Tour Information
Short Description
- Duration: 10 Days
- Departure: Hotel Pick-Up (Edinburgh)
- Availability: Year-round
- Price: £11,995 (Max 7 Guests, Accommodation Not Included)
- Included: Luxury transport, private guide
- Excluded: Entry fees, meals, personal expenses
A Journey Through Scotland’s Wild Heart, Where History, Myth, and Nature Intertwine
From the windswept standing stones of Orkney to the misty peaks of Skye, from the sacred shores of Iona to the legendary depths of Loch Ness—this journey is a love letter to Scotland in its rawest, most beautiful form.
A Thoughtfully Curated Experience
- Private, tailor-made tour with an expert guide
- Onboard cooler stocked with chilled water, soft drinks, and Scottish snacks
- Custom itinerary with optional entry to selected locations
Full Description
Day 1 – Edinburgh to Inverness: The Road to the Highlands
The journey begins as we leave behind Edinburgh’s grand spires and historic streets, crossing the Forth Bridges, a marvel of engineering linking the Lowlands to the ancient lands of the north. The mighty Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO-listed icon of Victorian ambition, stands as a gateway to adventure.
Our first stop is Arbroath Abbey, where in 1320, Scotland’s nobles declared to the Pope their right to be free in the famous Declaration of Arbroath. The whisper of that defiance still lingers in these weathered red sandstone walls.
Further north, Dunnottar Castle looms atop sea-worn cliffs, its ruins a dramatic silhouette against the crashing waves. It was here that Scotland’s Crown Jewels were hidden from Cromwell’s forces, and where centuries of siege and rebellion played out within its stone walls.
After lunch in Aberdeen, the “Granite City” gleaming under the northern sun, we head inland to Huntly Castle, the once-opulent home of Clan Gordon. The echoes of power and betrayal are etched in the carved stone and grand fireplaces of this haunting ruin.
Finally, we reach Inverness, the Highland capital, where you’ll settle in for the night, ready to set sail for the Orkney Isles.
Day 2 & 3 – The Orkney Isles: A Step Back to Prehistory
We journey through the wilds of Caithness, where the cliffs meet the North Sea, and the land feels untamed and eternal. We stop at Dunrobin Castle, a fairytale chateau on the east coast, its spires rising like something from a Highland legend. A land shaped by wind, sea, and the whispers of ancient voices—Orkney is unlike anywhere else in Scotland. A morning ferry carries us across the Pentland Firth, where seals and seabirds dance upon the waves.
Stones of Stenness & Ring of Brodgar – Scotland’s Ancient Stone Circles
As we step ashore, the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar stand before us, silent and solemn beneath the vast Orkney sky. These towering monoliths predate the pyramids, their origins lost in the mists of time. Were they places of worship, astronomical calendars, or something even more mysterious? Standing among them, one can almost hear the whispers of ancient voices carried by the wind.
Maeshowe – A Chamber of Light and Shadow
Just beyond, we reach Maeshowe, a Neolithic burial chamber that has stood for over 5,000 years. At the winter solstice, the setting sun aligns perfectly with the entrance, illuminating the chamber’s dark interior—a masterpiece of prehistoric engineering. Later, Norse raiders carved their runes into its walls, leaving behind cryptic messages that still puzzle historians to this day.
Skara Brae – A Window Into the Prehistoric World
Time folds in upon itself at Skara Brae, one of the most astonishing Neolithic settlements in the world. Here, an entire village has been preserved in stone, its passageways, hearths, and sleeping quarters offering a glimpse into daily life 5,000 years ago. Long before Rome, before the pyramids, people lived and thrived here, leaving behind homes that still stand against the relentless Orkney winds.
Kirkwall – A Viking Legacy
The journey continues to Kirkwall, the Viking-influenced capital of Orkney. Here, Norse history is woven into the fabric of the town, from its narrow streets to its grandest monument, St Magnus Cathedral. Built in the 12th century by Viking hands, this red sandstone masterpiece dominates the skyline, its walls steeped in the stories of warriors, traders, and saints.
Scapa Flow – A Sea of History
Beyond Kirkwall, the waters of Scapa Flow stretch wide, a place of legend, war, and tragedy. This vast natural harbor has seen the rise and fall of empires, from Viking longships to World War naval fleets. It was here that the German High Seas Fleet was scuttled in 1919, sinking beneath the waves in an act of defiance. Today, the remnants of war lie beneath the surface, a ghostly reminder of the past in one of the world’s most storied bodies of water.
Day 4 – Orkney to Skye: From Viking Shores to the Misty Isle
St Margaret’s Hope – Sailing Back to the Mainland
Our morning begins with a ferry crossing from St Margaret’s Hope, offering beautiful views over Scapa Flow. This stretch of water, once a key naval base, holds echoes of Viking longships and wartime history.
Eilean Donan Castle
Back on the mainland, we journey to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks. Standing on its own island where three great lochs meet, this romantic castle has guarded the Highlands for centuries.
The Skye Bridge
Crossing the Skye Bridge, we enter the Isle of Skye, a land of dramatic scenery and deep-rooted legends. As we leave the mainland behind, the rugged peaks of the Cuillin mountains come into view, signalling our arrival on this mystical island.
Portree
We arrive in Portree, the colourful harbour town that serves as the heart of Skye. With its charming waterfront and surrounding hills, it’s the perfect place to unwind before another day of adventure.
Day 5 & 6 – Exploring the Isle of Skye
The Old Man of Storr
A towering rock pinnacle that dominates the landscape, The Old Man of Storr is Skye’s most famous landmark. The short hike to its viewpoint offers spectacular views over Loch Leathan and the Sound of Raasay.
The Quiraing
An ancient landslip has shaped the surreal rock formations of The Quiraing, a landscape of ridges, plateaus, and hidden glens. A short stop allows us to take in the otherworldly scenery that has inspired artists and filmmakers alike.
An Corran Beach – Dinosaur Footprints
On the shores of An Corran Beach, we step back 170 million years to find real dinosaur footprints imprinted in the rock. A rare and fascinating link to Scotland’s prehistoric past.
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
At Kilt Rock, towering sea cliffs resemble the pleats of a Scottish kilt. From here, Mealt Falls cascades dramatically into the sea below, creating one of Skye’s most striking coastal sights.
The Fairy Glen
Hidden away near Uig, The Fairy Glen is a place of miniature, otherworldly landscapes. Rolling green hills, spiral rock formations, and moss-covered ridges create an enchanting setting straight from folklore.
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Seat of Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. The castle’s collection of relics and legends—including the Fairy Flag—offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Neist Point
Our final stop on Day 6 takes us to Neist Point, a dramatic headland where the Neist Point Lighthouse stands watch over the Atlantic Ocean. One of the best sunset spots in Scotland, this is where land meets sea in breathtaking fashion.
The Fairy Pools
Nestled at the foot of the Cuillin Mountains, the Fairy Pools are a series of shimmering blue and green waterfalls and rock pools, fed by the crisp waters of the River Brittle. The walk to the pools takes you through rugged moorland, offering breathtaking views of the dramatic peaks that loom overhead. The name itself evokes the island’s deep connection to legend and folklore, and as you stand by the cascading waters, it’s easy to see why. Whether you choose to dip your toes into the icy pools or simply admire the scenery, this magical spot is a must-visit on Skye.
Day 7 – Skye to Oban: The Scenic Highlands & The Jacobite Spirit
Leaving Skye behind, we pass through Glen Shiel, where the ghosts of Jacobite soldiers still march in the morning mist.
At Glenfinnan Viaduct, the iconic railway bridge that carries the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express) curves gracefully between the hills. We watch the train pass, a moment of magic against the grandeur of Scotland’s wilderness. We descend through Fort William, the shadow of Ben Nevis towering above us, before reaching the seaside town of Oban, Scotland’s gateway to the western isles.
Glencoe – A Valley of Beauty & Betrayal
Then, Glencoe—the soul of the Highlands. A place of staggering beauty and solemn history, where mountains rise like sentinels and the wind carries whispers of the past. This is where the land itself seems to grieve, where the weight of tragedy lingers in the air.
In February 1692, the Massacre of Glencoe unfolded here—a betrayal so profound that its echoes still resonate centuries later. The MacDonalds, caught unaware by soldiers who had shared their hearth and hospitality, were slaughtered in an act of political cruelty. Today, the Three Sisters—three towering ridges—stand guard over the glen, a natural monument to those lost.
We stop to breathe it all in—to stand where history was made, to gaze out at a landscape both haunting and breathtaking in equal measure. Whether bathed in golden sunlight or shrouded in mist, Glencoe is a place that leaves its mark on all who pass through.
From here, we continue south, skirting the banks of Loch Linnhe, where the water stretches to the horizon like a mirror of the ever-changing sky. The road leads us to Castle Stalker, rising from its tiny islet in the loch, a fairytale fortress set against a backdrop of rolling hills.
As evening draws in, we reach Oban, the gateway to the Hebrides, where fishing boats bob in the harbor and the air is filled with the scent of salt and the promise of adventure still to come.
Day 8 – Oban to Mull: An Island of Clans, Castles, and Coastal Wonders
The morning air in Oban carries the scent of the sea and the faint cry of gulls overhead. This bustling port town, known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” has long been the departure point for adventurers, traders, and warriors setting off for Scotland’s western isles. Today, we follow in their wake, boarding the ferry bound for the Isle of Mull—a place where rugged mountains, shimmering lochs, and a coastline dotted with ancient castles await.
Duart Castle – A Highland Stronghold by the Sea
Our first stop is Duart Castle, the proud ancestral home of Clan MacLean. Rising from its rocky promontory above the Sound of Mull, this mighty fortress has stood guard over these waters for over 700 years. Once a place of power and defiance, it played a role in Scotland’s medieval wars and later sheltered Bonnie Prince Charlie’s supporters during the Jacobite uprisings.
Step inside its thick stone walls, wander the great hall, and climb the battlements, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views stretching across to the mainland. As the waves crash against the cliffs below, it’s easy to imagine the centuries of history that have passed through these halls—the feasts, the battles, the whispered alliances.
Calgary Bay – The Jewel of Mull
Leaving the castle behind, we head west to Calgary Bay, a place where the wild beauty of the Hebrides is on full display. A sweep of soft white sand fringed by dunes and turquoise waters, this is one of Scotland’s most stunning beaches. Here, the air smells of salt and seaweed, and the only sounds are the calls of seabirds and the rhythmic lapping of the waves.
For those who want to stretch their legs, a walk along the bay reveals hidden coves, sea caves, and perhaps even a glimpse of otters playing along the shore. If the weather allows, we can stop for a moment of peace—just you, the sand between your toes, and the vast Atlantic stretching to the horizon.
Tobermory – The Colorful Capital of Mull
In the afternoon, we arrive in Tobermory, Mull’s charming capital, famous for its row of brightly painted houses lining the harbor. It’s a place that feels like a postcard come to life, with fishing boats bobbing in the water and friendly locals going about their day.
You’ll have time to wander the waterfront, explore the independent shops, and perhaps sample some freshly caught seafood or a dram of Tobermory Whisky. If you fancy a deeper dive into the island’s maritime history, we can visit the Mull Museum, where tales of shipwrecks, Viking raids, and island folklore come to life.
As the sun sets over the harbor, we settle in for the night in Tobermory, with the promise of another island-hopping adventure ahead.
Day 9 – Iona and Staffa: Island Hopping into Scotland’s Spiritual and Geological Wonders
This morning, we set sail once again—this time for two of Scotland’s most extraordinary islands: Iona and Staffa.
Staffa – The Island of Columns and Caves
Our first stop is the uninhabited island of Staffa, a place of such surreal beauty that it inspired both ancient myths and classical music. As our boat approaches, you’ll see why—its towering basalt columns, formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity, rise from the sea in near-perfect hexagonal formations.
At the heart of this geological wonder lies Fingal’s Cave, a vast sea cavern where the waves echo in haunting, cathedral-like harmonies. It was here that composer Felix Mendelssohn found inspiration for his famous Hebrides Overture. The cave has also been linked to the legend of the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, said to have built the causeway between Ireland and Scotland—his handiwork, perhaps, still visible in these towering rock formations.
Depending on the tide and conditions, we may have the chance to land and explore the island on foot. Keep an eye out for puffins, which nest here in the summer months, their colorful beaks flashing as they dive for fish.
Iona – The Birthplace of Christianity in Scotland
From Staffa, we continue to the sacred Isle of Iona, one of the most spiritually significant sites in Scotland. It was here, in 563 AD, that St. Columba, an Irish monk, arrived with twelve followers and established a monastery that would become the cradle of Christianity in Scotland.
Walking through the island’s quiet meadows and along its peaceful shores, it’s easy to see why this place has been a pilgrimage site for over a thousand years. You’ll visit the Iona Abbey, where kings and chieftains—including early Scottish kings like MacBeth—are said to be buried. Step inside the abbey’s ancient walls, touch the intricately carved Celtic crosses, and feel the weight of centuries of devotion that still lingers in the air.
If time allows, we’ll explore the white sandy beaches on the island’s far side—lesser-known, but some of the most beautiful in Scotland. You may wish to take a moment here, standing on the edge of the world, listening to the whispers of history carried by the wind.
Day 10 – Mull to Edinburgh: A Grand Finale
Our final journey south brings us to Inveraray Castle, home to the Dukes of Argyll, its grand halls filled with tales of Scotland’s aristocracy. We pause at Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest loch, where the rolling hills meet mirror-still waters.
A final stretch through The Rest and Be Thankful Pass leads us home to Edinburgh, bringing our journey to an end.