Description

A tour to remember forever - 10 days to enjoy the archaeological wonders and prehistoric history of the northern Orkney Isles, coupled with an escape to the western Isles of Lewis and breathtaking Harris.

Tour highlights include the magnificence of Orkney, with her treasure trove of ancient delights, the incredibly haunting and remote area of Sutherland where tragedy and beauty go hand in hand. Ullapool, nestling on the shores of Loch Broom, is where we travel from to Lewis, and absorb ourselves in Gaelic culture, and enjoy the truly inspirational surroundings of Harris with her mountains and glorious white beaches before crossing the sea again to the drama that is the island of Skye.

DAY 1: STIRLING - CALLANDER - GLENCOE - INVERNESS
Depart Edinburgh at 09.00 heading west towards Stirling, passing Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. You also pass Doune Castle (set of Monty Python's "Holy Grail") before stopping in the small town of Callander for a refreshment stop.

You now cross over the fault line into the magnificent Highlands taking in the splendour of Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle and Glen Dochart, as you travel north over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor into Glencoe. The stunning views and spectacular landscapes of our own super (extinct) volcano and scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692, where many of the Clan Macdonald were slaughtered. You stop in this imposing mountain Glen so you can enjoy the spectacular views.

You continue north up the Great Glen to the mysterious beauty of Loch Ness, travelling the whole 23 miles of the famous Loch - plenty of time to try and spot "Nessie!" You arrive at your destination of Inverness at approx 18.30 where you will be dropped off at your booked accommodation. The evening is free for you to explore the 'Capital of the Highlands'.

DAY 2: BLACK ISLE - JOHN O'GROATS - ORKNEY
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: A DAY TO EXPLORE THE ISLAND OF ORKNEY
Your chance to explore this fantastic, ancient island; a land of contrasts where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands washed by waters of the North Sea and Atlantic ocean. You will visit the 5000 year old village of Skara Brae (older than the Pyramids of Egypt!), the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones of Stenness. You stop in Stromness - one of Scotland's most picturesque seaboard villages and then travel onto Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions. Then its back to Kirkwall for your 2nd night after what is sure to be a memorable day.

DAY 4: PENTLAND FIRTH - ARDVRECK CASTLE - ULLAPOOL
A relaxed start to the day, as 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 of our northern coastline. You then visit the far northwest highlands and the grandeur, expanse and 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 spent your last night's stay on tour.

You will say goodbye to this group here, and will be collected by your new guide and group on the morning of day 6.

DAY 5: ULLAPOOL
A free day in Ullapool to do as you please before joining up with your new crew the next day. There are many possibilities available in this lovely town, Options for your day include enjoying a day just to relax and absorb the highland tranquil pace of life whilst browsing the small craft boutiques nestling through the streets of the town. Or why not take the local boat, the ‘Summer Queen’ from the pier for an idyllic ‘summer Isles’ cruise. Alternatively you could head up Claypool hill for an easy two hour walk offering wonderful views over Loch Broom reaching a maximum height of 900ft. Or for the even more adventurous add to this walk by completing a three hour circuit returning to the town via Rhiddoroch estate. (Full details of all local walks can be found at the local tourist information centre). There is also a local swimming pool, and a small museum giving an informative narrative about the natural and social history of the area.

DAY 6: ULLAPOOL - LOCH BROOM - STORNOWAY
Catch the morning ferry from Ullapool for the 2 hour sail along Loch Broom, past the Summer Isles then out across the Minch to Stornoway – the main town on Lewis and capital of the Outer Hebrides. Look out for dolphins, whales and seabirds during the crossing. In the afternoon explore the North West coast from Arnol with its historic old "blackhouse", through traditional crofting townships to Port of Ness and the very north tip of the island – the Butt of Lewis. From the lighthouse here there is nothing between you and the Americas! Overnight in Stornoway.

DAY 7: EXPLORE ISLE OF LEWIS
Today, you immerse yourself in the history and landscapes of this wild island. You first head north to see Arnol Blackhouse. Here, you can experience what traditional farming life was like in these remote reaches as you explore a restored 19th-century croft house.

A little down the road, you visit the stone fort of Dun Carloway. This structure is believed to be a fortification or an ancient residence and it was built before 100AD. It’s a wonderful location to ponder over the vast swathes of history that have come before you. (Note: Callanish Standing Stones are closed to tour buses in 2025)

The rest of your afternoon is spent in the beautiful serene beaches, along the rugged coast and mountains of the western side of Lewis. You travel to Stornoway through a different side of the island, through the landscape dotted with lochs and moors that is home to rich wildlife.

You’ve got another evening in Stornoway, so why not try some more of fresh food and talk to locals about the island’s legends and mysteries?

DAY 8: STORNOWAY - ISLE OF HARRIS - PORTREE
Travelling south today from the wild moorlands of Lewis to the more mountainous Harris – almost but not quite an island on its own. Famous for the locally produced cloth, Harris Tweed, it is also home to the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and the stunning white sands of Luskentyre. After a morning of exploring South Harris you will stop for lunch in the small port of Tarbet from where you will catch the late afternoon ferry to Skye. Continue on to your overnight stay in the picturesque Portree.

DAY 9: A DAY TRAVELLING AROUND SKYE
Back on the Isle of Skye and 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: EILEAN DONAN - FORT WILLIAM - 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.

For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...

ORKNEY AND THE OUTER HEBRIDES 10 DAY TOUR

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