Day 1 | Edinburgh

Arrive Edinburgh. Transfer to your hotel is included. You are free to enjoy this beautiful city on your own. (Please note: hotel check-in is generally between 2 pm and 4 pm. If you are arriving into Edinburgh early - the hotel will be happy to hold your luggage until your room is ready).

Day 2 | Oban

In the morning, make your way to the Edinburgh departure point (see departure point information below) for 8:45 am (If you booked a departure point transfer at time of booking, your driver will collect you as noted on your voucher). Depart Edinburgh at 9 am. We travel north past Stirling castle, and then west to Scotland's first National Park around Loch Lomond. We will travel through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands through the magnificent white-washed 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, exploring the area close to the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, before arriving in bustling town of Oban, the gateway to the islands, for our two (2) night stay.

Day 3 | A full day exploring

It is an early start today, crossing on the ferry to Mull and enjoying an island adventure, exploring her dramatic coastlines and wild beauty, before taking the small ferry to the peace and tranquility of Iona - birthplace of Celtic Christianity and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Here, we can visit the historic abbey with its intricate carved crosses in the churchyard or explore the rocky headlands and sandy coves of this island gem. There is also an opportunity to take a small boat out to the island of Staffa and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalized by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture "Fingal's Cave". We then return on the ferry to Oban for our second night.

Day 4 | Another day in paradise!

Today we travel north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker, and Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. We pass through Fort William, nestling in the shadow of Ben Nevis which, at 1344 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 and on through Ireland. From here, we travel north to the picturesque fishing village of Plockton. We are then dropped off at our accommodation in the early evening.

Day 5 | Isle of Skye

Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and our driver/guide will use their local knowledge to decide on the best day out for the group. For example: We may ascend the Quiraing along Trotternish Ridge and be rewarded with spectacular views. Alternatively, we could drink in the scenery at Loch Corruisk or drive through the dramatic Red Cuillin to the little hamlet of Elgol. We return you to your accommodation in Plockton in the late afternoon to enjoy a free evening in the village.

Day 6 | Return to Edinburgh

We will be collected from our accommodation for the short drive to the famous stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle. Next, we travel east, taking in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Continue on to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting "Nessie". Heading south now through the Grampian Mountains along Loch Laggan, made famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whiskey Distillery, and onwards into Highland Perthshire, stopping for refreshments, before heading back to Edinburgh over the Firth of Forth. We arrive back in Edinburgh at approximately 7 pm, where you will make your own way back to your pre-booked hotel.

Day 7 | Edinburgh - Home

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the Airport for your return flight to the US.