An unforgettable journey of the far north west and the region’s most famous islands, the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Skye. Small villages, long sandy beaches and dramatic mountain scenery made all the more stunning by its remoteness. You will also discover the Gaelic culture, hear traditional music, as well as get the chance to enjoy the fantastic local seafood. And the sunsets are legendary!
Designed specifically for travellers on a budget, the Island Explorer trip will ensure you make the most of your visit. With passionate local guides you’ll get all the insider knowledge on this breathtaking country.
Highlights include;
Spend the night in a real castle* complete with its own art collection and resident ghost!
Sample some malt whisky at one of Scotland's oldest distilleries (entrance fee applies)
The mystical and awe inspiring Isle of Skye
See a traditional Hebridean Blackhouse and visit Harris tweed makers
Mysterious Callanish Standing Stones, predating Stonehenge!
White sandy beaches on Harris
A free day at Loch Ness to go Monster spotting
Ferry trips between Islands, where you can try to spot dolphins and whales
* Subject to availability
Accommodation
Accommodation is guaranteed on all trips - Haggis reserve the beds and you pay as you go. The price is between £15 and £20 per person per night in shared dorm accommodation.
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh to Carbisdale Castle
Heading north from Edinburgh, you pass through Perthshire - surrounded by mountains, forests and salmon packed rivers. First stop is at Dunkeld where you will hear tales of the Wolf of Badenoch at Dunkeld Cathedral . Lunch is in the small village of Kingussie, made famous by the 'Monarch of the Glen' TV show. Then it's off to lonely Culloden Battlefield, scene of the last major battle in Britain. Then world famous Loch Ness for a wee bit of monster spotting before heading for our lavish evening accommodation in a Haunted Highland Castle*!
Day 2: Carbisdale Castle to Loch Ness
You’ll depart for your journey north over Bonar Bridge. On the way take in the views of Dornoch Firth and Dornoch town's picturesque Cathedral. Frolic on the amazing sandy beaches at Dingwall and then make a stop at Glen Ord Distillery. You take a wee walk at Glen Affric, home to one of the largest remnants of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest before passing through Drumnadrochit and back to Fort Augustus (on the banks of Loch Ness) for the night.
Day 3: Free Day Loch Ness
Get amongst some spectacular Highland scenery and do your own thing. Hire bikes, take a boat trip on Scotland’s most famous loch, play a round (of golf!) or chill out in Morag’s Lodge with a nice local beer.
Day 4: Loch Ness to Lewis
Today we journey through the wilderness of the north west Highlands, some of the most remote and most isolated mountain terrain in Europe. We visit Corrieshalloch Gorge, a breathtaking mile long gorge set amongst the trees, then continue on to the wee fishing village of Ullapool. Grab some of the best fish and chips you will ever have and tuck in to them on the pier before we board our ferry bound for the Western Isles.
Day 5: Lewis & Harris
Today you visit the stunning Callanish Standing Stones, Neolithic in age and dating back more than 4,000 years. Less busy than Stonehenge, these are said to be some of the most impressive and inspiring of any of the ancient stones in Britain. These Hebridean islands are predominantly Gaelic speaking and have an unbroken culture dating back thousands of years.
Day 6: Harris to Skye
In the morning you explore the amazing beaches of Harris, famous for its clear blue waters, magnificent mountain backdrop and traditional crofting culture. These islands are home to the Clan MacLeod who lived here for over 1200 years. After exploring the wonders of Harris, we leave the MacLeod homeland and cross by ferry to the 'winged island', the Isle of Skye. You explore the magical isle with its awesome scenery - the Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Cuillin plus its legends and faerie stories.
Day 7: Skye to Edinburgh
Back on the mainland, you stop at Eilean Donan Castle and explore the Great Glen before passing Fort William and Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain. Discover 'The Weeping Glen', Glencoe, where you hear about the infamous massacre of the MacDonalds. Over the wilds of Rannoch Moor, you then pass Stirling with its famous Wallace Monument, where the true story of Braveheart is told, before returning to the capital City of Edinburgh!