12 Day Outer Hebrides, Neolithic Orkney & Highlands Tour

A perfect journey through some of Scotland's most spectacular highland and coastal scenery. Explore our ancient heritage, natural island landscapes and iconic attractions over 12 relaxing days. Begin your journey in Scotland's first National Park and on to the splendid Isle of Skye, the wild and rugged Outer Hebrides, to the dramatic north coast to come face to face with Neolithic history in Orkney. Experience the atmosphere of breath-taking Glencoe and quaint fishing villages such as Mallaig, and visit iconic Eilean Donan Castle. This tour includes carefully selected, quality accommodation.

Day 1 is a fabulous introduction to the Scottish landscape, exploring the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. After lunch, enjoy the fabulous grounds of Inveraray Castle before we travel north for a hill-side walk at fabulous Glencoe, steeped in history with dramatic scenery. Overnight nr Glencoe.

Day 2 takes us west on the spectacular “Road to the Isles” providing wonderful views across the Sound of Arisaig to the Small Isles of Eigg and Rhum. Our journey takes us past Neptune’s Staircase on our way to take the ferry “Over the Sea to Skye”. Overnight nr Skye.

Day 3 is a tour of the Isle of Skye, passing through Broadford and on to the Island capital, Portree. Heading north we take in the fabulous scenery and seascapes with Kilt Rock Falls, the Storr and Dunvegan Castle possible options. Overnight north Skye.

Day 4 we travel by ferry from Skye to the Outer Hebrides exploring the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Harris with highlights including the Golden Road, St. Clements Church, stunning Luskentyre beach, a weaving demonstration and Harris Tweed Exhibition. Overnight North Harris.

Day 5 we explore the rich history of Lewis which has been inhabited by man for around 5000 years or more. We visit Abhainn Dearg Distillery, the ancient Calanais Standing Stones, Dun Carloway Broch, and a traditional blackhouse village we will discover the ancient way of life. Overnight Lewis.

Day 6 allows time to explore the town of Stornoway before we head back to the mainland past the Summer Isles and venture through Wester Ross. This is a very old landscape which is well known for its mountain scenery, after taking in Ullapool we visit the ruins of Ardvreck Castle. Overnight Kylesku.

Day 7 we explore the most remote north west coast with views to Handa Island. Learn of the tragic story of the Highland Clearances, the Clan Mackay and the story of crofting life at the Strathnaver Museum. The ancient Pictish Farr Stone is situated nearby. Overnight nr Thurso.

Day 8 we cross the Pentland Firth to Orkney. This archipelago of 70 islands and skerries has beautiful beaches, heritage, culture and wonderful wildlife. We cross the Churchill Barriers to visit the Italian Chapel, spend time in Kirkwall and view St. Magnus Cathedral and take a tour of Highland Park Distillery. Overnight Orkney.

Day 9 we head out to the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae and the Broch of Gurness, one of the most outstanding examples of a prehistoric settlement. On the way, we visit Maes Howe, the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, and later the Brough of Birsay. Overnight Orkney.

Day 10 we head back to the mainland of Scotland and Caithness where we visit Wick Heritage Museum, which has a strong focus on the herring-boom era of Wick's history. Later, we explore the ancient harbour of Whaligoe Haven and then finish the day with an afternoon walk. Overnight Dornoch

Day 11 takes us to Tain Pottery and then Culloden Battlefield to learn about the last Jacobite rebels who fell here. Later we travel to Cairngorms National Park to visit Carrbridge. Overnight Pitlochry.

Day 12 explores Highland Perthshire and Crieff to visit the Caithness Glass Visitor Centre before moving on to Stirling. Stirling Castle is the next stop for a full tour to take in the castle's long and turbulent history. We take in the famous Forth Rail Bridge before making our way back to Edinburgh.

What We Include

• Your own tour co-ordinator who will work with you to provide the best itinerary to suit you.
• Accommodation Handpicked by Best Scottish Tours
• Quality B&B lodgings
• Full Scottish breakfast each morning
• A luxury touring vehicle with ample space for all luggage and passenger
• Maximum of 8 people per vehicle
• Your own driver/tour guide

What We Don’t Include

• Airfares
• Lunch/snacks and dinners
• Drinks / Beverages
• Attractions
• Gratuities

Our tours operate on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis where possible with lunch and beverages excluded. Where dinner is not included in your accommodation, an allocation per head is organised at that evening’s restaurant.