Orkney, Hebrides & North Coast 500

We begin our journey in Edinburgh, heading north to the lush landscapes of Perthshire, known as 'Big Tree Country'. Our first stop is the charming cathedral town of Dunkeld, nestled on the banks of the River Tay. We then continue to the dramatic gorge at Killiecrankie, where you can opt for a thrilling bungee jump. Our journey takes us through the wild beauty of the Cairngorms National Park, with a stop at the mysterious Clava Cairns and the historic battlefield of Culloden. We end the day at the shores of the legendary Loch Ness, where you can choose to join an evening cruise. We'll spend the night at Morag's Lodge (or similar), where you can experience the warm hospitality of the Highlands.

Our second day takes us further north, following the scenic North Coast 500 route. We'll explore the enchanting Dunrobin Castle and its beautiful gardens, and marvel at the towering sea stacks at Duncansby Head. We'll visit John o' Groats, the most northerly town on the UK mainland, where you can opt for a whisky tasting tour at the Eight Doors Distillery. We'll then cross the Pentland Firth by ferry, with the chance to spot dolphins and whales. In Orkney, we'll drive across the historic Churchill Barriers and arrive in Kirkwall in the evening. Here, you can enjoy a unique Viking beach feast, complete with storytelling, crafts, and games.

Our third day is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Orkney. We'll start with a visit to the remarkably preserved Neolithic village of Skara Brae, where you can step back in time and explore ancient homes complete with Stone Age furniture. We'll then delve into the mysteries of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, visiting the towering Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness. We'll also visit the Italian Chapel, built by prisoners during WWII, and explore the ancient St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. You'll also have the chance to enjoy Orkney's wild coastline, with the possibility of spotting puffins in the cliffs.

We say goodbye to Kirkwall and catch the early morning ferry back to the mainland, rejoining the NC500 route along the coast. The northern stretch of the coast offers stunning views of paradise beaches, towering cliffs, and impressive landscapes in Scotland's first UNESCO Geopark. We'll explore the vast Smoo Cave in Durness, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can try the Golden Eagle Zipline. We'll also take a walk at the Knockan Crag Nature Reserve, marveling at the breathtaking geology of the North-West Highlands. We'll continue over the picturesque Kylesku Bridge towards our final destination for the day, the fishing port of Ullapool.

On day five, we set sail from Ullapool to the Isle of Lewis and Harris, with the chance to spot marine life on the way. Once we disembark in Stornoway, we'll explore the island's rich cultural heritage, starting with a visit to the 5000-year-old Callanish Standing Stones. We'll then travel through time to the Iron Age at the impressive broch of Dun Carloway. We'll also visit the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, where the island way of life is preserved as it was in the 17th century. The island's rugged Atlantic coastline offers breathtaking views, and back in Stornoway, you can stroll around the harbour and sample fresh seafood for dinner.

We leave Stornoway and head south to the majestic mountains of Harris, where we'll explore more of the beautiful Outer Hebrides. We'll visit the stunning beaches of Harris, and then head back to Tarbert to visit the award-winning Isle of Harris Gin Distillery. From Tarbert, we'll catch the ferry to the magical Isle of Skye. We'll head straight for the Quiraing, hike to the Old Man of Storr, and soak up the coastal views at Kilt Rock and Lealt Falls. We'll end the day in the colourful harbour town of Portree, where we'll spend the night.

After six days of action-packed exploration, day seven offers a chance to relax, explore, or get active at your own pace. From our base in Portree, you can set off on a long hike, relax by the sea, or simply watch the world go by. There are wildlife cruises departing from the harbour, where you might spot dolphins, whales, and sea eagles. If you're looking for something more adventurous, there are various activities offered by local companies. Please note that all activities today are optional and need to be arranged independently.

On our final day, we leave Portree and head to the fishing port of Mallaig, where we'll catch our last ferry. From Mallaig, we'll embark on a memorable ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. We'll pass by Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest mountain, as we leave Fort William. Our journey south includes a stop in the stunning Glen Coe, and we'll pass through the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. We'll also stop in Stirling and visit The Kelpies, the world's largest horse sculptures, before arriving back in Edinburgh in the evening, marking the end of our unforgettable tour.