12 Day Skye, Outer Hebrides & Orkney

Day 1 is a fabulous introduction to the Scottish landscape, exploring the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. After lunch, enjoy the fabulous grounds of Inveraray Castle before we travel north for a hill-side walk at fabulous Glencoe, steeped in history with dramatic scenery. Overnight nr Glencoe.

Day 2 takes us west on the spectacular “Road to the Isles” providing wonderful views across the Sound of Arisaig to the Small Isles of Eigg and Rhum. From the fishing village of Mallaig we take the ferry “Over the Sea to Skye” and visit Eilean Donan Castle.  Overnight nr Skye.

Day 3 is a tour of Skye, passing through Broadford and on to the Island capital, Portree. Heading north we take in the fabulous scenery and seascapes with visits to Kilt Rock Falls and the Old Man of Storr. Other possible options include Dunvegan Castle or the Fairy Pools. Overnight north Skye.

Day 4 we travel by ferry from Skye to the Outer Hebrides exploring the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Harris with highlights including the Golden Road, St. Clements Church, stunning Luskentyre beach, a weaving demonstration and Harris Tweed Exhibition. Overnight Harris.

Day 5 we explore the rich history of Lewis which has been inhabited by man for around 5000 years or more. We head over the hills to visit the ancient Calanais Standing Stones, Dun Carloway Broch, and a traditional blackhouse village where we will discover the ancient way of life. Overnight Lewis.

Day 6 allows time to explore the town of Stornoway and Lews Castle before we head back to the mainland past the Summer Isles and venture through Wester Ross, an area well known for its mountain scenery, and after taking in Ullapool we visit the ruins of Ardvreck Castle. Overnight Kylesku.

Day 7 we explore the most remote north west coast with views to Handa Island. Learn of the tragic story of the Highland Clearances, the Clan Mackay and the story of crofting life at the Strathnaver Museum. The ancient Pictish Farr Stone is situated nearby. Overnight nr Thurso.

Day 8 we cross the Pentland Firth to Orkney. This archipelago of 70 islands and skerries has beautiful beaches, heritage, culture and wonderful wildlife. We cross the Churchill Barriers to visit the Italian Chapel, St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall town and the Highland Park Distillery. Overnight Orkney.

Day 9 we head out to the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae and the Broch of Gurness, one of the most outstanding examples of a prehistoric settlement. On the way, we visit Maes Howe, the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, and later the Brough of Birsay.  Overnight Orkney.

Day 10 we head back to the mainland of Scotland and Caithness where we visit Wick Heritage Museum, which has a strong focus on the herring-boom era of Wick's history. Later, we explore the ancient harbour of Whaligoe Haven and then finish the day with an afternoon walk. Overnight Dornoch.

Day 11 takes us to Culloden Battlefield to learn about the last Jacobite rebels who fell here and then a visit to nearby Clava Cairns. Later we travel to Benromach Distillery for some whisky tasting and into the Cairngorms National Park to visit Carrbridge and its Packhorse bridge. Overnight Pitlochry.

Day 12 explores Highland Perthshire before we tour south to Stirling Castle to take in the castle's long and turbulent history. Later, we take in the Robert the Bruce monument and the Falkirk wheel and Forth Rail Bridge on our way back to Edinburgh.