Day 1: Edinburgh to Stornoway

We leave Edinburgh at 8.15am, travel past the famous Forth Bridge and into Perthshire - “The Big Tree Country”. We visit the picturesque Dunkeld Cathedral on the banks of the River Tay where the Lowlands meet the Highlands.

Our journey north takes us through the natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park, past Inverness known as ‘the capital of the Highlands’ and onwards to the wild far north-west coast of Scotland to Ullapool.  We board the ferry here and travel by sea to the remote Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Lewis. As you travel, your local Guide will enlighten you about the strong Gaelic tradition and culture that make these Isles and the people who live there so special.

Day 2: Lewis & Harris

We visit Scotland's most westerly whisky distillery, Abhainn Dearg, for a taste of Scotland’s national drink ‘The Water of Life’. It’s certainly an interesting way to wake you up in the morning! Our next stop is at the stunning Callanish Standing Stones, Neolithic in age, older than Stonehenge, their meaning remains a mystery. Perhaps an ancient calendar? A site of worship? Who knows!? But these are considered to be some of the most impressive and inspiring of any of the ancient stones in Britain.

We visit a traditional Blackhouse village for a unique insight into the island’s approach to life – here you will find the home of a traditional tweed maker, a fabric exclusive to the islands but now considered very trendy! Explore Dun Carloway, a remarkably well-preserved Iron Age broch that was later used as a stronghold, before ending our day with a windy walk at the Butt of Lewis, with its isolated lighthouse and stunning ocean views. In the evening, it’s time to warm ourselves up again in a local pub!

Day 3: Lewis & Harris to Isle of Skye

In the morning we explore the surprising beaches of the Isle of Harris. You will find some of the world’s most beautiful beaches on this little Scottish island. No, really you will. You will be mesmerised when you see the crystal-clear blue waters, magnificent mountain backdrops and traditional crofting culture. Nobody will believe you when you try to tell them about the beauty you were surrounded by, so make sure your camera is charged so you can take some evidence with you when you leave.

This day is all about enjoying this beautiful remote place so prepare yourself for beach games and sandcastle building or simply sit back and enjoy the views. These islands are also home to the Clan MacLeod who have lived here for centuries. After exploring the wonders of Harris, we leave their homeland and travel over the sea to the magical Isle of Skye where we spend the night.

Day 4: Isle of Skye to Loch Ness

The Isle of Skye has it all.  Ruined castles, breathtaking views and faerie stories.  You will hear all about the legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans, as well as the Celtic myths and Viking legends from the past millennia. This mystical island has stories to tell for a lifetime, so no wonder it's starred in some Hollywood hits.

Take to foot as your Guide leads you to the best spots for the classic panoramic views you see in travel magazines. Skye packs an amazing array of stunning scenery, from dramatic mountain ranges and rugged coastlines to soaring waterfalls.

You’ll return to the mainland past the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland and on to your home for the night, Morag’s Lodge on the banks of Loch Ness. Here you can head to the bar and be sure to find some traditional Scottish hospitality.

Day 5: Loch Ness to Edinburgh

We head south to mysterious and haunting Glencoe also known as the ‘Weeping Glen’. Stunningly beautiful, it has been the backdrop in movies like Harry Potter, Braveheart, Rob Roy and more recently Skyfall.  It’s not only the magnificent scenery that makes Glencoe so special, but also the tragic events the mountains have witnessed in the past centuries.  Hear from your local Guide about the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan and you will see the beautiful glen with new eyes. This place is guaranteed to give you goosebumps.

We cross the wilds of Rannoch Moor towards the Lowlands and on past Doune Castle that starred in Outlander and Game of Thrones. As we pass historic Stirling, your Guide will speak passionately about both William Wallace and Rob Roy MacGregor, undoubtedly two of Scotland’s most heroic figures, before we arrive back in Edinburgh at approximately 5pm.

Tour options:

Choose one of the following options at the time of booking:

Pay as You Go:

We have reserved your accommodation in a shared hostel dorm, you just need to pay on arrival to your hostel. Budget around £24pppn.

Pre-Pay Bundle Multi-Share includes:

• 4 nights' hostel shared dorm accommodation
• Island Whisky Distillery visit
• Gearannan Blackhouses
• HAGGiS t-shirt
• Faster check in and easier to budget on tour

Pre-Pay Bundle Private includes:

4 nights' Private room option (min.2 persons) with shared facilities (non-ensuite), plus all bundle inclusions detailed above.

The majority of private rooms are of the same standard as the hostel dorms (usually twin share with 2 beds) and are subject to availability. They are accommodated within the same building as the rest of the group. Where this is not possible, you may be required to make your own way to your accommodation located a short walk away from the main drop off point.

BEFORE AND AFTER TOUR

We don't reserve accommodation before your tour starts or after your tour finishes but you can book this through our MyTrip function after you have booked your tour.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Included in the Pre-Pay Bundle or available on arrival

You’re reading this because you’re interested in seeing more of Scotland than just the major icons like Loch Ness. Gearrannan offers a fantastic insight into a traditional way of life which has changed slowly, still shapes the Western Isles today and is truly off the beaten track.

Island Whisky Distillery visit

Included in the Pre-Pay Bundle or available on arrival

One Scotland's most westerly, a whisky distillery visit in the Hebrides is not your average distillery. It's new and it's small, very small. But it's authentic and will give you an amazing insight into island life both past and present.

Loch Ness Cruise (summer only)

Not included in the Pre-Pay Bundle, can be bought locally and is subject to availability

Take to the water and hunt for the elusive monster. Hour long evening cruises operate from Fort Augustus throughout summer and can be booked through Morag's Lodge hostel on arrival.