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Scottish Islands Grand Tour

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14 days

Embark on an unforgettable Island Hopping Adventure with this 14-day tour, delving into the scenic beauty and captivating history of Iona, Mull, Skye, Orkney, and the Outer Hebrides. Explore ancient castles, UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Brodgar and Stenness, and even seek out 'Nessie' at Loch Ness. Experience an immersive journey through Scotland's islands, with countless adventures and breathtaking landscapes.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

14 days

Starts

Edinburgh

Ends

Edinburgh

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 16

Minimum age

5 years, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Mondays

Hotel Rating

Simple guesthouses

Countries

Scotland, United Kingdom

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 13
Per person from
AUD$6,457.50
Save 30% today
Total From
$18,450.00
AUD$12,915.00
Deposit From
Final payment
AUD$1,000.00
$12,415.00

Tour Highlights

Isle of Mull - Spot eagles and other wildlife on this pristine island, one of Scotland's wildest, and explore nearby Iona
Glencoe - Soak up the stunning mountain views and learn about the tragic and famous massacre that took place here in 1692
Isle of Skye - Take in the highlights of this beautiful island, with plenty of hiking and sightseeing to enjoy
Loch Ness - Hunt for 'Nessie', the mythical beast believed to dwell in the dark waters of Scotland's most famous loch
Scottish Highlands - Uncover some of the UK's best scenery as you traverse coastal roads, pass mountains and native pine forests
Orkney - Spend two nights in the Viking town of Kirkwall and uncover the ancient history of the archipelago at Skara Brae, Brodgar, Stenness and Maeshowe
Ullapool - Stay in this pretty whitewashed fishing village, on the shore of Loch Broom
Lewis and Harris - Discover traditional farming life, the fort of Dun Carloway, and the prehistoric site of the Calanais Stone Circle

Included

13 breakfast
13 nights simple guesthouse
Escorted by a local driver-guide
Admission to Skara Brae
Admission to Maeshowe
Admission to Arnol Blackhouse
Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning
All necessary ferry journeys between Scottish Islands and the mainland
All road tolls
20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Not Included

International flights & visas
Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)
Meals not specified in itinerary
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
Entry fees unless specified

Itinerary

Day 1 - Trossnachs National Park and Oban

Edinburgh - Trossnachs National Park - Oban. Departing Edinburgh this morning, we head west, first visiting Trossnachs National Park. Admire some of the country's famous scenery before heading to the 18th-century town of Inveraray. We then make our way through the mountainous Western Highlands to Oban, a port town once the strategic heartland of great feuding clans.

Please note: Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ

Accommodation: Kathmore, Altavona or similar

Overnight: Oban

Day 2 - Mull & Iona

Oban - Mull - Iona - Oban. It's an early start this morning as we take the ferry to the Isle of Mull. Take in dramatic coastlines and wild natural beauty, and keep our eyes on the skies for majestic white-tailed eagles, the UK's largest bird of prey.

We then take another ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity and home to the ancient burial grounds of famed Scottish kings. We can see the historic abbey and take in more of the windswept coastline of the Scottish Isles.

There's an optional small boat trip to the uninhabited island of Staffa to see the basalt columns of Fingal's Cave. We then return to Oban on the ferry.

Accommodation: Kathmore, Altavona or similar

Overnight: Oban
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Glencoe, Ben Nevis & Plockton

Oban - Glencoe - Fort William - Plockton. Driving north along the coast, we pass Castle Stalker and visit Glencoe, a truly beautiful location haunted by the 1692 Glencoe Massacre. Around 30 members of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were slaughtered here for failing to pledge allegiance to King William III and Mary II.

We then pass through Fort William and past Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Great Britain. Continuing through the Great Glen, we arrive in Plockton, a small fishing village known for its palm trees! We overnight here.

Accommodation: Sabhal na Mara, Hillview, Haven Guest House or similar

Overnight: Plockton
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Exploring the Isle of Skye

Plockton - Skye - Plockton. Today we will be exploring the remote Isle of Skye, but there is no fixed itinerary for the day. The weather can be unpredictable, so our guide will choose the best highlights to show us in accordance with the conditions and any events that may be happening on the island during our visit. We are likely to be hiking, in order to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the island. Options include The Quiraing hill walk and the Old Man of Storr Walk, probably the most famous trail on the island. We can also see the Neist Point Lighthouse. Spend the day taking photos, sampling the view and enjoying everything this pristine environment has to offer. In the late afternoon, we return to our accommodation in Plockton.

Accommodation: Sabhal na Mara, Hillview, Haven Guest House or similar

Overnight: Plockton
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Loch Ness to Inverness

Plockton - Loch Ness - Inverness. Today we visit Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th century fortress, located on an island. We then drive to Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail, taking in more of Scotland's dramatic scenery. There's a stop for lunch at Loch Ness, so keep your eyes peeled for 'Nessie', the Loch Ness monster!

We then stop in the village of Spean Bridge. Here our group splits once more, as some travellers will be returning to Edinburgh, whilst we continue north to Orkney. Our guides will be on hand to help us move our luggage and introduce us to the new group for the remainder of our trip. We then complete our journey to Inverness, travelling up the entire 23-mile length of the Great Glen.

Accommodation: Dalmore, Pine Guest House, Aye Stay or similar

Overnight: Inverness
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - John o'Groats & Kirkwall, capital of Orkney

Inverness - John o'Groats - Kirkwall. Departing Inverness early, we head past Dunrobin Castle and along the coastline of the northeast Highlands, taking in some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. If the ferry timetables allow, we will enjoy a stop at John o'Groats, on the north-eastern tip of Great Britain. Arriving in Gills Bay, we board the ferry to Orkney, crossing Pentland Firth. Landing on the archipelago, we stop for a visit to the colourful Italian Chapel before arriving in the former Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. The evening is free, we recommend paying a visit to the magnificent Viking Cathedral of St Magnus, dating back to the 12th Century.

Accommodation: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B or similar

Overnight: Orkney
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Exploring Orkney

Today we explore Orkney, taking in the stunning nature of green pastures and windswept sandy beaches alongside Orkney's past. We take in the 5,000-year old village of Skara Brae, A Neolithic settlement older even than the Pyramids of Giza or Stonehenge! We also take in the prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones at Stenness. Each of these sites is UNESCO-listed as part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

We also visit Maeshowe, home to a number of well-preserved Viking runic inscriptions, dating back to the 12th century. We then return to Kirkwall for the night.

Accommodation: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B or similar

Overnight: Orkney
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Back to the mainland

Kirkwall - Ullapool. This morning after breakfast, it is time to depart Orkney, as we take the return ferry back to the mainland. We then take a spectacular drive along the northern coast of Scotland, taking in the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben hope mountains and a picturesque coastline. We stop to admire Ardvreck Castle in the far north-west mountains of Assynt before reaching Ullapool, a pretty whitewashed fishing village located at the mouth of Loch Broom where we spend two nights.

Accommodation: Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House or similar

Overnight: Ullapool
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Exploring Ullapool

We have a free day in Ullapool before joining our new driver-guide and companions. This picturesque town, surrounded by stunning mountains, is a wildlife lover's paradise. We can spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, and sea birds on a cruise around the Summer Isles, or take a two-hour walk up Claypool hill for Loch Broom views. Ullapool offers relaxation and Highland charm with craft boutiques, whisky tasting, and top-quality seafood. Enjoy live music and mingling with locals before the next leg of our journey.

Accommodation: Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House or similar

Overnight: Ullapool
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - The Summer Isles to Stornoway

Ullapool - Stornoway. Today we wake up to breakfast overlooking Loch Broom's sparkling waters. We start with a ferry journey across the sea, a 2.5-hour trip through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles.

Keep your eyes peeled during the crossing; dolphins and whales may grace our journey. Upon arrival on Lewis and Harris, we head to the North West coast. Our driver-guide will showcase traditional crofting towns and seaside ports, including the iconic Butt of Lewis with its sweeping views towards America.

We cap off the day in bustling Stornoway, known for Scotland's tastiest black puddings.

Accommodation: Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven or similar

Overnight: Stornoway
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Discovering Lewis and Harris

Today we discover the history and beauty of Lewis and Harris Island. Starting in Arnol Blackhouse we experience traditional farming life on this island without having to get our hands too dirty. Following this we head to the fort of Dun Carloway. Built in 100AD it has a rich history for us to discover. We then travel to the Calanais Stone Circle, one of the most famous sites on the island. Late in the afternoon we head back to Stornoway to spend the night.

*Please note the Calanais Standing stone site will be closed between 1st September 2024 and 31st March 2025 and we will be unable to visit the site during these dates. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Accommodation: Dunroamin, Hebridean Guest House, Twenty Seven or similar

Overnight: Stornoway
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Mountains, Beaches and the Isle of Skye

Stornoway - Luskentyre - Portree. Prepare for the dramatic as we venture into the realm of Harris. With its towering peaks and stunning white-sand beaches such as Luskentyre, Harris showcases nature's grandeur at its finest. The region is steeped in history, from the renowned Harris Tweed to its captivating myths and legends.

After a morning of exploring these dramatic landscapes, we pause for lunch. If weather permits, a beach picnic awaits, so sunglasses are a must-pack item. Our journey continues with a ferry ride over the sea to Portree, the largest town in Skye, where we'll be based for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar

Overnight: Skye
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - The Isle of Skye

Having returned to the Isle of Skye our driver-guide maximizes our time amidst this marvel-filled landscape.

We can trek to the Quiraing mountain pass for a breathtaking walk, witness the majestic Kilt Rock and its towering waterfall, or embark on a boat excursion to the hidden gem of Loch Coruisk.

Having soaked in the sights of Skye, we conclude our day with a final evening in Portree. We can indulge in the fabulous seafood restaurants, celebrating a day well spent exploring.

Accommodation: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar

Overnight: Skye
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Return to Edinburgh

Portree - Ben Nevis - Glencoe - Edinburgh. As our journey comes to an end, take heart in the remarkable sights awaiting us on the return trip to Edinburgh. After crossing the Skye Bridge, we're greeted by the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, a quintessentially Scottish sight perched atop a loch. Don't forget to capture this classic view with your camera.

Following this we pass beneath the cloud-shrouded peak of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain. On to the valley of Glencoe which carries profound historical weight, marked by a tragic massacre and framed by awe-inspiring mountains—a landscape etched with both beauty and sorrow.

As we journey onward through the Lowlands, the rolling hills give way to flatter terrain, leading us back to Edinburgh by early evening.

Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Bed & Breakfast
Oban

On this tour, you will stay in bed and breakfast properties (B&Bs). These are usually smaller residential properties, with just a handful of guest rooms. You’ll have a bedroom, bathroom and often, access to a communal dining room for breakfast. Rooms will always be clean and comfortable, with a private bathroom. Bathrooms are usually en-suite, but on rare occasions, access may be via a communal hallway. This means that the bathroom will still be private and only for your personal use, but it is not en-suite (located in the room). You will need to leave the room to use the bathroom.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Guesthouse
Kathmore
Oban

This traditional family-run guesthouse is a 13-minute walk from the centre of Oban, 0.9 miles from McCaig's Tower, and 2.8 miles from the island of Kerrera. The bright and cosy rooms feature private bathrooms (some en suite), free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Guests can enjoy a complimentary full Scottish breakfast, as well as access to a guest lounge, free parking, and a garden patio.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Guesthouse
Haven Guest House - Plockton
Plockton

This charming stone guesthouse is a 3-minute walk from Calum's Seal Trips, 11 km from Skye Bridge, and 35 km from Strome Castle. The straightforward rooms come with en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, sitting areas, and tea and coffee-making facilities. A full English breakfast is served in a relaxed dining area, and there is also a cosy guest lounge with a wood-burning fireplace.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Guesthouse
Dalmore Guest House
Inverness

Dalmore Lodge Guest House is conveniently located along a main bus route with direct links to Edinburgh city centre and the airport. Opposite Edinburgh Zoo, this Victorian terraced villa is just over 5 km from central Edinburgh and a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport. Murrayfield Rugby Stadium is a 20-minute walk away, and the Edinburgh Corn Exchange is 3.2 km away. The rooms feature flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, and en suite shower rooms with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Free WiFi is available throughout the house, and guests can check themselves in between 2pm and 10pm. Additional amenities include free parking, free high-speed internet, breakfast, a bar/lounge, and private check-in/check-out. Non-smoking rooms are available.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Guesthouse
Bellavista Guest House
Orkney

Situated in Kirkwall, just 17 km from Maeshowe, Bellavista Guest House offers accommodation with garden views and free Wi-Fi. The property features a garden, shared lounge, and family rooms, and is conveniently located 19 km from both the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre in Burray, as well as 20 km from the Ring of Brodgar. Ness of Brodgar is also 19 km away, and Kirkwall Airport is 6 km from the guest house. Rooms are equipped with a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, bed linen, and towels, with some offering views of a quiet street and all including a kettle and heating facilities.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Guesthouse
Foinaven
Ullapool

This bed and breakfast is situated in the secluded area of Morefield in Ullapool, just a short walk from the village. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Highlands of Scotland or simply relaxing and enjoying the local banter. Ullapool offers a range of facilities and is popular with hill walkers.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Guesthouse
Dunroamin B&B
Stornoway

Dunroamin is a small, family-run bed and breakfast, centrally located in the heart of Stornoway, set around a bustling and picturesque harbour. All rooms are equipped with central heating, colour TVs, radio alarms, hairdryers, and tea and coffee-making facilities, along with free Wi-Fi access.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Guesthouse
Caledonian B&B
Skye

Situated in the heart of Portree, this unpretentious, family-run hotel is just a 3-minute walk from the harbour and 28 kilometres from the Talisker Distillery. The modest rooms feature en suite shower facilities and are equipped with flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making equipment, and Wi-Fi. A full Scottish breakfast is served in a cosy, country-style dining area.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Guesthouse

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
7 Apr - 20 Apr
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$9,225$6,458
$11,615$8,131
14 Apr - 27 Apr
Save 30%
$9,225$6,458
$11,615$8,131
21 Apr - 4 May
Save 30%
$9,225$6,458
$11,615$8,131
28 Apr - 11 May
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$9,225$6,458
$11,615$8,131
5 May - 18 May
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$9,225$6,458
$11,615$8,131
12 May - 25 May
Save 30%
$9,225$6,458
$11,615$8,131
19 May - 1 Jun
Save 30%
$9,225$6,458
$11,615$8,131
26 May - 8 Jun
Save 30%
$9,225$6,458
$11,615$8,131

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