8 day tour
Skye, Orkney and the Highlands
From
£1575.00
Tour Summary
Skye, Orkney and the Highlands
8 day/ 7 night tour
This comprehensive tour of Scotland's Highlands and Islands is the perfect balance of discovery, travel and hospitality. A relaxed two-night stay on both Skye and Orkney provides the perfect opportunity for in-depth sightseeing of these legendary isles. Back on the mainland, there is much to enjoy including bustling Inverness, ancient Kilmartin Glen, picturesque Eilean Donan Castle and mysterious Loch Ness.
Oban - enjoy an overnight stay in this bustling fishing port known as Scotland’s seafood Capital
Isle of Skye - explore the majestic scenery of this famed island, including the stunning Cuillin Hills and the lunar landscape of the Trotternish Peninsula
North Coast 500 - experience amazing seascapes as you travel along Scotland’s Route 66
Orkney Islands - visit iconic pre-historic sites, including Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar
Culloden Moor - discover the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite rebellion
Movie locations - Harry Potter, Stardust and Made of Honour
Guest house accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh - Inveraray - Oban
Departing from Edinburgh, we travel westwards across Scotland to reach Glasgow,
Scotland’s largest city. Soon, we enter the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, a natural wonder waiting to be discovered. Loch Lomond is a real highlight - Britain's largest lake and one of Scotland's loveliest. It has 30 islands, including one inhabited by a colony of wallabies! We’ll make a stop in the pretty village of Luss so you can take a stroll by the "bonnie, bonnie banks".
The Argyll Forest Park is famed for its ancient trees, tranquil lochs and mountains. Look out for Ben Arthur, affectionately known as "The Cobbler” - it’s one of Scotland’s most popular climbs.
Next, our coach starts our ascent of the "Rest and be Thankful” mountain pass. You’ll soon realise why this road has such an unusual name when you look down on General Wade's original road that winds its way through Glen Croe to the summit!
The 3rd Duke of Argyll built the "new" town of Inveraray at the head of Loch Fyne. The town sits in the shadow of Inveraray Castle, and, as we will discover, this pleasant town retains much of its 18th-century charm.
From Lochgilphead, we enter Kilmartin Glen. This mysterious Glen has one of the most concentrated areas of prehistoric sites in Scotland, including a linear cemetery – a line of burial cairns stretching over 2 miles. Nearby is Dunadd, a hill fort dating back to the Iron Age. Dunadd was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, so this part of Argyll has played a significant role in shaping modern Scotland.
Later, we arrive in the bustling, beautiful port of Oban, our stop for tonight. This attractive seaside town is known as Scotland's seafood capital, so why not head to a local restaurant to sample some freshly landed delicacies?
Overnight: Oban
Day 2 - Oban - Glen Coe - Isle of Skye
We bid farewell to Oban and head for the Connel Bridge. As we cross, look out for the tumbling waters of the Falls of Lora below.
Glen Coe is arguably Scotland's most famous glen, partly because of its awe-inspiring beauty and, more sinisterly, the location of the infamous massacre of 1692. The sad tale will be told as we take a brief detour to explore this special place for ourselves.
Fort William's glorious setting on the banks of Loch Linnhe has made it a popular tourist destination since the arrival of the steamships in the mid-1800s. The town sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis, which, at 1,345 m (4,412 feet), is the tallest mountain in the UK.
Our adventure continues as we travel the picturesque "Road to the Isles," where the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct awaits, immortalised in the Harry Potter films as a part of the magical journey to Hogwarts.
Keep an eye out for the Glenfinnan Monument, erected in memory of the Highlanders who fell during the 1745 Jacobite Uprising.
When the coach reaches Mallaig, there will be some free time before boarding a ferry to sail "over the sea to Skye", our home for the next two nights.
Overnight: Isle of Skye (2 nights)
Day 3 - Isle of Skye Excursion
Good morning! After breakfast, we join our fellow travellers to explore Scotland’s most romantic island - Skye!
Our first treat is the jagged peaks that make up the Black and Red Cuillin. These untamed mountains are famed worldwide for their challenges to climbing enthusiasts. We’ll make a stop so you can capture the scene from a popular viewpoint.
Enjoy time for lunch in Portree, the largest town on the island. It’s set around a picturesque natural harbour, which makes a great spot to enjoy some freshly cooked fish and chips!
Next, we travel northwards to explore the fascinating geology of the Trotternish Peninsula. Here we’ll find the volcanic landscape of the Trotternish Ridge, which includes impressive pinnacles known as the Old Man of Storr and The Quiraing. We’ll also see Kilt Rock with its striking waterfall free-falling 60 metres to the sea below!
Afterwards, return to your accommodation with time to relax before heading out for dinner.
Day 4 - Isle of Skye - Eilean Donan Castle - Inverness
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the Isle of Skye and return to the mainland. We stop to visit picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. This is, without doubt, one of Scotland's most iconic sights. The castle stands on a little island situated at the confluence of Loch's Alsh and Duich. We'll have time to discover the castle for ourselves during our stop here.
There are wonderful views at every turn as we travel through Glen Shiel. Look out for the soaring peaks of the mountain range known as the "Five Sisters of Kintail". They make a magnificent sight.
From Invermoriston we follow the banks of enigmatic Loch Ness to the little village of Drumnadrochit. There’s an extended stop here so you can relax in this pleasant Highland village. Alternatively, you can take the opportunity of visiting Urquhart Castle, once one of the largest fortresses in the Highlands and take a short monster-spotting cruise on Loch Ness.
Later we will make our way to Inverness our home for tonight.
Overnight: Inverness
Day 5 - Inverness - North Coast 500 - Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)
From Inverness, we join the famous North Coast 500 route and make our way across the Black Isle, across the Cromarty and Dornoch firths. From here, we drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. This is some of Europe's oldest landscapes, and here we have the chance to see wildlife such as Golden Eagles and red deer.
We board the ferry, crossing the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago. On our arrival, it is a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel, where few will fail to be moved by the dedicated workmanship of the Italian prisoners of war who crafted this place of worship from a humble Nissan hut. Their story, along with many others, will be told as we view Scapa Flow, the scene of momentous events during both World Wars.
The Viking stronghold of Kirkwall is our home for the next 2 nights.
Overnight: Kirkwall (2 nights)
Day 6 - Exploring the Orkney Islands
Orkney is home to many outstanding historic treasures, and today will be a unique day of discovery. On our itinerary today are visits to Maeshowe, a magnificent tomb built almost 5,000 years ago and the Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle that once comprised 60 megaliths. Today, with 27 stones still standing, some over 5 metres tall, it takes little imagination to visualise the extent of this historic monument.
Uncovered by a storm in 1850, Skara Brae is one of the best-preserved groups of Stone Age houses in Western Europe, and our visit will reveal the stone furniture, hearths and drains that present such a remarkable picture of Neolithic life.
The day will conclude with a visit to the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral, one of Europe’s great architectural achievements, which is over 800 years old.
Day 7 - Kirkwall - Dunrobin Castle - Inverness
We have a relaxed start today with free time in Kirkwall before joining the coach for the drive to South Ronaldsay, where we board the ferry back to mainland Scotland. On arrival at Gills Bay, we join the scenic coastal route for our journey southwards to Inverness.
Just outside Golspie lies magnificent Dunrobin Castle, the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses. This grand chateau-like castle is the home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, and it has a commanding position overlooking the Moray Firth. We’ll make a stop so you can visit this splendid castle, tour some of its 189 rooms, and take a stroll through the extensive gardens.
Later, we’ll make our way to the Black Isle and across the Kessock Bridge into Inverness.
Overnight: Inverness
Day 8 - Inverness - Culloden Moor - Edinburgh
After breakfast, we travel the short distance to visit tragic Culloden Moor. It was here that Government troops routed the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie in a bloody battle in 1746.
Cairngorms National Park is Britain’s largest and contains five of Scotland’s six highest peaks. The park provides a stunning backdrop to our travels through the Spey Valley, and then we descend through the Drumochter Pass to reach the pleasant Victorian tourist town of Pitlochry, where we will stop for refreshments.
The dramatic scenery of Highland Perthshire gives way to rolling farmland as we reach the "Fair City” of Perth, then we join the motorway for our journey through the ancient Kingdom of Fife. The final part of our drive offers fantastic views of the Forth Bridge as we approach Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Multi-day Tour?
For the discerning traveller a Signature Multi-day Tour offers amazing value for money, cozy accommodation, well-paced sightseeing and comfortable travel.
All of this combines to create the definitive Scottish experience.
Each tour is hosted by a professional driver/guide, who has been chosen for their extensive knowledge as well as their driving skills. And being locals you are sure to get that extra insight. If you should have any problems during your stay, they’ll go out of their way to help.
You will want to see as much as possible, but you don’t want to be rushed. Our tours are carefully planned to strike the right balance, and as well as comfortable mini/midicoach travel many feature memorable railway or ferry journeys.
Having somewhere pleasant to stay after an exciting day of discovery is an important part of your holiday experience. Comfortable guest house accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, tv and other amenities is included in the price of all tours. Click here for more information.
Breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
Can you tell me more about the optional extras on this tour?
To give you maximum flexibility the cost of admission fees and other optional extras are not included in the tour price. This gives you complete freedom to choose as the mood takes you. On this tour there are optional visits to:
Eilean Donan Castle
Loch Ness Cruise
Italian Chapel
Maeshowe
Skara Brae
Dunrobin Castle
Culloden Moor Visitor Centre
Following the link above will give you more information on these attractions including current admission prices. At some locations a special discount is offered to tour participants, your driver/guide will give you more information if this applies. Credit/debit cards are not always accepted so you should plan to have sufficient cash with you should you wish to make any visits.
Tell me about the Loch Ness Cruise and visit to Urquhart Castle?
At Clansman Harbour, you'll board a modern cruise boat for an unforgettable voyage across the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. The onboard narration provides fascinating facts and legends to tune into as you sail. And don't forget to look out for Nessie with some help from the onboard sonar.
Urquhart Castle is a magnificent castle that dates from the 14th century and was one of a chain of garrisons that controlled the Great Glen. Nowadays, it's a popular place with "Nessie" spotters who scan the waters of the loch, which are deeper here than in the North Sea!
There is a relaxed visit to Urquhart Castle, where you can enjoy the fascinating audio-visual presentation and explore the castle for yourself.
Please note that disembarking at Urquhart Castle is not possible for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.
What type of room should I choose?
This tour includes guest house accommodation.
There are different bedroom types to choose from. Here is what you can expect:
Single room - one person sleeping in a single bed
Twin room - two people sleeping in two separate beds
Double room - two people sharing one large bed
Family room - three people sharing a room, sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person)
Please note that a family room can be a standard double room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
What meals are included ?
Breakfast is included from day 2 onwards, which can be either a cooked or continental option.
If the accommodation provides a cooked breakfast, it will likely include bacon, sausages and eggs. You might even get the chance to taste haggis too, if you wish.
A continental spread could consist of cereals, yoghurts, bread, pastries and fruit.
Tea and coffee are served with both options.
Lunch and dinner are not included in the price.
During the touring day, there will be a stop in a town or village where you can pick up lunch.
In the evening, your driver/guide will be happy to suggest a conveniently located restaurant where you can enjoy dinner.
At popular destinations such as Skye, Oban, Fort William and Inverness, making a dinner reservation in advance is recommended.
For more information on meals and accommodation while on tour, click here.
How much luggage can I bring?
One piece of luggage per passenger of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, with a maximum of 15 kg, which is equivalent to the baggage allowed in an aircraft cabin.
In addition, a small day pack can be taken on the bus.
We have produced a helpful blog on “What to pack for a Scotland Tour”.
Blogs and Guides
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Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (5 /5) 09 Aug 2025
It was a terrific experience covering so much and so well. The guides ARE truly both knowledgeable and very entertaining, also thoughtful and organized. We learned a lot about Scotland, and were treated respectfully always, by Chris & Alex. Scotland is astounding.
Caroline from Colfax, US
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Rating: (4 /5) 02 Sep 2024
I should like to compliment both drivers on their professionalism, incredible driving skills and knowledge of the sites visited, local knowledge and, above all, kindness. Our first driver, Chris, was all of the foregoing; our second driver, Rob was also excellent with a wealth of local knowledge. He also had an unrivalled sense of humour which all helped when we encountered any mishaps (limited). Again, he also put himself out to ensure that on the Orkneys, in particular, because our accommodation was often quite a distance from Kirkwall (where most of the restaurants were situated) that he dropped us back in town and then arranged a time to collect us, if we wanted collecting. Our B&B's were all excellent and all our tastes catered for adequately, but especially on the Orkneys some of them were a long way away from the main town.
Catherine from Basingstoke, GB
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Rating: (4 /5) 22 Jul 2024
The tour guides were A+ excellent! The sights visited thrilling. Our tour experience was fantastic! The accommodations before we got to Inverness and Orkney were below-average.
Faye from Plymouth, US
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