Glen Coe
Into the Western Isles of Scotland
The Voyages of The Lords of the Sea Kingdom
August 25 - September 3, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
Rannoch Moor
Well over a thousand years ago the Vikings sailed across the North Sea, first to raid and then to settle in the Hebrides and Western Scotland. They mingled with the native Gaelic people and brought a special gift – their mastery of the sea and their fast, flexible ships. Before long, a race of strong and independent leaders was born. The highest title, the Overlord, was claimed by the Norse King. Somerled, the earliest ancestor of Clan Donald, rebelled to lead a great revival of Gaeldom. The Norse were driven out of Western Scotland and the Isles and Somerled crowned himself “King of the Isles.”
Join Discover Europe on this magical and historical journey through the Western Isles of Scotland as we explore both the landscape and culture of this powerful clan. We’ll arrive in Glasgow, pausing just long enough to shake the jet lag and enjoy an introduction to this vibrant modern city. The real adventure begins as we turn northwest to one of the earliest headquarters of the Sea Kingdom, the Isle of Islay. Today the island is perhaps best known for its malt whisky distilleries, but long ago the leaders of the Clan Donald gathered here to decide matters of law, land, religion, and marriage. We’ll spend two days exploring the island and its special place in clan history.
Duart Castle
Returning to the mainland, we’ll travel north to Oban for the easy ferry crossing to Mull. From there, we’ll begin our island adventures with visits to Duart Castle and Torosay Castle. An excursion to the windswept Holy Isle of Iona lets us examine the beginnings of Christianity in Scotland, for it was here that St. Columba brought his faith in 563. We’ll return to the mainland across the Sound of Mull to Lochaline, then north through the forgotten corner of Sunart and Moidart, still Macdonald territory. Our final leg of the journey is on the spectacular “Road to the Isles,” which passes Loch Morar, the deepest body of water in Britain, and its silver sands. We’ll also visit the Isle of Rhum.
Silver Sands of Morar
Discover Europe has crafted an itinerary rich in beauty and full of history. Along the way, there will be unexpected stops, time for a wee dram in the local pub, and the best of Scotland’s backroads. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Western Scotland.
*This itinerary is also being offered by Sandi Tinyk of our partner, Travels with Sandi, and as such, Sandi may be accompanying this tour.
If you would like to register for the Into the Western Isles of Scotland tour, please complete and submit the form located under Reserve Now.
*Once you have submitted the above registration form with your digital signature, a Discover Europe staff member will be in contact as soon as possible to process your deposit and welcome you to the tour.