Scottish Island Highlights

On arrival make your own way to your hotel.

Head to the bus station to meet fellow travellers and your driver/guide. Drive northwest, stopping in charming Callander before continuing through Trossachs National Park and on to Oban. This afternoon travel from Kilmartin Glen to Kennacraig for an evening ferry to Islay and, on arrival, head to Bowmore.

Visit Bowmore Distillery for a tour and tasting of three drams of their signature sweet and smoky whisky. This afternoon, choose from the shop at Ardnahoe, Islay’s newest distillery or the shop at Bruichladdich, celebrated for its commitment to sustainability. Finish at Bunnahabhain for a tour and tasting at the island’s most remote distillery.

Travel to the Ardbeg Distillery for an exclusive tasting of four drams of their exceptional whisky. Travel on this afternoon, passing historical sites like the ruins of Kildalton Church. Stop to visit Lagavulin’s Bar for more whisky tastings and then visit Laphroaig, a favourite of the British royal family, for a tour and tastings. Return to Bowmore.

Return by ferry to the mainland, then head to Inveraray, a charming town on Loch Fyne. A new driver/guide takes over from here as you continue this afternoon to Oban, stopping at points of interest along the way.

Take an early ferry to Mull, known for its rugged beauty and abundant wildlife. Travel to Fionnphort and opt to take the small ferry to Iona, or split your time between Iona and an optional trip to Staffa. Later, return by ferry to Oban.

Travel along the shores of Loch Linnhe, an area steeped in tales of clans, battles and fairies. Admire striking 14th century Castle Stalker near Appin, before majestic Glencoe, where there’s time for a short walk. Continue to charming Fort William, nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis then onwards through the Great Glen to Plockton.

Cross the Skye Bridge into Skye. You’ll explore different regions which may include geological wonders such as the Old Man of Storr, dramatic landscapes, island towns and Dunvegan Castle. Return to Plockton.

Journey to iconic Eilean Donan Castle, which has many old stories to tell. Travel on past shimmering lochs to Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. Continue to Spean Bridge and join a new driver/guide for the journey north to Falls of Foyers, a stunning waterfall. Travel along legendary Loch Ness, keeping watch for the elusive Nessie, before reaching Inverness.

There is an early start following the iconic North Coast 500 route to Golspie and Dunrobin Castle, a fairy-tale masterpiece for a photo stop. Travel on to John O’Groats, the most northerly mainland village of Scotland. Later travel by ferry to the Orkneys and travel on by road to Kirkwall.

Visit the UNESCO listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, which includes the Ring of Brodgar. Next is Skara Brae, a 5,000 year-old village, before a stop in Stromness. Later, discover more captivating sites, such as Kirbuster Museum, for a glimpse into the island’s rural past.

Return by ferry to the mainland and travel on to Smoo Cave, a vast sea cave shaped over millennia. Head on into the far northwest highlands and stop to admire Ardvreck Castle. A scenic drive brings you to Ullapool.

Witness the dramatic plunge of the River Droma into Corrieshalloch Gorge from viewing platforms or a suspension bridge. Travel on to Culloden Battlefield and then Clava Cairns, where you’ll feel the weight of centuries. Visit the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore and stop in Dunkeld. Finally, return to Edinburgh where your tour concludes and you make your way to your hotel.

Make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.