West Scotland & Islands - 8 Days

Our journey begins with a scenic drive west through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, known for its lochs, forests and dramatic hills. We continue to Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland’s most important prehistoric landscapes. With over 5,000 years of history underfoot, you’ll have time to explore the Temple Wood Stone Circle and walk in the footsteps of early Scots.

From here, we make our way to the coastal town of Oban – our base for the night and a hub for some of Scotland’s freshest seafood. As we arrive, your driver-guide will share stories of the town’s past and highlight key landmarks for you to discover at your leisure.

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

We leave Oban behind and head north via the Connel Bridge and Appin to the atmospheric Glen Coe, scene of the infamous 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan. Our route continues to Fort William, set beneath Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain.

Travelling along the famous route of the Jacobite Steam Train, we pause for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct, a must-see for fans of Highland history and Harry Potter alike. We reach the fishing port of Mallaig, where you’ll have time to explore before taking a short ferry ride to the Isle of Skye – our home for the next two nights.

Today is dedicated to discovering the wild beauty of Skye with your driver-guide. Highlights may include the dramatic Cuillin mountains, traditional black houses, and coastal sights such as the Kilt Rock waterfall and the Old Man of Storr. We also explore the Trotternish Peninsula before rounding off the day in Portree, the island’s colourful harbour town.

We bid farewell to Skye and visit one of Scotland’s most iconic castles – Eilean Donan (entrance not included) – where you’ll have time to explore and capture photos. We then head to the village of Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness for lunch.

In the afternoon, you have the option to enjoy an optional cruise on Loch Ness and visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Our day ends in the Highland capital of Inverness.

We leave Inverness and journey through the remote and rugged landscapes of Sutherland, arriving in the fishing port of Ullapool. From here, we take the ferry across the Minch to the Isle of Lewis and Harris. To gain an understanding of island life, there's an optional visit to the Arnol Blackhouse, a traditional fully furnished thatched house. Our day then ends in Stornoway, the largest settlement in the Western Isles.

Today we explore the rich history of Lewis and Harris. We visit the Carloway Broch, a remarkably well-preserved Iron Age tower, and view the ancient Callanish Standing Stones from a distance. You'll also visit Luskentyre Beach, often ranked among the UK’s most beautiful.

We end the day learning about the island’s famed Harris Tweed – a cloth still woven by hand in local homes.

Please note: Due to closures, we will not stop at Callanish Standing Stones but will pass by and, where possible, offer a short drop-off.

This morning we head to the Butt of Lewis, marked by its remote lighthouse and known as the windiest place in the UK. After a short walk, we return to Stornoway for lunch before catching the ferry back to the mainland.

A scenic drive takes us through the Highlands back to Inverness for our final night in the north.

Our final day begins with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite uprising came to a brutal end in 1746 (visitor centre entrance not included).

We then visit a local distillery for a taste of Scotch whisky before heading south through the Cairngorms National Park. After a stop in the charming town of Pitlochry, we return to Edinburgh in the early evening.

Drop Off Point: Meeting Point: Caffe Nero, 1 Parliament Sq, Royal Mile, EH1 1RE, besides St Giles Cathedral at 19:00.