Description

On this tour we travel through the Trossachs to Oban. Then on to Gruesome Glens and the Hogwarts Express. Next is a whole day to explore Skye. After it is Castles, lochs and Nessie spotting. As we go over the sea to the Orkney Isles. Explore the ancient history of the Isles. Visit to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. Return via Culloden and the Cairngorms.

Day 1. Our wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Here you'll be able to 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! Overnight: Oban

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 one of the world's greatest 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.
Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 3. You'll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye'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. We'll leave Skye and head straight to 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 the option to cruise on Loch Ness, look out for Nessie and visit Urquhart Castle ruin. We’ll then head to Inverness for our overnight stop. Overnight: Inverness

Day 5. Today you head north via Inverness and the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths. Then you board the ferry for the memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Isles. Once you arrive you can take in the stunning scenery and start exploring. You'll visit the beautiful Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war. You'll also see the famous Churchill Barriers - causeways that were constructed to protect the British naval fleet from submarines. Overnight: Kirkwall

Day 6. From your base in Kirkwall, you'll spend the whole of day six exploring the Orkney. This is a land full of ancient history and you'll be able to take in 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 beautiful St Magnus Cathedral. Overnight: Kirkwall

Day 7. You will have a leisurely morning in Kirkwall, which boasts many craft and gift shops to enjoy. 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 dramatic coastline. We will be able to visit Dunrobin Castle before reaching your overnight stop, the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.
Overnight: Inverness

Day 8. As you head home, you’ll be able to visit the battlefield of Culloden*, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. You’ll also pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry.

End of Tour
 
*Optional extra - subject to seasonal availability.
** Please note itinerary may be reversed.