9 Day Highlands & Hebrides Tour

After pick-up we head for Stirling, often nicknamed the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. We make our way to one of Scotland’s most important castles, Stirling Castle, with impressive architecture and a long and turbulent history. Later, we tour north through Callander town and past Loch Lubnaig before stopping to view the beautiful landscape at Loch Tulla. Next, we venture through Rannoch Moor and travel over the mountain pass of Glencoe to take in its dramatic splendour. Overnight Fort William.

After breakfast, we tour west on the spectacular ‘Road to the Isles’ which provides spectacular Highland scenery and wonderful coastal views across the Sound of Arisaig to the Small Isles of Eigg and Rhum. Our journey takes us past the Glenfinnan Viaduct which forms part of the West Highland Rail Line, and then the white sand beaches of Morar on our way to take the ferry ‘Over the Sea to Skye’. Overnight Skye area. 

Today we begin on a tour of the Isle of Skye, passing through Broadford and on to the main settlement on the Island, Portree, with its colourful harbour front and interesting shops. After lunch we head north through the rugged Trotternish Peninsula and take in the views at Uig, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Falls before travelling back down the island for the evening. Other options are a possibility depending on the weather, but this will most definitely be a day to remember. Overnight Skye area.

This morning we take the ferry from Skye to the Outer Hebrides [JK1] where we will spend the afternoon exploring the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Harris. With dramatic landscapes, unique Gaelic culture, and fascinating history, Harris is the perfect starting point for your Hebridean adventure. Highlights today include Harris Tweed shopping, the winding Golden Road, 15th century Rodel Church, and stunning Luskentyre Beach. Overnight Outer Hebrides.

Today we explore the rich history 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. We head out to experience a Harris Tweed demonstration, visit the ancient Calanais Standing Stones, Dun Carloway Broch, and a traditional Blackhouse village we will discover the ancient way of life. Overnight Outer Hebrides.

After breakfast, head out on foot to explore Stornoway town and do some last-minute shopping before we board the ferry back to the mainland. The ferry passes the Summer Isles as we near the port at Ullapool, where after docking, we venture through Wester Ross. This is a very old landscape and the area is well known for its spectacular mountain scenery, especially the Torridon Hills. Overnight nr Inverness.

After breakfast, visit Culloden Battlefield where supporters of King James II and his descendants, sought to restore the House of Stuart to the British throne. Learn about the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising that changed the future of the Highlands forever. We tour east along the Moray coast for a tour and tasting at the Single Malt Whisky Distillery. Overnight Aberdeen. 

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Aberdeen sites of interest (exact locations tbc) before we tour into majestic Royal Deeside. For the most part, the road sticks closely to the River Dee as it winds its way from Aberdeen to the picturesque Victorian village of Ballater. Surrounded by glorious countryside, it is easy to see why Queen Victoria fell in love with the place in 1848. We end the day touring the scenic Glenshee route with fine vistas of the Cairngorms National Park. Overnight Dunkeld. 

Relax and enjoy the historic village of Dunkeld with ancient Cathedral and picturesque village square before we bid farewell to the Highlands on our way through the ‘Sma Glen’ - a scenic glen in central Perthshire. Enjoy a visit to Drummond Castle Gardens where the beautiful 17th century gardens were used as the park and orchard of the Palace of Versailles in Outlander Season 2. Next, visit Falkland village that was used as the filming location for Inverness in Outlander. Tour ends in Glasgow.