelic language spoken. Enjoy the friendly nature of the locals and immerse yourself in the culture.

Callanish standing stones
Read more

Step back in time over 5,000 years and walk amongst the giant standing stones of Callanish on the Isle of Lewis. These massive stone structures hold great mystery and intrigue for many.

An Island-Hopping Adventure in Scotland’s Western Isles

This tour of the Outer Hebrides will travel through some of the finest beaches in Scotland and allow you to visit one of the oldest Neolithic sites in the world.

Travel over the seas to the Isle of Barra and continue through the Uists and Benbecula. Journey over to the joint islands of Harris and Lewis, both with stunning landscapes, before crossing back to the mainland.

Read more

This wonderful island-hopping self-drive tour explores the majestic islands of the Outer Hebrides by sea and by road. Spectacularly located on the extreme edge of Europe, this island chain offers striking landscapes, some of the world’s most stunning beaches, sparkling seas, and a captivating history dating back thousands of years.

An elemental beauty pervades each of the 200 islands that make up the archipelago. Experience a real sense of belonging and freedom as you explore these legendary islands and soak up the warm Hebridean hospitality.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Oban to the Isle of Barra
Read more

Depart Oban bound for the Isle of Barra – your first Hebridean destination, and the most southerly of the inhabited islands. Spend two magical nights in Castlebay, the island’s capital, which is famed for its white sandy beaches, gentle hills, machair and moorland. These combine to make Barra is a very special place indeed.
Overnight – Isle of Barra

Day 2: Isle of Barra Sightseeing
Read more

Visit the airport – one of the most unusual in the world – with flights landing on the beach at Cockle Strand between tides. Walk along glorious beaches, cycle around the island, and visit Kisimul Castle, ancestral home of Clan MacNeil standing guard over Castlebay harbour. Barra can take your breath away with its colour, tranquility and beauty.
Overnight – Isle of Barra

Day 3: Isle of Barra to North Uist
Read more

Hop on the ferry to Eriskay and discover the story of ‘Whisky Galore,’ when the islanders retrieved a cargo of 250,000 bottles of whisky from a nearby shipwreck. Travel north by road over spectacular causeways through the stunning scenery of the Uists and Benbecula to your second destination in these beautiful islands.
Overnight – North Uist

Day 4: North Uist Sightseeing
Read more

North Uist is a remarkable island – partially covered by a mixture of sea and freshwater lochs which sparkle into brilliance when the sun shines. From here visit Benbecula, Berneray and South Uist – ideal for walking, kayaking and wildlife-watching.
Overnight – North Uist

Day 5: North Uist to Harris
Read more

Your next destination is the Isle of Harris – an island ready to exceed all expectations. Explore the lunar landscape of the Harris hills & discover castles standing guard over deserted bays. Take a tranquil journey through time, surrounded by the most beautiful beaches imaginable, backed by the shell-sand pasture of the machair and its vivid display of spring and summer flowers.
Overnight – Isle of Harris

Day 6: Isle of Harris Sightseeing
Read more

The mountains of north Harris contrast with the rolling moors and lochans of Lewis, and offer unrivalled opportunities for hillwalkers, birdwatchers and wildlife-lovers. Explore the shimmering strands of Luskentyre beach and take a drive along the “Golden Road,” a bizarre moonscape of eroded crags and black lochans.
Overnight – Isle of Harris

Day 7: Harris to the Isle of Lewis
Read more

Lewis is the largest and northernmost island in the Outer Hebrides. The main hub is bustling Stornoway which is by far the largest settlement in the Hebrides. The landscape and history of Lewis combine together with the hospitality of its people to provide a wonderful escape from the pressures of modern life.
Overnight – Isle of Lewis

Day 8: Isle of Lewis Sightseeing
Read more

Crafting and fishing villages are dotted along the north-west coast of Lewis, from where archaeology buffs will make a beeline to the famous Standing Stones at Callanish, a fascinating group of nearly 50 megaliths dating from around 3,000 BC.

The west coast has brilliant beaches while much of the island is made up of peat bog, the favoured habitat of a variety of rare breeding birds. The Butt of Lewis, the northerly tip of the island, is home to many seabirds and an excellent spot for watching whales and dolphins.
Overnight – Isle of Lewis

Day 9: Depart to Ullapool
Read more

Depart the Hebridean Islands by ferry bound for the fishing village of Ullapool.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 8 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
  • Comprehensive information pack
  • Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
  • Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route
  • 9 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
  • All ferry crossings (as per your itinerary)
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Premium Premium
Premium Premium
Premium Premium
Standard Standard

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Category
Accommodation type
Price per person
Standard
4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels
From £1320

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience.

Premium
Boutique Guest Houses and 4* Hotels
From £1550

Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

Special Places to Stay
Exceptional Hotels and luxury Resorts
Please enquire

 

From award-winning luxury Hotels to unique country retreats, all of which offer exceptional accommodation with superb facilities and outstanding service.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Scotland has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Super Damage Excess Waiver
  • Third Party Insurance
  • Theft Waiver
  • Tax
Economy
Vauxhall Corsa or similar
  • Good for 2 people
  • Maximum of 4 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Compact
Ford Focus or similar
  • Good for 2 – 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Intermediate
Volkswagen Passat or similar
  • Good for up to 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 3 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Fullsize
VW Sharan or similar
  • Good for 5 people
  • Maximum of 7 passengers
  • 3 – 4 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission

Make an enquiry

Hebridean Island Hopping

Need something more tailored?
Contact us via email:
enquiries@absoluteescapes.com

Back to top