Isle of Skye, Iona, Mull & Orkney Isles 2026

Today begins with an early start as we take the ferry to Mull, a gem in the Inner Hebrides known for its rugged beauty, abundant wildlife, and charming villages. As we approach the island, take in the silhouette of Duart Castle before landing at Craignure. We’ll be island hopping today, traveling through Mull’s lush pastures, dense woodlands, and peat bogs on our way to Fionnphort, where you can choose your next adventure.

At Fionnphort, you can decide what you want to do next. You can take the small ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity and the ancient burial ground of Scottish kings. Spend your time exploring the island’s rich history—visit the historic abbey with its intricately carved crosses in the churchyard or wander the rocky headlands and sandy coves. Alternatively, divide your time between discovering Iona and embarking on an optional trip to Staffa, where you can marvel at the dramatic basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave, immortalized by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture.

Passengers will be able to land on the Isle of Staffa after 10th June.

No matter which islands you’ve chosen to explore, you’ll return to Mull with memories that stay with you long after you leave. Perhaps you’ll depart Iona feeling rejuvenated, introspective, and deeply connected to its tranquil magic. Or maybe you’ll be inspired and in awe of Staffa’s dramatic beauty and geological wonders. Next, we journey through Mull’s rugged interior, where dramatic hills, serene lochs, and sweeping glens unfold as we make our way to Craignure, where a ferry awaits to take us back to Oban.

Take one last look at the breathtaking landscapes of the rugged Isle of Mull before arriving in Oban. It’s your second evening here, so why not head up to McCaig’s Tower, a striking coliseum-like structure on Battery Hill that offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding islands? Or, if you prefer, enjoy a taste of local whisky at one of the many inviting pubs.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Oban. (B)

We leave Oban behind and set off to discover some hidden gems along the shores of Loch Linnhe. This area is steeped in tales of clans, battles, and faeries, adding a touch of magic to the stunning landscapes.

Continuing along the shore, we stop at a viewpoint to admire Castle Stalker, a striking 14th-century tower on a small islet near Appin. Once a stronghold of the Clan MacDougall and later the Stewarts of Appin, it’s one of Scotland’s most picturesque castles, with a rich history of clan rivalries and intrigue. Afterward, we continue our journey to the majestic Glencoe, renowned for its rugged slopes and dramatic history. Often featured in films, the valley offers breathtaking views. Here, you’ll have time for photos or a short walk to fully appreciate the stunning landscape and learn about one of the most tragic episodes in Scottish history.

Next, we continue along Loch Linnhe and head to Fort William for lunch, a charming Highland town nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis. Enjoy local cuisine and take a leisurely stroll through the town center before we resume our journey through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the Earth’s crust that runs through Scotland. As we drive through tranquil glens and alongside shimmering lochs, we pass dramatic mountain vistas, including the Five Sisters of Kintail, and the stunning Eilean Donan Castle, with opportunities for photo stops and short breaks along the way. Our overnight destination is Balmacara.

Enjoy a peaceful evening in Balmacara, surrounded by loch views, woodlands, and mountain scenery. Wander local trails, visit Balmacara Estate or savour a hearty meal at a nearby inn or pub.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Balmacara Hotel. (B)

We leave Balmacara and head towards the Skye Bridge, crossing into the Misty Isle. Every horizon in Skye conceals something astoundingly beautiful. So today, your driver-guide makes the most out of your time and weather in this marvel-studded landscape.

Exploring Skye feels like stepping into a dream, with countless places to explore. You might head north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond, where you’ll encounter geological wonders such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the breathtaking Quiraing mountain pass. This part of the island enchants visitors with surreal rock formations, dramatic cliffs, vast open spaces, and an overwhelming sense of wilderness.

After all this exploration, we’ll pause in one of the island’s towns for lunch to recharge for the second part of the day. In the late afternoon, your driver-guide may take you back in time, sharing stories about the legends and clan culture surrounding Dunvegan Castle, the 13th-century ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod.

After taking in the stunning sights of Skye, you’ll bid farewell to the island and return to Balmacara for another peaceful evening.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Balmacara Hotel. (B)

We leave Balmacara and travel south for a closer look at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle.

Perched on a small island, the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, which has recently gained fame as a movie location, has many old stories to tell. You can take a stroll along the shore for a view of the castle, or explore its chambers to discover a collection of artifacts belonging to the MacKenzie and MacRae clans.

Next, we travel past shimmering lochs framed by rugged mountains and arrive in the charming village of Fort Augustus, nestled on the banks of Loch Ness. Here, you can savour local specialties, stroll to the shores of the mysterious loch and try to catch sight of the elusive monster. Continuing along the rugged landscapes, we stop in Spean Bridge where you also swap the bus and join your new driver-guide and other travellers on the second leg of your journey. Next, the journey takes us north to a Highland gem, Falls of Foyers, where you can go for a short walk to admire this stunning waterfall that was a favourite spot of the poet Robert Burns.

We journey along the legendary Loch Ness, whose dark, peat-stained waters hold more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Its vast depths make it the perfect hiding place for the elusive Loch Ness Monster. During our stop at Dores, a peaceful village with stunning views across Loch Ness, you might even spot the famous creature. As the day winds down, we arrive in Inverness, the vibrant Capital of the Highlands. The evening is free for you to enjoy—make sure to sample some local cuisine and take a leisurely stroll along the charming streets to the impressive Inverness Castle or the scenic River Ness islands.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Inverness. (B)

It’s an early start as we leave behind the ‘Capital of the Highlands,’ cross over the Black Isle, and follow the iconic North Coast 500 route to Golspie for a brief stop. From there, it’s just a short drive to Dunrobin Castle, a fairy-tale masterpiece with its soaring spires and beautiful gardens. Take a moment to capture a photo of this stately home before continuing along the coast, passing land once inhabited by the Picts and Vikings.

We follow the North Sea coastline and stop in interesting places, admiring dramatic views of cliffs, sweeping sandy beaches, and the ever-changing sea along the way. The route winds through charming villages and small harbors, while inland the scenery transitions to moorlands, gentle glens, and winding rivers, offering a true taste of the Highlands. Around noon we reach John O’Groats, the most northerly mainland village of Scotland.

We explore the most stunning sections of the coast before we get ready to board the ferry at Gills Bay. Enjoy an hour-long journey on the Pentland Firth and feel the power of the strait’s famous tides, while keeping an eye out for the distant shores of Orkney, an archipelago consisting of around 70 islands, of which only 20 are inhabited. We arrive at South Ronaldsay, in St Margaret’s Hope, a small village with a scenic harbour. After crossing the Churchill Barriers, built during WWII to protect the naval base at Scapa Flow, we visit the Italian Chapel, a small church with intricate frescoes, before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney.

Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, is a charming town steeped in history and culture, and your home for the next two nights. With a free evening ahead, you can choose how to spend your time. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll to admire the magnificent Viking-era St Magnus Cathedral and wander through the town’s historic, winding streets as the evening sets in.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Kirkwall. (B)

Today is your chance to explore this archipelago’s fertile green pastures, fringed by shores of golden sands and washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. As you journey through Orkney, you’ll also visit the sites of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses some of the most significant and well-preserved prehistoric monuments in Europe.

Step back in time to an ancient world of mystery and wonder at Maeshowe, a massive, chambered cairn and passage tomb dating back over 5,000 years. This awe-inspiring structure is aligned with the sun and something magical happens here during the winter solstice. This is also where you’ll find Viking graffiti—runes carved by Norsemen who visited the site in the 12th century. Next, visit the Ring of Brodgar, an ancient stone circle steeped in local legends and set against views of hills. As you stand among these towering stones, which date back over 4,000 years, you’ll feel a powerful connection to the past, imagining the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here.

We continue uncovering the secrets of the ancient past at Skara Brae. As you explore this 5,000-year-old village, complete with stone-built homes, furniture, and even a hidden chamber, you’ll be transported back in time to imagine what life was like for its early inhabitants. With your appetite whetted by all this history, we head to Stromness for lunch. Enjoy fresh local seafood or other traditional dishes before strolling through its winding streets and a charming harbour. In the afternoon, your driver-guide will take you to more captivating sites, such as Kirbuster Museum, which offers a glimpse into the island’s rural past, and perhaps even a tidal island to explore.

You’ll return to Kirkwall in the early evening, giving you the freedom to decide how to spend your time. Will you have dinner and take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque harbour? Or will you seek out pubs and venues hosting traditional Scottish music sessions? The choice is yours.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Kirkwall. (B)

Say farewell to Kirkwall as we travel once again through the rugged, windswept landscape and past the calm and deep waters of Scapa Flow to St Margaret’s Hope and the ferry terminal.

Enjoy an hour-long journey across the Viking waters of the Pentland Firth and keep your eyes peeled for any signs of whales or dolphins during your crossing.

Back on the mainland, the northern stretch of the North Coast 500 takes us through some of Scotland’s most remote and rugged landscapes, with dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and rolling hills. Your driver-guide will lead you to the most scenic spots along the way before reaching Smoo Cave, a vast sea cave shaped by sea and freshwater over millennia, with a labyrinth of chambers to explore. From here, we head into the far northwest Highlands, where the wilderness of the Assynt mountains awaits. After soaking in the stunning scenery, we stop to admire the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, perched on the shores of a loch and steeped in legends.

We conclude the day with a scenic drive past the iconic silhouettes of towering mountains, back to Ullapool, passing through untouched moorlands and peat bogs en route to the shores of Loch Broom. Enjoy a well-deserved rest among the charming, whitewashed cottages of this delightful fishing village.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Ullapool. (B)

Today, we continue uncovering the hidden gems of the Northwest Highlands, beginning with a journey south to witness the dramatic 60-meter plunge of the River Droma into Corrieshalloch Gorge. You can take a short walk through a picturesque forest to admire the powerful waterfall as it cascades into the depths of the gorge. Enjoy breathtaking views from one of the viewing platforms or experience the thrill of crossing the suspension bridge.

The adventure takes us past mountain ridges soaring into the sky, shimmering lochs, and vast, open vistas. We explore Highland hidden gems along the way before we arrive at Culloden Battlefield, the site of the tragic end of the Jacobite Rising. Walking around this eerie, flat landscape, you can reflect on the last battle fought on British soil, a place recognized by Outlander fans as a pivotal setting in the series.

After learning about key events in Scottish history, we head to Clava Cairns, an ancient site of ring cairns and standing stones that inspired Craigh na Dun in Outlander. Standing among these historic monuments, you’ll feel the weight of centuries. Our journey south offers classic Highland scenery, with photo stops and comfort breaks as we pass Cairngorms National Park. In Newtonmore, we visit the Highland Folk Museum, where you can explore 18th-century blackhouses, a working croft, and a 1930s schoolroom. As we move on, the mountains soften into lush forests in Perthshire. You’ll take a final break in Dunkeld, so enjoy exploring the town’s cathedral and charming streets.

It’s time to say goodbye to the Highlands as we continue south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife. Your last highlight is the view of the iconic UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge you can admire on your way to Edinburgh. (B)