V2 - Travel Associates, Noller & Turner - Scotland

Day 1 - Monday 9^th September - Meet your Guide, John O'Groats & Northern Coastline

Today you will meet your private guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together) and head off to start your Northern Highlands and islands adventure. Depending on your meeting time you could visit John O’Groats, with its iconic signpost, and maybe take a coastal walk to see the incredible variety of seabirds who call these northern cliffs home.  As you make your way to your home for the evening you will travel along beautiful coastline, the space and sweeping skies of this wild landscape give a wonderful sense of freedom. This area has become much more popular in the last few years with the awareness of the North Coast 500, but your guide will share their favourite peaceful and little-visited spots that hide just off the main road. There may also be some places with family connections to explore along the way too.

Overnight: Tongue | Tongue Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Tuesday 10^th September - Transfer To Kylesku via Durness & Cape Wrath

Head west with your guide this morning and immerse yourself in the incredible landscapes around you. You could fully embrace the remote adventure and hop aboard the small ferry boat to catch the local minibus to Cape Wrath, the most North-Westerly point of the Scottish mainland. Keep an eye out while you are enjoying the views, it is not unusual to spot whales from here.

Or maybe delve into Smoo Cave, where underground chambers echo with the crash of an underground waterfall and limestone formations create a surreal subterranean world. Or stay in the sunshine as you discover the local craft village, stocked by a variety of local artists who draw their inspiration from this landscape. Your guide will help you discover the best options for you before you head down the coast to your welcoming hotel in the picturesque village of Kylesku.

Overnight: Kylesku | Kylesku Hotel
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 11^th September - Boat Trip & Flexible Afternoon

Enjoy a tranquil morning as you take a wildlife boat trip through some of Scotland’s most enchanting and unspoiled scenery.  Setting out from the hotel jetty, glide through the deep-blue sea loch waters surrounded by steep mountains and dramatic cliffs. If you are lucky you may see the local seal colony sunbathing and eagles gliding past the highest waterfall in the UK. This afternoon you can choose to soak in the quiet environment and relax, or discuss another option with your guide.

Overnight: Kylesku | Kylesku Hotel
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 12^th September - Unique Northwest & Transfer to Ullapool

The route south is a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and remote charm. There are so many options for stops with incredible vistas to explore with a walk along the way, winding roads that hug the rugged coastline, deep lochs, towering mountains and beautiful beaches. This is a unique area geologically, and there are ancient traces of civilisation in some of the local caves in the hills too. Stop in one of the local villages to maybe taste the delicious local seafood and baking before carrying on to the harbour town of Ullapool.

Overnight: Ullapool | Ardvreck House
Room Type: King Loch View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 13^th September - Ferry to Lewis in The Outer Hebrides

The ferry journey out to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides is one to savour and enjoy as fabulous coastal views are often complemented by wildlife sightings. Arriving on Lewis take some time to have a look around the main town of the Western Isles, full of island inspiration. After lunch you can head up to the Butt of Lewis to explore the cliffs and photogenic lighthouse of the Butt of Lewis before heading to your welcoming guesthouse to settle in.

Overnight: Lewis - Outer Hebrides | Broad Bay House
Room Type: King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 14^th September - Traditional Blackhouses & The Awe-Inspiring Callanish Stones

Discover the heritage of crofting life on the islands as you explore a restored village of traditional ‘blackhouses’, so called because they were stained black by the smoke of their central fireplaces. Small communities cling to life with vibrant fervour here on some of the wildest and most beautiful islands in Europe. Life can be hard here, but the sense of community is like nothing else and the friendships shine bright.

Standing tall amid a windswept landscape, the Neolithic Callanish Stones, evoke a profound sense of timelessness. Erected around 5,000 years ago, the main stone circle with its central monolith and avenues of towering stones, is a place where myth and history intertwine. As you wander among these enigmatic giants, you can’t help but wonder about the rituals and beliefs of the people who placed them here.

Overnight: Lewis - Outer Hebrides | Broad Bay House
Room Type: King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Sunday 15^th September - Glens and Beaches of North Harris.

Today you transfer to Harris, this island is one of the most spectacular areas of the Outer Hebrides. We spend the day exploring the glens and beaches, perhaps visiting the white sands of Hushinish or hiking into the glens to see the massive cliffs of Sron Uladal. A wonderful day with views of incredible turquoise waters whichever route you choose!

Overnight: Harris | Hotel Hebrides
Room Type: Kirklea Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Monday 16^th September - The Machair of Harris and The Golden Road.

The Machir plains are a rare grassy habitat, only found on the exposed western coastline of Scotland and Ireland. Your guide will share some of the best places to discover the varied flora and fauna unique to these areas. to these islands. Keep a careful eye on the shoreline and the rocky outcrops for the sleek otters that inhabit this area. This afternoon discover the spectacular views from ‘The Golden Road’ and some of the many inlets and coves along one of the ancient ‘coffin roads’, beautiful ways along which coffins were traditionally carried to their final resting place.

Overnight: Harris | Hotel Hebrides
Room Type: Kirklea Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Tuesday 17^th September - Over The Sea To Skye

Connecting two of Scotland’s most captivating Islands, this morning you take the ferry from Harris to the iconic Isle of Skye.  As the vessel departs, keep a watchful eye for marine life such as seals and seabirds.  As you near Skye, if the weather is in your favour, you will begin to see the distinctive sharp Black Cuillin Mountains gradually come into view on the horizon. Skye is known for its landscape of ethereal beauty, where majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and serene lochs offer a glimpse into the islands unique allure.  It is easy to see why so many legends of magical creatures about here as your guide shares the unique Fairy Glen with you before you head to your hotel in Portree. The rest of the day is free to explore this bustling harbour town or rest at your hotel.

Overnight: Portree - Isle Of Skye | The Bosville
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Wednesday 18^th September - Unique Landscape Of Skye

Today you have a full day to explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscapes on offer. Head north to unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations, including the awe-inspiring Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing.  The rugged coastline of this island means that you can enjoy incredible sweeping views of islands and mountains in almost every direction.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Thursday 19^th September - Wildlife Boat Trip & Mountain Views

Get a different perspective on the island this morning, as you step aboard a boat which takes you out of Portree harbour to explore the intricate coastline of the Sound of Raasay. Look out for sea eagles, dolphins, seals and even whales, as well as the lively seabird communities. And don’t forget to enjoy the scenery too, the views back to the Cuillin Mountains from the water are awe inspiring.

This afternoon head out with your guide to enjoy the mountain views as you take a gentle hike. There are so many route options to discuss with your guide, you will be spoilt for choice but are sure to discover gorgeous views no matter what. Your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to suit your interests.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Friday 20^th September - Insights Into Islander Life

Meet the locals today and discover what life on this beautiful island is really like, living with such necessary respect for Mother Nature. Get transported back in time to witness how luxuriously soft sheepskins are made using sustainable and time honoured methods of leather making. Visit a local farm to see how they live and work, with sustainable farming at the forefront everything they do.  After a tour of the farm with the couple who live there, enjoy a fascinating chat about conservation in the area while enjoying a delectable slice of cake and a hot drink.

This afternoon head to Dunvegan Castle, which is the home of Clan MacLeod and has been continuously occupied by the family for over 800 years. The family proudly look after “Am Bratach Sith”, The Fairy Flag of Dunvegan and the clan banner, which is said to have miraculous powers and ensure victory when unfurled in battle.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Saturday 21^st September - Ferry to Mainland, Jacobite Steam Train & Farewell

After taking the short ferry back to the mainland you’ll travel along the stunning Road to the Isles, this is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. However, you will be enjoying a special perspective as you step aboard the Jacobite Steam Train (known as the ‘Harry Potter Train’) and settle into your First Class Seats after lunch. It will puff its way over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and through the wonderful scenery all the way to Fort William. On arrival you will be met by your guide who will drop you at your self-arranged car hire, waving you farewell and wishing you all the best for the rest of your Scottish adventures.

Meals Included: Breakfast