Scotland's Highlands & Orkney

Welcome to stunning Scotland and its charming capital city, Edinburgh. With over 12,000 years of history, this land is rich with stories — from fearless Highland clans to Roman invaders who never quite managed to conquer the native Caledonians. Edinburgh itself, the capital since 1437, is a breathtaking blend of the ancient and the modern, where cobbled lanes wind past medieval spires and contemporary culture hums around every corner.

We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 3:00pm.

We'll ease into our Scottish adventure with a relaxed walking tour to get to know this incredible city.

First up is Greyfriars, an atmospheric old kirkyard with centuries of stories and the beloved Greyfriars Bobby — a wee dog whose loyalty still tugs at the heartstrings. From there, we'll wander down Victoria Street, a delightfully wonky road lined with colourful buildings and quirky little shops (perfect for a first photo or two!). Then it's off to the Grassmarket, once the site of public hangings, now a lively square filled with pubs, character and echoes of history.

Tonight, we'll enjoy a delicious group welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

This morning, we'll wave goodbye to lovely Edinburgh set off on a scenic journey north. We'll begin by crossing the Firth of Forth, where the North Sea meets Scotland, then wind our way through the rolling hills and storybook villages of Fife. The views are truly something special, have your cameras ready!

Our first stop is the historic coastal town of St. Andrews. Known as the birthplace of golf, it's also rich in medieval charm. We'll enjoy a gentle walk passing by some of the town's most iconic sights, including the grand ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and its mighty castle which was once a centre of religious power and a destination for pilgrims from all over Europe.

Next, we'll continue to the village of Glamis, a small town with big history. Said to have inspired Shakespeare's ‘Macbeth', it's home to the magnificent Glamis Castle, which we'll visit. As the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, the castle is filled with royal connections and ghostly whispers, making it a place full of legend.

After some free time for lunch, it’s onward to Aberdeen to catch our ferry across the Pentland Firth to Orkney — an archipelago of wild beauty and rich Norse heritage. Please keep in mind that this is a long journey, and we'll arrive at our accommodation in the late evening.

Orkney, a captivating archipelago perched off the northern coast of Scotland, boasts some of Europe's most well-preserved Neolithic sites and a wealth of stories eager to be uncovered. Today, we'll explore its charming capital, Kirkwall, a town with no Gaelic roots but one deeply connected to the Old Norse world. Its original name, Kirkjuvágr, means ‘church bay,' a fitting introduction to the town's peaceful character and fascinating past.

We'll enjoy a leisurely morning, giving you time to take in the surroundings at your own pace. In the afternoon, we'll dive into some local history with visits to the impressive Bishop's and Earl's Palaces. The Bishop's Palace, built in the early 1100s, is full of history, including tales of King Hakon of Norway. Just across the road, the Renaissance-style Earl's Palace, built in 1606, is a stunning sight and a perfect example of Orkney's rich past.

Next, we'll head to Lamb Holm, where we'll see the Churchill Barriers, causeways originally built during World War II to protect the naval base at Scapa Flow. These barriers now link the islands and offer some stunning views. While we're here, we'll also visit the Italian Chapel, a beautiful little church created by Italian prisoners of war during World War II, full of intricate frescoes and a truly moving story.

Returning to Kirkwall, the evening is yours to enjoy, for dinner, perhaps try some local seafood at one of the town's cozy pubs while exploring the town at your own pace.

Today, we'll step way back in time as we explore some of Orkney's most treasured archaeological sites. Our first stop is Skara Brae, one of the best-preserved prehistoric villages in Europe. Hidden beneath the sand for thousands of years, it was uncovered by a storm in 1850 and offers a remarkable window into life more than 5,000 years ago. We'll also visit nearby Skaill House, a beautiful manor filled with centuries of stories, where you can see how life evolved from ancient times to more recent history.

Special Experience: Discover the ancient Standing Stones of Stenness, a megalithic structure older than Stonehenge. Only four stones remain from the original circle of twelve but standing nearly six metres tall and arranged around a central hearth, they still create a striking and mysterious presence in the landscape.

We'll then make our way to the Broch of Gurness, an impressive Iron Age village built around a circular stone tower, giving us a glimpse into community life during that era. Afterwards, we'll visit the Brough of Birsay — a tidal island rich in Viking and Pictish ruins. If the tide is just right, we'll cross the causeway and explore on foot.

Later, we'll say goodbye to Orkney and aboard the ferry from Stromness to Scrabster. It's a scenic and breezy ride across the sea, keep an eye out for seabirds and maybe even a seal or two! Dinner tonight will be waiting at our hotel, where we'll settle in and relax after a day filled with wonder.

After breakfast this morning, we'll head out to Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Britain. This rugged, windswept peninsula features dramatic cliffs that plunge into the sea, offering breathtaking panoramic views. On a clear day, you might even be able to look back and spot the Orkney Islands in the distance. The lighthouse stands proudly at the edge, adding to the picturesque scene. If we're lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of puffins, razorbills or other seabirds nesting along the cliffs.

From there, we'll begin one of the most scenic drives of our journey as we join the famous North Coast 500 route. Often called Scotland's answer to Route 66, this stunning road takes us through landscapes that look straight out of a postcard — shimmering lochs, striking coastal cliffs, and winding roads that meander through hills and glens. We'll make time for plenty of photo stops along the way. Make sure your camera is charged, we can guarantee that you'll need it!

Later this evening, we'll arrive in the lovely harbour town of Ullapool. Tucked between mountains and the sea, it's a peaceful little gem with a rich fishing heritage and a warm welcome.

We'll check into our hotel and enjoy a hearty dinner tonight.

Ullapool was built in the 18th century to support the booming herring industry, and today, it's a vibrant little town known for its creativity and love of the arts. This morning, we'll say goodbye to this cultural gem and set off for our first stop of the day, historic Culloden.

Now a peaceful moor, Culloden was once the site of the last pitched battle fought on British soil. In 1746, the Battle of Culloden marked the dramatic end of the Jacobite uprising — a moment that forever changed Scotland's story. We'll visit the Culloden Battlefield and Exhibition Centre, where we'll walk the very ground where it all happened and explore the moving exhibits that bring these powerful tales to life.

Next, we'll head to Elgin, home to the grand ruins of Elgin Cathedral, once called the ‘Lantern of the North' for its stunning design. Here, we'll visit the Glen Moray Distillery, which was converted from a brewery into a renowned Speyside whisky maker.

Special Experience: Taste the local drop at the Glen Moray Distillery. Established in 1897, we visit the whisky distillery and learn about the Scottish drink of choice. From here, we'll enjoy a scenic drive to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. On arrival, we'll take a gentle walking tour through the heart of the town, passing the Victorian Market, Inverness Castle, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Falcon Square, the Tollbooth Steeple, and the elegant Town House.

We'll check into our hotel this evening and relax for the night.

This morning, we'll enjoy a short drive along the scenic shores of Loch Ness, making our way to Drumnadrochit. Here, we'll visit Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland's largest and most historic castles, with panoramic views over the loch. The castle ruins date back to 1509 and offer a glimpse into Scotland's medieval past.

Next, we'll head to Dornie, where we'll stop for a photo at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Sitting beautifully on a small island, this castle is one of the most photographed spots in Scotland, so don't forget your camera!

Next we’ll find a spot for some free time to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Perhaps you could try a traditional bowl of Cullen Skink, a hearty Scottish fish soup, or a savory Scotch pie in one of the local cafés along the loch.

Finally, we'll head to the Isle of Skye, checking into our hotel we'll delight in a group dinner.

Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, the Isle of Skye is a true Scottish gem. From its rugged landscapes to its rich history, it's easy to see why it's one of the most captivating places in the country. Today, we'll dive right into its charm with a full day of exploring this enchanting island.

Our adventure begins with a drive to Portree, the island's largest town with a photo stop at the village of Sligachan, where we'll take in the breathtaking sight of Black Cuilin Hills. In Portree, we'll have the chance to pick up some snacks for our day ahead and enjoy the local shops.

Afterwards, we'll visit the famous Old Man of Storr, this giant rock formation has inspired countless legends and offers jaw-dropping views. We'll then continue to Kilt Rock, a striking cliff that gets its name from its resemblance to a kilt. From here, we'll head to Flodigarry for a scenic walk to view the Quiraing, a landscape of ancient landslips and towering pinnacles.

As we continue our journey through the Trotternish Peninsula, we'll arrive at the Skye Museum of Island Life. Here, you can step back in time and explore a traditional Highland village from 100 years ago. Our final stop is Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, and home to the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years.

Later in the evening, we make our way back to the hotel.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

This morning, we'll say goodbye to the beautiful Isle of Skye and begin our journey back to the mainland with a scenic ferry ride from Armadale to Mallaig. Keep your eyes peeled on the water, seabirds and seals sometimes like to tag along for the ride!

Back on land, we’ll make our way via Glenfinnan. Here, we’ll look to get a glimpse of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct as we pass through, a breathtaking sight made even more magical by its star turn in the Harry Potter films. You might recognise it as the route of the Hogwarts Express, curving gracefully through the Highlands.

Next, we’ll stop in at Fort William, a bustling Highland town tucked beneath the mighty Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom.
We then continue to Torlundy and the Nevis Range, where the UK’s only mountain gondola awaits.

Special Experience: Board the United Kingdom's only mountain gondola for stunning aerial views of the Highlands, ascending to Scotland's Aonach Mor. This afternoon, our adventure takes us to the quaint town of Oban, meaning ‘Little Bay' in Gaelic. Nestled on the west coast, Oban is surrounded by dramatic shores, a picturesque harbour, and lush countryside. Often called the 'Seafood Capital of Scotland,' this welcoming town is known for its daily fresh catch — making it a haven for food lovers and coastal wanderers alike.

During World War II, Oban played a vital role as a strategic base for flying boats and anti-submarine patrols, with its surrounding waters bustling with naval activity. Today, we'll bid farewell to this lovely harbour town and begin our journey towards Loch Lomond.

We'll pass by Inveraray Castle, Downton Abbey fans might recognise it as Duneagle Castle from the Christmas special! Though we won't stop, it's a sight worth a glance, sitting proudly against the Highland backdrop. Our drive takes us into the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, often called the ‘Highlands in Miniature' for its enchanting mix of rugged hills, glistening lochs, and ancient woodlands.

Special Experience: Incredible scenery awaits us at Trossachs National Park where we cruise the vast waters of Loch Lomond admiring its spectacular natural beauty. We'll then enjoy some free time in the picturesque lochside village of Luss. Take the opportunity to hike the Luss Heritage Trail, a scenic path that offers breathtaking views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding countryside.

Later, we'll arrive in Glasgow, Scotland's biggest city, full of energy and creativity character. After checking into our hotel, we'll have some time to freshen up before indulging in a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We'll say goodbye to our new friends and to wonderful Scotland.