Scotland & Orkney Uncovered - 8 Days

Edinburgh – Loch Lomond – Oban. Arrive in Edinburgh before 08:15 and make your way to the designated meeting point. We depart the city and travel west, passing through the rugged scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park – a region known for its lochs, forests and hill country. Our route takes us deep into Kilmartin Glen, one of the most significant prehistoric landscapes in Scotland. Here we explore a remarkable concentration of ancient sites, including Temple Wood Stone Circle and the hilltop remains of Dunadd Fort, once a royal centre of the early Scots kingdom of Dál Riata.

In the afternoon, we continue to the west coast and arrive in Oban, a bustling port town overlooking the Firth of Lorn. With its pretty waterfront, Victorian architecture and reputation for outstanding seafood, Oban is a favourite stop for travellers and locals alike. You will have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Please note: Scottish weather is unpredictable, so bring suitable clothing for all conditions, a waterproof jacket, suitable walking shoes, sunglasses, and your cameras. Most places accept card payments, but we recommend bringing some cash as well.

Meeting Point: Caffe Nero, 1 Parliament Sq, Royal Mile, EH1 1RE, besides St Giles Cathedral at 08:15.

Oban – Glencoe – Fort William– Mallaig – Skye. Today, we cross the Connel Bridge and head north through the coastal landscapes of Appin. Our first major stop is Glen Coe – a place of striking natural beauty with a sombre past, known for the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan. There's time to take in the dramatic scenery before we continue to Fort William for a lunch break.

In the afternoon, we travel west to Glenfinnan, where you'll see the famous viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films and have the opportunity to visit the Glenfinnan Monument, a tribute to the 1745 Jacobite rising. We then carry on to Mallaig to board the ferry to the Isle of Skye.

This morning, we set out to uncover the Isle of Skye in full. From the dramatic peaks of the Cuillin Mountains to the windswept cliffs of the Trotternish Peninsula, the island offers some of Scotland’s most captivating landscapes. We will visit Kilt Rock Waterfall, where sea cliffs drop dramatically to the water below, the Old Man of Storr, a striking rock pinnacle set against sweeping views, and traditional black houses that offer a glimpse into Skye’s crofting past.

We also visit Portree, Skye’s colourful harbour town and its main centre, where there’s time to wander and soak up the local atmosphere.

We depart the Isle of Skye this morning and journey east to Eilean Donan Castle (entrance not included), dramatically set on a tidal island where three sea lochs meet, and you can opt to explore inside and capture photos of this iconic Highland landmark.

From here we continue into the Great Glen, arriving at the village of Drumnadrochit on the banks of Loch Ness, where you’ll have time for lunch. In the afternoon, you can choose to join a scenic boat trip on the loch (not included), as you cruise keeping an eye out for the legendary Nessie, and visit the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle (not included), perched above the water.

We then follow the northern shore of Loch Ness to Inverness, the Highland capital, where we will spend the night.

Inverness – Kirkwall. After breakfast, we travel north through the sweeping coastal landscapes of the Moray and Cromarty Firths. This stretch of Scotland is known not only for its dramatic views but also for its rich marine life – keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and even the occasional orca along the way.

Our journey takes us to the small harbour at Gills Bay, where we board a ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. As we cross the Pentland Firth, there’s time to unwind and enjoy the seascapes before arriving in this remote and captivating archipelago. On arrival, we visit the Italian Chapel – a beautifully crafted place of worship built by Italian prisoners of war – followed by a stop at the Churchill Barriers, a network of causeways built during the Second World War to defend the naval anchorage at Scapa Flow.

This morning, we set out from Kirkwall to explore the extraordinary ancient sites scattered across Orkney’s landscape. Our first stop is Maeshowe, a chambered cairn built around 5,000 years ago, renowned for its impressive construction and Viking graffiti carved into its walls centuries later.

We then continue to Skara Brae, a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic village revealed by a storm in the 19th century. Nearby, we walk among the standing stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a powerful glimpse into prehistoric ritual life. The day ends back in Kirkwall with a visit to St Magnus Cathedral, a striking red sandstone structure that has dominated the town since the 12th century.

Kirkwall - Inverness. You’ll have a relaxed morning in Kirkwall with time to browse the town’s independent shops and pick up local crafts or souvenirs. Late in the morning, we board the ferry back to the mainland and begin our journey south with your guide offering insights into the dramatic coastal scenery along the way.

This afternoon, you can opt to visit Dunrobin Castle (not included) – a grand stately home with turrets and formal gardens overlooking the North Sea. Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, the gardens are a highlight in their own right. From here, we continue through the Highlands to reach our overnight stop in Inverness.

Inverness – Pitlochry – Edinburgh. After your final breakfast in Inverness, we begin the journey south, visiting the Culloden Battlefield. This haunting site marks the last pitched battle fought on British soil and the tragic end of the Jacobite rising in 1746. There’s time to walk the battlefield and explore the interactive visitor centre (entrance to visitor centre not included) for a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in Scottish history.

We then travel through the Cairngorms, taking in the vast landscapes of Scotland’s largest national park. Our final stop is the Victorian town of Pitlochry, a charming spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the surroundings. From here, we return to Edinburgh at approximately 7 PM, where our tour will conclude.

Drop off Point: Caffe Nero, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Mercat Cross, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 1RF, United Kingdom at approximately 7 PM