15 Day Hebrides, Highlands & Orkney Tour

After pick-up between 9:00am & 10:30am we begin with a fabulous introduction to the Scottish landscape. Departing Edinburgh, we stop to take in the ‘Kelpies’ and then head deep into the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, crossing the river Teith and through the village of Callander, stopping at Loch Lubnaig to admire the views. Next, we visit the charming village of Killin with its scenic bridge and the spectacular Falls of Dochart. We tour west, traveling past Loch Awe and the ruins of Kilchurn Castle to the seaside town of Oban, ‘Gateway to the Isles’. Overnight Oban.

This morning we take the morning ferry to the rugged Isle of Mull. Crossing the Firth of Lorne, we arrive on the island and explore the north of the island with its stunning mountain scenery, seascapes, and abundant wildlife - look out for Deer, Otters and White-Tailed Eagles. We visit historic Duart Castle, the town of Tobermory with its wonderful frontage of painted houses and interesting shops before we venture west to walk the white sand beach at Calgary Bay. Overnight Mull.

We head out to explore the south of the island with its stunning mountain scenery and seascapes. After touring through the Ardmeanach Peninsula, step aboard a wildlife cruise to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa. Enjoy 2¼ hours ashore to observe and photograph puffins, and 1hr ashore on Staffa, where Atlantic waves crash into Fingal's Cave formed from giant basalt columns. Following a full afternoon viewing seabirds and seals we make our way back to the pier. Cruise 11:40 to 17:45. Overnight Mull.

This morning we take the morning ferry from Mull back to Oban and continue north through the Highlands. We arrive in Fort William, Scotland's largest Highland town, to view Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Touring north, we tour through the 'Great Glen' to Fort Augustus village where you’ll enjoy a short walk along part of the Caledonian Canal. After lunch in Drumnadrochit village, tour along the banks of the mysterious waters of Loch Ness to Inverness, the ‘Capital of the Highlands’. Overnight Inverness.

This morning we take the ferry from Ullapool to the Outer Hebrides where we will spend the afternoon exploring the rich history of the Isle of Lewis which has been inhabited by man for around 5000 years or more. From ancient monuments and rich Gaelic heritage to rugged coastlines and spectacular wildlife, Lewis has much to offer. Arriving in Stornoway, we tour north to visit the Butt of Lewis cliffs and lighthouse before continuing to Borve for the evening. Overnight Lewis.

Today we explore the rich history of Lewis which has been inhabited by man for around 5000 years or more. We visit the extraordinary cross-shaped setting of Calanais Standing Stones erected 5,000 years ago, the remarkably well-preserved broch of Dun Carloway that saw more than 1,000 years of use, and a traditional blackhouse village to discover an ancient way of life. Overnight Lewis.

This morning we head off exploring the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Harris, starting the day with a Harris Tweed weaving demonstration at a local weaver’s workshop. Some highlights today include dramatic west coast beaches with white sand and stunning green-blue water, the twisting Golden Road along the rugged east coast, St. Clements Church at Rodel, and a tranquil walk on the silver sands of stunning Luskentyre beach. Overnight Lewis.  

This morning allows time to explore the town of Stornoway, perhaps taking a quiet stroll in the grounds of Lews Castle, before we board the ferry back to the mainland. Keep your eyes open for seabirds, whales and dolphins as we cruise past the Summer Isles. Arriving in Ullapool town we venture through Wester Ross, a very old landscape that is well known for its mountain scenery. We pause to view the ruins of Ardvreck Castle. Overnight Kylesku.

Explore the most remote north-west coast. This is a place of unspoilt, dramatic seascapes on the extreme edge of Europe boasting natural scenery, from world-famous beaches to the peaks of hills that dot the land. We stop to walk the sands at Balnakeil Beach and Sango Bay and visit Smoo Cave to view the largest sea cave entrance in Britain where the Vikings repaired their Long Ships and fished for herring. Learn about the highland clearances at the Strathnaver Museum. Overnight Thurso.

This morning we cross the Pentland Firth and spend the day exploring Orkneys mainland. We cross the second world war Churchill Barriers to visit the Italian Chapel, beautifully constructed by Italian prisoners of war before touring to the ancient capital of Kirkwall which has strong links to Norse times in the 11th century. Enjoy a walk in the town and visit St. Magnus Cathedral and take a tour of Highland Park Distillery. Overnight Orkney.

Today we explore Maes Howe Chambered Cairn, Standing Stones of Stenness and the impressive Ring of Brodgar. We head for Yesnaby Clifffs for a light walk for some of the most spectacular views along the coastline. In calm weather, the small coves have clear seas however, in a westerly storm, the cliffs come alive as a mass of sea foam and raging sea. We spend the afternoon visiting Skara Brae village which survives in impressive condition – as does, incredibly, the furniture in the village houses. Overnight Orkney

We board the ferry and cross back to the mainland of Scotland. Arriving in Caithness we visit Castle & Gardens of Mey, the most northerly inhabited castle on mainland Britain. Experience a unique look into the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Enjoy a guided tour through the 16th century castle to get an insight into Her Majesty's wonderful life in Caithness and walk through the beautiful grounds including the 2-acre Walled Garden. Visit John o’Groats and then Duncansby Head to view the impressive Sea Stacks. Overnight Thurso.

This morning we tour to one of Scotland’s most northerly coastal towns, Wick, where you can learn of the herring-boom era at the Wick Heritage Museum. Heading south, we explore the ancient harbour of Whaligoe Haven where you’ll follow in the backbreaking footsteps of the men and women of the herring fishing industry. We pause in the quaint village of Dornoch for lunch and then on to Culloden Battlefield which will provide a lasting image of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite Army of 1746. Overnight Grantown-on-Spey.

After breakfast  we head into the Rothiemurchus Estate. Heather moorland covers much of the Cairngorms National Park and it provides us with the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife from Golden Eagle or Osprey to Red Deer Stag and Pine Martin. We make our way to the highland village of Carrbridge, home to the oldest pack horse bridge in the highlands, and then enjoy a walk around Loch an Eilein with its 13th century island castle. The onward journey takes us south through the Caledonian Pine Forest to picturesque Feshie Bridge and the ruins of Ruthven Barracks, Queen’s View and Pitlochry town. Overnight Dunkeld.

Today we relax and enjoy Highland Perthshire, taking some time out to explore the highland village of Dunkeld before touring into the Kingdom of Fife to explore St Andrews. Arriving in St Andrews, the University dominates the town where you can enjoy some free time exploring the medieval centre consisting of narrow alleys and cobbled streets. Enjoy exploring St Andrews before we depart for Edinburgh Airport. Tour ends in Edinburgh.