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Scotland Island Hopping Adventure 14D

Explore the best of Scotland’s craggy coastline.

You wind through the rolling splendour of the island of Mull, where you can find some of Scotland’s best wildlife spotting opportunities. You then learn about the peace and spirituality of Iona, with an optional visit to the breath-taking and musical island of Staffa.

And from here, it only gets more spectacular.

You venture amongst the dramatic mountains of our most famous of islands, Isle of Skye, before heading to the Orkney archipelago, rich in archaeological treasures. Ullapool, nestling on the shores of Loch Broom, is where we travel from to Lewis and immerse ourselves in Gaelic culture and enjoy the truly inspirational surroundings of Harris with her mountains and glorious white beaches.

Take this journey to truly learn about Scotland’s famously stunning islands.

Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy the dramatic splendour of one of Scotland’s most famous lochs in Loch Lomond National Park
  • Visit the tiny Island of Iona, inhabited with just around 120 people
  • See Eilean Donan Castle, an iconic and gorgeous castle that once warded off Viking invasions
  • Learn how people used to live in ancient times at prehistoric monuments like Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar
  • The Victorian harbour town, Oban, offers excellent seafood and a charming intimacy
  • Step on to the Orkney Isles, full of ancient history and wildlife
Price from

$3,400.00

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Tour Information

Inclusions:

  • - Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
  • - Air conditioning as standard
  • - The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • - All ferry fares except the optional trip to Staffa

Exclusions:

  • - Tour accommodation
  • - Attraction entry tickets

Departures:

Contact our Sales team for the latest dates.

Itinerary

Day 1

Travel north past Stirling Castle and to the region of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

You venture through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands and the magnificent whitewashed 18th-century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll.

The afternoon will be spent in the heart of Argyll before arriving in the bustling town of Oban for your two-night stay.

  • – Stare into mountainous horizons in the West Highlands
  • – Stroll through the handsome harbour town of Oban

Day 2

Today you have an early start, beginning the day crossing on the ferry to Mull for a chance to explore dramatic coastlines and wild beauty.

You take the small ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity, and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Here you can visit the historic abbey with its intricate carved crosses in the churchyard, or explore rocky headlands and sandy coves.

There’s an opportunity to take a small boat for an optional trip to the island of Staffa and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalised by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture “Fingal’s Cave”.

You then return on the ferry to Oban for your second night.

  • – Discover the history of Celtic Christianity
  • – See one of Scotland’s most unique geological wonders at Fingal’s Cave

Day 3

You ramble north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker. Next, you head to the gorgeous Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years.

You then venture through Fort William and under the shadow of Ben Nevis, which at 1,344 meters is the highest mountain in the British Isles.

We continue through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the earth’s crust that runs through Scotland. From here, we’ll take you to your overnight accommodation at the Balmacara Hotel, a lovely four star hotel with a classic Scottish view of Loch Alsh. You’re dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening.

  • – Be awestruck by the majestic slopes of Glencoe

Day 4

Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather, and your driver-guide will use their local knowledge to decide on the best day out for the group.

You may ascend the Quiraing along Trotternish Ridge and be rewarded with spectacular views. Alternatively, you could drink in the scenery at Loch Coruisk or drive through the dramatic Red Cuillin to the little hamlet of Elgol.

We return you to your accommodation at the Balmacara Hotel in the late afternoon for a free evening.

  • – Traverse the legendary landscapes of Skye
  • – Learn about the tales and battles that shaped the island’s culture

Day 5

You’re collected from your accommodation for the short drive to the famous stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle.

Then, you travel east taking in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. You continue to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting “Nessie”.

Half an hour south of Loch Ness you stop in the village of Spean Bridge and join a new bus for the continuation of your tour to Orkney. Your guides will help you transfer your luggage and introduce you to your new travelling companions.

With your new crew, you continue north following the Great Glen travelling the entire 23 miles of the famous loch. You arrive at Inverness, where you’re dropped off at your accommodation. The evening is free for you to explore the ‘Capital of the Highlands’.

  • – Snap a few photos at the gorgeous Eilean Donan Castle
  • – Try and spot the Loch Ness Monster

Day 6

It’s an early start, leaving behind the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, crossing over the Black Isle, and continuing past Dunrobin Castle.

From here, you drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery.

Onwards through Scotland’s most northerly mainland village, John o’ Groats, and then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, and cross the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago.

It’s a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where you stop for a visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, Capital of Orkney. Here you can visit Kirkwall’s magnificent Viking Cathedral and enjoy its historic winding streets in the evening.

  • – Arrive in the Capital of Orkney, Kirkwall
  • – Explore mainland Scotland’s most northern scenery

Day 7

Today is your chance to explore this archipelago’s fertile green pastures, fringed by shores of golden sands and washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

You visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones of Stenness.

You then travel onto Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions.

Then it’s back to Kirkwall for your second night after what is sure to be a memorable day.

  • – Go to an ancient site that is older than the pyramids, Skara Brae
  • – See the wild ocean clash with redstone cliffs

Day 8

After a relaxed start, you leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. From here, you travel the old road right across the very top of Scotland, driving past the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains, following the rocky cliffs and stunning golden sand beaches.

You then visit the far northwest Highlands and the wilderness of the mountains of Assynt before stopping to view the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle.

From here, you travel to Ullapool, situated at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you spend two nights.

Once again, you leave the group at this point and on day 10 join your new group, with whom you will stay for the rest of the tour.

  • – Stroll around the beautiful harbour town of Ullapool
  • – Take a look at the stunningly located ruins of Ardvreck Castle

Day 9

You have a free day in Ullapool before you join your new driver-guide and companions. This picturesque fishing town is surrounded by stunning mountains and is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

If you want to spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, numerous sea birds and eagles, you can go on a cruise around the Summer Isles.

Alternatively, you can head up Claypool hill for an easy two-hour walk offering wonderful views over Loch Broom.

Ullapool is also a great place to relax and enjoy the Highland pace of life. You can browse the small craft boutiques, try whisky in a pub, or savour top quality seafood. And in the evening, enjoy some live music and mingle with the locals before your next leg of the journey.

  • – Discover the tranquil Highland way of life
  • – Admire the beauty of the Summer Isles on a boat trip

Day 10

Wake up, enjoy your breakfast, and look out over Loch Broom as it glistens under the morning sky. You meet your new travel companions and take a ferry across the sea.

This two and a half-hour boat trip takes you through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles. But don’t spend your time snoozing and reading as you sail across the ocean; because if you look out to sea, you may spot dolphins and whales.

Once you’ve arrived on Lewis and Harris, you head to the North West coast. Your driver-guide will make the most of what weather you’ve been blessed with and take you through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. You even get to see the Butt of Lewis; from the lighthouse here there’s nothing but fishes and water between you and America.

You spend the evening in Stornoway; a bustling port town and the home of Scotland’s most delicious black puddings.

  • – Travel by ferry through the Summer Isles
  • – Explore a lighthouse and the rugged coastline of Lewis

Day 11

Today, you immerse yourself in the history and landscapes of this wild island. You first head north to see Arnol Blackhouse. Here, you can experience what traditional farming life was like in these remote reaches as you explore a restored 19th-century croft house.

A little down the road, you visit the stone fort of Dun Carloway. This structure is believed to be a fortification or an ancient residence and it was built before 100AD. It’s a wonderful location to ponder over the vast swathes of history that have come before you.

The rest of your afternoon is spent in the beautiful serene beaches, along the rugged coast and mountains of the western side of Lewis. You travel to Stornoway through a different side of the island, through the landscape dotted with lochs and moors that is home to rich wildlife.

You’ve got another evening in Stornoway, so why not try some more of fresh food and talk to locals about the island’s legends and mysteries?

  • – Step inside a traditional Scottish home at Arnol Blackhouse
  • – Ponder history at the stone fort of Dun Carloway

Day 12

It’s time for something a little more dramatic. It’s time to enter the region of Harris.

Harris boasts the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and one of the most beautiful white-sandy beaches in Britain, Luskentyre.

The area is also famous for Harris Tweed and myths that are as strange as they are poignant.

After a morning of exploring the dramatic landscapes, you stop for lunch. Depending on the weather, we may even go for a picnic on the beach – so don’t forget to pack your sunglasses.

Your adventure continues on a ferry over the sea to Portree, the largest town in Skye and your base for the next two evenings.

  • – Admire the landscapes that inspired Harris Tweed
  • – Cast your eyes upon the slender, blonde curves of Luskentyre beach

Day 13

Back on the Isle of Syke and today your driver-guide makes the most out of your time on this marvel-studded landscape.

You may travel to the Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk, venture to Kilt Rock and see a gigantic waterfall, or take a boat trip to the lesser-known Loch Coruisk.

After you’ve enjoyed the sights of Skye, you have your final evening in Portree. There are plenty of fabulous seafood restaurants to celebrate a fine day of exploring.

  • – Set your sights on Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes on the Isle of Skye
  • – Snap a famous photo of Portree’s colourful harbour front

Day 14

Don’t be too sad that your trip is ending today, because there are a lot of amazing things to check out on the way back to Edinburgh.

Once you’ve crossed the Skye Bridge, you get a chance to see Eilean Donan Castle. This classic combination of a sturdy-stone fortification perched upon a loch is about as Scottish a view as you can get. Just ensure you’ve got some room left on your camera to take photos.

You then travel under Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. The peak of this mountain is likely to be shrouded high in the clouds.

Your driver-guide may become a little emotional as you move through the valley of Glencoe. This marvellously mountainous area was the site of one of the most tragic massacres in Scottish history. The story is as unforgettable as the landscape.

The hilly views become flatter as you enter the Lowlands and travel to Edinburgh.

You arrive in the early evening.

  • – Learn how Eilean Donan Castle survived Viking invasions and 343 barrels of gunpowder
  • – Discover how Glencoe earned its name, ‘the Weeping Glen’