Compass Buster

We leave Edinburgh behind and cross the mighty Forth Bridges, heading north through Fife and Perthshire, stopping in the Highland village of Dunkeld for a wander and a breather. Then it’s into the Cairngorms, where you can ride the funicular to the top of the mountain or get your adrenaline fix with a Mountain Kart descent (optional, payable locally).

Next, we’ll visit the ancient Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age site often linked to the inspiration behind Outlander, before heading to Culloden Battlefield. By evening, we’ll be in Inverness, where you’re free to grab some food, find a good pub and get your first taste of Highland nightlife.

Edinburgh → Inverness

North we go! We’ll follow the rugged Highland coast towards John O’ Groats, stopping at the fairytale-like Dunrobin Castle and its gardens along the way. Keep your camera ready at Duncansby Head, where dramatic sea stacks plunge into the North Sea.

At John O’ Groats, you can join an optional whisky experience at 8 Doors Whisky Distillery, with a tour, warehouse visit and tasting. Then we’ll hop on the ferry to Orkney. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and, if you’re lucky, maybe even an orca. We’ll cross the Churchill Barriers before rolling into Kirkwall for your first night in Orkney.

Inverness → Kirkwall

We’re making the most of Orkney’s long summer days, starting with the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae – a 5,000-year-old Neolithic village. We’ll stretch our legs with a coastal walk, keeping watch for seabirds and marine life, before heading to Orkney Brewery for some island-made craft beer. Later, we’ll visit the Italian Chapel, a remarkable WWII landmark built by Italian prisoners of war. Tonight, it’s time to unleash your inner Viking. Buckle up for fire-baked bread, Norse stories, traditional crafts and games during a two-hour Viking beach experience led by costumed Viking experts.

Kirkwall → Kirkwall

It’s back to the mainland as we sail across the Pentland Firth before hitting Scotland’s wild North Coast 500. First stop: Durness and the seriously impressive Smoo Cave, a giant sea cave with a suitably mysterious past.

If you’re feeling brave, take on the Golden Eagle Zipline and fly 100ft above the beach (weather permitting). Then we’ll continue through the North-West Highlands, stopping at Knockan Crag Nature Reserve for a short walk and a crash course in how this incredible landscape came to be.

We’ll cross the sweeping Kylesku Bridge before arriving into Ullapool for the night. Once the bags are down, head out for traditional music and local drinks.

Kirwall → Ullapool

Today, we’re venturing out for the open sea. We’ll board the ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, passing the Summer Isles and some incredibly wild and rugged Highland scenery along the way.

Keep your eyes on the water – dolphins, porpoises and whales are regular visitors here. You can even log your sightings using the Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust app and help contribute to real wildlife research.

We’ll arrive in Stornoway around lunch time, get you settled in, and hand the afternoon over to you. Explore Lews Castle, check out Museum nan Eilean, wander the harbour or simply find a good spot for food and a drink.

Ullapool → Stornoway

While your driver-guide gets some well-earned rest in the morning, you’re free to explore Stornoway at your own pace. Grab coffee, learn about Harris Tweed, hit the gym or enjoy a slower start into the day.

In the afternoon, we’re jumping headfirst into island history. First up is the mysterious Callanish Standing Stones, followed by Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. Back in Stornoway, you’ll have the evening free to explore the harbour, find some fresh seafood and make the most of your night on Lewis.

Stornoway → Stornoway

Today, we’re heading through Lewis and Harris, with some awesome scenery along the way. We’ll stop at a Harris Tweed weaver’s workshop to see this famous island craft being made before heading to Luskentyre, where white sand and turquoise water make it very easy to forget you’re in Scotland. We’ll continue to the historic church at Rodel before taking the winding Golden Road along Harris’s rocky east coast. In Tarbert, there’s time to browse the Isle of Harris Distillery shop before we catch the ferry to Skye. Once we land, we’ll head for Portree - your home for the next two nights.

Stornoway → Portree

Today is Skye day! And since the island has a habit of throwing four seasons at you before lunch, we’ll keep things flexible.

Your guide will pick the best places to explore based on the weather, conditions and what’s happening across the island. Expect rugged mountains, waterfalls, windswept coastlines and views that make you question why you haven’t already moved here. We’ll mix up scenic walks with some of Skye’s must-see spots, while keeping an eye out for quieter corners away from the crowds. Bring decent shoes, a rain jacket and your sense of adventure. Skye will handle the rest.

Portree → Portree

One last big day, and we’re going out with a bang. We’ll leave Portree, travel south through Skye and catch the ferry to Mallaig. After lunch, you can hop aboard the Jacobite Steam Train along the West Highland Line, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct from the Harry Potter movies.

Back on the road, we’ll pass beneath Ben Nevis and through dramatic Glen Coe, where your guide will share the story behind its infamous massacre. Then it’s across Rannoch Moor and through the Trossachs, with Stirling Castle watching over our route south, arriving in Edinburgh in the evening.

Portree → Edinburgh