Exploring the Wild Side of Scotland

Day 1 - Sunday 28^th September - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1x Executive View Double Room

Day 2 - Monday 29^th September - Exploring Edinburgh

Today is free to visit some of Edinburgh’s wonderful attractions independently; maybe walk the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, discover the Georgian opulence of the New Town or go aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh. The day is yours to do as you wish and explore this bustling city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1x Executive View Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Tuesday 30^th September - Transfer to the Isle of Eriska

This morning a private transfer will meet you at your hotel in Edinburgh ready to transfer you to your next accommodation nestled in the private island of the Isle of Eriska. Upon arrival, maybe head out to explore this island or simply relax at the hotel spa.

Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: 1x Deluxe Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Wednesday 1^st October - Exploring the Isle of Eriska

Today is yours to enjoy exploring the Isle of Eriska hotel and its grounds independently. Perhaps indulge yourself at the onsite spa, take a walk in the grounds or perhaps enjoy a refreshing afternoon tea with a glass of champagne.

Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: 1x Deluxe Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Thursday 2^nd October - Road to the Isles

This morning your expert guide, who will also act as your driver, will meet you at your accommodation. Head along the coast seeking the route to Mallaig. Along the way, you may wish to stop at the historic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you may well recognise from the Harry Potter films. Hear the tales of the Glenfinnan Monument and see if you can spot the Jacobite Steam Train puffing its way over the graceful arches of the viaduct.

Carrying on, 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. Admire the silver sand beaches of Arisaig and the views into the distance of Skye and the small isles. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and events from the past.

Take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles before continuing your journey. This afternoon, take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, watching the mainland slip away into the distance, before continuing on to your accommodation on the Isle of Skye.

Overnight: Portree | The Bracken Hide
Room Type: 1x Deluxe Pod - Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Friday 3^rd October - Guided Explorations on the Isle 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 landscape on offer, with unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations and sweeping coast and mountain views to enjoy in almost every direction. This ‘misty isle’ is also home to so many curious stories and legends of fairies and islander culture, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests.

Overnight: Portree | The Bracken Hide
Room Type: 1x Deluxe Pod - Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Saturday 4^th October - Taking the Ferry

Meet your guide this morning and drive to Uig to catch the morning ferry to the Isle of Harris. The ferry journey takes you through well-known seabird and cetacean feeding areas, so keep your eyes peeled for dorsal fins cutting through the white-capped water. After arriving, a short drive takes you to the tiny Isle of Scalpay to circumnavigate its pretty coastline. Located off the east coast of Harris, it’s connected to the island by a bridge which opened in 1997 and was first crossed by 103 year old Mrs Kirsty Morrison. Enjoy hiking around the island and visiting the remote red-and-white striped lighthouse at Rubh an Eorna. Later, enjoy a scenic drive south to arrive at your welcoming accommodation this evening.

Overnight: Scarista | Blue Reef Cottages
Room Type: 1x Self-Catering Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Sunday 5^th October - Exploring the Isle of Harris

The Isle of Harris has a long and fascinating history. Today we’ll follow the Golden Road – so named because of the cost of building it through the rugged and rough terrain. We’ll also take the opportunity to visit St Clement’s Church, which is considered to be the grandest medieval building on the Western Isles. We’ll enjoy a walk across the vast expanses of moorland, which hold nationally important breeding populations of greenshank and dunlin, before exploring the white sands of Luskentyre – one of the most breathtaking beaches on Harris.

Alternative activities could include:

Spend the afternoon exploring the hills of Harris, which has one of Europe’s highest densities of golden eagles. Visit a purpose-built eagle hide (located in a dramatic glen) with the hope of spotting the majestic birds that call this wild island home. Sea eagles, also known as white-tailed eagles, are also frequently spotted in this area as they come in to feed on salmon and other prey. Other daytime hunters include the hen harrier and the furious-looking short-eared owl.

Overnight: Scarista | Blue Reef Cottages
Room Type: 1x Self-Catering Cottage

Day 9 - Monday 6^th October - The Isle of Lewis

After breakfast, set out north to the Isle of Lewis to visit the 5000 year old Callanish Standing Stones. Dating back to 3000 BCE and set high on a heathery moor with a backdrop of white-capped waves and shattered mountain peaks, this is a magical and captivating place. Enjoy exploring among the megaliths of one of Scotland’s most magnificent and best-preserved Neolithic monuments before leaving the stones behind and heading to another historic sight. Experience the heritage of crofting life on the islands with a restored village of traditional ‘blackhouses’, so called because they were stained black by the smoke of their central fireplaces.

Overnight: Scarista | Blue Reef Cottages
Room Type: 1x Self-Catering Cottage

Day 10 - Tuesday 7^th October - Exploring North Uist

This morning, take the scenic ferry across to Berneray, before continuing your journey over the causeway to the windswept beauty of North Uist. Here, visit the RSPB reserve at Balranald, where you’ll have time to wander through this remarkable coastal habitat, keeping watch for the diverse birdlife and other wildlife that thrive in this protected corner of the Hebrides.

As you explore the heather moors of North Uist and neighbouring Benbecula this is prime territory for spotting raptors. With luck and a keen eye, you may catch sight of a soaring hen harrier or golden eagle silhouetted against the wide sky.

Take your time soaking in the solitude of this remote landscape before retracing your route across the causeway and boarding the ferry for your return to the Isle of Harris.

Overnight: Scarista | Blue Reef Cottages
Room Type: 1x Self-Catering Cottage

Day 11 - Wednesday 8^th October - Depart

This morning, start early to catch the first ferry back to the Isle of Skye. From here, we journey across Skye and over the bridge to the mainland before winding our way along the shores of Loch Ness to arrive at Inverness airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.