Itinerary
- Day 1
Edinburgh to Perth/Pitlochry
You'll head out on your own journey to the Perth/Pitlochry region, with the drive taking roughly an hour and covering about 70 km. This gives you time to settle in and get oriented before the main adventures begin.
- Day 2
Perth/Pitlochry to Inverness
You're driving north through Perthshire and the Cairngorms, passing lochs and mountains along the way. The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore makes a solid stop if you want to walk through more than 30 historic houses and see an 18th-century thatched village. Later, you'll reach Inverness, the Highland capital, where you can check out the cathedral and spend time browsing the Victorian Market before settling in for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore (open April-October) - 30+ historic houses and 18th-century thatched village used as Outlander filming location
Landmarks Highland Folk Museum Inverness Cathedral Victorian Market 
- Day 3
Inverness
Fort George is your main stop this morning, the largest fort of its kind in Britain and built back in 1746 as a response to the Jacobite uprising. The fort sits almost exactly as it did centuries ago, giving you real insight into that period. In the afternoon, you'll have time for a traditional cream tea before heading back to base.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Fort George
- Traditional cream tea
Landmarks Fort George - Day 4
Inverness to Wick/Thurso
You're leaving Inverness and heading north on the scenic North Coast 500 route. Dunrobin Castle comes next, one of Scotland's most northerly castles and home to the Dukes of Sutherland for generations. The gardens slope down toward the North Sea, and after you explore, you'll continue toward the Wick/Thurso region where you'll stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Dunrobin Castle (included April-October)
Landmarks Dunrobin Castle 
- Day 5
Wick/Thurso
You can spend the day around Tongue at the Forsinard Flows Reserve, where hiking trails wind through untouched moorland if that appeals to you. The coast nearby has romantic bays and good beaches around Durness. Or if you're up for it, there's an optional day trip to Orkney Islands to see prehistoric sites and stone circles instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hiking trails at Forsinard Flows Reserve through untouched moorland
- Explore beaches and coastal bays near Durness
- Day trip to Orkney Islands (optional) - visit Skara Brae prehistoric village, Ring of Brodgar stone circle, and Standing Stones of Stennes with ferry return to mainland
Landmarks Forsinard Flows Reserve Durness Skara Brae Ring of Brodgar Standing Stones of Stennes - Day 6
Wick/Thurso to Orkney Islands
The ferry takes you out to Orkney Islands today, an archipelago known for stone circles, cliffs, and old palaces. After you arrive, you'll settle into your accommodation on the islands and have the rest of the day to get your bearings.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing to Orkney Islands
- Day 7
Orkney Islands
You've got options today across the 62-island archipelago. There are UNESCO sites like Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stennes, and Skara Brae (a Stone Age village showing Neolithic architecture). You can also visit Viking and Norwegian palaces and cathedrals scattered around. If whisky interests you, distillery visits with tastings are available, or take an optional day trip to the Isle of Rousay, known for its rich archaeological finds.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Ring of Brodgar
- Visit Standing Stones of Stennes
- Visit Skara Brae Stone Age village
Optional Activities
- Whisky distillery tours with tastings
- Day trip to Isle of Rousay (optional, bookable) - explore archaeological sites and excavation areas
Landmarks Ring of Brodgar Standing Stones of Stennes Skara Brae 
- Day 8
Orkney Islands to North West Highlands
The ferry carries you back to the mainland, and then you're driving into the North West Highlands. How long this takes depends on which route you choose, so plan accordingly for stops and breaks.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing from Orkney Islands to mainland
- Day 9
North West Highlands
Inverpolly Nature Reserve is worth your time, with striking hills rising out of moorland and lochs. Alternatively, you could take a long walk along one of the beaches in the area and wander through small fishing villages. Fresh fish and seafood are readily available for lunch or dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Inverpolly Nature Reserve with striking hills, moorland, and lochs
- Long walks along beaches
- Explore small fishing villages
- Enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood in local restaurants
Landmarks Inverpolly Nature Reserve - Day 10
North West Highlands to Isle of Skye
You're traveling along the coastal landscape of the North Coast 500 heading toward the Isle of Skye. Consider brief stops in Ullapool or Gairloch as you go, giving yourself chances to stretch and see what catches your eye before arriving on Skye.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Stop in Ullapool or Gairloch
Landmarks Ullapool Gairloch 
- Day 11
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye has different options depending on your energy level. The Cuillin Hills have peaks over 1,000 m and work well for experienced hikers, while the Fairy Pools offer natural pools and waterfalls for less intensive hiking. Dunvegan Castle is surrounded by beautiful grounds and has been home to Clan Mac Leod for 800 years (the famous Fairy Flag is housed here too). Portree, the island's capital, has good restaurants around the small harbor serving fresh fish and seafood.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hike to Cuillin Hills (experienced hikers) - peaks over 1,000 m
- Visit Fairy Pools - natural pools connected by small waterfalls
- Visit Dunvegan Castle and gardens - 800-year-old Mac Leod family seat with the Fairy Flag
- Visit Portree, the island's capital, and enjoy fresh fish and seafood
Landmarks Cuillin Hills Fairy Pools Dunvegan Castle Portree - Day 12
Isle of Skye to Loch Lomond/Stirling
You're crossing the road bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh to leave Skye, heading south toward Loch Lomond and Stirling. Eilean Donan Castle is just beyond the bridge and worth a quick stop. Then you'll drive through Glencoe Valley (sometimes called the 'Vale of Tears'), which has incredible color and dramatic landscapes and served as filming location for The Highlander and Harry Potter. After that, you'll pass Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest loch, surrounded by mountain forests.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Stop at Eilean Donan Castle
- Explore Glencoe Valley
Landmarks Eilean Donan Castle Glencoe Valley Loch Lomond - Day 13
Loch Lomond/Stirling to Edinburgh or Glasgow
This morning depends on your flight time and accommodation location. You might visit Stirling Castle, or head to the Falkirk Wheel, an impressive ship elevator, and see the Kelpies nearby (two 30 m tall sculptures shaped like horses representing water spirits). From there, you'll drive yourself to Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport for your departure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Stirling Castle
- Visit Falkirk Wheel - ship elevator
- Visit the Kelpies - 30 m high water spirit horse sculptures
Landmarks Stirling Castle Falkirk Wheel The Kelpies
