Day 1: Edinburgh - Inverness

Heading north from Edinburgh, it's over the River Forth and into the Kingdom of Fife before passing through Perthshire - surrounded by mountains, forests and salmon packed rivers. First stop is at Dunkeld with its glorious Cathedral. We then head over the lonesome Pass of Drumochter which links the southern and northern Highlands. Lunch is in the small village of Kingussie, made famous by the 'Monarch of the Glen' TV show. Then it's off through the Cairngorm National Park to lonely Culloden Battlefield, scene of the last major battle in Britain.

Day 2: Inverness - Orkney

We continue our journey north passing over the Moray Firth where we may even spot some dolphins or minke whale, then pass the Black Isle (home of the delicious Black Isle Beers). It's then onto John 'O' Groats, Britain's most north easterly point. We catch the ferry over the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands, home to more archaeological ruins in one area than anywhere else in Europe where we visit the Tomb of the Eagles.

Day 3: Orkney

Today we head off to explore Skara Brae, dating from the late Neolithic period and inhabited between 3200BC and 2200BC. This incredible stone village is made up of eight dwellings (some still containing original furniture) linked together by a series of low alleyways and is a marvel of ancient building techniques. You can also experience the magnificent standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar. We also visit the 4,000 years old Maeshowe which is a Neolithic chambered cairn and passage grave.

Day 4: Orkney - Carbisdale Castle*

This morning we visit an Italian chapel which was built as a place of worship by 550 Italian prisoners of war in World War 2. We bid farewell to Orkney and make the ferry crossing back to the mainland and journey south through Scotland's rugged terrain. We travel through the sparsely populated wilderness of Sutherland and Caithness, via glens left deserted as a result of the Highland Clearances. Tonight you have a chance to spend the night in a haunted Highland castle* where you can explore the corriders and surrounding grounds looking for ghosts.

Day 5: Carbisdale - Loch Ness

After spending the night looking for ghosts, our first visit of the day is the town where the last witch was burnt at the stake in Scotland - Dornoch. It also houses a great cathedral and awesome beaches that await to be explored. From here we visit the Royal Burgh of Dingwall where you will hear the story of the legendary 'Hector The Hero' made famous in the well known bag pipe tune played the world over. We then head to Glen Ord whisky distillery to 'wet your whistle'! After warming up on a wee dram of whisky it's time to visit the extremely pretty Glen Affric, famous for its natural forest, hills and lochs. We then make our way to Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland's finest castles before driving along Loch Ness where you will learn about the legend of the monster - Nessie! Tonight you will stay at Morag's Lodge on the banks of Loch Ness.

Day 6: Free Day Loch Ness

Your day to explore the area around Loch Ness and the village of Fort Augustus. Hire bikes, take to the forest trails or walk by the canal. Have a game of golf or go monster spotting on a boat trip. Alternatively, chill out at Morag's Lodge with a plate of haggis and a locally brewed beer.

Day 7: Loch Ness - Stornoway

Leaving Fort Augustus we take one of the UK's most stunning drives - 'The Road to The Isles'. We will pass some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland and if you are lucky you may even spot some of the wild deer that are famed for living in these mountains. Heading north to Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach, created at the end of the last Ice Age. Our next stop is Ullapool - a fishing village that was founded in 1788 and from here we catch the evening ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.

Day 8: Lewis & Harris

Today we visit the stunning Callanish Standing Stones, Neolithic in age and dating back more than 4000 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. We will also have the chance today to visit the old style housing known as 'Black Houses', learn about Harris Tweed, a luxury hand woven tweed exclusive to this islands and why not try some famous Stornoway black pudding!

Day 9: Lewis & Harris - Skye

In the morning we 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. We explore the magical isle before heading to Eilean Donan Castle and then Kyleakin for the evening.

Day 10: Skye - Edinburgh

From Skye we explore the Great Glen before passing Fort William and Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain. Discover 'The Weeping Glen' - Glencoe, where we hear about the infamous massacre of the MacDonalds. Over the wilds of Rannoch Moor, we then pass Stirling with its famous Wallace Monument, where the true story of Braveheart is told, before returning to the capital City of Edinburgh!

* Another hostel may be substituted for Carbisdale Castle as an overnight stop.

Day 1: Edinburgh - Carbisdale Castle*

Heading north from Edinburgh, we 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 - Loch Ness

We'll depart for our 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. We 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 - Stornoway

This morning we take the 'Road to the Isles' with a stop at the Corrieshalloch Gorge, a breathtaking mile long gorge set amoungst the trees before arriving in the wee fishing village of Ullapool. This evening we take a ferry to the Western Isles.

Day 5: Lewis & Harris

Today we visit the stunning Callanish Standing Stones, Neolithic in age and dating back more than 4000 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 - Skye

In the morning we 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. We 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 - Edinburgh

Back on the mainland, we 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 we hear about the infamous massacre of the MacDonalds. Over the wilds of Rannoch Moor, we then pass Stirling with its famous Wallace Monument, where the true story of Braveheart is told, before returning to the capital City of Edinburgh!

* Another hostel may be substituted for Carbisdale Castle as an overnight stop.

Day 1: Edinburgh - Fort Augustus*

Heading north from Edinburgh, we pass the Forth Bridges, through Perthshire - surrounded by mountains, forests and salmon packed rivers. We will stop at Dunkeld to visit the beautiful Cathedral hear the gruesome tale of the Wolf of Badenoch who was buried there. We then head north to the Pass of Killicrankie where you will hear the story of the Jacobites and Bonnie Dundee. Lunch is in the small village of Kingussie, made famous by the 'Monarch of the Glen' TV show. We pass Dalwhinnie Distillery, Strathmashie, Loch Laggan Dam and Spean Bridge. There is time for a quick photo stop at the Commando Memorial passing through the Great Glen before arriving at Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness, our night for the evening.

Please note the summer itinerary runs from April to September and the overnight destination on this trip will change to the below:
Day 1: To Carbisdale Castle
Day 2: To Loch Ness
Day 3: Loch Ness to Skye to Loch Ness
Day 4: To Oban
Day 5: To Edinburgh

Day 2: Loch Ness

Today we will travel the full length of Loch Ness with a quick photo stop at Urquhart Castle. We drive through Inverness and onto lonely Culloden Battlefield, scene of the last major battle in Britain, over the Kessock bridge with views to the Black Isle. We will make a stop at Glen Ord Distillery before a quick lunch stop at Beauly and a 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 for the night.

Day 3: Fort Augustus - Skye

This morning we drive through Invermorriston, hearing tales about Roderick MacKenzie and his memorial. We then take the road to the Isles, past Loch Cluanie through Glen Shiel before stopping at stunning Eilean Donan Castle. We then cross over the bridge to Skye where you will see the ruins of Castle Moil and hear the story of Saucy Mary. We will pass through Broadford and stop at Sligachan Bridge - hear faerie stories with fantastic views of the Black and Red Cuillin. We will stop in the small village of Portree for lunch and then head to the Old Man of Storr the Quiraing and Kilt Rock before arriving in Kyleakin.

Day 4: Skye to Oban

Today we will see Loch Loyne, Loch Garry (Scotland's Loch), Loch Oich, The Well of the Seven Heads and hear the story of the Battle of the Shirts. We will drive through the Great Glen and past the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter Train Bridge). Fort William, Loch Linnhe, drive past Castle Stalker and the only sea waterfall, the Falls of Lora and to Oban with spectacular views over to the Isle of Mull.

Day 5: Oban to Edinburgh

Leaving Oban we will travel to Glencoe and onto Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount. We will then hear the story behind the pile of stones at Ben Lawers and pass Glen Ogle and Loch Lubnaig before hearing tales about Rob Roy and stopping in the Trossachs at Kilmahog to say hello to Hamish the Hairy coo. Our journey back to Edinburgh will take in views of Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument before arriving in Edinburgh.

* Another hostel may be substituted for Carbisdale Castle as an overnight stop.

Day 1: Edinburgh - Loch Ness

We leave Scotland's capital and head to Stirling, home to legends such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and scene of many of Scotland's most famous and bloody battles. Our route north takes us through the dramatic and inspiring Glencoe and if weather permits, we may well take one of our legendary 'wee walks', before heading for Fort William - in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain). Travelling through the Great Glen we head for Fort Augustus. Staying on the banks of Loch Ness, tonight we discover a bit more of Highland history and culture, before trying to entice Nessie out for a wee dram!

Day 2: Loch Ness - Isle of Skye - Loch Ness

Today we explore the magical Isle of Skye. Ruined castles, awesome scenery and home to the legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans. Immersed in Celtic myths and legends, hear all about the Faeries and the Selkies plus local characters who have contributed to the rich history of this magical island. Quite simply unmissable!

Day 3: Loch Ness - Edinburgh

Before heading south en route for Edinburgh, we follow the entire length of Loch Ness, searching for a priceless glimpse of the legendary beast. We pass through Inverness, capital of the Highlands, and head for brooding Culloden Moor, sight of the defeat of Bonne Prince Charlie's Jacobite uprising. After a bite to eat and perhaps another 'wee walk', we head south past Pitlochry, Dunkeld and Perth (amongst other things) before arriving back in Edinburgh at approximately 5.30pm. An action packed fun filled and unforgettable 3 days!