Welcome to Scotland! We've got a short stint in Edinburgh, where you'll meet your crew and Trip Manager before we head north across the Firth of Forth, taking in views of the famous Forth Bridges as we journey into the Scottish Highlands.
First stop? The charming village of Dunkeld for a stroll among its historic streets and riverside scenery before continuing deeper into Perthshire.
Next, we'll venture into the Cairngorms, where you'll have the chance to ride the funicular railway up Cairngorm Mountain for sweeping views across the national park. Feeling adventurous? You can choose to swap the train for an optional mountain kart descent instead. Later, we'll visit the ancient burial chambers at Balnuaran of Clava.This evening, we'll arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, where you'll have plenty of opportunities to experience the region's renowned hospitality.
Leaving the Highland capital behind, we'll follow the eastern stretch of Scotland's legendary North Coast 500, winding past rugged coastline, dramatic scenery and tiny fishing villages.We'll stop at fairy-tale-like Dunrobin Castle to explore its grand gardens. If available, you may also have the chance to catch an optional falconry display showcasing a centuries-old Scottish tradition.Continuing north, we'll visit John o' Groats, the northernmost town on mainland Britain, before stopping at Duncansby Head to admire its dramatic sea stacks. You can also choose to visit a local whisky distillery and learn more about one of Scotland's most famous exports. Then it's time to board the ferry to Orkney. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for dolphins, whales and even the occasional orca.After crossing the Pentland Firth and passing through the historic Churchill Barriers, we'll arrive in Kirkwall. With its ancient cathedral, bustling harbour and welcoming pubs, it's the perfect place to spend your first evening on Orkney.
Today's all about uncovering Orkney’s past. We’ll travel through the Ring of Brodgar to explore the remarkable Neolithic village of Skara Brae, before stretching our legs on a coastal walk along Orkney’s rugged shoreline. Later, we'll visit the Orkney Brewery and stop by the Italian Chapel (a moving WWII landmark built by Italian prisoners of war). This evening, embrace your inner Norse warrior with an included Viking beach experience, complete with storytelling, traditional crafts and fireside bread baking.
Time to leave Orkney behind and cross the Pentland Firth back to mainland Scotland. Once ashore, we'll join the final stretch of the legendary North Coast 500 and soak up more of the Highlands' wild coastal scenery.Quick stop at Smoo Cave, a vast sea cave carved (that was once a hiding spot for whisky smugglers) before getting a thrill on the Golden Eagle Zip Line. Then it's on to Knockan Crag, part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, where the dramatic landscape reveals millions of years of the Earth's history.This afternoon, we'll arrive in the colourful harbour town of Ullapool. Set on the shores of Loch Broom and surrounded by Highland peaks, it's the perfect place to settle in and experience life in the Scottish Highlands.
This morning, we'll board the ferry and cross to the Isle of Lewis. This ain't an ordinary journey. This scenic sail follows a route once travelled by emigrants leaving Scotland for a new life overseas. Keep an eye out for whales, dolphins and seabirds as we make our way across the Minch.After arriving in Stornoway, the rest of the day is all yours/ Wander the harbour, check out the town's cafés and shops, or pay a visit to the impressive Lews Castle and its museum to learn more about the history and culture of the Outer Hebrides.
You've got a free morning in Stornoway before we head out to discover some of the Isle of Lewis' most fascinating landmarks. This afternoon, we'll visit the mysterious Callanish Standing Stones, which have overlooked the island's landscape for thousands of years. Then we'll explore the traditional Blackhouse Village for a glimpse into life in the Outer Hebrides in generations past.
Stornoway, you were stunning. This morning, we'll journey south through the Outer Hebrides and discover one of Scotland's most famous exports - Harris Tweed at a weaver's workshop.Next, we'll visit the spectacular beaches of Luskentyre, where white sands and turquoise waters create an unforgettable stretch of coastline. We'll also stop by Harris Distillery for a look at another local speciality.After crossing to the Isle of Skye, we'll continue to the colourful harbour town of Portree, our base for exploring more of Scotland's dramatic west coast.
Today is all about the Isle of Skye. Setting off from Portree, we'll spend the day exploring one of Scotland's most legendary landscapes. Think dramatic mountains, rugged coastlines and ancient folklore. We'll keep things flexible here in Skye, and head out to seek its most spectacular scenery with a Local Guide. Expect towering cliffs, sweeping views, waterfalls and plenty of opportunities to get out and explore on foot while discovering the stories that make this island so iconic. After a full day of exploring, we'll return to Portree with a camera roll full of epic landscapes and a few Skye stories of our own.
Leaving Skye behind, we'll travel south through some of the Highlands' most dramatic scenery before crossing over to the mainland.In Mallaig, we'll board the iconic Jacobite Steam Train for a journey through spectacular Highland landscapes. Along the way, we'll pass the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (the railway bridge featured in the Harry Potter films) and even Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. Back on the road, we'll visit Glencoe and take time to explore one of Scotland's most legendary landscapes. We'll also roam across the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, surrounded by sweeping views and rugged Highland scenery.And back in Edinburgh, our journey will end on a high. Swap socials and say your goodbyes to this epic adventure.
