Description

Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference. It can start from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.

Day 1: Today is a long journey up through the Highlands to get to Skye. Passing through some of Scotand’s most iconic scenery; the desolate moorlands of Ranoch Moor and Glencoe. Then go to Glenfinnan where we will stop for a photo stop of the Glenfinan Viaduct, the bridge used in Harry Potter for Hogwarts. Finally reaching the port town of Mallaig to take a short ferry to Skye (note this is seasonal and optional, itinerary can be adjusted).

Day 2: Today we will explore the mountainous landscape of the Isle of Skye. Depending on your level of fitness we could walk to the famous Fairy Pools to see its crystal clear waters (this is only possible with small groups). After we can then visit Dunvegan Castle, home to the Macleods of the Macleods. It is the most continuously lived in castle in Scotland. It has a 700 year history the involves the Viking and Gaelic cultures. After we drive down the narrow single track road to the Quiarang, a true out of this world experience. The day will end with a stop at the Kilt Rock and drive past the Old Man of Storr.

Day 3  Early in the morning we set sail from Uig to board the ferry to Harris. Once we arrive to the port town of Tarbert you will have an opportunity shop for Harris Tweed. Then we will walk the stunning beach of Luskintyre. The Outer Hebrides sits on the Gulf Stream leaving us with blue water and white sand, as if we are in the Caribbean. Finally we then drive across the rugged centre part of the Island to reach Lewis.

Day 4  In the morning we set off to go to the 4500 year old Calanais Standing Stones. There are 33 tall stones in total forming an alley to the ceremonial circle. At Dun Carloway Broch we can walk up to the ruins of the thick double walled tower used in the dark ages. After we go to Arnol Black Houses, which are Long stone Viking style houses that were home to both people and animals. In the afternoon we will take the ferry back to the mainland. Overnight at Ullapool or somewhere close by.

Day 5: Today we will have a scenic drive of the North Coast 500. Stop at Smoo Cave to see this historic and natural sight. Overnight in the Town of Thurso.

Day 6: In the morning we take the ferry across to Orkney. The town of Stromness played a big part in the Hudson Bay company. Take a walk through the streets of this unique 200 year old sailor's town. After we then go to Scapa Flow which during World War 1 and 2 was the biggest Naval Base in Britain. Here we will learn the tragic history of the events that happened, such as the torpedoed HMS Royal Oak, Kitchener and the scuttled German fleet. We will take a walk to see the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral which was original built by Norse Vikings in 1137. 

Day 7: Today we will be go back in time to 3000-5000 years ago and explore the prehistoric wonders of Orkney. We begin with a guided tour inside Maes Howe Burial Chamber. Then visit the stone circles at Stenness and Brogdar. After we go to Skara Brae to visit it's prehistoric village which is older than the pyramids. They are the oldest most complete houses found in Northern Europe. You will also have the opportunity to visit Skaill House, the first manor house on Orkney. To end the day you have the option to visit 1 of 2 of Orkney's Distilleries; Scapa or Highland Park.

Day 8: In the morning we visit the Italian Chapel. An amazing chapel built by Italian POWs in 1940s with instructions from the brilliant artist Domenico Chiocchetti. We take a drive across the Churchill Barriers. Large blocks of concrete strategically placed on the straits between the islands during WW2 to block entry of U-Boats. Ferry from St Margaret's Hope back to the mainland. A quick stop at John O'Groats before heading north towards Inverness.

Day 9: This morning we will do some monster hunting at the famous Loch Ness. Here you have the option to take a boat ride OR visit Urquhart castle on the banks of the loch OR visit the Loch Ness Exhibition to learn the story of Nessie. After we continue our journey south through the Cairngorm Mountains to reach Edinburgh.