Orkney, Skye and the Far North

Our tour will begin in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town before we trave to Glasgow - Scotland’s biggest city and industrial capital - where the rest of your group will join the first part of your tour. Our wide-ranging tour begins heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond and the surrounding national park contain some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, alongside some picture-postcard villages.

From here we will travel to Kilmartin Glen, an area rich archaeological legacy which is almost unrivalled in Scotland. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before us, we will walk in the footsteps of the first Scots and decipher the mysteries of an area soaked in history, visiting sites such as Dunadd Hill Fort, the Temple Wood Stone Circle and the extraordinary Neolithic rock art at Achnabreck.

To conclude your first day we will have a scenic journey to the picturesque seaside town of Oban, you first overnight stop, and home to Scotland’s best seafood! As we drive through it, your guide will provide you with an overview of the history of the town and its most famous sights

We begin our second day travelling over Connel Bridge through Appin to the haunting and dramatic landscape of Glen Coe where you will be able to hear more about of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan. We’ll stop in Fort William; a town dominated by Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK.

In the afternoon, you will travel to the pretty fishing village of Mallaig on the Jacobite Steam Train, often considered to be one of world’s greatest train journeys.

From Mallaig we will take the ferry to the Isle of Skye, where will be staying overnight for the second and third nights of this tour.

On the third day of your tour, you will have the opportunity to explore Skye’s mysteries and landscape with your knowledgeable driver-guide, who will be able ensure you get the most out of your time on the island based on the weather and group.

Stops often include the likes of Cuillin Mountains, Dun Beag Broch, the Black Houses, the Kilt Rock Waterfall, The Old Man of Storr and the Trotternish Peninsula, and of course the capital of the island, Portree.

It’s the perfect Scottish experience where you will be able to visit and walk amongst the dramatic and often other-worldly scenery of the Isle of Skye all whilst learning more about the fascinating history and legends of the Island.

Day 4 begins with a journey over the Skye Bridge, where we return to the mainland and travel to, Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed locations. which you’ll have ample time to explore. Eilean Donan is one of the greatest medieval castles in Scotland. With a history that dates back to the 13th century, this fortress will take you back in time to most troubled and times of Scottish history. You’ll have ample time to explore the Castle, which sits on its own Island on Loch Duich

We then travel through the stunning mountains of Glenshiel to the pretty village of Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness for lunch. Here, you can choose taking a boat cruise on the world-famous Loch Ness, which would also include a visit to Urquhart Castle on the shore of the Loch. Alternatively, you would have the time to enjoy and explore the surroundings.

We’ll then head North to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, where we will spend the fourth evening of the tour

On the fifth day of your tour, you will meet you new group of travel companions and river-guide for the second half of your tour.

You will journey to the far north coast of the Scottish mainland, enjoying the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths as you travel past. You will then catch the ferry for a memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Isles. There are over 70 islands in this group, of which only 20 are inhabited. You will be staying on the largest, known simply as Mainland.

When you have arrived in Orkney, 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 during the Second World War. These prisoners later became paid workers when Italy joined the allies, and the church was constructed from a corrugated steel military building to give the Italians a proper place of worship.

From the same era, you’ll also see the famous Churchill Barriers – causeways that were constructed by the same prisoners who built the Italian Chapel, to protect the British naval fleet, which was based in Orkney during the second world war, from submarines.

You will make your way to the largest town in Orkney, Kirkwall, which will be your overnight stop for your two nights in Orkney.

From your base in Kirkwall, this day of your tour will be spent exploring the varied landscapes and history of Orkney. This is a land so rich in ancient history that the area is a UNESCO world heritage site.

One of the fascinating archaeological sites you will visit is the Maeshowe chambered cairn. This site dates from the Neolithic era, however there is also a strong Viking influence at the site, you will be able to learn more about both civilisations and their influence on Orkney whilst on tour with us.

You can also visit the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae. It is composed of eight houses and is Europe’s most complete Neolithic village. It is also one of the best-preserved monuments in western Europe, despite being discovered after a storm in 1850! You will go on to see the brooding stone circles of Stenness and the Ring o’Brodgar, both of which are from the Neolithic era over 4000 years ago.

The day will finish with a return to Kirkwall to visit to beautiful Britain’s most northerly cathedral, St Magnus Cathedral, which boasts stunning Romanesque architecture.

The beginning of your second morning will give you the opportunity for a relaxed start giving you the opportunity to explore the town of Kirkwall, which boasts many craft and gift shops to enjoy. Take time to explore the beautiful working harbour and ancient streets.

In the late morning, we will say goodbye to Orkney and join the ferry ride back to the mainland. Your expert guide will ensure you get the best out of your journey to Inverness, exploring the dramatic coastline.

Your first stop after returning to the mainland will be John O’ Groats, the northern most village on the UK mainland, and the only place where you can view both the east and west coasts of the UK simultaneously. It’s an excellent opportunity for a photo stop as well!

We will then start travelling south and will make a stop at Dunrobin Castle, the most northern of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands. It is also Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited stately home, more recently owned by the Dukes of Sutherland. Explore the vibrant formal gardens and discover why this Scottish Castle looks like a French chateau.

You will return to Inverness for the final overnight stay of this tour. This ancient cathedral city has no shortage of things to view, full of cathedrals, churches, and cobbled streets.

As you return to Edinburgh on the final day of the tour, our first stop will be a visit Culloden battlefield, the site of the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces, in the last pitched battle fought in the UK. Learn more about this turbulent moment of Scottish history which shaped the way the country ran for centuries.

You’ll also pass the through the stunning Cairngorm Mountains, which is a popular centre for outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing in the summer and skiing and other winter sports during the colder months. The Cairngorm National Park is also the largest national park in Scotland and proves a popular destination for tourists and locals alike due to its proximity to major cities such as Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

We will then travel south and explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry, made popular in the Victorian era as the gateway to the Highlands. The charming town is full of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. It also boasts great mountain and Lochside views.

It is then only a short drive to Edinburgh where your tour will finish and you will say goodbye to your group.