Description

Day 1. Our wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. You'll stop in Inveraray at lunchtime before continuing on to Kilmartin Glen. Here you’ll explore Scotland’s ancient past. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before you, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle. Then it’s on the picturesque seaside town of Oban, home to Scotland’s best seafood!

Day 2. Day two takes you over the Connel Bridge through Appin to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe (scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan). We’ll stop in Fort William; a town dominated by Ben Nevis - the UK’s tallest peak, then jump aboard the Jacobite Steam Train. It’s regarded as one of the world’s most scenic steam train journeys and will take you over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. We’ll continue to the end of the line, Mallaig, a pretty fishing port, bustling but remote. You 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 you’ll spend your second night.

Day 3. You’ll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye's mysteries and landscape with your knowledgeable driver-guide. Here the mountains and stories of Skye 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.

Day 4. We'll leave Skye and head straight to one of Scotland’s most photographed castle, Eilean Donan which you’ll have ample time to explore. You’ll stop at the pretty Lochside village of Drumnadrochit for lunch, before having to option to cruise on Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle ruin. We’ll then head to the south end of the Loch for our overnight stop in Fort Augustus. Please note at this point you will join a new group of travelling companions and meet your new driver-guide.

Day 5. Day five takes you further north, first to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, then to Dunrobin Castle, the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. Here you can also enjoy a falconry display and a walk in it's beautiful gardens. Then you will discover Knockan Crag Nature National Reserve and learn about one of the oldest landscapes in Europe. Your journey through the Sutherland area will then take you on to the beautiful seaside town of Ullapool, where you catch the ferry to the Isles of Lewis and Harris.

Day 6. Stornoway is the largest settlement in the Western Isles and your base for exploring the Isles of Lewis and Harris. After you’ve explored the town, you’ll head to the far north of the island to visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse (the windiest place in the UK). The day also features visits to the ancient Callanish Standing Stones and Carloway Broch, an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age structure located above Loch an Duin. You’ll also have a chance to stroll some of the island’s stunning beaches and find out more about Harris Tweed cloth when you visit a traditional weaver.

Day 7. Day four gives you the chance to explore Harris, which is the Southern part of the island. First you'll visit the main port, Tarbert, then you’ll travel a little west to look across the beautiful Sound of Taransay to the island made famous by the BBC’s Castaway programme. Here you’ll have the chance to stroll along what is arguably Harris’ most beautiful beach, Luskentyre. The day ends as you wave goodbye to the island and take the ferry back to mainland.

Day 8. As you head home from Inverness, you’ll be able to visit the battlefield of Culloden, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. Enjoy a wee dram at a local distillery. You’ll also pass the stunning Cairngorm mountains and explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry.