Tour includes:

• 6 nights accommodation in a 3* or 4* Hostel in the capital of the Highlands Loch Ness/Orkney/Isle of Lewis/Loch Ness

• Seven full day excursions in a state-of-the-art Mercedes midi-coach with Local Guide

• Return journey from Edinburgh

Highlights
* Stay in a real haunted Highland castle* if you dare
* Soak up the unique atmosphere at the Callanish Standing Stones - pre-dating Stonehenge
* Enjoy a few drams of whisky and meet the locals at an Island ceilidh
* Wander along empty sandy beaches and paddle in the turquoise waters
* Look out for dolphins and Whales - 4 ferry trips INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Please note the tour will not be staying at the castle on the following dates in 2008:
*May, June & July departures will not be staying at the Castle and hostel accommodation will apply during these dates.

*The tour will not be using the ferry on following dates in 2008: Monday 29th Sept, Monday 13th Oct

Day 1: Edinburgh To Carbisdale Castle

Heading north from Edinburgh, we pass through Perthshire - surrounded by mountains, forests and salmon packed rivers.  First stop is at Dunkeld and Birnam Wood, site of Macbeth's battle in 1054. Lunch is in the small village of Kingussie, made famous by the 'Monarch of the Glen' TV show. Then it's off to lonely Culloden Battlefield, scene of the last major battle in Britain. Then it’s onto world famous Loch Ness for a wee bit of monster spotting before heading for our lavish evening accommodation in a Haunted Highland Castle!*

Day 2: Carbisdale Castle To Orkney

We travel north through the sparsely populated wilderness of Sutherland and Caithness, via glens left deserted as a result of the Highland Clearances, and on to John 'O' Groats, Britain's most north easterly point. We then catch the ferry to the Orkney Islands, home to more archaeological ruins in one area than anywhere else in Europe! We spend the night in the island's capital, Kirkwall. The Orkneys have only been a part of Scotland since 1490 and the islands still retain a very distinctive Scandinavian influence. 

 
Day 3: Orkney

A free day on the Orkneys with a local transport pass (included) to explore the amazing sites. Discover the naval battle at Scapa Flow and Kirkwall Cathedral, burial place of Viking Kings and warriors. Explore Skara Brae, dating from the late Neolithic period and inhabited between 3200BC and 2200BC. This incredible stone village is made up of eight dwellings (some still containing original furniture) linked together by a series of low alleyways and is a marvel of ancient building techniques. You can also experience the magnificent standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar.

Day 4: Orkney to Ullapool

We say farewell to these unique islands and make the crossing by ferry back to the mainland, hopefully seeing some whales and dolphins on the way. Then follow the stunning North coast, passing sandy beaches and stopping for lunch in the lovely village of Tongue. We then journey along the wild North West coast to the charming fishing town of Ullapool, passing bleak landscapes and dramatic mountain scenery and unspoilt sandy beaches. Ullapool was once a Viking stopover and is now a bustling fishing port and gateway to the Western Isles. It's famous for its seafood and traditional music and is a great place to explore.

Day 5: Ullapool to Lewis

We catch the ferry to Lewis, where we spend the night. Today we visit the stunning Callanish Standing Stones, Neolithic in age and dating back more than 5000 years. Much quieter than Stonehenge, these are said to be some of the most impressive and inspiring of any of the ancient stones in Britain. These Hebridean islands are predominantly Gaelic speaking and have an unbroken culture dating back thousands of years. Tonight is your chance to hear traditional music and haunting Gaelic tunes.

Day 6: Harris To Skye & Loch Ness

In the morning we explore the amazing beaches of Harris, famous for its clear blue waters, magnificent mountain backdrop and traditional crofting culture. These islands are home to the Clan MacLeod who lived here for over 1200 years. After exploring the wonders of Harris, we leave the MacLeod homeland and cross by Ferry to the 'winged island', the Isle of Skye. We explore the magical Isle of Skye before heading for Eilean Donan Castle and the mainland.

Day 7: Loch Ness To Edinburgh

We explore infamous Loch Ness and The Great Glen before passing Fort William and Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain. Discover 'The Weeping Glen', Glencoe, where we hear about the infamous massacre of the MacDonalds. Over the wilds of Rannoch Moor, we then stop in historic Stirling with its famous Wallace Monument, where the true story of Braveheart is told, before returning to the capital City of Edinburgh!  

• From Edinburgh Departs Saturdays from May to October, 2008

• Check-in: 08:30hrs. Departure: 08.45 hrs from 11 Blackfriars St Edinburgh (off the Royal Mile) Edinburgh;

• Returns at 17.30hrs (day 7)

• Meals and entrance fees are not included.

• Another hostel may be substituted for Carbisdale Castle as an overnight stop.