Skye, Orkney and the Wild North

Our holiday begins in cosmopolitan Glasgow, where we meet our group at the hotel. Straddling the River Clyde, Glasgow is one of Europe's liveliest destinations, full of vitality and style, with a backdrop of elegant Victorian architecture. After checking in, there's time to explore at leisure before dinner this evening.

• Dinner

After breakfast this morning we journey by rail to Helmsdale via Inverness. Travelling north, picturesque lochs, rolling hills, and glimpses of historic castles pass. After Inverness, we continue through the stunning Highlandsalongside majestic mountains until we approach Helmsdale, where coastal scenery takes over with breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches.

Disembarking in the picturesque fishing village on the eastern stretch of coastline, we head to our small, family-run hotel where we spend the next two nights. This evening, we enjoy dinner at a renowned local restaurant, close to the peaceful river which runs through the village. -

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we experience the lovely isles of Orkney on a full-day guided tour. Our coach takes us to John O'Groats where we continue by ferry to Orkney. Our tour starts at Scapa Flow, a historic natural harbour brimming with tales of naval battles and shipwrecks. We then head to the impressive Churchill Barriers. This series of causeways were built during World War II to protect the fleet and now connects the Orkney mainland with the isles of Lamb Holm.

Next, we discover the picturesque town of Stromness, known for its narrow streets and seafaring heritage, before reaching Skara Brae. This remarkably preserved Neolithic village is often referred to as the 'Scottish Pompeii', and we discover its intriguing stone dwellings with interconnected passageways and stone furniture.

Continuing our exploration of Neolithic Orkney, we move on to the Standing Stones of Stenness. Now comprising four tall standing stones, this UNESCO-listed site is believed to have been built around 3100 BC with 12 stones. From there, we make our way to the awe-inspiring Ring of Brodgar, an enigmatic arrangement of standing stones that ignites the mystery of our ancestors.

Our final stop is Kirkwall, the lively capital of Orkney, where we see the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral and explore the charming streets lined with local shops and cafes.

After our day of exploration, we return to Helmsdale by ferry and coach where you have the rest of the evening at leisure. The village has a good choice of pubs and restaurants where you could have dinner and we recommend booking ahead.

• Breakfast

This morning we visit the fabulous Dunrobin Castle and gardens, on the east coast, overlooking the Moray Firth. The historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, this is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses with an astonishing 189 rooms. Towering above the coast and gardens, the castle resembles a French chateâu with its whimsical conical spires. Explore the castle, its formal gardens, and the Victorian museum at your own pace.

Inverness is our next stop where you have time at leisure over lunch. Known as the 'Capital of the Highlands', the city sits on the banks of the River Ness, with Inverness Castle overlooking its lively streets. We then join the wonderful Kyle Line, travelling among mountains, forests and lochs to the village of Plockton, where we spendour next three nights.

'The Jewel of the Highlands', Plockton sits on a sheltered bay with stunning views overlooking Loch Carron. We check into our hotel here in time for dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, our coach takes us to the mystical Isle of Skye. Our first stop is in Broadford, a long village that stretches along either side of the meandering Broadford River. Here, we visit a local wool spinner for a fascinating demonstration of this traditional island craft. The spinner's lovely shop is a paradise for craft lovers and also has wonderfulready-made garments and craftswhich make great presents.

We then continue east to Skye's capital town of Portree, with its pretty harbour of pastel-coloured houses, overlooking the bay and surrounded by hills. After some time to look around, visit the shops, and have some lunch, we enjoy a scenic drive along the coast back to Plockton, passing the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we're bound for one of the greatest Hebridean castles, Dunvegan. Standing out against a dramatic backdrop of forest, sky, and sea, this striking castle features different architectural styles - from 1200 to the 1850s. The castle was restored in the Victorian era with distinctive pepper-pots and defensive battlements along its roof line.

After exploring the castle and gardens, we board our coach to Sconser where we catch the ferry over to Raasay. It's on this small island that we enjoy a tour and whisky tasting at the Raasay Distillery. We learn how this modern distillery is rooted in the island community and is helping to keep alive the tradition of Hebridean single malt whiskies. There's time afterwards to soak up the incredible views across to Skye and the Cuillin Hills, before returning to Sconser by ferry and then back to our hotel by coach.

There's no planned dinner at the hotel this evening giving the perfect chance to head out and experience one of the village's local restaurants. With a choice from fine dining to fish and chips on the harbour wall, it's easy to find somewhere serving only the best Highland produce. We recommend booking your choice ahead of time.

• Breakfast

We start our return journey to Glasgow this morning, travelling to Fort William by coach. We then join the wonderful West Highland Line, one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the UK, travelling south to Glasgow. Our journey carries us through the rugged mountains, passing by Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, beforethe scenery transitions to urban landscapes as we approach Glasgow with glimpses of the city's iconic landmarks.

Once we arrive, we return to our central 4-star hotel in Glasgow in the afternoon.With time before dinner, you can explore some more of the vibrant city and enjoy your final evening in Scotland.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Saying goodbye to new friends, it's time to head home, or you could stay longer to see more of the sights on your own.

• Breakfast