Scotland's North Coast & Islands

Meet your driver at Edinburgh airport and travel to Inverness where you meet your Tour Manager, to begin this exciting journey along Scotland’s wild north coast and Islands. We enjoy a walking tour of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, after you have free time to explore, be sure to visit the Victorian Market and meander along the River Ness path. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner.

Dinner/ Overnight – Columba Hotel or Highland Hotel, Inverness  

 

Today we start along the NC500! We travel along the Pictish Trail, as we make our way to our first stop, Royal Dornoch, here you will have free time to meander through the village and explore the Cathedral. Next, we visit Dunrobin Castle, Scotland’s most northernly great house dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the falconry demonstration set in the formal gardens.  Later we arrive in Wick, where we spend the next 2 nights.

Dinner/ Overnight – Mackays Hotel, Wick
 

A day spent discovering the Orkney Islands. We sail from John O’ Groates, crossing the Pentland Firth for a fascinating day exploring Orkney. Here we hop across the Churchill barriers, visiting 5 Orkney Islands, experiencing all the main attractions, the Italian Chapel, Ring of Brodgar, Scapa Flow, Skara Brae, and Kirkwall. A simply outstanding day! Tonight, we enjoy Scottish entertainment at our hotel.

Dinner/ Overnight – Mackays Hotel, Wick

This morning, we explore the North Coast, our first stop is one of the most northern distilleries on the mainland, for a tour and tasting! We continue, taking in the wild and rugged landscape, stopping to take in the dramatic scenery and sandy deserted beaches. We stop in Durness to visit Smoo Caves, for those who feel energetic, you can walk down to see inside this spectacular sea cave set into the limestone cliffs. Later we arrive in the picturesque fishing harbour, Ullapool. You will have free time before we board the ferry for our evening sail to Stornoway. We arrive in the evening and check in to our hotel, where we spend the next 3 nights.

Overnight – Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway

We start of Hebridean Adventure, a full day on Lewis, the largest island. We discover the rich history, strong Gaelic traditions and diverse landscape. Our visits include, Callanish Neolithic Standing Stones, Carloway Broch, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and Butt of Lewis lighthouse. We enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight, followed by an evening of Gaelic Culture.

Dinner / Overnight – Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway

Harris, with rich traditions, stunning scenery, and strong sense of community, today we have a unique introduction to life on Harris. We travel along North and South Harris, visiting Carloway Mill, where they maintain the tradition of Harris Tweed weaving. We will also visit Harris Gin, Hargabost Beach (with crystal green blue water and pristine sands), our final stop will be as we approach Stornoway to a butcher who specializes in the famous Stornoway Black Pudding. You will have free time in town and dinner tonight is on your own to explore the many eating options and maybe take in an evening of Gaelic music!

Overnight – Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway

An early start as we say Beannachd leat (Good Bye) to the Outer Hebrides and sail back to the mainland. Out first stop is the Corrieshalloch Gorge, one of the most spectacular Gorge’s in Britain. Next we visit Inverewe Gardens, discover a world of wonderful botanicals in the award-winning Inverewe Garden. Lose yourself in the lush setting and enjoy a riot of colours and scents. We then jump back on onto the Pictish Trail with stops in Strathpheffer and Beauly. Later we arrive at our 19^th century country house hotel. Tonight, our farewell dinner is hosted, in our scrumptious hotel, by a local company providing delicious food and drink accompanied by fascinating stories from around Scotland, a memorable end to a memorable tour!

Dinner/ Overnight – Coul House Hotel, Contin nr Beaul

Your tour ends after a hearty Scottish breakfast. Please inquire about departure transfers.