Skye, Orkney and the North Coast 500 - 8 day tour

Day 2 - Inverness - Dunrobin Castle - Kirkwall

A hearty breakfast prepares us for the second day of our adventure, which sees us head northwards through the Black Isle and then across the Cromarty and Dornoch firths.

At Golspie, we’ll stop so you can visit Dunrobin Castle, Scotland’s most northerly castle and the seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. This impressive castle has 189 rooms and was built with a strong French influence. Inside you’ll find remarkable paintings and fine furniture, then step outside to explore the formal gardens that host a daily falconry display!

There are lovely sea views to experience as we travel through the little towns and villages dotted along the coastline. As we do, our history lesson continues as we learn more about the Highland Clearances that devastated the Highlands centuries before.

Later we head for Gills Bay, where we raise anchor and cross by ferry to the beautiful islands of Orkney. During our crossing of the Pentland Firth, there is the chance to see a wide range of local wildlife, including porpoises, seals, killer whales, puffins and other seabirds.

We end our travels in Kirkwall, a bustling seaport and our base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Kirkwall (2 nights)

Day 3 - Exploring the Orkney Islands

A day of discovery lies ahead, so another hearty Highland breakfast is on the menu as we prepare to explore Orkney’s abundance of hidden treasures.

First, we head over the Churchill Barriers, constructed during World War II by Italian Prisoners of War, who lovingly crafted the ornate Italian Chapel from a humble Nissen hut.

Next, we’ll experience 6,000 years of history when we visit Skara Brae, a prehistoric village that was occupied before the Pyramids were even built! During our visit, see the streets, houses and artefacts uncovered after a dramatic storm in 1850. The relics discovered here present a fascinating insight into how life was lived by early man.

Later we make our way to one of Orkney’s most celebrated and photographed attractions – the imposing Ring of Brodgar. Once, a circle of 60 stones stood on a narrow strip of land between two lochs. Today only 27 megalith stones remain, but at up to 4 metres tall, they continue to be an impressive sight, as we will discover.

This afternoon we’ll visit the spectacular Yesnaby Cliffs, where we can enjoy stunning sea views and (between April and July) the opportunity to spot puffins, who build their breeding burrows here.

12th Century St Magnus Cathedral stands in the heart of Kirkwall, so on our return, we’ll end our day by visiting this magnificent example of Norman architecture.

Day 4 - Kirkwall - Smoo Cave - Ullapool

We bid farewell to the Orkneys and board our faithful ferry once again. Pulling away from the shore, our 60-minute crossing is accompanied by the many colourful seabirds who soar beside us.

Once on the mainland, we turn our thoughts to the North Coast 500, on which we will enjoy some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery.

We begin our journey at Tongue and its famous causeway, with panoramic views across the Kyle under the watchful eye of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope. Just up the coast, we’ll explore Britain’s deepest sea inlet beside the rugged Loch Eriboll.

Our coach then takes us onwards to the breathtaking Smoo Cave near Durness. Wander inside its 50ft high entrance and marvel at the waterfall cascading inside – a sight not to be missed.

With the scent of history in our nostrils, we continue across Kylesku Bridge to the haunting ruins of Ardvreck Castle. Here, we savour the spellbinding view across Loch Assynt, framed in the distance by the towering Assynt Hills.

From here, we wind our way to the pretty fishing port of Ullapool on Loch Broom, where a relaxing evening awaits. If the mood takes you, why not visit a local pub to sample the local ale and enjoy some traditional live music.

Overnight: Ullapool

Day 5 - Ullapool - Eilean Donan Castle - Portree

As the sun rises, we enjoy breakfast in this charming fishing town before our coach pulls away along the banks of Loch Broom.

Our journey will take us through the dramatic scenery of the North West Highlands to reach picture-perfect Eilean Donan Castle. This beautiful castle sits on a little island at the head of Loch Duich. After time for photographs and to admire the views, we cross over to the Isle of Skye using the sweeping road bridge.

Our first treat is the jagged peaks that make up the Black and Red Cuillin. These untamed mountains are famed the World over for their challenges to climbing enthusiasts. We’ll make a stop so you can capture the scene from a popular viewpoint.

Next, we travel northwards to explore the fascinating geology of the Trotternish Peninsula. Here we’ll find the volcanic landscape of the Trotternish Ridge, which includes impressive pinnacles known as the Old Man of Storr and The Quiraing. We’ll also see Kilt Rock with its striking waterfall freefalling 60 metres to the sea below!

Our base for tonight is Portree, the largest town on the island. There is free time to browse its boutiques and stroll around the pretty harbour before sampling some local delights for dinner.

Overnight: Portree

Day 6 - Portree - Jacobite Steam Train - Oban

We awaken in our island home and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. There’s a chance to explore more of Skye today, but first, there are more views of the towering Cuillin Hills to savour.

Next, tour through the Sleat peninsula, known as the Garden of Skye, to reach the little ferry port of Armadale, where we board a ferry to cross the Sound of Sleat. Landfall is in the historic fishing port of Mallaig, where there is time to enjoy a delicious lunch of freshly landed seafood.

Excitement mounts as we head to the station where the Jacobite Steam Train awaits to transport us on an unforgettable journey along the famous West Highland Line. Harry Potter fans will know this gleaming engine and coaches as the Hogwarts Express from the top-rated film series.

Soon the train puffs its way out of the station and starts the remarkable 42-mile journey to Fort William. We’ll see picturesque lochs, towering mountains and beautiful white beaches along the way. The highlight will be crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, where we’ll see the monument commemorating the Jacobite campaign of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

We’ll reboard the coach at Fort William and travel to magnificent Glen Coe, the scene of the infamous massacre of the MacDonald Clan in 1692.

Our destination is the Victorian seaside town of Oban, where we’ll spend a two-night stay. Tonight, why not join your travelling companions at a traditional Scottish Ceilidh.

Overnight: Oban (2 nights)

Day 7 - Exploring Oban

After all that travelling, why not relax and enjoy your new surroundings? Today is entirely free to do as you wish. If you fancy more island-hopping, you can take an excursion from Oban to Mull and Iona (pre-booking is recommended). If you plan to stay in town, a visit to the local whisky distillery is an option. Here you can discover how Scotland’s national drink is produced and taste the end product.

If you are feeling energetic, why not climb up Battery Hill to explore McCaig’s Tower? The views over the town, the Sound of Kerrera and the islands beyond are just stunning.

Oban is known as the seafood capital of Scotland, so foodies should make the shacks on the pier to sample the sumptuous cuisine al-fresco.

Day 8 - Oban - The Kelpies – Edinburgh

After breakfast, we leave Oban behind and follow the banks of Loch Etive to reach the Pass of Brander, the scene of a famous victory for King Robert the Bruce in 1308. Soon we hug the shore of Loch Awe to reach Dalmally and Glen Lochy beyond.

After travelling along the banks of Loch Lubnaig, we slip back into the lowlands and head for Stirling, where we’ll see the mighty castle and towering Wallace Monument atop Abbey Craig.

After a break for lunch, there is a stop to visit the impressive Kelpies. Standing over 30 metres tall (100 ft), these two horse-head statues are named Duke and Baron and were designed by artist Andy Scott. They are a striking tribute to the role horses played in the development of Scotland’s industry.

A short drive returns us to Edinburgh, which brings an end to our Highlands and Islands adventure.