Lake District, Edinburgh, Mull & Isle of Skye 2021

After breakfast, you take in views of Ullswater as we head along country roads to its southern shores.

You continue further south and travel over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass towards the wonderful Windermere. Here you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or eat lunch while enjoying sublime views of the surrounding scenery.

After lunch you travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water. Your next stop is the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School.

After exploring the cosy village, you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”.

There’s free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy.

In the late afternoon, you return to Keswick*. (B)

* Please note all tours that depart in July will stay in Bowness-on-Windermere instead of Keswick

We head for the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter Pass into the most dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer.

You journey along winding lanes, past the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere, and towards the Honister Mountain Pass.

Stopping amongst the mountains you have the opportunity to visit old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living.

After refreshments, you continue through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water, where there’s free time for lunch and shopping.

Once you’ve eaten lunch, you begin your return journey, heading towards Penrith and north towards the border. After crossing into Scotland, you take a stop in the town of Biggar, a royal burgh since 1415. From here, it’s a leisurely drive through the rolling border hills to Edinburgh. (B)

Today is a free day to explore Edinburgh.

We think you should start with our included Edinburgh City Tour to familiarise yourself with the history, geography, and laugh-out-loud tales of the city.

And after that, what you do is up to you; You can venture deep under the city on ghost tours, hike to the lofty heights of Arthur’s Seat, or even just relax in the many beautiful gardens.

Just ensure you relax and prepare for your next part of your adventure. (B)

Today you join a new bus for the continuation of your tour to the islands. With your new companions you travel north past Stirling Castle and to the region of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

You venture through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands and the magnificent whitewashed 18th-century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll.

The afternoon will be spent in the heart of Argyll before arriving in the bustling town of Oban for your two-night stay. Enjoy your evening in this picturesque town and try some excellent seafood. (B)

Today you have an early start, beginning the day crossing on the ferry to Mull for a chance to explore dramatic coastlines and wild beauty.

You take the small ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity, and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Here you can visit the historic abbey with its intricate carved crosses in the churchyard, or explore rocky headlands and sandy coves.

There’s an opportunity to take a small boat for an optional trip to the island of Staffa and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalised by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture “Fingal’s Cave”.

You then return on the ferry to Oban for your second night. (B)

You ramble north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker, and the gorgeous Glencoe.

You then venture through Fort William and under the shadow of Ben Nevis, which at 1,344 meters is the highest mountain in the British Isles.

We continue through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the earth’s crust that runs through Scotland. From here, you travel north to the picturesque fishing village of Plockton*. You’re dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening. (B)

*Please note that if your tour departs on a Monday, you may stay in Portree instead of Plockton. Also, during busy periods, the same change may take place.

Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather; and your driver-guide will use their local knowledge to decide on the best day out for the group.

You may go to the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle, travel through the emerald green valley of Glendale, or head to the dramatic sea-cliffs and lonely lighthouse at Neist Point.

We return you to your accommodation in Plockton* in the late afternoon for a free evening to explore the village. (B)

*Please note that if your tour departs on a Monday, you may stay in Portree instead of Plockton. Also, during busy periods, the same change may take place.

You’re collected from your accommodation for the short drive to the famous stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle.

Then, you travel east taking in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. You continue on to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting ‘Nessie’.

Your tour moves through the Grampian Mountains and along Loch Laggan, before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland’s highest whisky distillery.

In Perthshire, you stop for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Queensferry Crossing. (B)