10 day tour of Scotland including Iona and Orkney

Welcome to Scotland. Your Driver/Guide will call at your hotel to collect you at 9am. As we depart the city our first stop of the day is at South Queensferry. Here we can admire the awesome Forth Rail Bridge, the lates addition of Scotlands UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Onward to Stirling where we can visit Stirling Castle perched on its extinct volcano for a thousand years. Next we make for the Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond and the conservation village of Luss. The village church here has its origins in the year 511. Pushing ever closer to Scotlands West Coast we arrive at the village of Inverarary. Here we can visit Inverarary Castle, home of the Duke of Argyle, Chief of Clan Campbell. We next make for the town of Oban, enroute we will take the stunning view over Kilchurn Castle and even walk out to get a closer look. Our final stop of the day is to St Conan's Kirk, a beautiful church constructed in numerous architectural styles. Oban, Gateway to the Isles is our destination for the day.

OVERNIGHT OBAN

TODAYS TOUR ROUTE

SUGGESTED B&Bs

Number 26 By The Sea

Barriemore Oban

Roseneath Guest House

Today we catch the ferry to the Isle of Mull, we will arrive at Craignure following our one hour crossing and make directly for Fionnphort where we willtake another ferry for the very short crossing onto Iona. You have a couple of options here, you can simply explore Iona for a few hours or you can opt to take the boat trip out to Fingal's Cave, a geological relative of the Giants Causeway in Ireland. Whatever you decide your sure to enjoy your visit to the cradle of Celtic Christianity. We now make our wat back to Craignure to board the ferry back to Oban, time allowing we may be able to visit Duart Castle, home of the Clan Maclean.

TODAYS TOUR ROUTE

Today we make for the magical Isle of Skye. Driving north along the Appin Coast we first call in for coffee at the Castle Stalker Viewpoint Cafe which will give us stunning views over this iconic tower house castle. We next make for Glencoe, a truly amazing landscape used in many TV shows and movies but also at the heart of Scottish history. Fort William is our next port of call before we turn onto the Mallaig Road. This road follows the route of the Jacobite Steam Train which ir regarded as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world. We stop at Glenfinnan to admire the views and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, better know these days as the Harry Potter Bridge. We next journey to the White Sands of Morar, stunning white sandy beaches which seam more like a Caribbean Island rather than the West Coast of Scotland. At Mallaig we board the ferry to go Over the Sea to Skye. Our 49 minute crossing will see us arrive at Armadale, from here we continue north to our accommodation. The latter stages of this day will be determined by your accommodation venue choice.

OVERNIGHT SKYE AREA

TODAYS TOUR ROUTE

SUGGESTED B&Bs

OFF THE HILL

EILEAN DONAN APPARTMENTS

BROADFORD HOUSE

Today we explore the Isle of Skye. We will first make for the Trotternish Peninsula, the islands Northernmost Peninsula. Here we will find many of the world famous landscapes and attractions the island is famed for such as, The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Staffin Beach, the Quiraing, the Fairy Glen and much more. After spending some time in the islands capital Portree we will journey to the West of Skye to visit Dunvegan Castle, Home of the Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. We will of course take lots of photo stops as we journey around this remarkable island.

OVERNIGHT SKYE AREA

TODAYS TOUR ROUTE

Today we bid farewell to the Isle of Skye. Turning North we journey through the dramatic Torridon Mountains enroute to the village of Ullapool but first we  navigate the Bealach Na Ba, the steepest road in Scotland  . On through the wilderness to Poolewe and Inverewe Gardens. We then a visit to the Corrieshalloch Gorge, an awesome gorge with a suspension bridge. Do not go on this if you have Vertigo

OVERNIGHT ULLAPOOL

TODAYS TOUR ROUTE

Suggested Accommodations

Harbour House

Ardvreck House

Waterside House BB

Today we journey to the Neolithic Capital of Britain, Orkney. 

We head West into the remotest part of the UK and then turn North. The ferry from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope takes about one hour (watch out for orcas). We will journey up several of the Orkney Islands linked by the Churchill Barriers built as defences against German U-Boats in World War II but are now convenient roads linking some of the smaller islands in the Orkney Archipelago. We will visit the Italian Chapel, a beautiful remnant from the war constructed by Italian prisoners of war. Onward to Kirkwall, We can visit St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall Town Centre and the Bishops & the Earls Palace opposite the Cathedral before delivering you to the accommodation.

OVERNIGHT KIRKWALL

TODAYS TOUR ROUTE

SUGGESTED B&Bs

SKERRYVORE B&B

WEST END HOTEL

PETER McKINLAY B&B

Today we explore the Orkney Mainland. Here we will visit some of the iconic attractions these islands have to offer including, the Ness and Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, Skara Brae and Skaill House, the Brough of Birsay, the Broch of Gurness, the Church at Orphir and much more. Please note, one of the most popular and fascinating attractions on Orkney is the chambered tomb of Maeshowe, we MUST book as far in advance as possible to secure tickets as entry is strictly managed.

OVERNIGHT KIRKWALL

TODAYS TOUR ROUTE

Today we depart the Orkney Islands and journey back to the Scottish Mainland. Following the ferry we will call in at John O'Groats, the most northerly village in Scotland. We will then journey down the stunning North-East Coast where we will see an abundance of castles. At keiss we can visit the runes of Keiss Castle, once the home of the Clan Sinclair, on the same part of the coast we can also visit two Brochs which are the ancient forerunner of the castle. We will next visit Dunrobin Castle, this instantly recognisable structure stands on a lofty location overlooking its beautiful gardens, the castle also has one of the best falconry displays in the country. We will take numerous photo stops along the way, our ultimate destination for today is Inverness.

OVERNIGHT INVERNESS

TODAYS TOUR ROUTE

SUGGESTED B&Bs

ROWAN GUEST HOUSE

CEDAR VILLA

TORRIDON GUEST HOUSE

today we explore the Inverness and Loch Ness area. We first make our way to the Battle of Culloden Visitor Centre and site of the last battle fought on Scottish soil and a battle that literally changed the world. We will then visit the Standing Stoner of Clava Cairns before circumnavigating Loch Ness. We will journey around the worlds most famous lake beginning with the quieter South road, here we will find several small beaches to have a look at. At Foyer we can visit the Falls of Foyers (but lots of steps) before visiting Fort Augustus at the South end of the loch. Now driving the North Road we can take a riverside walk at Invermorriston. At the village of Drumnadrochit you may wish to visit Urquhart Castle, once one of the modt important castles in the country or perhaps take an hour long boat trip to see if we can spot the illusive Nessie.

OVERNIGHT INVERNESS

TODAYS TOUR ROUTE

Today we journey back to the Scottish Capital, Edinburgh. Enroute we will visit the Cairngorms National Park and perhaps visit the funicular railway which will allow us views of over 100 miles (on a clear day) Continuing south we will visit the town of Pitlochry for some last minute retail therapy. A lovely woodland walk awaits us at the Hermitage before we turn for Edinburgh. 

TODAYS TOUR ROUTE

We will arm you with all sorts of information for things to do and see in the city.

Alternatively, a guide will be made available if required.

3rd Night in Edinburgh

We will pick you up in plenty of time for your departure.

Haste Ye Back!