Scotland & Orkney Uncovered - 8 days

Begin your Scottish adventure in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, where you’ll meet your group before setting out westward. Traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, soaking in views of tranquil lochs and rolling hills. Delve into Scotland’s ancient past in Kilmartin Glen, exploring the enigmatic Temple Wood Stone Circle and the storied Dunadd Fort. As the afternoon unfolds, journey to the lively port town of Oban, renowned for its charming waterfront and exceptional seafood. Settle into your comfortable accommodation (Oban Bay Hotel or similar), and enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps sampling local delicacies or strolling along the Victorian promenade.

After breakfast in Oban, cross the scenic Connel Bridge and venture north through Appin’s coastal beauty. Pause in the hauntingly beautiful Glencoe, where dramatic peaks and a poignant history await. Continue to Fort William for a midday break, then journey west to Glenfinnan to marvel at the iconic viaduct and visit the monument commemorating the Jacobite rising. Board the ferry at Mallaig and sail to the legendary Isle of Skye, where you’ll settle into your island accommodation (Cuillin Hills Hotel or similar), ready for tomorrow’s exploration.

Awaken on the Isle of Skye and prepare for a day immersed in the island’s wild beauty. Traverse the rugged Cuillin Mountains and the windswept Trotternish Peninsula, where you’ll witness the cascading Kilt Rock Waterfall and the iconic Old Man of Storr. Step back in time at the traditional black houses, gaining insight into Skye’s crofting heritage. Enjoy free time in Portree, the island’s colorful harbor town, before returning to your welcoming hotel (Cuillin Hills Hotel or similar) for a restful evening.

Depart Skye and journey east to the photogenic Eilean Donan Castle, perched where three sea lochs converge. Continue through the Great Glen to Drumnadrochit, a charming village on the shores of Loch Ness, perfect for a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, opt for a scenic cruise on the legendary loch and explore the evocative ruins of Urquhart Castle. Conclude your day in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, where you’ll unwind in your comfortable hotel (Kingsmills Hotel or similar).

After a hearty breakfast in Inverness, travel north along the dramatic coastlines of the Moray and Cromarty Firths, keeping watch for local marine life. Board the ferry at Gills Bay and cross the Pentland Firth to the enchanting Orkney Islands. Upon arrival, visit the beautifully adorned Italian Chapel and the historic Churchill Barriers, marveling at the ingenuity and artistry shaped by wartime history. Settle into your accommodation in Kirkwall (The Ayre Hotel or similar) and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Set out from Kirkwall to discover the extraordinary prehistoric treasures of Orkney. Explore the ancient chambered cairn of Maeshowe, then wander through the remarkably preserved Neolithic village of Skara Brae. Marvel at the mystical Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, both part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Kirkwall for a visit to the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral before relaxing at your hotel (The Ayre Hotel or similar).

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Kirkwall, perfect for exploring local boutiques and picking up unique souvenirs. Later, board the ferry back to mainland Scotland and journey south through the Highlands. This afternoon, you have the option to visit the stately Dunrobin Castle, with its elegant turrets and manicured gardens inspired by Versailles. Arrive in Inverness for your overnight stay (Kingsmills Hotel or similar), ready for your final day of adventure.

After a final breakfast in Inverness, visit the evocative Culloden Battlefield, where you can walk the historic grounds and explore the interactive visitor centre. Travel south through the sweeping vistas of Cairngorms National Park, Scotland’s largest protected wilderness. Pause in the picturesque Victorian town of Pitlochry before returning to Edinburgh in the evening, where your unforgettable multi-day journey through Scotland concludes.