Hebridean Gems - 9 day tour

Day 2 - Mull and Iona Excursion

After breakfast we leave Tobermory behind and enjoy pleasant views of the Sound of Mull. Our spectacular drive, covers the length of the island. At the little port of Fionnphort, we leave our coach behind and join the ferry for the short crossing to the little island of Iona. This sacred island is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon in peace and tranquillity. You can visit Iona Abbey and Nunnery*, founded by Saint Columba in 563, and its museum of Celtic heritage and history. Later take a stroll along the beach or climb Dun I (100m) to enjoy the views. All too soon we return to Mull by ferry and rejoin our coach for the tour back to Tobermory.

Day 3 - Tobermory - Glen Coe - Isle of Skye

We leave Mull by taking the short ferry crossing from Fishnish to Lochaline, it’s the perfect opportunity to look out for white tailed eagles and other wildlife. We’ll tour through isolated Glen Geal and make our way past picturesque Loch Sunart.

We board another ferry for the short crossing of Loch Linnhe. Enjoy the views as we cross the Ballachulish Bridge and make our way into Glen Coe to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland. As we head into the Glen hear the sad tale of the Massacre that took place here in 1692.

Please note at this point you will join a new group of travelling companions and meet your new driver-guide.

On the next stage of our journey take in views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. Enjoy wonderful views as we tour through scenic Glen Shiel. As our road nears the coast we reach Eilean Donan Castle. Here you have the chance to take photographs and explore the castle that featured in the film Highlander. Later cross the bridge to reach the Isle of Skye.

Overnight: Isle of Skye (2 nights)

Day 4 - Exploring the Isle of Skye

Today enjoy a full day discovering the beautiful Isle of Skye. On the itinerary today are the soaring peaks of the Cuillin Mountains; the scenic Trotternish Peninsula (where you’ll see the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and Mealt Waterfall) and the Iron Age Dun Beag Broch.

Portree is the main town on the island and we’ll stop here so you can enjoy lunch. Freshly cooked fish and chips enjoyed by the harbour come highly recommended. Just ask your driver/guide for directions!

This afternoon we head for the Sleat Peninsula and the ancient lands of the Clan MacDonald. This attractive area is known as the Garden of Skye – you’ll discover why during our scenic drive. Our day ends at Eilean Iarmain where you can visit Gaelic Whiskies to sample some traditionally distilled whisky amongst idyllic surroundings.

Day 5 - Isle of Skye - Loch Ness - Inverness

We leave the Isle of Skye and return to the mainland. At Loch Ness you can visit Urquhart Castle, which dates from the 14th Century. It has a unique setting overlooking the deepest part of Loch Ness. Once you’ve explored the atmospheric ruins take to the water to enjoy a Nessie-spotting cruise.

It’s a short drive to Inverness where you’ll arrive at your accommodation by late morning. Here you bid farewell to your driver/guide and fellow passengers. The remainder of today is free so you can relax in the Capital of the Highlands.

Please note you will leave this portion of your tour on arrival in Inverness. You will join a new group of travelling companions and meet your new driver-guide tomorrow (day six).

Overnight: Inverness

Day 6 - Inverness - Dunrobin Castle - Stornoway (Isle of Lewis)

After breakfast meet your new driver/guide and travelling companions for the next part of your tour. From Inverness travel over the Moray Firth and Cromarty Firth to reach impressive Dunrobin Castle, the home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. This glowing white-stone chateau was designed by the same architect who created the Houses of Parliament in London! Here you can visit the sumptuous apartments and enjoy a walk in the beautiful gardens, modelled on those at Versailles.

Later we will discover Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve and learn about one of the oldest landscapes in Europe. Our journey continues through Sutherland to reach the picturesque fishing port of Ullapool, where we board our ferry for our crossing to the Isle of Lewis.

Overnight: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (2 nights)

Day 7 - Exploring the Isle of Lewis

Stornoway is the largest town and cultural centre in the Western Isles. We have a leisurely start this morning so you can discover your new surroundings. Today we are going to explore the Isle of Lewis so we start by visiting the remote Butt of Lewis lighthouse. The headland here sits in the North Atlantic and is home to an amazing array of seabirds.

Next we visit the ancient Calanais Standing Stones, said to have been erected around 3,000 BC and Dun Carloway Broch, an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age fort which sits overlooking its little loch.

In the afternoon you’ll have the chance to go beach-combing along the white sands of an idyllic beach and, later, discover how Harris Tweed is traditionally hand woven when we visit a traditional weaver.

Day 8 - Exploring the Isle of Harris - Ullapool - Inverness

A day to discover the neighbouring island of Harris today. Leaving Stornoway behind we tour though the rugged scenery of the mountains of North Harris to reach the little port of Tarbert. After some free time we travel westwards to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland, Luskentyre. As we stroll along the sand enjoy the views over the turquoise waters of the Sound of Taransay to the island of the same name which was the star of the popular BBC Castaway programme.

All too soon we return to Stornoway to join our ferry bound for the mainland. On arrival in Ullapool we tour through the attractive scenery of Wester Ross to reach Inverness.

Overnight: Inverness

Day 9 - Inverness - Culloden Moor - Edinburgh

From Inverness it’s a short drive to Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie was crushed by the Government troops under the command of the Duke of Cumberland. The year was 1746 and this was of the last battle fought on British soil. The outcome changed life in the Highlands forever!

It's onwards through the magnificent scenery of the Cairngorms National Park to reach a local Malt Whisky Distillery for a tour then a taste of a wee dram! 

Following our descent through the Grampian Mountains we reach Highland Perthshire and the Victorian spa town of Pitlochry which is our last stop of the day. There’s a wide variety of shops here or why not make the short walk to see the famous salmon ladder. The last part of our journey together will take us through the Kingdom of Fife then across the River Forth where we'll get great views of the mighty Forth Bridge. From here it's a short drive into the heart of Edinburgh.