DAY 1: Edinburgh to Inverness

Leaving Edinburgh at 8.30am, we travel past the stunning views of the Forth Bridges and enter the Highlands through Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains. We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay.

After a visit to the Highland Folk Museum, used to film scenes in ‘Outlander’, we make our way through the mountainous Cairngorms National Park before heading to Culloden Battlefield; site of the last battle fought on British soil, followed by the mysterious chambered cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns, both of which featured in the hit series Outlander.

Our home for the night is Inverness, Capital of the Highlands. Explore some of the many live-music venues, or take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the tranquillity of The River Ness Isles; there’s so much to see and do here.

(Overnight: Inverness)

DAY 2: Inverness to Kirkwall

We depart Inverness and head further north to join the spectacular North Coast 500 trail which takes us along the stunning North East Coastline. Our first stop of the day is at Dunrobin Castle, one of Scotland’s most northerly castles dating back to the early 1300s. This fairytale castle resembles a French chateau, with spectacular gardens.

Continuing north your guide will regale you with stories of folklore, and recount one of Scotland’s most important historical events; the tragedy of the Highland Clearances and explain how this shaped communities into what they are today.

An hour-long ferry takes us over to Orkney; an archipelago with beautiful views as far as the eye can see. You may even get the chance to spot dolphins, whales and orcas!

We arrive at our destination for the night Kirkwall, Orkney’s largest town.

(Overnight: Kirkwall)

DAY 3: Orkney

We depart Kirkwall and head to one of Orkney’s most loved attractions, The Italian Chapel, built by prisoners during WWII. The rest of the day will be spent exploring Orkney’s Neolithic history with stops at Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic settlement anywhere in Western Europe, the towering Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness.

The afternoon will be spent exploring the stunning Yesnabv Cliffs home to puffins from April – July.  This stretch of coastline is a “must see” location on your visit to Orkney.

We return to Kirkwall late afternoon with the chance to explore the town and the opportunity to visit St Magnus Cathedral and take a walk by the ‘Peedie Sea.’

(Overnight Kirkwall)

DAY 4: Kirkwall to Ullapool

We bid farewell to Kirkwall, then drive to the south end of Orkney to catch the first ferry back to the mainland to re-join the North Coast 500 trail. This stretch of coastline offers up some truly stunning views.  We a stop at Smoo Cave, a spectacular sea cave set into the limestone cliffs of Sutherland. We travel from East to West over the majestic Kylesku bridge, stopping for a stroll at the jewel in the crown of the North-West Highland’s Geopark – Knockan Crag. We arrive into Ullapool at approximately 6pm where you can spend the night exploring the beautiful harbour village and try some local ale and listen to traditional live music.

(Overnight: Ullapool)

DAY 5: Ullapool to Portree

We depart Ullapool and travel through some of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring landscapes on route to the Isle of Skye.  Think serene lochs, rugged scenery and mountain ranges with cascading waterfalls. We pass the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, before crossing the Skye Bridge to our enchanting island destination. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the mainland against the backdrop of the jagged Cuillin Mountains. Your guide will tell stories of folklore such as how the mysterious Old Man of Storr was created. Your last stop of the day will be a visit to Kilt Rock with its impressive cascading waterfall.

We spend the night in Portree, Isle of Skye’s bustling hub.

(Overnight: Portree)

DAY 6: Portree to Oban

This morning we have the chance to explore a wee bit more of the beautiful Isle of Skye. We visit the stunning Sleat peninsula known as the ‘garden of Skye’ and drive through the magnificent Cuillin Mountains. Say goodbye to Skye as we ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig with time to enjoy a lunch of fresh Scottish Seafood.

Here you can board the Jacobite Steam Train aka ‘Hogwarts Express’ to Fort William, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands.

After a stop in eerie Glencoe our journey takes us along the west coast, to the bustling fishing town of Oban, where we will spend the next two nights. Tonight, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional Scottish Ceilidh.

(Overnight: Oban)

DAY 7: Oban - Free day

After an action-packed 6 days of exploring, today is an opportunity to relax, explore or get active at your own pace. From our base in Oban you can set off by ferry for a day on one of the Western Isles (Mull, Iona, Staffa or Kerrera), visit the local Whisky Distillery for a taste of Scotland’s ‘Water of Life,’ or climb up to Battery Hill to see McCaig’s Tower and watch the sun set over Oban. All activities today are optional.
(Overnight in Oban)

DAY 8: Oban to Edinburgh

We leave Oban and travel through the Pass of Brander and Loch Awe before crossing back into the Lowlands of Scotland. You’ll notice the scenery change as we head further south past Stirling and take in views of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle.  Stirling has witnessed some of the most defining and dramatic moments in Scottish history, your guide will tell stories of bloody battles and sieges.

After lunch we make our way to the iconic Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures dedicated the horse-powered heritage of Central Scotland and designed by Andy Scott.

We arrive into Edinburgh at approximately 5pm.

EXPLORE MORE

Trip on the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train (optional, only available at the time of booking)

The steam train was featured in a number of Harry Potter movies as the ‘Hogwarts Express’ and is an outstanding way to take in the beautiful scenery of the Scottish west coast. Starting in Fort William, the train travels through some of the most spectacular landscapes of Scotland. The Jacobite passes through Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his Standard to begin his ill-fated claim to the throne in 1745. We cross over 21 arches of the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct with amazing views down Loch Shiel and head to the west coast. Look out for the ‘Small Isles’ of Rum, Eigg, Muck and the stunning white beaches used in films such as Local Hero and Highlander. 

Dunrobin Castle (pay locally)

One of Scotland’s most northerly castles dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. This fairytale castle resembles a French chateau, with conical spires and spectacular gardens which draw influence from the Palace of Versailles. The museum in the castle grounds offers further distraction with a remarkable collection of artifacts.

Departure and drop off point

Edinburgh Bus Station (inside, Gate J*)
St. Andrew Square 
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 3DQ  

See Map

* departure gate subject to change. Please refer to the departure screens inside Edinburgh Bus Station for gate info. Check-in staff will be wearing yellow Highland Explorer vests to greet you.
Edinburgh Bus Station can be accessed through two entrances: St Andrew Square and Elder Street. Please refer to the image below.

Departure Time

Tour departs at 8.30am. Please arrive at 8.15am for check-in.

Return Time

Tour returns at approximately 5.00pm.

3* BED & BREAKFAST (B&B) / GUEST HOUSE

In most cases you are staying with a family who let out rooms in their home to visitors. B&Bs are renowned for being warm and friendly and many people feel that they offer a more authentic way to experience Scotland. These are generally located within one mile of the centre of town, although during peak season, this distance may be slightly further. Most offer a traditional Scottish cooked breakfast.

ROOM TYPES

Twin Room
One room with two separate beds suitable for one adult in each bed.

Double Room
One room with one bed suitable for two adults.

Single
One room with one bed suitable for one adult.

ACCESSIBILITY & FACILITIES

For more information, see our Accessibility Statement.