13 Day Hebridean Wildlife, Neolithic Orkney & Highlands

Following collection from your hotel, we tour west for a fabulous introduction to the Scottish landscape, exploring Scotland’s first National Park & beautiful Loch Lomond. Moving on, we journey west to the wonderful lochside village of Inveraray to walk the town and visit the Castle & Gardens. This afternoon, take in some west coast scenery as we make our way to the bustling seaside town of Oban "Gateway to the Isles" for some free time in the town. Overnight Oban.

After breakfast, we take the morning ferry to the Isle of Mull and look forward to touring the north of the island with its rugged mountain scenery and stunning seascapes. We begin with a visit to Duart Castle, the home of one of Scotland’s oldest Clans, and then on to the town of Tobermory with its colourful frontage of painted houses and interesting shops. After lunch here, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery of North Mull and walk the white sand beach at Calgary Bay. Overnight Mull.

Today you’ll de-stress on a relaxing Treshnish Isles Cruise with some puffin therapy provided by these loveable birds. Commune with the many other seabirds that come here to nest and keep a look out for common and grey seals basking on the rocks. Enjoy 2 hours ashore to observe and photograph puffins and 1 hour ashore on Staffa where Atlantic waves crash into Fingal's Cave formed from giant basalt columns. This is guaranteed to be a fun day observing Mull’s incredible wildlife. Overnight Mull.

This morning, we take the ferry to the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula known for its unspoiled and undisturbed natural beauty. This is an area ideal for wildlife watching opportunities as we travel around the area – look for eagles, deer, otters and the elusive Scottish Wildcat. If the tide allows, enjoy a walk out to Castle Tiorum that sits on a tidal island in Loch Moidart. Overnight Arisaig.

This morning we take the ferry ‘Over the Sea to Skye’ and embark on our tour of the Isle of Skye, passing through Broadford to Elgol on the coast for a boat trip to Loch Coruisk. This allows you roughly 90 minutes ashore to really explore Loch Coruisk and the surrounding area at a leisurely pace. Next, we tour past the Cuillin Mountains and head north up the coast to visit Dunvegan Castle & Gardens that has been home to Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. Overnight north Skye.

This morning we take the ferry across the Minch to the Outer Hebrides and enjoy the day exploring the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Harris. We’ll head for stunning Luskentyre beach for a walk along the pristine sands before taking in the beautiful vistas along the Golden Road. Visit 15th century St. Clements Church which was built for the Chiefs of the MacLeods of Harris. We’ll visit the Harris Tweed shop in Tarbet and tour north for this evening’s accommodation. Overnight Lewis. 

Today we explore the rich history of Lewis which has been inhabited by man for around 5000 years or more. Discover the history and archeology with a visit to the ancient Calanais Standing Stones, the ruins of the best preserved broch in the Outer Hebrides at Dun Carloway, and a traditional blackhouse village to discover the ancient way of life. Learn all about the Harris Tweed industry when you attend a fun and interesting weaving demonstration. Overnight Lewis.

This morning allows time to explore the town of Stornoway before we head back to the mainland. Explore the Stornoway shops and walk the beautiful grounds of Lews Castle and then board the afternoon ferry which offers an opportunity to see dolphins and whales in the Minch. Cruising past the Summer Isles, we arrive in the fishing port of Ullapool and set off through Wester Ross. This is a very old landscape and we shall stop to visit the ruins of Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt. Overnight Kylesku.

Today we explore the most remote north-west coast. This is a place of unspoilt, dramatic seascapes on the extreme edge of Europe boasting natural scenery, from world-famous beaches to the peaks of hills that dot the land. Walk the sands at Balnakeil Bay and Sango beach and visit Smoo Cave to view the largest sea cave entrance in Britain where the Vikings repaired their Long Ships and fished for herring. We stop for the night and relax for tomorrow’s trip to Orkney. Overnight Thurso.

This morning we cross the Pentland Firth and spend the day exploring Orkneys mainland. This archipelago of 70 islands and skerries has beautiful beaches, heritage, culture and wonderful wildlife. We cross the second world war Churchill Barriers to visit the Italian Chapel, beautifully constructed by Italian prisoners of war before touring to the ancient capital of Kirkwall which has strong links to Norse times in the 11th century. Enjoy a walk in the town and visit St. Magnus Cathedral. Overnight Orkney.

Today we explore Maes Howe Chambered Cairn, Standing Stones of Stenness and the impressive Ring of Brodgar. We head for Yesnaby Clifffs for a light walk for some of the most spectacular views along the coastline. In calm weather, the small coves have clear seas however, in a westerly storm, the cliffs come alive as a mass of sea foam and raging sea. We spend the afternoon visiting Skara Brae village which survives in impressive condition – as does, incredibly, the furniture in the village houses. Overnight Orkney.

We board the ferry and cross back to the mainland of Scotland. Arriving in Caithness, we visit John o’Groats and then Duncansby Head to view the impressive Sea Stacks. We stop for lunch at the town of Wick where you can learn of the herring-boom era of Wick's history. Heading south, we explore the ancient harbour of Whaligoe Haven where you’ll follow in the backbreaking footsteps of the men and women of the herring fishing industry. Overnight Contin.

We travel south, venturing into Royal Deeside to explore the delightful village of Braemar surrounded by the fine Grampian Mountains and woodland scenery. When ready, we tour south through Glenshee which offers some of the highest peaks, fertile farmland and rolling hills. The rugged landscape of this area is breath-taking. We tour south through Blairgowrie before we leave the Highlands and arrive in Dundee. Tour ends in Edinburgh.