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 and Birnam Wood, site of Macbeth's battle in 1054. 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 it's on to 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 - Orkney

We travel north through the sparsely populated wilderness of Sutherland and Caithness, via glens left deserted as a result of the Highland Clearances, and on to John 'O' Groats, Britain's most north easterly point. We then catch the ferry to the Orkney Islands, home to more archaeological ruins in one area than anywhere else in Europe! We spend the night in the island's capital, Kirkwall. The Orkneys have only been a part of Scotland since 1490 and the islands still retain a very distinctive Scandinavian influence.

Day 3: Orkney - Ullapool

We say farewell to these unique islands and make the crossing by ferry back to the mainland, hopefully seeing some whales and dolphins on the way. Then follow the stunning North coast, passing sandy beaches and stopping for lunch in the lovely village of Tongue. We then journey along the wild North West coast to the charming fishing town of Ullapool, passing bleak landscapes and dramatic mountain scenery and unspoilt sandy beaches. Ullapool was once a Viking stopover and is now a bustling fishing port and gateway to the Western Isles. Its famous for it seafood, and traditional music and is a great place to explore.

Day 4: Ullapool

Free day to explore Ullapool at your own pace. Hire a bike, explore the local hills or just chill out in a bookshop or at the beach.

Day 5: Ullapool - Lewis

We catch a morning ferry to Europe's most westerly island, Lewis, where we spend the night. Today we visit the stunning Callanish Standing Stones, Neolithic in age and dating back more than 5000 years. Much quieter than Stonehenge, these are said to be some of the most impressive and inspiring of ancient stones in Britain. These Hebridean islands are predominantly Gaelic speaking and have an unbroken culture dating back thousands of years. Tonight is your chance to hear traditional music and haunting Gaelic tunes.

Day 6: Harris - Skye

In the morning we explore the Island of Harris, famous for its gorgeous beaches, magnificent mountains and traditional crofting culture. These islands are home to the Clan MacLeod who have lived here for over 1200 years. We will tell you all about the battles with the Vikings and clan rivalry between the MacLeods and MacDonalds. We also visit Rodel church built by the warrior chief Alistair 'Crotach' MacLeod, and see the pagan fertility symbol - a Shiela-nan-Gig. After exploring the wonders of Harris,we leave the MacLeod homeland and head to the 'winged island', the Isle of Skye. Tonight it's party time in the wee fishing village of Kyleakin - and after a few wee whiskies it's goodbye to island culture! Slainte Mhath.

Day 7: Skye - Edinburgh

We cross over to the mainland and travel through the stunning glens of the west coast (Shiel, Cluanie and Garry) before passing Fort William and Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain. See where Braveheart and Harry Potter were filmed before heading to 'The Weeping Glen', Glencoe, where we hear about the massacre of the MacDonalds. We stop in historic Stirling with its famous Wallace Monument, where the true story of Braveheart is told, before we return to the capital city of Edinburgh!

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

Day 1: Edinburgh - Oban

Leaving Edinburgh, we head to the impressive William Wallace Monument where your passionate and knowledgeable guide will recount exciting tales of Scotland's national hero William Wallace. Then it's onwards to visit the ancient battlefields of Stirling, including Bannockburn. From here, we then enter The Trossachs National Park - Rob Roy Country. Our route north takes us through the dramatic and inspiring Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre in 1692 and the Lost Valley, before making our way along the coast to the gateway to the Isles, the small seaside town of Oban.

Day 2: Oban - Skye

After breakfast we leave Oban and travel north through stunning coastal scenery and onwards to mighty Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain and the film location for 'Braveheart' and Harry Potter. Our journey through the Great Glen and west through lonely Glen Sheil and the five sisters of Kintail to Kyle of Lochalsh is truly spectacular. We discover the most photographed castle in Scotland, and possibly the most stunning castle in Europe, Eilean Donan, then it's over the sea to the magical Isle of Skye!

Day 3: Skye - Carbisdale Castle*

We spend most of today exploring the wonderful Isle of Skye with its ruined castles, awesome scenery, Bonnie Prince Charlie, the jagged Black Cuillin Mountains, stunning coastlines and home of the legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans. Immersed in Celtic myth & legend, you'll hear about selkies, the mischievous faeries and even learn the secret of eternal youth! Then, to round off a magical day we'll return to the mainland and west to our majestic home for the night: Carbisdale Castle*, your very own haunted Highland castle.

Day 4: Carbisdale Castle* - Loch Ness

Today we explore the area around Inverness, capital of the Highlands. We'll see haunting Culloden Moor, sight of the defeat of Bonne Prince Charlie's Jacobite uprising, and the standing stones at Clava Cairns. We may even find time to sample Scotland's national drink - uisge beathe, whisky, at a working distillery. Then it's off to Loch Ness, where hopefully we'll catch a glimpse of the Nessie - keep your camera ready!

Day 5: Loch Ness - Edinburgh

Today is the perfect end to your Highland adventure as we wind our way southwards from Loch Ness, passing along the shores Loch Laggan where the TV series 'Monarch of the Glen' is filmed. Taking our time to explore beautiful Perthshire, big tree country, we finally cross the spectacular Forth Bridge on our return to the capital city of Edinburgh. An awesome, action packed Highland adventure!

* 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 & 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, in Fort Augustus 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

Today we explore the magical Isle of Skye. Ruined castles, awesome scenery, Viking fortresses and home to the legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans. Immersed in Celtic myths and legends, hear all about the Faeries and the Selkies, and local characters who have contributed to the rich history of this magical island. Quite simply unmissable! Our overnight destination is either on the banks of Loch Ness or on Isle of Skye!

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 visit 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 for 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!