Silversea Luxury Cruises A STORNOWAY (Isle of Lewis)

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Explore the ancient history of Lewis Isle during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Stornoway, Lewis Isle, West Coast, Callanish Standing Stones, Visitor's Centre, Stones Walk

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive across Lewis Isle en route to the beautiful west coast of the island. Upon arrival, proceed to Callanish for a visit to the Callanish Standing Stones. Described as 'Scotland's Stonehenge', the Callanish Standing Stones date from around 3000 B.C., and are comprised of a total of 32 stones in a circular and avenue design. It is thought that the site, one of several in the area, was constructed for astronomical observations. The stones stand like a petrified forest on the flat top of a peninsula which reaches out into East Loch Roag. Visit the excellent Visitor's Centre to learn more about the site, and venture out amongst the stones to experience their mysterious atmosphere.

Dun Carloway Pictish Broch

Next, re-board your coast and continue around the west coast of Lewis Isle to the site of the Dun Carloway Pictish Broch. Probably built some time in the last century B.C, it would have occasionally served as a defensible residence for an extended family, with accommodation for animals at ground floor level. It would also have served as a visible statement of power and status in the local area.

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Traditional Blackhouses, Museum, Crofting Demonstration

Your tour continues with a drive north to the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a reconstructed settlement of traditional blackhouses where people and animals lived in close proximity. The houses were made using dry, stone masonry, and have thatched roofs distinctively weighted down with rocks. During your guided tour, visit the small museum, observe a display of a typical crofting activity such as weaving or butter-making (subject to availability), and take in splendid views from this dramatic site on the wild Atlantic coast. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Experience life in an ancient, Iron Age Village during this unforgettable, half-day sightseeing excursion to Bostadh Beach.

Stornoway, Isle of Great Bernera, Bostadh Beach, Iron Age Village of Bostadh

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive west towards the Isle of Great Bernera. Upon arrival, a visit is made to the Iron Age Village of Bostadh, located on a beautiful beach on the far-west-side of Lewis Isle. After a severe storm in the Spring of 1992, a series of stone structures were exposed at Bostadh Beach. A programme of excavations in 1996 revealed a complex of houses beneath the sand. It was then decided to backfill this site in order to preserve these structures.

Guided Walking Tour, House Tops, Life-Sized 'Jelly Baby' House Replica, Coastal Views

During your guided walking tour, the tops of two of the houses can be seen in the beach area, where the ever-changing dune landscape exposes, then re-covers, parts of the original structures. The main attraction now is the life-sized replica of one of these 'jelly baby' houses; so-called because of their distinctive shape. Your stroll around this remarkable reconstruction offers a unique insight into the life of the inhabitants of this ancient community. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Discover the coastal splendour and landmarks of northern Lewis Isle during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Stornoway, Lewis Isle, Parish and Port of Ness, Harbour Area, Harbour View Gallery, Free Time

Depart the pier for the for the scenic, approximately 55-minute drive across Lewis Isle en route to the Parish of Ness and its charming little harbour, the Port of Ness. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to explore this traditional fishing village at your leisure. For generations, Ness has been home to many seafarers who are celebrated in the works of local artists. You can take a delightful stroll about the harbour area, and visit the Harbour View Gallery to admire the artwork on display.

St. Moluag Church, Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, Lighthouse and Ocean Views

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to St. Moluag Church. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of this ancient church and learn about its mysterious legacy. Afterward, re-board your coach and head to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, which is situated in a stunning location. The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse was constructed in 1862, and, unlike many other Scottish lighthouses, was built from red brick. During an exterior photo stop here, take in excellent views of the lighthouse and out to sea. This area is noted in the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest place in the United Kingdom. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 70-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 55 yards-328 yards (about 50-metres-300 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, soft ground and inclines (can be avoided), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. Walking in the Port of Ness is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and a weatherproof jacket or coat from the ship. The coaches utilised on this tour are air-cooled.

Experience the lovely Stornoway coast, landmarks and Lews Castle grounds on-foot during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Stornoway Walking Tour, Seafront, Bridge, Coastline, Woodlands, Gardens

Depart the pier for a scenic walking tour along the seafront to admire the fishing boats dancing on the waves. From here, cross the bridge and follow the pathway along the coastline. En route, pass by grounds that were originally laid out as part of the formal gardens of Lews Castle, built on the foundations of an estate house dating from 1680. The grazing land was transformed into extensive woodlands, large gardens, and a conservatory complex to house a wide range of native and exotic plant species.

Jetty, Colourful Houses, Forest, Gallows Hill, Castle Grounds, Panoramic Views

Next, continue walking along the coast en route to a small jetty offering splendid panoramic vistas across the bay to the colourful houses of Stornoway. From here, your path climbs gently through the forest to the highest point of the castle's grounds, located on Gallows Hill where once the town's gallows stood. From this viewpoint, take in spectacular panoramic views of Stornoway and its surrounds. This area also features evidence of prehistoric settlements dating back to 4000 B.C., including the largest number of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments around Stornoway.

Lews Castle and Museum nan Eilean Tour

Finally, reach the impressive mock Tudor Castle, the lavishly-appointed Lews Castle. This Victorian-Era home was utilised as a naval hospital during World War II, a period during which the groomed woodlands fell into a wild state and the fantastic glasshouses dilapidated. We will have free time here to explore the Museum nan Eilean. At the conclusion of your visit, commence the approximately 30-minute walk back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.86 miles (about 3 kilometres), at times over uneven, slippery, and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with many steps to negotiate at the castle. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and a weatherproof jacket or coat from the ship.

Embrace the spectacular natural beauty of the Lewis and Harris isles during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Stornoway, Lewis and Harris Isles, Tarbert Town, Free Time

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive south from Lewis Isle to Harris Isle, and its capital port town of Tarbert. En route, drive along wonderfully picturesque mountain roads. Upon arrival in Tarbert, some free time is made available to explore this bustling little town at your leisure.

Luskentyre, Horgabost Beach, Taransay Isle

Following your visit, re-board your coach and head southwest to Luskentyre. Upon arrival, a photo stop is made at beautiful Horgabost Beach. Enjoy breath-taking vistas of the uninhabited Taransay Isle, made famous in 2000 as the setting for Survivor, the first reality television program in which people lived as a mixed community away from the trappings of modern life. Photo opportunities abound at Horgabost Beach and other scenic viewpoints along your route.

A refreshment stop is made for tea, coffee and local homebakes before the 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 765 yards (about 700 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, soft ground and inclines (can be avoided), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. Walking in Tarbert is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket or coat. The coaches utilised on this tour are air-cooled.