Pod Abroad Equinox Tour

September 19th – Arrive Inverness (-/-/D)

Arrive Inverness where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Later on, enjoy a welcome reunion dinner.

September 20th – Visit Fort George and Cawdor Castle (B/-/-)

Today we will take a drive to Fort George. Fort George is a large 18th-century fortress near
Ardersier, to the north-east of Inverness in the Highland council area of Scotland. It was built to pacify the Scottish Highlands in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising of 1745, replacing a Fort George in Inverness constructed after the 1715 Jacobite rising to control the area. The current fortress has never been attacked and has remained in continuous use as a garrison. The fortification is based on a star design; it remains virtually unaltered.

Later we will visit Cawdor Castle. Located about 5 miles southwest of Nairn, Cawdor Castle was built around a 15th-century tower house that originally belonged to Clan Cawdor before passing into the hands of Campbells in the 16th century. Although famed for its literary connection to
Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the actual 11th-century events upon which the play is based to place many years before the castle was built. However, the castle does boast its own unique tale surrounding its construction. According to legend, the castle is built around a thorn tree, which has since been identified as a holly dating from 1372, which visitors can still see today in the dungeon.

September 21st – Travel to the Isle of Lewis (B/-/-)

Today we leave Ullapool to catch the ferry to Stornoway.
On arrival in Stornoway, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

September 22nd – Tour of Isle of Lewis (B/-/-)

Today we will learn more about the islands inspirational history and heritage.
The island’s land-based lifestyle is best seen at the Arnol Blackhouse
This traditional Lewis thatched house is fully furnished, complete with an attached barn, byre and
stackyard. Built around 1880, No.42 Arnol gives a special insight into island life. This blackhouse was
once the residence of a Hebridean crafting family and their animals, who moved out in 1966, and
today it is preserved almost as the family left it.
Afternoon at leisure
Later in the evening visit the Callanish standing stones, the Standing Stones of Callanish are one of
the most important prehistoric sites in the UK, with the 5,000-year-old central circle and avenues of impressive upstanding gneiss being the most iconic image of the Isle of Lewis.

September 23rd – Tour of Isle of Harris (B/-/-)

Today we travel head south through the Isle of Lewis to explore the wonderful Isle of Harris. The drive south along the western coastline of the Isle of Harris is truly stunning. Arriving at Rodel we
visit the beautiful medieval St Clements church, home to one of Scotland’s most remarkable 16th
century tombs – that of Alexander Macleod, chief of the Clan Macleod. Heading back north towards
Tarbert, we visit and explore one of the most breathtaking beaches in the Hebrides – Luskentyre. If one single spot encompasses the beauty of the Outer Hebrides, then Luskentyre is that place!

Later we will visit the Harris Gin Distillery and the Harris Tweed Shop.

September 24th – Isle of Harris (B/-/-)

September 25th – Over the sea to Skye (B/-/-)
Today we leave the Outer Hebrides and travel over to the Isle of Skye.
Enjoy the ferry from Tarbert to Uig. Visiting Dunvegan, Neist Point and Skye Weavers on route to your hotel.

September 26th – Tour of Isle of Skye (B/-/-)
You will spend the second day in Skye where you will have the opportunity to visit the sites of this
stunning island.

You will also visit Talisker distillery today.

September 27th – Isle of Skye to Inverness (B/-/-)

This morning is free to enjoy the island before travelling over the bridge for your journey to
Inverness.

Stop at Eilean Donan Castle ‘the most photographed castle in Scotland’
Travel along Loch Ness. Here, you have a chance to spot the monster and admire the lovely Urquhart
Castle.

September 28th – Depart for home (B/-/-)

It is time to say goodbye again but we hope to see you all again in Scotland.