The Hebrides, Skye & Far West

Day 1 - Through the Trossachs to Oban...

Our wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Here you’ll explore Scotland’s ancient 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. Then it’s on the picturesque seaside town of Oban, home to Scotland’s best seafood!

Overnight: Oban

Day 2 - Gruesome Glens and the Hogwarts Express...

Day 2 takes you over the Connel Bridge through Appin to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe (scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan). We’ll stop in Fort William; a town dominated by Ben Nevis—the UK’s tallest peak, then jump aboard the Jacobite Steam Train. It’s one of the world’s greatest train journeys and will take you over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. We’ll continue to the end of the line, Mallaig, a pretty fishing port, bustling but remote. You will have the opportunity to have an early dinner and enjoy some excellent seafood before taking a short ferry ride over the sea to Skye, where you’ll spend your second night.

Overnight: Skye

Day 3 - A whole day to explore Skye...

You’ll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye’s mysteries and landscape. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself amongst the Cuillin Mountains, visit the black houses, take in the spectacular 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: Skye

Day 4 - Castles, lochs and beautiful beaches...

We’ll leave Skye and head straight to one of Scotland’s most photographed castle, Eilean Donan* which you’ll have ample time to explore. We’ll continue further north through Glen Carron and past Loch Carron towards Achnasheen. You’ll also experience the dramatic Glen Docherty which looks down towards Loch Maree, once visited by Queen Victoria and home to its very own “Nessie”: Muc-sheilche. Our lunch stop will be at Inverewe Garden*, well-known for its sub-tropical plants. You’ll also get to take in the incredible Gruinard Bay and the breath-taking Corrieshalloch Gorge and Rogie Falls, then on to your overnight stop by Loch Ness, where you can do an evening boat cruise*.

Overnight: Fort Augustus

Day 5 - North to Lewis and Harris...

Day five takes you further north, first to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, then to Dunrobin Castle*, the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. Here you can also enjoy a falconry display and a walk in its beautiful gardens. Then you will discover Knockan Crag Nature National 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...

Stornoway is the largest settlement in the Western Isles and your base for exploring the Isle of Lewis and Harris. After you’ve explored the town, you’ll head to the far north of the island to visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse (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. You’ll also have a chance to stroll some of the island’s stunning beaches and find out more about Harris Tweed cloth when you visit a traditional weaver*.

Overnight: Stornoway

Day 7 - Castaways and coastal splendour...

Day four gives you the chance to explore Harris, which is the Southern part of the island. First you’ll visit the main port, Tarbert, then you’ll travel a little west to look across the beautiful Sound of Taransay to the island made famous by the BBC’s Castaway programme. Here you’ll have the chance to stroll along what is arguably Harris’ most beautiful beach, Lusekentyre. The day ends as you wave goodbye to the island and take the ferry back to mainland.

Overnight: Inverness

Day 8 - Historic battlefields and home.

As you head home from Inverness, you’ll be able to visit the battlefield of Culloden*, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. Enjoy a wee dram at a local distillery*.You’ll also pass the stunning Cairngorm mountains and explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry.

The Little Details

• Minimum Age: Age 5+
• Tour Vehicle Type: Coach
• Months of Operation: June, July, August, September
• Duration of Tour: 8 days
• Departure Point: Edinburgh
• Departure Point: 1 Parliament Square, Royal Mile Edinburgh
• Departure Time: 08:30
• Expected return Time: 19:00
• Duration of Tour: 8 days