12 Day Outer Hebrides, Neolithic Orkney & Highlands Tour

Day 1 is a fabulous introduction to the Scottish landscape, exploring the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. After lunch, enjoy the fabulous grounds of Inveraray Castle before we travel north for a hill-side walk at fabulous Glencoe, steeped in history with dramatic scenery. Overnight nr Glencoe.

Day 2 takes us west on the spectacular “Road to the Isles” providing wonderful views across the Sound of Arisaig to the Small Isles of Eigg and Rhum. Our journey takes us past Neptune’s Staircase on our way to take the ferry “Over the Sea to Skye”. Overnight nr Skye.

Day 3 is a tour of the Isle of Skye, passing through Broadford and on to the Island capital, Portree. Heading north we take in the fabulous scenery and seascapes with Kilt Rock Falls, the Storr and Dunvegan Castle possible options. Overnight north Skye.

Day 4 we travel by ferry from Skye to the Outer Hebrides exploring the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Harris with highlights including the Golden Road, St. Clements Church, stunning Luskentyre beach, a weaving demonstration and Harris Tweed Exhibition. Overnight North Harris.

Day 5 Today we explore the rich history of Lewis which has been inhabited by man for around 5000 years or more. We visit a local weaver’s workshop for a Harris Tweed weaving demonstration, the extraordinary cross-shaped setting of Calanais Standing Stones erected 5,000 years ago, the remarkably well-preserved broch of Dun Carloway that saw more than 1,000 years of use, and a traditional blackhouse village where we will discover the ancient way of life. Overnight Lewis.

Day 6 allows time to explore the town of Stornoway before we head back to the mainland past the Summer Isles and venture through Wester Ross. This is a very old landscape which is well known for its mountain scenery, after taking in Ullapool we visit the ruins of Ardvreck Castle. Overnight Kylesku.

Day 7 we explore the most remote north west coast with views to Handa Island. Learn of the tragic story of the Highland Clearances, the Clan Mackay and the story of crofting life at the Strathnaver Museum. The ancient Pictish Farr Stone is situated nearby. Overnight nr Thurso.

Day 8 we cross the Pentland Firth to Orkney. This archipelago of 70 islands and skerries has beautiful beaches, heritage, culture and wonderful wildlife. We cross the Churchill Barriers to visit the Italian Chapel, spend time in Kirkwall and view St. Magnus Cathedral and take a tour of Highland Park Distillery. Overnight Orkney

Day 9 we head out to the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae and the Broch of Gurness, one of the most outstanding examples of a prehistoric settlement. On the way, we visit Maes Howe, the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, and later the Brough of Birsay. Overnight Orkney

Day 10 we head back to the mainland of Scotland and Caithness where we visit Wick Heritage Museum, which has a strong focus on the herring-boom era of Wick's history. Later, we explore the ancient harbour of Whaligoe Haven and then finish the day with an afternoon walk. Overnight Dornoch

Day 11 takes us to Tain Pottery and then Culloden Battlefield to learn about the last Jacobite rebels who fell here. Later we travel to Cairngorms National Park to visit Carrbridge. Overnight Pitlochry.

Day 12 explores Highland Perthshire and Crieff to visit the Caithness Glass Visitor Centre before moving on to Stirling. Stirling Castle is the next stop for a full tour to take in the castle's long and turbulent history. We take in the famous Forth Rail Bridge before making our way back to Edinburgh.