Skye, Harris and Lewis - 7 day tour

Day 2 - Exploring the Isle of Skye

Today we discover the magical Isle of Skye. It's a nice and easy day of touring, but you'll still see all the key sights. First we set off to discover the outstandingly beautiful Trotternish Peninsula where we will experience the impressive Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall plummeting to the sea below.

Later we’ll spend time in Portree, the island main town. Here we can enjoy lunch and spend time enjoying the views of its picturesque harbour.

This afternoon we skirt the base of the impressive Cuillin Hills before visiting ancient Dun Beag Fort which sits overlooking a little loch. We end our day in the Sleat Peninsula, the Garden of Skye enjoying a wee taste of Gaelic Whisky, uniquely distilled in the traditional way.

Day 3 - Isle of Skye - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus

We bid farewell to the Isle of Skye and make our way back to the mainland. Enjoy a scenic drive through Glen Shiel where we’ll get amazing views of the towering peaks of the "Five Sisters of Kintail" mountain range. On arrival in Fort Augustus enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing by the banks of Loch Ness.

Why not take the opportunity to go for a monster-spotting cruise? Please note you will leave the first part of your tour on arrival in Fort Augustus. You will join a new group of travelling companions and meet your new driver-guide tomorrow (day four).

Overnight: Fort Augustus, Loch Ness

Day 4 - Fort Augustus - Dunrobin Castle - Stornoway (Isle of Lewis)

The next part of our Hebridean experience starts with a tour along the mysterious banks of Loch Ness. We’ll travel through Inverness then make our way across the Kessock Bridge and through the Black Isle.

Stately Dunrobin Castle rises above the North Sea like a storybook creation. It’s one of the oldest inhabited homes in Scotland and is the seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. We’ll make a stop so you can explore the castle and enjoy a walk through the beautiful formal gardens.

Awe-inspiring scenery surrounds us as we travel though the North West Highlands, the last great European wilderness. This part of Scotland forms part of the Assynt Geopark, a land of stunning mountain ranges, deep lochs and ancient communities that can trace their roots to the beginning of time. We can learn more when we visit the Knockan Crag Visitor Centre.

Later we make our way to Ullapool where we board our modern CruiseFerry for the 150 minute crossing of The Minch to Stornoway our base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (2 nights)

Day 5 - Exploring the Isle of Lewis

After breakfast there’s free time to explore your new island surroundings. Stornoway is a bustling port built around a natural harbour and it has a character all of its own. Why not enjoy the views over the town from the grounds of Lews Castle or discover more about the Gaelic culture of the islands at the An Lanntair Arts Centre.

Later we travel westwards to see the Butt of Lewis lighthouse and to experience amazing cliff top views over the Atlantic Ocean. This remote location has the record for the windiest place in Britain and due west from here there is nothing but wild sea until next landfall in North America!

Next we step back in time when we visit Dun Carloway, a remarkably well preserved iron-age roundhouse which has a stunning location overlooking Loch Roag. Close by are The Callanais Standing Stones, believed to have been constructed around 5,000 years ago, and one of the finest prehistoric sites in Britain.

These islands are famed for the production of Harris Tweed, a luxury fabric that is handwoven by islanders using local wool. Our last stop of the day will be to a local weaver who will demonstrate the process using a traditional hand loom.

Day 6 - Exploring the Isle of Harris - Ullapool - Inverness

Today we explore the neighbouring island of Harris. Leaving Stornoway behind we travel along the banks of Loch Seaforth then our coach climbs over the Harris Mountains, offering wonderful vistas, to reach the little ferry port of Tarbert, the main community on Harris. We’ll make a stop here to explore this pleasant little village - it’s a great place to pick up a souvenir of your Hebridean travels!

Our scenic tour continues as we drive to the west coast of the island to savour the views over to the picturesque island of Taransay, the location of the BBC TV series “Castaway”. Harris is home to some breathtaking beaches. The most famous is Luskentyre whose white sands appear never-ending - it’s the perfect place for some beach-combing!

Later we make our way back to Stornoway where the MV Loch Seaforth awaits to return us to the mainland. On arrival in Ullapool we’ll make our way to Inverness.

Overnight: Inverness

Day 7 - Inverness - Culloden Moor - Edinburgh

After breakfast we’ll make the short drive to Culloden Moor on the outskirts of Inverness. In April, 1746 this was the site of last battle fought in Scotland, between the Jacobite Army of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Duke of Cumberland’s Government Troops. During our time here you can take a walk on the battlefield which has been restored to how it looked that fateful day.

The wonderful mountain peaks of the Cairngorm National Park will guide us through the Spey Valley then we descend through the Grampian Mountains to reach Highland Perthshire. We’ll make a stop in the attractive town of Pitlochry before continuing our journey towards Perth then onwards to Edinburgh.