Orkney, Skye, & The Far North

Day 1

Through the Trossachs to Oban…

We set of on our tour by heading west, passing through the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Here you will have the amazing opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle, with over 5,000 years of history laid out before us it really is an unforgettable experience. Then it’s on to the picturesque seaside town of Oban, where you can taste some of the freshest seafood you’ll have ever tasted!

 

Overnight: Oban

 

Day 2

Gruesome Glens and the Hogwarts Express…

Day two takes us over the Connel Bridge and through Appin towards the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, where you will learn about the history and the haunting story of the massacre of Glen Coe. We’ll stop in Fort William, a town overlooked by Ben Nevis – the UK’s tallest peak.  We then follow part of the route of the Jacobite Steam Train*, where we may see the train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct. We’ll continue to the end of the line, Mallaig, a pretty fishing port, bustling but remote. We will have the opportunity to have an early dinner and enjoy some excellent seafood before taking a short ferry ride over the sea to Skye, where we will spend our second night.

 

Overnight: Isle of Skye

 

Day 3

A whole day to explore Skye…

We will use the third day to explore the unforgettable Isle of Skye, discovering it’s mysteries and landscape. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself amongst the Cuillin Mountains, see the black houses, take in the spectacular scenery of the Kilt Rock Waterfall, The Old Man of Storr, and the Trotternish Peninsula, including a visit to the capital of the island, Portree.

 

Overnight: Isle of Skye

 

Day 4

Castles, lochs, and Nessie spotting…

We will start the day by leaving Skye and heading straight to Scotland’s most photographed castle, Eilean Donan* which we will have plenty of time to explore. We will stop at the pretty Lochside village of Drumnadrochit for lunch, before having the option to cruise* on Loch Ness, maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster herself!  We also have time to visit Urquhart Castle* ruin, a breath-taking castle full of history to discover. We’ll then head to the south end of the Loch for our overnight stop in Fort Augustus.

 

Overnight: Fort Augustus

 

Day 5

Over the sea to the Orkney Isles…

Today we head north via Inverness travelling through the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths, where you may be lucky enough to spot some dolphins, seals or even orcas! We will then drive up to Gills Bay, with a community-owned small port and a pier used as the terminal for Pentland Ferries. Soon we will be boarding the ferry where we can take some time to relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery in front of us as continue the memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Isles. We will first visit the lovely Italian Chapel*, a Roman Catholic chapel built by Italian prisoners during the Second World War. We will also visit the famous Churchill Barriers – a series of causeways that were constructed to protect the British naval fleet from submarines.

 

Overnight: Kirkwall

 

Day 6

Exploring the ancient history of the Isles…

You’ll spend the whole of day six really taking in Orkney and its rich history. This is a land full of ancient history and you’ll be able to visit and explore prehistoric marvels such as the Maeshowe* chambered cairn, the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae* and the brooding stone circles of Stenness and the Ring o’Brodgar. The day will finish with a visit to the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral.

 

Overnight: Kirkwall

 

Day 7

A visit to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness…

After having the time to explore Kirkwall and its local stores, in the late morning we join the ferry ride back to the mainland. Your expert guide will ensure you get the best out of your journey to Inverness, exploring the dramatic, varied, and visually stunning coastline. On the way south we will have an opportunity to see Dunrobin Castle, the seat of the Duke of Sutherland, and the beautiful gardens which were inspired by the Palace of Versailles. From here, we will continue and reach our overnight stop, the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.

 

Overnight: Inverness

 

Day 8

Home via Culloden and the Cairngorms…

As you head home, you’ll be able to visit the battlefield of Culloden*, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. Here we will stop for a walk through the battlefield to glimpse into Scottish history and tour the visitor centre. We will then continue our journey and head along the stunning Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland’s largest National Park. Our last stop of the tour will be the picturesque town of Pitlochry, where we will have some time to explore before driving back to Edinburgh to end our tour, leaving with unforgettable memories of Bonnie Scotland.

Departure days:

Every Second Monday (May - September)

Departs/Returns:

Check-in 8:15am/ Departs 8:30am/ Returns 19:00pm
Meeting point:

1 Parliament Square, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE