The Isle of Lewis boasts a captivating heritage, one that can be explored through a private full-day tour from the port town of Stornoway. Over the course of six hours, visitors are immersed in the island’s iconic sites, from the enigmatic Calanais Standing Stones to the well-preserved Bosta Iron Age House. Guided by a local expert, this comprehensive tour uncovers the ancient architecture and archaeological wonders that have defined the Isle of Lewis for centuries. With transportation, lunch, and admission fees included, the experience promises a seamless journey into the heart of this Scottish island’s rich cultural legacy. What secrets might these historic treasures hold?
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Stornoway.
Key Points
- A private full-day tour from Stornoway exploring the rich heritage of the Isle of Lewis, including key historical sites like Calanais Standing Stones and Dun Carloway Broch.
- The tour package includes a professional local guide, transportation, lunch, and admission fees, priced at $1,343.26 for a group of up to 4 participants.
- Highlights of the tour include 30-minute visits to the Calanais Standing Stones, Blackhouse in Arnol, Dun Carloway Broch, and Bosta Iron Age House.
- Positive customer reviews praise the knowledgeable and accommodating tour guide, who provides valuable insights into the history and culture of the Isle of Lewis.
- The tour offers opportunities to explore ancient architectural and archaeological treasures, with no additional out-of-pocket expenses for site admissions.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This private full-day tour from Stornoway allows visitors to explore the rich heritage of the Isle of Lewis. Priced at $1,343.26 per group (up to 4 participants), the tour lasts 6 hours and includes a professional local guide, transportation, lunch, and admission fees to various sites.
Highlights include guided tours of the Calanais Standing Stones, the Blackhouse in Arnol, Dun Carloway Broch, and the Bosta (Bostadh) Iron Age House. Guests can explore ancient architecture and archaeological treasures throughout the journey.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Stornoway.
Itinerary and Highlights
The tour kicks off with a pickup in Stornoway and takes visitors on a journey through the rich heritage of the Isle of Lewis. Key highlights include a guided tour of the iconic Calanais Standing Stones, a visit to the well-preserved Blackhouse in Arnol, and an exploration of the ancient Dun Carloway Broch. Another fascinating stop is the Bosta (Bostadh) Iron Age House, where visitors can learn about the region’s remarkable archaeological history.
| Site | Duration | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Calanais Standing Stones | 30 minutes | 5 EUR |
| The Blackhouse, Arnol | 30 minutes | 9 EUR |
| Dun Carloway Broch | 30 minutes | – |
| Bosta (Bostadh) Iron Age House | 30 minutes | 2.5 EUR |
Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the captivating architecture and archaeological treasures that define the Isle of Lewis.
Included Services
Along With the captivating sites featured on the tour, the Isle of Lewis Heritage Tour provides a range of included services to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.
A professional local tour guide accompanies travelers throughout the day, offering valuable insights and context about the region’s rich heritage.
All transportation is provided, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey.
Lunch is also included, ensuring participants stay energized and well-fed during the day’s explorations.
On top of that, admission fees to the various historical sites, such as the Calanais Standing Stones and Bosta Iron Age House, are covered, eliminating the need for additional out-of-pocket expenses.
Important Information
While itineraries for the Isle of Lewis Heritage Tour are typically followed, they remain subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances. Visitors should note that inside access to the Bosta (Bostadh) Iron Age House may not always be possible. In such cases, advance notification will be provided.
| Important Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Itineraries Subject to Change | Inside Visit to Bosta (Bostadh) Iron Age House May Not Always Be Possible | Advance Notification Provided |
Regardless, the tour promises to take guests on a captivating journey through the rich heritage of the Isle of Lewis, offering opportunities to explore ancient architecture and archaeological treasures.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews
Customers who’ve experienced the Isle of Lewis Heritage Tour rave about the attentiveness and responsiveness of their knowledgeable guide, Donald Martin.
One reviewer from Canada, Francois, praised Donald for his kindness and willingness to accommodate requests throughout the tour.
Another guest from Belgium found the experience incredibly informative, with Donald providing helpful insights into the rich history and culture of the Isle of Lewis.
Calanais Standing Stones
At the heart of the Isle of Lewis tour lies the captivating Calanais Standing Stones, a Neolithic monument dating back nearly 5,000 years.
Visitors are treated to a 30-minute guided tour of this ancient site, which features an impressive array of tall, slender stones arranged in a distinctive cruciform pattern.
Guests will learn about the stones’ possible astronomical and ritual significance, as well as the ongoing archaeological research that continues to shed light on this remarkable prehistoric site.
The guided tour also provides an opportunity to explore the visitor center and appreciate the stones’ dramatic setting against the rugged island landscape.
Key highlights of the Calanais Standing Stones experience include:
- A 30-minute guided tour led by a knowledgeable local guide.
- Admission fee of 5 EUR per person.
- Insight into the site’s Neolithic origins and potential astronomical function.
The Blackhouse, Arnol
After exploring the ancient Calanais Standing Stones, the tour takes visitors to the captivating Blackhouse in Arnol.
This 30-minute guided tour provides a glimpse into the traditional way of life on the Isle of Lewis. The Blackhouse, a thatched-roof building, offers a unique window into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitors can wander through the meticulously preserved interior, marveling at the intricate details and learning about the ingenious design that once sheltered generations of islanders.
The experience transports travelers back in time, fostering a deeper appreciation for the resilience and resourcefulness of the Hebridean people.
Bosta (Bostadh) Iron Age House
Following the guided tour at the Blackhouse, visitors journey to the remote Bosta (Bostadh) Iron Age House.
This 30-minute guided tour allows guests to step back in time and explore a remarkably well-preserved example of an Iron Age dwelling.
The highlights of the tour include:
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The intricate construction of the stone walls, which demonstrate the impressive building skills of the Iron Age inhabitants.
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The central hearth, where visitors can imagine the daily life and activities that once took place within these ancient walls.
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The opportunity to learn about the archaeological significance of the site and the insights it provides into the daily lives of the people who lived here centuries ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit Our Interests?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to suit your interests. The tour provider is flexible and open to adjusting the stops and activities based on your preferences during the booking process.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour provider doesn’t currently offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, they’re open to customizing the itinerary to suit your interests, so you could inquire about that to get the most out of the experience.
What Is the Maximum Group Size Allowed for This Private Tour?
The tour has a maximum group size of 4 participants. The price of $1,343.26 is for the entire group, not per person. This is a private tour with no discounts mentioned for seniors or students.
Can We Request a Different Pick-Up Location in Stornoway?
Yes, you can request a different pickup location in Stornoway. The tour operator is generally accommodating of such requests, as long as the new location is within the Stornoway area and doesn’t significantly impact the tour itinerary.
Are There Any Additional Costs Not Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price of $1,343.26 per group covers the professional local guide, transportation, lunch, and admission fees to the sites. There are no additional costs beyond this unless customers choose to purchase optional extras on the day.
Recap
The Isle of Lewis Heritage Private Full-Day Tour from Stornoway offers an immersive exploration of the island’s rich cultural history. Participants will visit iconic sites like the Calanais Standing Stones, the Blackhouse in Arnol, Dun Carloway Broch, and Bosta Iron Age House, guided by a knowledgeable local expert. The tour includes transportation, lunch, and admission fees, providing a seamless experience to uncover the ancient architecture and archaeological treasures that define the Isle of Lewis.
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