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Orkney IslesThese beautiful islands are full of ancient history and wildlife.
Glencoe and Rannoch MoorBe moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.
Loch NessTake a chance to spot the famous Loch Ness Monster.
Skara Brae and Ring of BrodgarLearn how people used to live in ancient times at these prehistoric monuments.
North Coast 500A rollercoaster road of ruined castles, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages.
Lewis and HarrisThese two areas with distinct landscapes make up the biggest island in Scotland.
Calanais Standing Stones This mysterious monument is even older than Stonehenge.
White sands of LuskentyreWalk along this phenomenal beach and feel like you’re in the Scottish Maldives.
Isle of SkyeTraverse one of the world’s most stunning islands, with beautiful views around every corner.
Eilean Donan CastleAn iconic and gorgeous 13th-century castle that once warded off Viking invasions.
Are you curious about wild places? Interested in how prehistoric civilisations thrived in barren islands? Do you desire to escape the toils of city life?
If this sounds familiar, then this is the tour for you.
Because it travels from Edinburgh to the most northern, remote, and enchanting places of Scotland.
You’ll see emerald blue shores and cream-white beaches in Lewis and Harris. You’ll be entranced by the vivid tales of prehistoric history in the Orkney Archipelago. And you’ll be blown away by the sheer geological wonders of the Isle of Skye.
It’s an unforgettable chance to escape to the wild and beautiful north of Scotland.
Itineraries
Day 1
Your Plan
Day 2
Explore mainland Scotland’s most northern scenery
Arrive in the Capital of Orkney, Kirkwall
It’s an early start, leaving behind the 'Capital of the Highlands', crossing over the Black Isle, and continuing past Dunrobin Castle.
From here, you drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery.
Onwards through Scotland's most northerly mainland village, John o' Groats, and then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, and cross the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago.
It’s a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where you stop for a visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, Capital of Orkney. Here you can visit Kirkwall's magnificent Viking Cathedral and enjoy its historic winding streets in the evening.
Day 3
Go to a site as ancient as the pyramids, Skara Brae
See the wild ocean clash with redstone cliffs
Today is your chance to explore this archipelago’s fertile green pastures, fringed by shores of golden sands and washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
You visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones of Stenness.
You stop in Stromness and then travel onto Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions.
Then it’s back to Kirkwall for your second night after what is sure to be a memorable day.
Day 4
Take a look at the stunningly located ruins of Ardvreck Castle
Stroll around the beautiful harbour town of Ullapool
After a relaxed start, you leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. From here, you travel the old road right across the very top of Scotland, driving past the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains, following the rocky cliffs and stunning golden sand beaches.
You then visit the far northwest Highlands and the wilderness of the mountains of Assynt before stopping to view the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle. From here, you travel to Ullapool, situated at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you spend two nights.
You will say goodbye to this group here, and will be collected by your new guide and group on the morning of day six.
Day 5
Discover the tranquil Highland way of life
Admire the beauty of the Summer Isles on a boat trip
You have a free day in Ullapool before you join your new driver-guide and companions. This picturesque fishing town is surrounded by stunning mountains and is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
If you want to spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, numerous sea birds, and eagles, you can go on a cruise around the Summer Isles.
Alternatively, you can head up Claypool hill for an easy two-hour walk offering wonderful views over Loch Broom.
Ullapool is also a great place to relax and enjoy the Highland pace of life. You can browse the small craft boutiques, try whisky in a pub, or savour top quality seafood. And in the evening, enjoy some live music and mingle with the locals before your next leg of the journey.
Day 6
Travel by ferry through the Summer Isles
Explore a lighthouse and the rugged coastline of Lewis
Wake up, enjoy your breakfast, and look out over Loch Broom as it glistens under the morning sky. First on the agenda today is a ferry journey across the sea.
This two and a half-hour boat trip takes you through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles. But don’t spend your time snoozing and reading as you sail across the ocean; because if you look out to sea, you may spot dolphins and whales.
Once you’ve arrived on Lewis and Harris, you head to the North West coast. Your driver-guide will make the most of what weather you’ve been blessed with and take you through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. You even get to see the Butt of Lewis; from the lighthouse here there’s nothing but fishes and water between you and America.
You spend the evening in Stornoway; a bustling port town and the home of Scotland’s most delicious black puddings.
Day 7
Your Plan
Step inside a traditional Scottish home at Arnol Blackhouse
Ponder over the mysteries of the Neolithic standing stones of Calanais
Today, you immerse yourself in the history and landscapes of this wild island.
You first head to Arnol Blackhouse. Here, you can experience what traditional farming life was like in these remote reaches without getting your hands too dirty.
A little down the road, you visit the stone fort of Dun Carloway. This structure was built before 100AD and has experienced more battles than you’ve had hot dinners. It’s a wonderful location to ponder over the vast swathes of history that have come before you.
You then travel through a landscape littered with crofting villages to one of the most famous sights of the island, the Calanais Stone Circle*. This prehistoric site still mystifies archaeologists today.
The rest of your afternoon is spent in the beautiful beaches and mountains of the western side of Lewis.
You head back to Stornoway in the late afternoon.
*Please note the Calanais Standing stone site will be closed between 1st September 2024 and 31st March 2025 and we will be unable to visit the site during these dates. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Day 8
Admire the landscapes that inspired Harris Tweed
Cast your eyes upon the slender, blonde curves of Luskentyre beach
It’s time for something a little more dramatic. It’s time to enter the region of Harris.
Harris boasts the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and one of the most beautiful white-sandy beaches in Britain, Luskentyre.
The area is also famous for Harris Tweed and myths that are as strange as they are poignant.
After a morning of exploring the dramatic landscapes, you stop for lunch. Depending on the weather, we may even go for a picnic on the beach – so don’t forget to pack your sunglasses.
Your adventure continues on a ferry over the sea to Portree, the largest town in Skye and your base for the next two evenings.
Day 9
Set your sights on Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes on the Isle of Skye
Snap a famous photo of Portree’s colourful harbour front
Every horizon in Skye conceals something astoundingly beautiful.
So today, your driver-guide makes the most out of your time on this marvel-studded landscape.
You may travel to the Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk, venture to Kilt Rock and see a gigantic waterfall, or take a boat trip to the lesser-known Loch Coruisk.
After you’ve enjoyed the sights of Skye, you have your final evening in Portree. There are plenty of fabulous seafood restaurants to celebrate a fine day of exploring.
Day 10
Learn how Eilean Donan Castle survived Viking invasions and 343 barrels of gunpowder
Discover how Glencoe earned its name, ‘the Weeping Glen’
Don’t be too sad that your trip is ending today, because there are a lot of amazing things to check out on the way back to Edinburgh.
Once you’ve crossed the Skye Bridge, you get a chance to see Eilean Donan Castle. This classic combination of a sturdy-stone fortification perched upon a loch is about as Scottish a view as you can get. Just ensure you’ve got some room left on your camera to take photos.
You then travel under Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. The peak of this mountain is likely to be shrouded high in the clouds.
Your driver-guide may become a little emotional as you move through the valley of Glencoe. This marvellously mountainous area was the site of one of the most tragic massacres in Scottish history. The story is as unforgettable as the landscape.
The hilly views become flatter as you enter the Lowlands and travel to Edinburgh.
You arrive in the early evening.
Admission to Maeshowe
Admission to Skara Brae
Admission to Arnol Blackhouse
Entry fees to visitor attractions unless specified
Food and drinks unless specified
Tip
Starts
Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Finishes (approx.)
19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, George St / St. Andrews Square area, (Within 5 mins of Edinburgh Bus Station), Edinburgh,
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
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