9 Day Highlands, Islands & Sutherland Tour

The tour begins with a fabulous introduction to the Scottish landscape, exploring the 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond and Scotland’s first National Park, the fairy-tale castle of Inveraray and fabulous Glencoe; steeped in history with dramatic scenery. Overnight nr Glencoe.

This morning, head 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 the Caledonian Canal, and the famouse Glenfinnan Monument on our way to take the ferry “Over the Sea to Skye”. Overnight Skye.

Today is a tour of the Island of Skye, passing the Cuillin Mountain Range that dominates this island, to the Island capital, Portree, with interesting shops and colourful harbour front. Heading north we take in the fabulous scenery and seascapes with Dunvegan Castle and other options a possibility. Overnight Skye.

This morning we travel by ferry from Skye to the Outer Hebrides. The smooth and scenic crossing takes around 105mins and once docked at Tarbert Pier, we will spend the rest of the day exploring the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Harris with highlights including the Golden Road and stunning Luskentyre beach.
Overnight North Harris.

Day 5 we explore the rich history of Lewis which has been inhabited by man for around 5000 years or more. Visiting the ancient Calanais Standing Stones, Dun Carloway Broch, and a traditional blackhouse village we will discover the ancient way of life. Overnight Lewis

Following an early rise, we board the early-morning ferry back to the mainland and the traditional fishing harbour of Ullapool. We tour east and spend the afternoon visiting  Dunrobin Castle with its fairy-tale turrets, splendid gardens, and fascinating clan history. Overnight nr Inverness

This morning we head south into Inverness, the "Capital of the Highlands", to enjoy some free-time exploring the city. Later, we travel south along the banks of Loch Ness with fabulous scenery and picturesque villages along the way, stopping at Fort Augustus village for lunch, before visiting the Whisky Distillery for an interesting tour and tasting. Overnight nr Inverness.

Today we visit Culloden Moor where the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising took place and learn about the last Jacobite rebels who fell here in 1746. Later, explore deep into the Cairngorms National Park with towering mountain ranges and large tracts of the original Caledonian Pine Forest. Heading further south, we take in Carrbridge, Aviemore and the Victorian town of Pitlochry. Overnight Pitlochry.

This morning we explore Highland Perthshire and the beautiful village of Dunkeld before we head south to Edinburgh via the Forth Bridges. Enjoy a leisurely visit to Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by Dan Brown's book 'The Da Vinci Code', before taking a walk down the Royal Mile with its charming medieval architecture and the opportunity to do some last minute speciality shopping.