9 Day Island Hopper |
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May to October Departs Fridays |
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If there's no availability for a particular date, e-mail or call to confirm!
The ultimate tour of Scotland!
In just over a week you will see more of Scotland than most Scots ever do. A vast variety of terrain and culture all within so few miles.
We have been touring Lewis & Harris and Orkney for years and to bring them together in one tour is a dream come true!
Day 1 - Leaving Edinburgh we head straight up to the Highlands via the Trossachs (Braveheart Country). Hear all about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Rob Roy MacGregor. Then it's into dramatic Glencoe (the site of the massacre of Clan MacDonald) and beautiful Glenshiel, and up to Eilean Donan Castle (where Highlander was filmed) - you'll hear all the history and legends, with plenty of time off the bus. Our home is a bunkhouse in the pretty village of Plockton (near Skye)
Day 2 - A day to explore the magical Isle of Skye! We start off with a fantastic seafood & seal cruise with local fisherman Neil. Once on the Isle of Skye you will take in the Cuillin mountains, The Old Man of Storr, stunning Quiraing and Kilt Rock. Later on this evening we will take the evening ferry over to the Isle of Harris where we will spend the evening on the south part of the island. Ruari's hostel sets a standard others strive to achieve.
Day 3 - The morning will be spent on Harris exploring Rodel Church, going for great coastal walks and seeing some of the best beaches (yes, we have beaches !), in the world. Then we make our way up into Lewis and over to the west coast where an amazing original Blackhouse (renovated for comfort!) is our home for the next 2 nights.
Day 4 - A great day on Lewis, with time spent at a recently discovered Iron Age village at Bosta, the amazing 4,000 year old Callanish Standing Stones (second only to Stonehenge), exploring the ancient Broch (fortified dwelling houses) of Dun Carloway and witnessing the traditional making of Harris Tweed! Then if we have enough energy left (of course we will!) there is a superb coastal walk to Dalmore bay, from the Blackhouse.
Day 5 - There is time to spend in Stornoway (the islands capital) this morning before taking the early afternoon ferry back to the mainland Ullapool. Our home tonight is Inchnadamph lodge, surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Assynt.
Day 6 - Today we wind our way along the deserted narrow roads of Sutherland - a chance to explore the famous Smoo caves and drive/wander through some of the most remote and rugged landscape Europe has to offer. Deserted beaches, towering mountains, sparkling lochs and the wide open skies really set the tone today before we take the evening ferry to the awesome Orkney Islands. We will spend our 2 nights on the island at the Murray Arms where a warm welcome is assured.
Day 7 - From our base in the fishing village of St Margaret's Hope we spend a full and energetic day today exploring the islands - it will be packed with Viking ancestry and world-renowned archaeological treasures such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brogar. Plus a chance to gaze in wonder at the islands Italian Chapel, search for the coastal Puffins (May-July) and possibly walk to one of the neighbouring islands. Loads of time will be spent off the bus and much time spent walking especially along some of the fantastic beaches ?and impressive coastal cliffs - a day to remember (another one!)
Day 8 - Another morning on Orkney going for some lovely coastal walks in the area (have a look at a Gloup) or possibly relax in Kirkwall, the capital. This afternoon we return to the mainland stopping at John O' Groats before heading south via Wick and the atmospheric ruins of Castle Sinclair. Finally another castle, Carbisdale our home for the night! A unique experience, living it up in style, surrounded by its priceless art collection.
Day 9 - Making our way home today there is still loads to do - its over the Moray Firth to Loch Ness for a spot of monster hunting, before taking an emotional visit to tragic Culloden battlefield (Bonnie Prince Charlie's last stand). We recover our spirits at a wee whisky distillery. Our final stop is a gentle walk through the beautiful Hermitage Forest. Finally a short hop back to Edinburgh - a tired and happy honorary Scot!
We're certain that this will be a really special trip, and one you'll remember for a long time to come. We look forward to seeing you.
Please note that this tour shares the first 5 days with the 6 Day Hebridean passengers - on the 5th day of the tour you will have a change of tour guide and may be joined by new passengers for the rest of the trip.
This tour will not stay at Carbisdale Castle throughout May and June until 27th June and then it will not stay at Carbisdale on the following dates - 29th August, 5th and 12th September. However we will use great alternative accommodation at Loch Ness.
Tour itineraries and accommodation can vary due to acts of God etc, but we normally stick to this. Kitty includes hostels, evening meals, breakfasts and ferries to and from Orkney.
Alternative tours
Like this itinerary but short of time? Try the 3 Day Skye & Highlands.
Rather immerse yourself in true Gaelic culture? Try the 7 Day Hebridean Explorer
Only got a week to spend? Go for the 7 Day Orkney & Skye Experience.
