Island Hopping Adventure 2025/2026

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. (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. (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 enjoy refreshments at a local café and stroll along the loch to admire the castle from the outside. Alternatively, you can explore its chambers, where you’ll 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)

This is the end of the second leg of your tour so say goodbye to your group and get ready for a free day in Ullapool exploring on your own. You will join the third leg of the tour on day 10.

You have a free day in Ullapool to explore on your own and there will not be a guide on hand. You’ll join your new driver-guide and companions on day 10. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque fishing town surrounded by stunning mountains.

Ullapool is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, so as an option for today’s adventure, you can go on a boat cruise around the nearby Summer Isles. Keep your eyes peeled as you glide across the waters, you may see seals basking on the rocks, dolphins and porpoises playing in the waves, and a wide variety of seabirds.

Being on the water must have sharpened your appetite, so pay a visit to one of Ullapool’s cafes or seafood restaurants for lunch. With the appetite satisfied, stroll through the streets lined with quaint white buildings and explore the wee art galleries and craft shops. And if you still have energy, why not go for a leisurely walk up Claypool Hill? . This easy, two-hour hike offers some of the best panoramic views of Loch Broom and the surrounding mountains. It’s an accessible walk for all fitness levels and is the perfect way to enjoy the peaceful Highland scenery.

As evening approaches, Ullapool’s welcoming atmosphere comes alive with local music in cosy pubs. Enjoy some live traditional Scottish music and mingle with the locals trying whisky before your next leg of the journey.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Ullapool. (B)

Wake up, enjoy your breakfast, and look out over Loch Broom as it glistens under the morning sky. Today, you join the new driver-guide and other intrepid fellow travellers on the third leg of your journey. Once you’re on the bus with your new group, we’ll continue with our adventure and we’ll board a ferry later on today to cross the sea to the Outer Hebrides.

We board the ferry and start the exciting journey past the Summer Isles to Stornoway, in the Outer Hebrides. This two and a half-hour boat trip takes you through the sea called the Minch, which is said to be inhabited by the Hebridean Sea Serpent. Look out to sea, you may catch a glimpse of this mythical creature. If you’re not lucky, there’s still a chance of seeing dolphins and whales.

You arrive at Stornoway on the Western Isles and have lunch in one of the cafes or restaurants. Recharged with the local specialties, you start your explorations of these unique and remote islands. You will spend your next two days discovering the rugged landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the slower way of life the Outer Hebrides are known for. You head to the Northwest coast, travelling through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. Your driver-guide takes you to the Butt of Lewis; the oldest continuously used lighthouse in the archipelago that was designed by the famous engineer Robert Stevenson.

After seeing the dramatic cliffs and facing the powerful Atlantic Ocean you travel through the Isle of Lewis to your overnight accommodation in Stornoway. The evening is yours, so you can decide how to spend your time. Will you try the famous local black pudding? Will you stroll along the picturesque harbour? The choice is yours.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Stornoway. (B)

Today, you immerse yourself in the history and landscapes of this wild island. You first head north to see Arnol Blackhouse. Here, you can experience what traditional farming life was like in these remote reaches as you explore a restored 19th-century croft house.

A little down the road, you visit the stone fort of Dun Carloway. This structure is believed to be a fortification or an ancient residence and it was built before 100AD. It’s a wonderful location to ponder over the vast swathes of history that have come before you.

The rest of your afternoon is spent in the beautiful serene beaches, along the rugged coast and mountains of the western side of Lewis. You travel to Stornoway through a different side of the island, through the landscape dotted with lochs and moors that is home to rich wildlife.

You’ve got another evening in Stornoway, so why not try some more of fresh food and talk to locals about the island’s legends and mysteries?

Your overnight accommodation will be in Stornoway. (B)

It’s time for something a little more dramatic. It’s time to see the Isle of Harris. The first thing you notice about Harris are the mountains. And as you weave through the towering marvels, your guide will tell you about the traditions and tales of this part of Scotland. We explore the island in the morning and stop for a short break in Tarbert, nestled in between the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Portree. (B)

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 you’ve enjoyed the sights of Skye, you have your final evening in Portree. There are plenty of fabulous seafood restaurants to celebrate a fine day of exploring. 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 Portree. (B)

We travel south through the Misty Isle, passing the Cuillin Hills and Sligachan Bridge, before returning to the mainland for a closer look at 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 enjoy refreshments at a local café and stroll along the loch to admire the castle from the outside. Alternatively, you can explore its chambers, where you’ll discover a collection of artifacts belonging to the MacKenzie and MacRae clans. Then, we head past shimmering lochs framed by rugged mountains of the Five Sisters of Kintail. After this visual feast of towering peaks, we travel to Fort William for a break.

You’ve got time for lunch in this charming Highland town nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis. Sample local cuisine and wander the streets of the town centre, before you continue the journey south. Then, your driver-guide may become a little emotional as you move through the valley of Glencoe, one of our most famous natural landmarks. Renowned for its dramatic, rugged slopes, this stunning area was the site of one of the most tragic events in Scottish history. We continue through the wild and desolate landscapes of the Rannoch Moor through the Trossachs National Park past shimmering lochs, rugged mountain peaks, and forest-filled glens and we have a short break along the way.

Further south, after crossing the ancient natural Fault Line that runs across Scotland, you watch as the rugged and majestic landscape of the Highlands turn into the flat fertile plains of the Lowlands as we return to Edinburgh. (B)