14 Day Shetland, Orkney & Isle of Skye

Today we begin with a leisurely visit to Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by Dan Brown's book The Da Vinci Code, before travelling to Stirling in the heart of Scotland. After lunch, we visit Bannockburn Battlefield, where Robert the Bruce’s smaller Scottish army defeated the forces of Edward II in 1314, a decisive victory in the Wars of Scottish Independence. We then continue to Stirling Castle, a favoured residence of Scotland’s kings and queens, for a full tour exploring the castle’s long and turbulent history. Overnight Perthshire.

This morning we cross the Firth of Tay to the coastal town of Arbroath, famous for its smoked fish. Here we shall visit the ruins of Arbroath Abbey founded in 1178 that played a role in the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath. Take a walk out to 15th century Broughty Ferry Castle that offers stunning views of the beach and the sparkling waters of the Tay estuary. After visiting Montrose and enjoying lunch in Stonehaven harbour we head for Aberdeen and prepare to take the overnight ferry to Shetland. Overnight onboard Northlink ferry 

This morning we arrive on Shetland and head out to explore the south mainland. Visit Sumburgh Head with its dramatic high cliffs teeming with thousands of seabirds including the famous puffins and look out for sightings of orcas, dolphins and whales. Visit the archaeological site of Jarlshof with impressive remains from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Viking and mediaeval periods, then the best-preserved broch in Scotland Broch of Mousa, and walk out to St Ninians Isle, a small island connected by the largest tombolo in the UK. Look out for Shetland Ponies. Overnight Lerwick.

After breakfast we tour the north of mainland Shetland to take in some of the island’s most spectacular coastline, passing by fishing villages, crofts and look for Shetland ponies grazing. Our journey takes us over to Yell, the second largest island in Shetland after the Mainland, and then over to Unst. Visit the ruins of Muness Castle, a splendid example of tower house architecture and the home of a prominent, divisive figure in Shetland history. We explore more of these islands before making the return journey back to Lerwick. Overnight Lerwick. 

Today we tour to the islands of Trondra and Burra, connected to each other and the mainland by bridges - a photographer's paradise! Next, get up close and personal with the friendly Shetland ponies at The Shetland Pony Experience. Handle the ponies and learn more about them by asking as many questions as you like. You’ll get to lead the ponies through the idyllic, picturesque, rugged coastal fields to a secluded beach for the perfect photo opportunity. If time allows, we’ll view nearby Scalloway Castle, built in 1595 by a relative of Mary Queen of Scots. Overnight Lerwick.

After a leisurely breakfast, visit Fort Charlotte to wander among the massive walls of this artillery fort built to protect the Sound of Bressay from the Dutch. Later, visit Clickimin Iron Age Broch dating from the late Bronze Age, one of the best-preserved broch sites in Shetland. End your day with some free time in Lerwick town to enjoy the independent shops before we have to prepare for our evening ferry crossing to Orkney. Overnight Kirkwall. 

Wake to the beauty of Orkney with beautiful beaches, heritage, unique culture and wonderful wildlife. After a leisurely breakfast, take a stroll through Kirkwall’s single street that snakes its way south from the colourful harbour, lined with a fabulous range of shops and independent retailers. When you’re ready, we head off for Skara Brae - Europe's most complete Neolithic village, Maes Howe neolithic chambered cairn built around 2800 BC, the Ring of Brodgar and the stones of Stenness. Overnight Orkney.

This morning we head out to experience Midhowe Broch and one of the finest chambered cairns in Scotland. Midhowe Cairn is the most impressive of Rousay island’s chambered tombs. Measuring 32.5 meters, marvel at its compartments from above, thanks to walkways that offer a full view of the tomb's grandeur. Imagine walking along that passage over 4,000 years ago, the dim light from your firebrand revealing rows of the neolithic deceased. 

Today begins with a ferry crossing back to the mainland of Scotland and into Caithness where we pause to take in the view at Duncansby Stacks and John o’ Groats before visiting the Wick Heritage Museum which has a strong focus on the herring-boom era of the town’s history. Later, we travel south to visit the relatively unexplored ancient harbour of Whaligoe Haven to learn about the herring boom of the 1800’s. We arrive in picturesque Dornoch town surrounded by rolling hills, unspoiled beaches, and the peaceful Dornoch Firth. Overnight Dornoch. 

This morning we tour to Bonar Bridge and the Struie Road Viewpoint for fine views over the Dornoch Firth and beyond, to Inverness. Known as the capital of the Highlands, this historic city grew around a strategic crossing of the River Ness and became a royal burgh in the 12th century. Enjoy exploring the city before we have lunch on the shores of Loch Ness. This afternoon we visit Culloden Battlefield, which provides a lasting image of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his 1746 Jacobite Army, and then the ancient standing stones and burial cairns at Clava. Overnight Inverness.

After breakfast we tour south for Beauly market town. Enjoy a look around here and view the Priory before we tour along the banks of Loch Ness. This is the second largest Scottish loch by surface area but due to its great depth, it is the largest by volume. The scenic route takes us through the beauty of Glen Shiel where we stop to enjoy a visit to iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most recognised castles in Scotland. We cross over the Skye Bridge to photograph Sligachan Old Bridge which offers a glimpse of the spectacular scenery to come. Overnight Skye.

We tour the Isle of Skye with fabulous scenery and seascapes. Our first stop is a scenic walk at the Fairy Pools beneath the Cuillin Mountains. Next, explore the castle and grounds of Dunvegan Castle, home to the famous Fairy Flag and also one of the greatest Hebridean castles which has been occupied by the clan MacLeod for over 800 years, before taking a light walk at Coral Beach. Later, we head north for the Museum of Island Life, Kilt Rock Falls, The Old Man of Storr, and the bizarre landscape of the Quiraing. Overnight Skye.

This morning we tour south to visit Armadale Castle & Gardens before we take the ferry over to the fishing port of Mallaig where we stop for lunch. The ‘Road to the Isles’, provides wonderful views to the Small Isles of Eigg and Rhum and follows the West Highland Railway Line, built to help open up this remote part of the Scottish coast. We stop at Glenfinnan to view the monument in honour of the Highlanders who gave their lives to the Jacobite cause in 1745. We arrive in the historic town of Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Overnight Fort William.

After breakfast we tour through beautiful Glencoe that is steeped in history with dramatic scenery, pausing to photograph the dramatic landscape. Scotland’s first National Park is spectacular, and we stop at the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond to take time out to walk the shores when we visit the conservation village of Luss. Loch Lomond is Britain's largest freshwater loch and is also, in the opinion of many, it's most beautiful. Next, we head for Edinburgh via The Kelpies to photograph the largest equine sculptures in the world. Tour ends in Edinburgh.