Scotland’s Iconic Islands And Highlands

Welcome to Scotland! Your tour commences this evening in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, where we stay for the next two nights. 

This evening, join your fellow travellers and Tour Manager for a welcome drink followed by dinner in our hotel.

This morning we visit Stirling, the ancient capital of Scotland, that lies at the heart of the nation’s history. Dominating the skyline from its dramatic position atop Castle Hill, magnificent Stirling Castle was once a favoured residence of Scotland’s kings and queens. Accompanied by a local guide, we explore the castle and hear stories of the monarchs, battles and political intrigue that shaped the nation. From this grand fortification there are splendid views across the countryside to the Wallace Monument - built in commemoration of the legendary Scottish hero, William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace. 

In the afternoon, following lunchtime at leisure in the old city centre, we will visit a marvel of engineering - the Falkirk Wheel. Built to replace a time-consuming series of 11 locks, this is the world's only rotating boat lift, and it links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal. To best experience this magnificent engineering construction we will board a boat and take a ride up in the wheel to the Union Canal 35 metres above.   

On our return drive to Edinburgh, we will also make a photo stop at the ‘Kelpies’ - a pair of monumental, 300 tonnes, steel horse-heads that stand 30 metres high. Inspired by the powerful shape-shifting water spirits of Scottish legend, they flank the gateway where the Forth and Clyde Canal meets the River Carron.  

Your evening is at leisure in this grand city.

Your morning and lunchtime are at leisure in Edinburgh. This is your ‘My Time’ to explore Scotland’s historic capital at your own pace, perhaps wandering along the Royal Mile, discovering the atmospheric streets of the Old Town or browsing in the shops and galleries. 

Later, we transfer to Edinburgh Airport for our flight to Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands. On arrival, we are met by our local coach and travel north to Lerwick, where we stay for the next two nights. 

Dinner tonight is included in our hotel.

Today we are joined by a local guide to explore the landscapes, traditions and communities of the Shetland Islands. 

Beginning in Lerwick, we discover the character and history of Shetland’s main town before travelling to settlement of Hamnav, whose sheltered inlet is protected from the wild Atlantic by the rugged arm of Fugla Ness and its Lighthouse. Here we meet a local fisherman and learn about the fishing industry that has sustained generations of island families. 

We also visit Shetland Jewellery, known for its traditional silver craft, before enjoying lunch at the Braewick Café.  

This afternoon, we take a short walk at Eshaness, where the spectacular cliffs and rugged coastline have been shaped by the immense power and fury of the North Atlantic. Here we enjoy watching the seabirds glide through the air currents above the surging waves and nest among the crannies of the vertical rock faces. 

Later, we visit Tangwick Haa Museum, set in a 17th century ‘Haa’ (house), which shares the history and heritage of life in Northmavine, Shetland's North Mainland.  

Our day concludes with refreshments and dinner at historic Busta House Hotel. Here we enjoy an authentic Shetland dinner, prepared to traditional Shetland recipes. Later we return to Lerwick.

Another fascinating day as we set off to explore the southern reaches of Shetland with our local guide. We visit the Hoswick Visitor Centre, with its wealth of information about the surrounding area, its history and heritage.  Here you will also have time to browse locally produced knitwear, jewellery and island crafts. We then pause to admire St Ninian’s Isle and its remarkable sandy tombolo, a 500 metre long, curved sand bridge linking it to Shetland’s main island. Ranked as Scotland’s best beach this is one of Shetland’s most photographed landscapes.  

Continuing south, we visit Sumburgh Head, where the dramatic cliffs provide opportunities to spot seabirds and other wildlife. Puffins may also be seen here during their nesting season. 

A highlight of our morning will be a visit to Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement. This remarkable archaeological site reveals more than 4,000 years of human history, with village remains spanning the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pictish, Norse and medieval periods. 

After lunch at the Sumburgh Hotel, we transfer to nearby Sumburgh Airport for our short flight to Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, where we stay the next 3 nights.   

Dinner tonight is included in our hotel.

Today we are joined by a local guide to explore Orkney’s extraordinary archaeological heritage and dramatic island landscapes. 

At Skara Brae, we discover one of Europe’s best-preserved prehistoric villages. Hidden beneath the sand for thousands of years, this fascinating Neolithic settlement offers an intimate glimpse into everyday life more than 5,000 years ago. Our visit also includes nearby Skaill House, a historic 17th century mansion overlooking the coastline. 

We then continue to the magnificent Ring of Brodgar and the ancient Stones of Stenness, which form part of Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage. With stones standing up to 4.7 metres high, the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge is an enormous ceremonial site dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.  

Later, we visit the beautifully decorated Italian Chapel. Adapted from two Nissen huts       this delightful chapel was built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War. As a finale we cross the Churchill Barriers- four concrete causeways constructed to protect the Royal Navy anchorage at Scapa Flow. Now they serve as vital links between Island communities. We return to Kirkwall, where your evening is at leisure.

This morning we enjoy a closer look at life in the Orkney Islands. Accompanied by our local guide, we discover the farming traditions that give these remote islands their distinctive character.

Your afternoon is at leisure in Kirkwall. This is your ‘My Time’ to explore the narrow streets of the old town at your own pace. You may wish to visit magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, discover Kirkwall’s independent shops and cafés or visit the Highland Park Distillery, whose top ‘dram’ was once awarded the best spirit drink in the world!  

Your evening is at leisure to discover your own local Orkney pub or restaurant and enjoy dinner.

An early start this morning as we travel to St Margaret’s Hope to board our ferry across the Pentland Firth to Gills Bay on the Scottish mainland.  

On arrival, we have a photo stop at John o’ Groats, one of the most famous landmarks in northern Scotland, before continuing south through the wide-open landscapes of Caithness and Sutherland.  

Our afternoon highlight is a visit to magnificent Dunrobin Castle. Overlooking the sea, this grand historic home is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands. As one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, it resembles a French château, with soaring towers, formal gardens and richly furnished rooms. You will have time to explore the castle and gardens, and visit the tearoom for lunch. 

Later, we continue to Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, where we stay for the next three nights. Dinner tonight is included in our hotel. 

This morning we enjoy a guided exploration of Inverness. Situated beside the River Ness, this compact Highland city has long been an important meeting place and trading centre. Following our tour, you will have free time to explore Inverness and find a local restaurant, pub or café for lunch. 

This afternoon we visit the famous Culloden Battlefield, where the final Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end in 1746. This was the last pitched battle held on British soil, and now Highland cattle graze across the battlefield. In the visitor centre we will learn about the events leading to the confrontation between the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the government. Here also is a 360-degree battle immersion theatre, putting you right in the heart of the action, plus in the museum weapons and artifacts are displayed. We return to Inverness, where your evening is at leisure.

Today we journey into the magnificent Cairngorms, an area of forested hills, sweeping glens and spectacular mountain scenery. Next to Aviemore, Rothiemurchus is known for its magnificent pine forests and abundant wildlife and David Attenborough once described it as ‘one of the glories of Wild Scotland’. At Rothiemurchus Estate, which has been owned and cared for by the Grant family for over 500 years, we enjoy a wonderful Hairy Coo Safari and Feed the Deer experience. Travelling through the estate, we meet some of Scotland’s most recognisable residents, including Highland cattle with their distinctive long horns and shaggy coats. 

We then visit beautiful Ballindalloch Castle, a much-loved family home since the 16th century and known as the ‘Pearl of the North’. The formal grounds and gardens are delightful and were principally laid down in the second half of the 19th Century. You will have ample time to explore the castle, its gardens and enjoy lunch at the courtyard café.  

Then later, it is time for a ‘wee dram’ at the Glen Moray Distillery where we enjoy a guided tour and whisky tasting. Here we discover the traditions and craftsmanship behind Scotland’s most famous spirit before sampling some ‘uisge beatha’ – old Celtic words meaning the ‘water of life’! 

This evening we have included dinner and a true Highlander Experience. A full evening of live traditional music, expert storytelling, hearty local food, and Scottish whisky. You'll get to experience Highland dance, pipers, ‘waulking the tweed’, and a true Ceilidh!

Let’s go to Skye! Departing Inverness we soon reach Dochgarroch, where we board our Loch Ness cruise. Relax and take time to sit back and enjoy the scenery as we cruise along the Caledonian Canal and onto the legendary waters of Loch Ness towards the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle.  We then visit the Loch Ness Centre, where the fascinating history, stories and scientific investigations surrounding the world-famous Loch Ness Monster are brought to life.   

In the afternoon we continue south through the scenic Highland village of Fort Augustus and via Invergarry. Before crossing onto the Isle of Skye, we pause for photographs of beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, dramatically positioned on the Kyle of Lochalsh where three great sea lochs meet. This is one of the most iconic sights in Scotland.  

Later, we arrive in Sleat on the Isle of Skye, where we stay for the next two nights. Dinner tonight is included in our hotel.

What a day as we explore the extraordinary landscapes and fascinating history of the Isle of Skye. We visit Dunvegan Castle, ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod. Set beside a sea loch and surrounded by beautiful gardens, Dunvegan has been continuously occupied by the same family for around 800 years. Beautifully furnished inside, the rooms and gardens are a pleasure to explore. Dunvegan Castle’s five acres of formal award-winning gardens include the castle’s Water Garden, Rose Garden, Walled Garden and woodland walks. Our journey then takes us around Skye’s dramatic northern peninsula, where rugged mountains, towering cliffs and unusual rock formations create some of Scotland’s most memorable scenery. We pause for photographs of the Old Man of Storr, in Gaelic ‘Bodach an Stòir’, an immense rocky pinnacle set against the hills of the Trotternish Ridge. Later, we visit the colourful harbour town of Portree, capital of the Island of Skye, where you will have ‘My Time’ at leisure to explore and find a local café or restaurant for lunch. Dinner tonight is included.

This morning we travel to Armadale and board the CalMac ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig on the Scottish mainland. Driving through magnificent Highland scenery to Glenfinnan, we pause to view the iconic, 21 arch Glenfinnan Viaduct. This renowned feat of Victorian engineering - the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland – carries West Highland Railway over the River Finnan 100ft below.  Our visit will be timed, where possible, to coincide with the Jacobite steam train as it thunders across the viaduct – for Harry Potter Fans this is the famous scene of the Hogwarts Express steaming across this massive viaduct! 

Later, we continue to Fort William. Set on the junction of two Lochs - Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil, and with Beinn Nibheis (Gaelic for Ben Nevis) brooding in the distance Fort William makes an excellent spot for time at leisure for lunch. 

Later we enjoy a visit to the Glenc National Trust Visitor Centre, with its cinematic theatre presentations, displays on local heritage and a detailed showcase of the Glenc massacre of 1692. This is where British Government soldiers under the orders of the British crown murdered 38 members of the Clan MacDonald. Next, we take a special detour to enjoy one of Britain’s classic scenic drives along the length of the famous Valley of Glenc.  

Driving down this world-renowned valley of glens and mountains featured so often in films, we enjoy a photo stop at the Three Sisters viewpoint. From here you get fabulous views down the valley and on to the Three Sisters - the three mountains of Benin Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh.  

After completing this fabulous valley loop, we rejoin the scenic lakeside drive south along Loch Linhe.  

We soon reach our historic 4-star country house hotel overlooking Loch Feochan, the Knipoch House Hotel. This peaceful coastal retreat blends traditional 15th/16th-century character with modern comforts and becomes our home for the next two nights. Dinner tonight is included in our hotel.

An early start this morning as we travel to Oban and board the ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull, Scotland’s 4th largest island and part of the Inner Hebrides. 

On arrival, we are met by a Blue Badge guide who will introduce us to the landscapes, history and character of this beautiful Hebridean island. Travelling right across the island of Mull, we reach Fionnphort on the far west coast, and board the passenger ferry across to the sacred Isle of Iona. 

For centuries, Iona has been an important place of pilgrimage and spiritual reflection. We visit historic Iona Abbey, founded by St Columba and his followers in AD 563 – nearly 1500 years ago! The Abbey Museum houses Scotland’s finest collection of early medieval carved stones and crosses.  Beside St Oran’s Chapel is Reilig Odhráin cemetery, the traditional burial place of numerous Scottish kings. 

Retracing our steps, we catch the ferry back from Craignure to Oban. On arrival, we return to our beautiful hotel in Argyll, where dinner is included. What an inspiring day!

This morning we visit the picturesque harbour town of Oban, known as the Gateway to the Isles. You will have free time to explore the waterfront, browse the local shops or simply relax in one of the town’s cafés. 

We then travel east through the magnificent scenery of the Scottish Highlands, passing through Crianlarich before continuing south towards Loch Lomond. 

We pause in the delightful conservation village of Luss, where pretty stone and slate cottages, adorned with flowers, line the paths leading down to the shores of the loch. You will have time to explore the village and find a local café or restaurant for lunch. 

Later, we enjoy a delightful cruise on Loch Lomond. Time to sit back and relax as we take in the beautiful scenery of one of Scotland’s most celebrated lochs. This is Britain’s largest freshwater lake, and it spans the boundary between the Lowlands and Highlands of Scotland. Later, we continue to Glasgow, where we stay for our final night. Dinner tonight is included in our hotel.

Your tour concludes after breakfast. We trust you leave with wonderful memories of Scotland’s remote islands, ancient sites, historic castles and breathtaking Highland landscapes.