Itinerary
- Day 1
Edinburgh to Oban
You'll start in the Lowlands and head north past Stirling Castle toward the Highlands. The route takes you through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park where you'll stop at scenic viewpoints like Rest and Be Thankful to take in the landscape. After that, you'll pause in Inveraray for lunch before continuing to Oban. There are optional stops available at Kilmartin Glen or Loch Awe if you're interested. You'll arrive in Oban in the late afternoon for a two-night stay.
- Start point
- EH1 3DQ, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (Gate J And Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ, 08:45 - 09:00)
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Local B&B in Oban with breakfast)
Included Activities
- Explore Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
- Stop at Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint
Optional Activities
- Visit Kilmartin Glen (over 350 ancient monuments including standing stones, stone circles, and burial cairns)
- Visit Loch Awe to see Kilchurn Castle ruins
- Dinner at local restaurant
- Stroll along Oban waterfront
Landmarks Stirling Castle Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Rest and Be Thankful Kilmartin Glen Kilchurn Castle Loch Awe 
- Day 2
Oban - Mull - Iona/Staffa
An early ferry takes you from Oban to the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. You'll travel through the island's landscapes to reach Fionnphort, and from there you can choose between visiting Iona to see the historic abbey and explore rocky headlands and sandy coves, or combining Iona with an optional trip to Staffa to see Fingal's Cave. The return journey takes you back through Mull to Oban. That evening you can head up to McCaig's Tower for panoramic views or visit a local pub for whisky.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Local B&B in Oban with breakfast)
Included Activities
- Ferry to Isle of Mull
- Ferry back to Oban
Optional Activities
- Visit Iona - explore historic abbey and churchyard with intricately carved crosses
- Explore Iona's rocky headlands and sandy coves
- Optional trip to Staffa to see Fingal's Cave and dramatic basalt columns
- Visit McCaig's Tower on Battery Hill for panoramic views
- Enjoy local whisky at pubs
Landmarks Duart Castle Isle of Mull Iona Abbey Staffa Fingal's Cave McCaig's Tower 
- Day 3
Oban to Balmacara
Leaving Oban, you'll travel south along Loch Linnhe with views of Castle Stalker, a 14th-century tower sitting on an islet. Next you'll reach Glencoe where you can take photos and do a short walk through this dramatic valley. After that, you head to Fort William for lunch at the foot of Ben Nevis. The drive continues through the Great Glen with photo stops at the Five Sisters of Kintail and Eilean Donan Castle. You'll arrive in Balmacara for the night with free time to explore local trails or just relax.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Local B&B in Balmacara with Breakfast)
Included Activities
- Stop at Castle Stalker viewpoint
- Explore Glencoe with photo opportunities and short walk
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Fort William
- Explore Fort William town center
- Visit Balmacara Estate
- Wander local trails in Balmacara
- Meal at nearby inn or pub
Landmarks Loch Linnhe Castle Stalker Glencoe Ben Nevis Great Glen Five Sisters of Kintail Eilean Donan Castle Balmacara Estate 
- Day 4
Balmacara - Isle of Skye
The day starts by crossing the Skye Bridge to reach the Isle of Skye. You'll explore dramatic geological features including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing mountain pass on the Trotternish Ridge. During lunch at one of the island's towns you'll have a break before the afternoon. Later, your guide may share stories about Dunvegan Castle's clan history or take you to other hidden spots. You return to Balmacara by evening for another quiet night.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Local B&B in Balmacara with Breakfast)
Included Activities
- Explore Isle of Skye landscapes
- Visit Trotternish Ridge area
Optional Activities
- Visit Old Man of Storr
- See Kilt Rock
- Drive through Quiraing mountain pass
- Learn about Dunvegan Castle and clan legends
- Explore other hidden gems on the island
- Lunch in island towns
Landmarks Skye Bridge Isle of Skye Trotternish Ridge Old Man of Storr Kilt Rock Quiraing Dunvegan Castle 
- Day 5
Balmacara to Inverness
Starting from Balmacara, you'll get a closer look at Eilean Donan Castle. After refreshments at a local café, you'll stroll along the loch to admire the castle or explore its chambers to see MacKenzie and MacRae clan artifacts. Then you head to Fort Augustus on Loch Ness where you can search for the famous monster and visit the loch's shores. You'll stop at Spean Bridge to change guides and buses, then continue north to Falls of Foyers waterfall. The drive passes scenic Loch Ness near Dores village before arriving in Inverness.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Local B&B in Inverness with Breakfast)
Included Activities
- Stop at Eilean Donan Castle area
- Visit Falls of Foyers
Optional Activities
- Explore Eilean Donan Castle chambers with clan artifacts
- Refreshments at local café near castle
- Lunch and local specialties in Fort Augustus
- Explore shores of Loch Ness
- Visit Dores village on Loch Ness
- Explore Inverness Castle
- Stroll along River Ness islands
- Sample local cuisine in Inverness
Landmarks Eilean Donan Castle Fort Augustus Loch Ness Falls of Foyers Dores Inverness Castle River Ness 
- Day 6
Inverness to Kirkwall, Orkney
An early start from Inverness takes you across the Black Isle as you follow the North Coast 500 route. You'll stop in Golspie and at fairy-tale Dunrobin Castle, then continue along the North Sea coastline with views of dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming villages. Reaching John O'Groats, Scotland's most northerly mainland village, you'll board the Pentland Firth ferry for about an hour to reach South Ronaldsay in Orkney. You cross the Churchill Barriers and visit the Italian Chapel before arriving in Kirkwall for a two-night stay.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Local B&B in Kirkwall with Breakfast)
Included Activities
- Stop at Dunrobin Castle for photos
- Visit Italian Chapel on the way to Kirkwall
- Ferry crossing across Pentland Firth
Optional Activities
- Photo stop in Golspie
- Explore North Sea coastal villages and harbors
- Leisure time in John O'Groats
- Explore Kirkwall town center
- Visit St Magnus Cathedral
- Stroll through Kirkwall's winding streets
Landmarks Black Isle Dunrobin Castle Golspie John O'Groats Gills Bay Pentland Firth South Ronaldsay St Margaret's Hope Churchill Barriers Italian Chapel Kirkwall St Magnus Cathedral - Day 7
Kirkwall - Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Today focuses on UNESCO World Heritage sites across Orkney's fertile landscapes and remote shores. You'll visit Maeshowe, a 5,000-year-old chambered cairn aligned with the winter solstice sun and featuring Viking runes from the 12th century. Next you'll stand among the ancient stones of Ring of Brodgar, a 4,000-year-old stone circle. Then comes Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old prehistoric village with stone homes and furniture. Lunch in Stromness offers fresh local seafood. Optional afternoon visits to Kirbuster Museum or a tidal island round out the day.
Included Activities
- Visit Maeshowe
- Visit Ring of Brodgar
- Visit Skara Brae
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Stromness with fresh local seafood
- Stroll through Stromness winding streets and harbor
- Visit Kirbuster Museum
- Explore tidal island
- Dinner in Kirkwall
- Stroll along Kirkwall harbor
- Attend traditional Scottish music sessions at pubs
Landmarks Heart of Neolithic Orkney Maeshowe Ring of Brodgar Skara Brae Stromness Kirbuster Museum 
- Day 8
Kirkwall to Ullapool
Leaving Kirkwall, you travel back across the Pentland Firth ferry with chances to spot whales and dolphins. The journey continues through Scotland's remote and rugged northern landscapes. You'll explore Smoo Cave, a vast sea cave with multiple chambers. Then you see the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the shores of a loch. Driving through the dramatic Assynt mountains takes you into the far northwest Highlands. You conclude in Ullapool, a charming fishing village with whitewashed cottages on Loch Broom.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Local B&B in Ullapool with Breakfast)
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing across Pentland Firth
- Visit Smoo Cave
Optional Activities
- Explore Smoo Cave chambers
- View Ardvreck Castle ruins
- Short walk to observe scenery
- Explore Ullapool
Landmarks Pentland Firth Smoo Cave Ardvreck Castle Assynt mountains Loch Broom Ullapool 
- Day 9
Ullapool
This is a free day in Ullapool with no scheduled guide. You can explore this fishing village surrounded by mountains at your own pace. An optional boat cruise around the Summer Isles lets you spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. Local cafes and seafood restaurants are available for meals. You can wander through quaint white buildings, art galleries, and craft shops. For those interested, a leisurely two-hour hike up Claypool Hill offers panoramic views of Loch Broom. Evening entertainment at local pubs features traditional Scottish music.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Local B&B in Ullapool with Breakfast)
Optional Activities
- Boat cruise around Summer Isles with wildlife viewing
- Lunch or dinner at cafes or seafood restaurants
- Explore Ullapool's white buildings, art galleries, and craft shops
- Two-hour hike up Claypool Hill for panoramic views
- Traditional Scottish music at local pubs
- Sample local whisky
Landmarks Summer Isles Loch Broom Claypool Hill - Day 10
Ullapool to Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
You'll meet a new driver-guide and fellow travelers for this part of the journey. After breakfast overlooking Loch Broom, you board a ferry for a two and a half-hour crossing through the Minch to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides, watching for dolphins and whales. Lunch takes place in Stornoway. Then you explore the northwest coast, passing through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. You'll visit the Butt of Lewis, the oldest continuously used lighthouse in the archipelago designed by Robert Stevenson, before returning to Stornoway for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast overlooking Loch Broom)
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Local B&B in Stornoway with breakfast)
Included Activities
- Ferry to Stornoway
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Stornoway cafes or restaurants
- Visit Butt of Lewis lighthouse
- Explore traditional crofting towns
- Visit seaside ports
- Try local black pudding
- Stroll along Stornoway harbor
- Explore Stornoway town in evening
Landmarks Loch Broom Summer Isles The Minch Stornoway Butt of Lewis Isle of Lewis - Day 11
Isle of Lewis - History and Landscapes
This day focuses on Lewis's history and landscapes. You visit Arnol Blackhouse to experience traditional 19th-century crofting life. Next comes Dun Carloway, an ancient fort believed to date before 100 AD. The afternoon is spent on beautiful serene beaches, rugged coasts, and mountains of western Lewis. You'll travel through landscape dotted with lochs and moors rich in wildlife. By evening you return to Stornoway with freedom to try local dishes and chat with locals about island legends.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Local B&B in Stornoway with breakfast)
Included Activities
- Visit Arnol Blackhouse
Optional Activities
- Explore Dun Carloway ancient fort
- Visit western Lewis beaches and coasts
- Explore landscape with lochs and moors
- Dinner and conversation with locals in Stornoway
- Sample local dishes
Landmarks Arnol Blackhouse Dun Carloway Isle of Lewis - Day 12
Isle of Harris - Luskentyre to Isle of Skye
You travel to the dramatic Isle of Harris with towering mountains. A stop in Tarbert sits between Lewis and Harris before you explore the wild and remote Isle of Harris with scenic stops. You visit charming Leverburgh village with its picturesque harbor or enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic location. Then it's to Luskentyre beach, known for its powdery white sands and turquoise waters framed by rugged scenery. A ferry from Tarbert takes you to Uig on the Isle of Skye. Traveling through the Trotternish Peninsula with surreal rock formations and steep cliffs, you arrive in Portree in early evening.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Local B&B in Portree with Breakfast )
Included Activities
- Ferry from Tarbert to Uig on Isle of Skye
Optional Activities
- Explore Tarbert village
- Visit Leverburgh village and harbor
- Picnic lunch at scenic location
- Visit Luskentyre beach
- Explore Portree town
- Visit local restaurants and shops in Portree
Landmarks Isle of Harris Tarbert Leverburgh Luskentyre Beach Uig Trotternish Peninsula Portree - Day 13
Isle of Skye
You spend another day on the Isle of Skye with chances to experience moments you may have missed before. Watch for rainbows over the Black Cuillin Mountains and golden eagles gliding over the Quiraing. You can take time to observe subtle coastal curves and ancient rock formations at a slower pace. Optional activities include a lively ceilidh at a cosy pub. You return to Portree for your final evening with options for seafood restaurants or traditional Scottish music sessions.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Local B&B in Portree with Breakfast )
Optional Activities
- Observe Black Cuillin Mountains
- Watch for golden eagles at Quiraing
- Swim in Sligachan River
- Photograph Highland cattle
- Visit favorite restaurants from previous day
- Attend ceilidh at pub
- Enjoy seafood dinner in Portree
- Attend traditional Scottish music sessions
- Stroll Portree harbor
Landmarks Black Cuillin Mountains Quiraing Old Man of Storr Sligachan River Portree 
- Day 14
Isle of Skye to Edinburgh
You travel south through the Isle of Skye, passing the Cuillin Hills and Sligachan Bridge, to return to mainland Scotland. At Eilean Donan Castle you'll have refreshments at a local café or the chance to explore the castle chambers with clan artifacts. The route continues past the shimmering lochs and Five Sisters of Kintail. A lunch break happens in Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. You drive through dramatic Glencoe and learn about its history. Continuing south through wild Rannoch Moor and Trossachs National Park, you pass lochs, peaks, and glens before returning to Edinburgh after crossing the ancient Fault Line where the highlands transform to lowlands.
Included Activities
- Stop at Eilean Donan Castle area
Optional Activities
- Explore Eilean Donan Castle chambers with clan artifacts
- Refreshments at local café near castle
- Lunch in Fort William
- Explore Fort William town center
- Short breaks in scenic areas
- Photo stops along route
Landmarks Isle of Skye Cuillin Hills Sligachan Bridge Eilean Donan Castle Five Sisters of Kintail Fort William Ben Nevis Glencoe Rannoch Moor Trossachs National Park Edinburgh
