Hebrides, Skye & The Far West

Day 1

Through the Trossachs…

This tour encapsulating the Scottish experience begins by showing you the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and Kilmartin Glen. You will have the opportunity to step in to the past with over 5,000 years of history laid out before you, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle.

Onwards to Oban…

We will then head to Oban, your overnight for night 1, home to some of Scotland’s most delicious and freshest seafood. As we drive through the town, your driver-guide will delve into the history of this seaside village and point out some iconic sights to explore before dropping you off at your overnight accommodation.

Overnight: Oban

Day 2

Gruesome Glens and the Hogwarts Express…

Day two takes you over the Connel Bridge through Appin to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe where you will learn the harrowing story of the Glen Coe massacre. We’ll then go on to stop in Fort William; a town well known for being the location of Ben Nevis—the UK’s tallest peak.

On departures from May to September the next part of your journey will be by train. You will board the Jacobite Express in Fort William and travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct out to Mallaig, enjoying a really unique experience as well as some fantastic scenery.

For departures in April & October we will drive part of the route of one of the most fantastic train journeys in the entire world. We will stop to view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, and hopefully, get a chance to see the steam train cross it. We will also be able to see Glenfinnan Monument – and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds it!

Then it's time to go over the sea to Skye, where you will stay for the next two nights.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 3

A whole day to explore Skye…

The third day will be used to explore Skye’s beautiful sights with your driver-guide, visiting some of the best spots the island has to offer. There are so many sights to see including viewing the Cuillin mountains, visiting the black houses, taking in the incredible scenery of the Kilt Rock waterfall, the Old Man of Storr, and the Trotternish Peninsula, including a visit to the capital of the island, Portree.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 4

Castles, lochs, and beautiful beaches…

We will say goodbye to the Isle of Skye and head straight to one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, Eilean Donan* which you’ll have plenty of time to explore. Your driver-guide when then take you to the pretty Lochside village of Drumnadrochit for lunch, before having the option to cruise* on Loch Ness, look out for Nessie and visit Urquhart Castle* ruins. Leaving Nessie behind, we’ll then head to Inverness for the night.

Overnight: Inverness

Day 5

North to Lewis and Harris…

We begin the day by heading up north to the Capital of the Highlands, Inverness, then to Dunrobin Castle*, the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. Then you will discover Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve and learn about one of the oldest landscapes in Europe. Your journey through the Sutherland area will then take you on to the beautiful seaside town of Ullapool, where you catch the ferry to the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

Overnight: Stornoway

Day 6

Ancient history and traditional tweed…

You will have the opportunity to begin the day exploring Stornoway, the largest settlement on the Western Isles. After you’ve explored the town, you’ll head to the far north of the island to visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse which happens to be the windiest place in the UK! The day also features visits to the ancient Callanish Standing Stones and Carloway Broch, an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age structure located above Loch an Duin. Ending the day, you will be able to explore the beaches and learn more about Harris Tweed as you speak to a local weaver.

Overnight: Stornoway

Day 7

Castaways and coastal splendour…

Day seven gives you the chance to explore Harris, which is the southern part of the island. We’ll start off in Tarbert, then you’ll travel a little west to look across the beautiful Sound of Taransay recognisable from BBC’s Castaway programme. Here you’ll have the chance to stroll along what is arguably Harris’ most beautiful beach, Lusekentyre. We end the day saying goodbye to the island and heading back to the mainland.

Overnight: Inverness

Day 8

Explore the famous battlefield of Culloden…

Our first stop of the day allows you to delve into Scottish history at Culloden Battlefield*, the site of the last stand of the Jacobites against the British government forces in 1746. You can experience the events leading up to, during, and after the battle in the impressive visitor centre and interactive exhibition, as well as having the chance to wander the land where the battle itself took place. 

The journey home begins…

We’ll begin our journey back by heading to a local distillery for a whisky*. From here, we’ll then enjoy the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest National Park in Scotland as you pass through. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views before we arrive into the town of Pitlochry, the gateway to the highlands. Explore this quaint town before we head back to Edinburgh’s city centre.

Check-in 8:15am/ Departs 8:30am/ Returns 19:00pm