10 Day Orkney and the Outer Hebrides

Morning: From Edinburgh to the Gateway of the Highlands

Your journey begins as you depart Edinburgh, heading north towards the breathtaking Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Along the way, keep an eye out for iconic Scottish landmarks like the colossal Kelpies and the historic Stirling Castle. As you cross the ancient geological fault line, the flat Lowlands give way to the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, marked by shimmering lochs, rugged peaks, and verdant glens. A brief stop in a charming Highland town or by a scenic loch offers a refreshing break.

Mid-Morning: Glencoe’s Dramatic Beauty

Continuing north, you’ll traverse the vast Rannoch Moor before reaching Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most famous and dramatically beautiful valleys. This rugged landscape, steeped in history and featured in countless films, offers incredible photo opportunities and short walks to truly immerse yourself in its stunning scenery.

Afternoon: Fort William, Highlands, and the Falls of Foyers

Next, you’ll arrive in Fort William, a charming Highland town nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Here, you’ll have ample time for lunch and exploration—whether you choose to sample local cuisine, wander through the town center, or delve into the area’s rich history at a local museum. Your journey continues along the rugged Great Glen, with stops at the most scenic viewpoints. Later, you’ll discover a true Highland gem: the Falls of Foyers, a stunning waterfall that was a favorite of poet Robert Burns, offering a delightful short walk.

Early Evening: Loch Ness and Inverness

The day winds down with a journey along the legendary Loch Ness, whose dark, vast waters are rumored to hide the elusive monster. A stop at Dores, a peaceful village with stunning views, offers a chance to scan for Nessie. Finally, you’ll arrive in Inverness, the vibrant Capital of the Highlands. The evening is yours to enjoy—savor local cuisine and explore the charming streets, perhaps taking a leisurely stroll to Inverness Castle or the scenic River Ness islands.

Accommodation Details

Your overnight stay will be in Inverness. Please note that accommodation is not included in your tour price, but you can easily add it to your booking. Contact us for more details.

Beautiful view of Mystical Loch Ness in Scotland in a beautiful summer day, United Kingdom

Morning: East Coast Exploration & Fairy-Tale Castles

It’s an early start as we depart the ‘Capital of the Highlands’ and cross the Black Isle, joining the iconic North Coast 500 route. Our first stop is a brief pause in Golspie, followed by a short drive to the magnificent Dunrobin Castle. Be sure to capture a photo of this fairy-tale masterpiece, with its soaring spires and beautiful gardens. We’ll then continue our journey along the stunning coast, passing ancient lands once inhabited by the Picts and Vikings.

Mid-Morning: Coastal Beauty & John O’Groats

We’ll hug the North Sea coastline, making stops at captivating spots to admire the dramatic cliffs, sweeping sandy beaches, and the ever-changing sea. Our route weaves through charming villages and small harbors. Inland, the scenery transforms into rolling moorlands, gentle glens, and winding rivers, offering a true taste of the Highlands. Around noon, we’ll reach John O’Groats, the most northerly mainland village in Scotland.

Afternoon: Ferry to Orkney & Kirkwall Arrival

After exploring the most stunning sections of the coast, we’ll board the ferry at Gills Bay. Enjoy an hour-long journey across the Pentland Firth, feeling the power of its famous tides. Keep an eye out for the distant shores of Orkney, an archipelago of around 70 islands, with only 20 inhabited. We’ll arrive at South Ronaldsay, in the small, scenic village of St Margaret’s Hope. After crossing the Churchill Barriers (built during WWII to protect the naval base at Scapa Flow), we’ll visit the charming Italian Chapel with its intricate frescoes before continuing to Kirkwall, the Viking stronghold and capital of Orkney.

Early Evening: Free Evening in Kirkwall

Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, is a charming town rich in history and culture, and it will be your home for the next two nights. With a free evening ahead, you have the flexibility to explore as you wish. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll to admire the magnificent Viking-era St Magnus Cathedral and wander through the town’s historic, winding streets as the evening unfolds.

Accommodation

Your overnight accommodation will be in Kirkwall, Orkney. Please note that accommodation is not included in the price of your tour, but it is available to add to your booking.

Stunning and Enchanting Orkney Coast

Morning: Journey into Neolithic Orkney

Today, prepare to explore Orkney’s lush green pastures, framed by golden sand beaches and the meeting waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic. As we traverse the archipelago, we’ll delve into the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting some of Europe’s most significant and remarkably preserved prehistoric monuments.

Mid-Morning: Stepping Back in Time at Maeshowe & The Ring of Brodgar

Journey back in time to an ancient world of mystery and wonder at Maeshowe. This massive, chambered cairn and passage tomb dates back over 5,000 years and is famously aligned with the sun, creating a magical phenomenon during the winter solstice. You’ll also discover fascinating Viking graffiti—runes carved by Norsemen who visited in the 12th century. Next, we’ll visit the Ring of Brodgar, an ancient stone circle steeped in local legends and set against a backdrop of rolling hills. Standing among these towering stones, more than 4,000 years old, you’ll feel a powerful connection to the past, imagining the ancient rituals and ceremonies that once took place here.

Afternoon: Skara Brae, Stromness, and Island Insights

We’ll continue to uncover the secrets of the ancient past at Skara Brae. As you explore this 5,000-year-old village, complete with remarkably preserved stone-built homes, furniture, and even a hidden chamber, you’ll be transported back in time, imagining the daily lives of its early inhabitants. With your historical appetite whetted, we’ll head to Stromness for lunch. Enjoy fresh local seafood or other traditional dishes before taking a leisurely stroll through its winding streets and charming harbor. In the afternoon, your driver-guide will take you to more captivating sites, such as Kirbuster Museum, offering a glimpse into the island’s rural past, and perhaps even a fascinating tidal island to explore.

Early Evening: Free Evening in Kirkwall

You’ll return to Kirkwall in the early evening, giving you the freedom to decide how to spend your time. Will you savor dinner and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque harbor, perhaps watching the boats? Or will you seek out pubs and venues hosting lively traditional Scottish music sessions? The choice is entirely yours.

Accommodation

Your overnight accommodation will be in Kirkwall, Orkney. Please note that accommodation is not included in the price of your tour, but it is available to add to your booking.

Morning: Farewell Orkney, Hello Mainland Ferry

Bid farewell to Kirkwall as we journey once again through Orkney’s rugged, windswept landscape, passing the calm, deep waters of Scapa Flow en route to St Margaret’s Hope and the ferry terminal.

Mid-Morning: Across the Pentland Firth

Enjoy an hour-long journey across the Viking waters of the Pentland Firth. Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of whales or dolphins during your crossing!

Afternoon: North Coast 500 & Highland Wilderness

Back on the mainland, the northern stretch of the North Coast 500 will take us through some of Scotland’s most remote and rugged landscapes, featuring dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and rolling hills. Your driver-guide will lead you to the most scenic spots along the way before we reach Smoo Cave. This vast sea cave, shaped by millennia of sea and freshwater, boasts a labyrinth of chambers to explore. From there, we’ll head into the far northwest Highlands, where the wilderness of the Assynt mountains awaits. After soaking in the stunning scenery, we’ll stop to admire the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, perched on the shores of a loch and steeped in legends.

Early Evening: Free Evening in Ullapool

We conclude the day with a scenic drive past the iconic silhouettes of towering mountains, returning to Ullapool. Our route takes us through untouched moorlands and peat bogs before reaching the shores of Loch Broom. Enjoy a well-deserved rest among the charming, whitewashed cottages of this delightful fishing village.

Please note: This marks the end of the first leg of your tour. You’ll say goodbye to your current group and have a free day to explore Ullapool on your own. You will then join the second leg of the tour on Day 6.

Accommodation

Your overnight accommodation will be in Ullapool. Please remember that accommodation is not included in the price of your tour, but it is available to add to your booking.

Your Free Day in Ullapool

Today is all about independent exploration in Ullapool, a picturesque fishing town nestled amidst stunning mountains. There won’t be a guide on hand, giving you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. You’ll rejoin a new driver-guide and companions on Day 6.

Morning & Mid-Morning: Ullapool’s Charms & Wildlife

Ullapool is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, making a boat cruise around the nearby Summer Isles an excellent option for your morning adventure. As you glide across the waters, keep your eyes peeled for seals basking on rocks, playful dolphins and porpoises, and a wide variety of seabirds.

Afternoon: Culinary Delights & Scenic Strolls

Being on the water is sure to sharpen your appetite, so head to one of Ullapool’s inviting cafes or seafood restaurants for lunch. With your appetite satisfied, take a leisurely stroll through the streets lined with quaint white buildings, exploring the charming art galleries and craft shops. If you still have energy, why not embark on an easy, two-hour hike up Claypool Hill? This accessible walk offers some of the best panoramic views of Loch Broom and the surrounding mountains, providing a perfect way to enjoy the peaceful Highland scenery.

Early Evening: Ullapool’s Lively Nights

As evening approaches, Ullapool’s welcoming atmosphere comes alive. Enjoy some live traditional Scottish music in a cozy pub, mingling with locals and perhaps trying a local whisky before the next leg of your journey.

Accommodation

Your overnight accommodation will be in Ullapool. Please remember that accommodation is not included in the price of your tour, but it is available to add to your booking.

Ullapool, Scottish Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom; Quaint Village And Loch Broom, Beneath Mountain Range

Morning: New Beginnings in Ullapool

Wake up to stunning views over Loch Broom, glistening under the morning sky. Today marks the start of the second leg of your journey as you join a new driver-guide and fellow travelers. Once you’re settled on the bus with your new group, we’ll continue our adventure and prepare to board a ferry later today for the Outer Hebrides.

Mid-Morning: Ferry to Stornoway

We’ll board the ferry for an exciting journey past the Summer Isles to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides. This two-and-a-half-hour boat trip takes you through The Minch, a sea rumored to be home to the Hebridean Sea Serpent—so keep your eyes peeled! Even if you don’t spot the mythical creature, there’s a good chance of seeing dolphins and whales.

Afternoon: Isle of Lewis & Northern Discoveries

Upon arrival in Stornoway on the Western Isles, you’ll have time for lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants. Recharged with local specialties, you’ll begin exploring these unique and remote islands. You’ll spend the next two days discovering the rugged landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and slower pace of life that the Outer Hebrides are renowned for. We’ll head to the northwest coast, traveling through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. Your driver-guide will take you to the Butt of Lewis, the archipelago’s oldest continuously used lighthouse, designed by the famous engineer Robert Stevenson.

Early Evening: Free Evening in Stornoway

After experiencing the dramatic cliffs and facing the powerful Atlantic Ocean, we’ll travel through the Isle of Lewis to your overnight accommodation in Stornoway. The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Will you try the famous local black pudding, or perhaps take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque harbor? The choice is yours!

Accommodation

Your overnight accommodation will be in Stornoway. Please remember that accommodation is not included in the price of your tour, but it is available to add to your booking.

Charming Stornoway

Morning: Step Back in Time at Arnol, Isle of Lewis

Today, you’ll dive deep into the rich history and rugged landscapes of this wild island. We’ll head north to the Arnol Blackhouse, where you can truly experience what traditional farming life was like in these remote reaches by exploring a restored 19th-century croft house.

Please note: The Blackhouse is undergoing maintenance until June 9, 2025. During this time, you’ll only be able to view it from the outside.

Mid-Morning: Ancient Wonders at Dun Carloway Broch

Just a short drive down the road, you’ll visit the impressive stone fort of Dun Carloway Broch. Built before 100 AD, this ancient structure is believed to have been a fortification or an early residence. It’s a wonderful spot to reflect on the vast stretches of history that have unfolded before you.

Afternoon: Lewis’s Wild West Coast

The rest of your afternoon will be spent exploring the serene beaches, rugged coastlines, and mountains of Lewis’s western side. We’ll then journey back to Stornoway, taking a different route across the island. This path, dotted with lochs and moors, is teeming with rich wildlife, offering another unique perspective of the landscape.

Early Evening: Free in Stornoway

You’ve got another evening in Stornoway to enjoy! Why not savor more fresh local food and chat with the locals about the island’s captivating legends and mysteries?

Accommodation

Your overnight accommodation will be in Stornoway. Please remember that accommodation is not included in the price of your tour, but it is available to add to your booking.

Magical Callanish Stones

Morning: Dramatic Harris Mountains

It’s time for a change of scenery as we journey to the Isle of Harris – and the first thing you’ll notice are its dramatic mountains! As we weave through these towering marvels, your guide will share the traditions and tales unique to this part of Scotland. We’ll explore the island throughout the morning, including a short break in Tarbert, nestled perfectly between the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

Mid-Morning: Discovering Wild Harris

Our exploration of the Isle of Harris continues as we stop at various beautiful locations, further immersing ourselves in the island’s wild and remote charm.

Afternoon: Luskentyre Beach & Ferry to Skye

Depending on the weather, we might head to Leverburgh, a charming village with a picturesque harbor, or enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot. Then, prepare to be amazed by the island’s true gem: Luskentyre Beach. Often ranked among the world’s most beautiful, its powdery white sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters, all framed by rugged Scottish scenery. After soaking in this unspoiled beauty, it’s time to bid farewell to the tranquil Outer Hebrides. We’ll hop back on a ferry in Tarbert for our crossing over the sea to Skye.

Early Evening: Enchanting Skye & Portree Arrival

Stepping off the ferry in Uig on the “Misty Isle,” we’ll travel through the Trotternish Peninsula. This part of Skye truly captures the imagination with its surreal rock formations, steep rugged cliffs, vast empty spaces, and an overwhelming sense of wilderness. The island’s ever-changing weather only adds to the drama, often shrouding peaks in mist or allowing sunlight to break through, creating a magical atmosphere. We’ll make our way to Portree, Skye’s capital, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening, leaving you plenty of time to explore this charming town on your own.

Accommodation

Your overnight accommodation will be in Portree. Please remember that accommodation is not included in the price of your tour, but it is available to add to your booking

Beautiful Portree

Morning & Mid-Morning: Discovering Skye’s Wonders

Every turn on Skye reveals astounding beauty. Today, your driver-guide will make the most of your time and the weather in this marvel-studded landscape. Exploring Skye truly feels like stepping into a dream, with countless incredible places to discover. You might head north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond, where you’ll encounter geological wonders like the iconic Old Man of Storr, the majestic Kilt Rock, and the breathtaking Quiraing mountain pass. This part of the island enchants visitors with surreal rock formations, dramatic cliffs, vast open spaces, and an overwhelming sense of wilderness.

Afternoon: Lunch and Clan Legends

After all this exploration, we’ll pause in one of the island’s charming towns for lunch to recharge for the second part of the day. In the late afternoon, your driver-guide may transport you back in time, sharing captivating stories about the legends and clan culture surrounding Dunvegan Castle, the 13th-century ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod.

Early Evening: Free Evening in Portree

After a day of enjoying the sights of Skye, you have your final evening in Portree. There are plenty of fabulous seafood restaurants to celebrate a fine day of exploring. Will you have dinner and take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque harbor? Or will you seek out pubs and venues hosting traditional Scottish music sessions? The choice is yours.

Accommodation

Your overnight accommodation will be in Portree. Please remember that accommodation is not included in the price of your tour, but it is available to add to your booking.

Famous Isle of Skye

Morning: From Skye’s Mist to Eilean Donan

We’ll journey south through the Misty Isle, passing the impressive Cuillin Hills and Sligachan Bridge, before returning to the mainland for a closer look at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle.

Mid-Morning: Eilean Donan’s Tales & Kintail’s Peaks

Perched on a small island, Eilean Donan Castle, recently made famous as a movie location, has countless old stories to tell. You can enjoy refreshments at a local café and stroll along the loch to admire the castle from the outside. Or, you might choose to explore its chambers, where you’ll discover a collection of artifacts belonging to the MacKenzie and MacRae clans. Afterward, we’ll journey past shimmering lochs framed by the rugged mountains of the Five Sisters of Kintail. After this visual feast of towering peaks, we’ll head to Fort William for a break.

Afternoon: Fort William, Glencoe’s Drama & The Trossachs

You’ll have time for lunch in Fort William, a charming Highland town nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis. Sample local cuisine or wander the town center before we continue our journey south. Your driver-guide may become a little emotional as we pass through the valley of Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most famous natural landmarks. Renowned for its dramatic, rugged slopes, this stunning area was also the site of one of the most tragic events in Scottish history. We’ll then continue through the wild and desolate landscapes of Rannoch Moor and into The Trossachs National Park, passing shimmering lochs, rugged mountain peaks, and forest-filled glens, with a short break along the way.

Early Evening: Return to Edinburgh

Further south, after crossing the ancient natural Fault Line that divides Scotland, you’ll witness the rugged, majestic Highlands gradually give way to the flat, fertile plains of the Lowlands as we return to Edinburgh.

Enchanting Edinburg