Western Isles & Orkney (Hotel) - 9 days

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Explorer Guided and Escorted

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9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Edinburgh, Scotland

Ends

Edinburgh, Scotland

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

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

Itinerary

Venture from Edinburgh to the far reaches of Scotland’s enchanting islands on the "Western Isles & Orkney (Hotel) - 9 days" tour. Over nine days, you’ll uncover the magic of Iona, Mull, Skye, and Orkney while staying in comfortable 3-star hotels. Immerse yourself in dramatic landscapes, stroll through ancient ruins, and experience the captivating stories that shape Scottish culture.

With a relaxed pace and easy physical activity, this small-group trip is especially suited for experienced travelers and seniors who appreciate history and natural beauty. Expert guides bring each destination to life, from rugged coastlines to charming villages, ensuring every moment is memorable.

What sets this tour apart? Its unique itinerary—melding island adventure with cozy accommodations—offers a seamless blend of discovery and comfort as you explore Scotland’s best-kept secrets.

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: Muthu Alexandra Hotel, The Royal Hotel 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.

In the afternoon, opt for a boat excursion to Staffa, home to Fingal’s Cave, a remarkable geological wonder dubbed 'Nature’s cathedral', offering a glimpse into abundant marine life. After a day immersed in nature, we return to Oban for the night (Staffa trip costs approx GBP £40, payable locally).

Please Note: For any departures before the 10th of June 2025, Staffa trips are unable to dock at the harbour on Staffa, however there will be more time allocated for sailing and wildlife spotting.

Accommodation: Muthu Alexandra Hotel, The Royal Hotel or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Oban

day 3 - Glencoe, Ben Nevis & Plockton

Oban - Glencoe - Fort William - Balmacara. 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 Balmacara.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Balmacara

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Balmacara

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: Pentahotel, Chieftain Hotel or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Inverness

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: Kirkwall Hotel or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Orkney

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: Kirkwall Hotel or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Orkney

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.

Accommodation: The Royal Hotel, Askival, Caledonian Hotel or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Ullapool

day 9 - Culloden Moor to Edinburgh

Ullapool - Culloden Moor - Edinburgh. Leaving Ullapool, we witness the dramatic plunge of the River Droma into Corrieshalloch Gorge, followed by a scenic stop at Loch Glascarnoch en route to Inverness, the 'Capital of the Highlands'. We visit historic sites like Culloden Moor, site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, and the ancient Clava Cairns, renowned from the 'Outlander' books.

Continuing through the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest near Cairngorm, we enjoy lunch amidst the natural beauty before journeying through Perthshire's Big Tree country and the Kingdom of Fife on the way back to Edinburgh.

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:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

8 nights 3-star hotels

Meals

8 breakfasts

Transport

Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioningAll road tolls

Guide

Escorted by a local driver-guide

Others

Admission to Skara BraeAdmission to MaeshoweAdmission to Culloden Museum and BattlefieldAll necessary ferry journeys between Scottish Islands and the mainland20kg luggage allowance - This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal itemsNote: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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