Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500

Embark on a journey from Edinburgh, passing the iconic Forth Bridges, and venture into the heart of the Highlands. Discover the charming village of Dunkeld, home to a historic cathedral by the River Tay. Immerse yourself in history at the Highland Folk Museum, a filming location for Outlander, before traversing the majestic Cairngorms National Park. Visit the poignant Culloden Battlefield and the enigmatic Clava Cairns, both inspirations for Outlander. Conclude your day in Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, where you can explore live-music venues or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the River Ness Isles. Overnight stay in Inverness (or similar).

Departing from Inverness, we embark on the breathtaking North Coast 500 trail, hugging Scotland's northeast coastline. Our first stop is the enchanting Dunrobin Castle, reminiscent of a French chateau with its stunning gardens. As we journey north, your guide will share tales of Scottish folklore and the impactful Highland Clearances. Experience the essence of Scotland with a visit to a local whisky distillery, savoring the 'water of life.' An hour-long ferry ride transports us to Orkney, where you might glimpse dolphins and whales. Our day concludes in Kirkwall, Orkney's largest town, where we settle in for the night. Overnight stay in Kirkwall (or similar).

Today, we delve into Orkney's rich history, starting with the Italian Chapel, a WWII relic built by prisoners. Our exploration of Neolithic Orkney includes Skara Brae, the best-preserved settlement of its kind in Western Europe, and the awe-inspiring Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness. In the afternoon, we visit the breathtaking Yesnaby Cliffs, a haven for puffins from April to July. Returning to Kirkwall, there's time to explore the town, visit St Magnus Cathedral, and enjoy a stroll by the 'Peedie Sea.' Overnight stay in Kirkwall (or similar).

We bid farewell to Orkney, catching the first ferry back to the mainland to continue our journey along the North Coast 500. Our first stop is the magnificent Smoo Cave, a sea cave nestled in the limestone cliffs of Sutherland. Crossing the Kylesku Bridge, we pause at Knockan Crag, a highlight of the north-west Highland's Geopark. Our day concludes in Ullapool, a picturesque harbour village where you can enjoy local ale and traditional live music. Overnight stay in Ullapool (or similar).

Leaving Ullapool, we traverse some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes en route to the Isle of Skye. Marvel at serene lochs, rugged scenery, and mountain ranges with cascading waterfalls. We pass the romantic Eilean Donan Castle before crossing the Skye Bridge to our enchanting island destination. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie's escape and the folklore surrounding the Old Man of Storr. Our final stop is Kilt Rock, with its impressive waterfall. We spend the night in Portree, the bustling hub of the Isle of Skye. Overnight stay in Portree (or similar).

This morning, we explore more of the beautiful Isle of Skye, visiting the stunning Sleat Peninsula, known as the 'Garden of Skye,' and driving through the magnificent Cuillin Mountains. We bid farewell to Skye and ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig, where you can enjoy a lunch of fresh Scottish seafood. Board the Jacobite Steam Train, famously known as the 'Hogwarts Express,' for one of the world's most spectacular railway journeys. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie's campaign stands. After a stop in the eerie Glen Coe, our journey takes us to the bustling fishing town of Oban, where we will spend the next two nights. Overnight stay in Oban (or similar).

After six days of adventure, today offers a chance to relax or explore at your own pace. From our base in Oban, you can take a ferry to one of the Western Isles, such as Mull, Iona, Staffa, or Kerrera. Alternatively, visit the local whisky distillery for a taste of Scotland's 'Water of Life,' or climb to Battery Hill to see McCaig's Tower and watch the sunset over Oban. All activities today are optional. Overnight stay in Oban (or similar).

Our final day begins with a journey through the Pass of Brander and along Loch Awe, where the dramatic ruins of Kilchurn Castle await. We catch a glimpse of the beautiful Falls of Dochart as we head south, noticing the changing scenery as we pass Stirling and the striking Wallace Monument. After lunch, we visit the iconic Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures, celebrating Central Scotland's horse-powered heritage. Our tour concludes as we arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening, marking the end of an unforgettable Scottish adventure.