Lewis, Skye & the Highlands of Scotland

Your Scotland experience begins today as you meet the Tour Manager in Edinburgh. After checking into your hotel - the Ibis Southbridge Edinburgh you're at leisure to start discovering the city before we regroup for dinner this evening. The hotel's central location makes it the perfect base for exploring everything Edinburgh has to offer.

You could wander the Old Town and see the illuminated castle or sip on a dram of whisky while listening to live music at one of the traditional pubs. The city's electric atmosphere is ready for you to discover.

• Dinner

After breakfast, we head to the magnificent Kelpies by coach. These huge sculptures pay homage to the hardworking horses of Scotland that once pulled barges along the canals and worked in the fields of the area.

A few miles down the road is the Falkirk Wheel. This rotating boat lift connects the Forth & Clyde canal with the Union canal and is the only one of its kind in the world. There is time to admire this masterpiece and take photos.

The next stop is Dumbarton, a small town sitting on the banks of the River Clyde. Enjoy time to get some lunch before a railway journey on the West Highland Line to Fort William.

Travelling through stunning mountain and forest scenery, the route is often hailed as one of the best rail journeys in the world. Highlights include the Clyde Estuary, Ben Lomond, and the Falls of Falloch. Arriving in Fort William we check into your new hotel and enjoy dinner this evening.

Please Note - For departure 08/05/25 we will stay at The Moorings Hotel in Fort William

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today a journey on the famous Jacobite* awaits. One of the most beautiful train lines in the world, we travel from Fort William to Mallaig and a highlight of the route is the dramatic arches of Glenfinnan Viaduct.

There is time at leisure in Mallaig before heading back to the hotel by coach, stopping along the way at the Glenfinnan Monument, a memorial to the 1745 Jacobite Rising. The rest of the evening is at leisure in Fort William. You could get comfortable in one of the pubs or restaurants serving up hearty Scottish food.

*Steam-hauled when possible. Some departures will make this journey on Scotrail's diesel service.

• Breakfast

The coach takes us from Fort William to Uig Ferry Terminal this morning. During the journey, we see the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most famous landmarks. We also cross the Skye Bridge onto Skye where towering peaks, rolling hills, and vast, empty moors stretch out in all directions. The next landmark is the Old Man of Storr, a striking rock formation that rises high above us as we pass.

Arriving in Uig, we board the ferry to the village of Tarbert - keep your eyes peeled to spot some seals or dolphins in the water as you sail. From here, we continue to the Isle of Lewis by coach and check into the hotel for the next two nights. After settling in, we enjoy dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you enjoy a full day touring the Isle of Lewis with a guide. Heading north by coach, you begin at the Butt of Lewis, the northernmost point of the island defined by stunning cliffs and crashing waves.

Next, is the Port of Ness, a picturesque fishing village with colourful cottages lining the harbour. Continuing to the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, the traditional thatched-roof cottages that fill the streets here are a reminder of a simpler way of life. We then stop for lunch at the Doune Braes Hotel, surrounded by beautiful countryside.

One of the most iconic sights in the Outer Hebrides, the Callanish Standing Stones, is the next stop. These ancient stones date back over 5,000 years and continue to fascinate visitors from around the world with their mysterious origins. After experiencing the standing stones, the coach takes us back to our hotel for the evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a morning discovering Stornoway on a guided tour. The town is known as the capital of the Outer Hebrides, and with its traditional harbour, Gaelic street signs and bustling atmosphere, it's a delight to explore.

We then board a ferry to Ullapool, a quaint Scottish village. Surrounded by wonderful scenery, Ullapool has a popular art scene and shops. After checking into the next hotel here, explore the village at leisure before dinner at a local seafront restaurant this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Ullapool behind today, the coach takes us to Inverness. From here, we continue by rail to Scotland's capital while our luggage travels by coach to the next hotel for our comfort. Endless hills, tranquil lochs, and cascading waterfalls fly by the windows occasionally interrupted by historic towns and villages.

You can explore Edinburgh's architecture, history, and vibrant cultural scene at leisure this afternoon. Dinner this evening is at one of the city's restaurants for a final night in the welcoming atmosphere of Scotland.

• Breakfast, Dinner

As your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning, it's time to bid farewell to Edinburgh. Make your way home with memories of a fantastic week in Scotland including visits to the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel, the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, and exploring the Isle of Lewis before a guided tour of Stornoway and an evening in Ullapool.

• Breakfast