Day One
Edinburgh to Ullapool

We leave Edinburgh behind and travel north into the Highlands. First stop will be the historic village of Dunkeld where you will take a short walk through the forest to some waterfalls. Continuing north, the route passes through the Grampian Mountains to the Spey Valley where you will stop for lunch. In the afternoon you will visit the world famous Loch Ness then make a short stop in Inverness itself. There will be time for a visit to the impressive waterfalls at Corrieshalloch Gorge before you arrive in the west coast fishing port of Ullapool.

Overnight: Ullapool

Day Two
Ullapool to Stornoway (2 nights)

Catch the morning ferry from Ullapool and the two hour sail will take you along Loch Broom, past the Summer Isles then out across the Minch to Stornoway – the main town on Lewis and capital of the Outer Hebrides. Look out for dolphins, whales and seabirds during the crossing. In the afternoon explore the North West coast from Arnol with its historic old 'blackhouse' through traditional crofting townships to Port of Ness and the very north tip of the island – the Butt of Lewis. From the lighthouse here there is nothing between you and the Americas!

Overnight: Stornoway (Isle of Lewis)

Day Three
Exploring Lewis

Today will be spent exploring some of the prehistoric remains on the island as well as its finest beaches. The fascinating circular stone fort, or Broch, at Carloway will be our first stop followed by more traditional crofting communities such as Gearrannan and Shawbost. Then it’s on to Callanish with its mysterious ancient stone circle. In the afternoon you will head for the remote district of Uig with its fine, sandy beaches at Bhaltos, dramatic sea cliffs and rugged hills. This is the wilderness of the Western Isles at its finest.

Day Four
Stornoway to Skye

Travelling south today from the wild moorlands of Lewis to the more mountainous Harris – almost but not quite an island on its own. Famous for the locally produced cloth, Harris Tweed, it is also home to the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and the stunning white sands of Luskentyre. After a morning of exploring South Harris you will stop for lunch in the small port of Tarbet from where you will catch the late afternoon ferry to Skye. Once on Skye it is less than hour to Portree, the islands main town.

Overnight: Portree/Isle of Skye

Day Five
Portree to Edinburgh

Departing from Portree the return journey to Edinburgh has many highlights – the Cuillin Mountains, a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, Fort William and the dramatic scenery and dark history of Glencoe. Travelling back south through the Central Highland the last stop of the day will be in Killin beside the Falls of Dochart before returning to Edinburgh.

Exclusions

• Admission charges unless otherwise stated in the itinerary
• Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
• Gratuity to your tour host