ORKNEY, HEBRIDES & NORTH COAST 500

From Edinburgh, we travel north to Perthshire, ‘Big Tree Country’. Our first stop is in the beautiful cathedral town of Dunkeld on the River Tay, before continuing to the dramatic tree-lined gorge at Killiecrankie. Wander through native woodlands or throw yourself off the Garry Bridge with ‘Highland....

From Edinburgh, we travel north to Perthshire, ‘Big Tree Country’. Our first stop is in the beautiful cathedral town of Dunkeld on the River Tay, before continuing to the dramatic tree-lined gorge at Killiecrankie. Wander through native woodlands or throw yourself off the Garry Bridge with ‘Highland Fling’ – the UK’s only fixed point bungee (optional). It’s onwards through the wild Cairngorms National Park. Ponder the mystery of the bronze-age standing stones and burial chambers at Clava Cairns - said to be the inspiration for Craigh na Dun in Outlander - before visiting the site of the last major battle on British soil at Culloden. Grace the shores of the famous, monstrous, Loch Ness where you have the option to join an early evening cruise! Experience Highland hospitality first-hand in the local bars and restaurants during our night in Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness.

This morning we continue north, following the eastern side of the North Coast 500, Scotland’s answer to ‘Route 66’. Explore the fairy-tale Dunrobin Castle (optional) and the impressive gardens. Further north, marvel at the epic sea stacks at Duncansby Head before arriving at the most northerly town ....

This morning we continue north, following the eastern side of the North Coast 500, Scotland’s answer to ‘Route 66’. Explore the fairy-tale Dunrobin Castle (optional) and the impressive gardens. Further north, marvel at the epic sea stacks at Duncansby Head before arriving at the most northerly town on the UK mainland, John o’ Groats. If you don’t get a photo with the iconic sign, were you even there? On the ferry across the Pentland Firth, brave the wind on deck to look out for dolphins, whales, and even the occasional Orca! In Orkney, we drive across the Churchill Barriers, which once guarded the Royal Navy at Scapa Flow!

First stop today is the incredible Skara Brae, an insanely well-preserved Neolithic village by the sea. Journey back into domestic life between 3,200BC and 2,200BC as you wander around the homes in the settlement, complete with Stone Age beds and furniture! Your legendary guide will bring the isla....

First stop today is the incredible Skara Brae, an insanely well-preserved Neolithic village by the sea. Journey back into domestic life between 3,200BC and 2,200BC as you wander around the homes in the settlement, complete with Stone Age beds and furniture! Your legendary guide will bring the islands’ fascinating history to life, as you explore the Heart of Neolithic Orkney; from the towering Ring of Brodgar to the Stones of Stenness. There are still many unanswered questions about these internationally significant sites, and we like it that way! Orkney’s wild coastline is the perfect place to literally blow the cobwebs away and get high on fresh air and the sight of endless waves. You might even be lucky enough to spot puffins in the cliffs! The Italian Chapel, built by prisoners during WWII is a special wee place with a touching story. Explore the harbour and ancient St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney. By night, enjoy an optional beach feast with open-fire cooking, bread-making, storytelling, crafts and games - all led by costumed Viking experts!

We bid farewell to Kirkwall, then drive to the south end of Orkney catch the morning ferry back to the mainland to re-join the NC500 further along the coast. The northern stretch of coast dishes out big ‘wows’ at every stop: paradise beaches, crazy-high cliffs, and some seriously impressive landscap....

We bid farewell to Kirkwall, then drive to the south end of Orkney catch the morning ferry back to the mainland to re-join the NC500 further along the coast. The northern stretch of coast dishes out big ‘wows’ at every stop: paradise beaches, crazy-high cliffs, and some seriously impressive landscapes and rock formations in what has been designated as a UNESCO Geopark; the first in Scotland. Enter into the vast chasm of Smoo Cave in Durness, and if you’re feeling adventurous, fly through the air on the Golden Eagle Zipline, 100ft over the bonnie beach below (optional/weather permitting). Afterwards, marvel at the scenery and mind-blowing geology of the North-West Highlands with a walk at Knockan Crag Nature Reserve, before continuing over the picturesque Kylesku Bridge towards the fishing port of Ullapool, our final destination. . Tonight there is the opportunity to get together and cook up a group meal at the hostel.

We’re off to the Isle of Lewis & Harris which means another awesome ferry crossing, with the chance of spotting marine life, from Ullapool to Stornoway: download the Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust app to report your sightings. We disembark for an exciting day of sightseeing at the many cultural att....

We’re off to the Isle of Lewis & Harris which means another awesome ferry crossing, with the chance of spotting marine life, from Ullapool to Stornoway: download the Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust app to report your sightings. We disembark for an exciting day of sightseeing at the many cultural attractions on Lewis. First, a visit to the Neolithic era at the evocative 5000-year-old Callanish Standing Stones, and then we jump forward through time to the Iron Age and the impressive broch of Dun Carloway. Closer to modern day, but still back in the 17th century, the island way of life is held in time at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. The remote and rugged Atlantic coastline feels like the edge of the Earth, and the Butt of Lewis is the most northerly point – and the most dramatic! Waves charge against the cliffs below the isolated lighthouse; filling you with fear and amazement in equal measures. Back in Stornoway, stroll around the harbour and sample fresh seafood for dinner.

We leave Lewis in the north, and drive south towards the imposing mountains of Harris, where we meet a local crofter who practices the ancient skill of making Harris Tweed on a manual loom, using wool from his own flock of sheep; you’ll also be introduced to his sheep dogs, who will demonstrate thei....

We leave Lewis in the north, and drive south towards the imposing mountains of Harris, where we meet a local crofter who practices the ancient skill of making Harris Tweed on a manual loom, using wool from his own flock of sheep; you’ll also be introduced to his sheep dogs, who will demonstrate their remarkable sheep-handling skills! The beach is calling, and there’s nowhere better to dip your toes in than the turquoise waters of Luskentyre: the white sandy beach of dreams. Afterwards, we head back to Tarbert, the hub of Harris, to visit the award-winning, socially responsible, Isle of Harris Distillery. Can you resist buying a beautiful bottle of gin? We board the ferry from Tarbert, bound for the magical Isle of Skye. We don’t mess about in showing you Skye’s jaw-dropping landscapes and head straight for the Quiraing. Hike to the Old Man of Storr and soak up the coastal scenes at Kilt Rock and Lealt Falls. Check out the colourful harbour during our overnight in Portree.

After an action-packed 6 days of exploring, today is an opportunity to chill out, explore or get active at your own pace. From our base in Portree, you can set off into the hills for a long hike, relax by the sea, or simply sit and watch the world go by. There is a shuttle bus to the Fairy Pools and....

After an action-packed 6 days of exploring, today is an opportunity to chill out, explore or get active at your own pace. From our base in Portree, you can set off into the hills for a long hike, relax by the sea, or simply sit and watch the world go by. There is a shuttle bus to the Fairy Pools and wildlife cruises which depart from the harbour: dolphins, whales and sea eagles often show up around these parts! If you’re after a more hardcore pursuit, there is the option to go canyoning down hidden rivers or to bravely follow in the footsteps of adventurist Bear Grylls and actor Ben Stiller by abseiling down into the remote Spar Cave. All activities today are optional.

Departing Portree, we travel to the south end of Skye to visit the ancient seat of the Lord of the Isles at Armadale Castle (optional museum visit), before our final ferry crossing over to the fishing port of Mallaig. We have said goodbye to Skye, but another unforgettable experience awaits; a ride ....

Departing Portree, we travel to the south end of Skye to visit the ancient seat of the Lord of the Isles at Armadale Castle (optional museum visit), before our final ferry crossing over to the fishing port of Mallaig. We have said goodbye to Skye, but another unforgettable experience awaits; a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train. The West Highland Line was voted the best train journey in the world by Wanderlust Magazine three times over, and we cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter movies. Look out for Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain, as we pass Fort William, then we begin the road south with a stop in the jaw-dropping Glen Coe. The rest of the route takes in the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor, the Trossachs National Park, Stirling, and The Kelpies: the world’s largest equine sculptures. We arrive back into Edinburgh at around 8pm. What a time we’ve had!