Orkney and the NC500 – Scotland’s Far North

Landing into Edinburgh or Glasgow airport, collect your vehicle and journey the short distance North to the historic Stirling. Visit the towering Wallace Monument erected in dedication to the Great Scottish Hero "Braveheart" William Wallace before wandering the cobbled old town to Stirling Castle which was once the Royal Seat of Scotland and rivals that of Edinburgh for its historic significance and beauty.

Overnight: Stirling

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today you’ll get a taste for Scotland’s natural beauty and what’s to come in the Scottish Highlands as you pass firstly along the banks of Loch Lomond and through the scenery of the Trossachs National Park before crossing the desolate and awe-inspiring Rannoch Moor. Arriving in the West of Scotland make a potential stop at the Glencoe visitor centre which marks the place of the infamous clan battle. Then reaching the stunning west coast make your way to the lively port town of Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak.

Overnight: Glencoe

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning, take the "Road to the Isles" stopping to see the Glenfinnan Monument dedicated to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the magnificent Glenfinnan viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter movies and the Hogwarts Express. Then take the ferry to the stunning Isle of Skye; you may choose to stop at Armadale Castle and the Clan Donald Centre in the South of the island before passing the beautiful peaks of the Cuillin Hills on route to the island main town at Portree, and its bustling harbour of pastel fisherman's cottages.

Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast included.

Dedicate today to exploring the breath-taking natural beauty of this peaceful island; from the quaint port town of Portree, tour the north of the island and the Trotternish Peninsula with its natural features such as “Kilt Rock” and “the Old Man of Storr” or visit the famous Fairy Pools. Wildlife is in abundance, in the coastal waters you can spot seabirds, dolphins and seals. Possible cultural visits include Dunvegan Castle, home of the Macleod Clan, the Museum of Island Life and nearby Flora Macdonald's Grave or the distillery of famed malt whisky Talisker.

Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast included.

Cross back to the mainland via Skye Bridge and visit one of Scotland’s icons at Eilean Donan Castle which stands at the point where three lochs meet. From here head north and begin your ascent on the NC500 where a land of breath-taking landscapes, secluded hill lochs, mist shrouded mountain peaks and untouched beaches await you. Visit the ‘tropical’ Plockton where you can see palm trees growing in the sheltered bay or enjoy a fresh seafood lunch right on the harbour before venturing to the unspoiled Applecross Peninsula, a world away from the noise and bustle of modern life and believed to be the earliest settlement in Scotland.

Overnight: Torridon

Meals: Breakfast included.

Continuing your journey on the NC500, today you’ll explore some of Europe’s oldest and most dramatic landscapes in the far northwest Highlands. Beginning in the Torridon Hills, perhaps pause at the village of Gairloch to be taken back in time in the heritage centre or visit the elegant Inverewe Estate and Gardens. Next on the agenda are the soaring Mountains of Assynt is to visit the reputedly haunted 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle or the remote Calda House, built in the 17th century by the 3rd Earl of Seaforth. The brave can round off their day with a short hike to the limestone Inchnadamph Bone Caves, where some amazing discoveries have been made.

Overnight: Lochinver

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning, you can enjoy a wee clamber to Caisteal Varrich, once believed as the seat of Clan Mackay, built on top of an existing Norse fort., where you’ll gain beautiful vistas across the Kyle of Tongue unchanged since the days of the Vikings! Reaching the far North coast visit the tiny village of Durness to walk the ancient path to Smoo Cave a uniquely formed sea cave shrouded in mystery and myth – a true hidden gem. Explore the hidden origins of Castle Varrich, an ancient relic perched atop a high rock overlooking the mountainous surroundings of Sutherland before reaching the Norse settlement of Thurso.

Overnight: Thurso

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today Make your way to the ferry departure and sail through the Pentland Firth and into the Orkney Archipelago where you will find stories from 10,000 years of civilisation across the colourful island. There’s a saying in Orkney that if you stick a spade in the ground, you’ll probably unearth an archaeological site. The islands have one of the highest concentrations of ancient sites in Europe and exciting new discoveries are continually being made. Tour the coasts and scenery before making your way to Kirkwall, the island’s principal town. Founded by the Vikings and home to the elegant St Magnus Cathedral.

Overnight: Orkney

Meals: Breakfast included.

Dedicate today to exploring this enchanting, ancient island; a land of contrasts where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands washed by the turbulent waters of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at Skara Brae, a 5000-year-old village which pre-dates even the Pyramids of Egypt, before journeying onward to the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones of Stenness. Later head to Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions waiting to be discovered.

Overnight: Orkney

Meals: Breakfast included.

Cross back to the Scottish mainland and pass south through the remote Caithness, a large area of unspoilt and dramatic coastal scenery with high cliffs and offshore stacks. Visit a mystery of the North and witness a ‘mini Stonehenge’ in the form of the “Hill O’Many Stanes”, dozens of foot-high prehistoric stones set in rows. On the North East Coast you may choose to stop at the elegant Dunrobin Castle, home to the Dukes of Sutherland since the 1400s, it resembles a glorious French chateau. Continuing south, make your way to Inverness, Capital of the Highlands.

Overnight: Inverness

Meals: Breakfast included.

Spend today to exploring the outlying Highlands surrounding Inverness; here you will find the eerie Culloden Moor Visitor Centre, site of the ancient battlefield where the Jacobite army rose against the English. Also nearby are the intriguing standing stones of the Clava Cairns which inspired the Outlander series. Then pass over the wild Highlands and in to the Great Glen and along the windswept banks of the eerie Loch Ness. Perhaps take a boat ride on the loch to uncover the mysteries of the waters or make a visit to the weather-beaten ruin of Urquhart Castle perched overlooking the loch it offers the perfect look-out.

Overnight: Inverness

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today pass south in to the heart of Scotland and through the hills and woodland of the Cairngorm National Park, a haven for walkers and wildlife lovers. You may choose to ride on the Cairngorm Mountain railway, visit the Speyside Heather Centre or tour one of the many Whisky distilleries in the area to discover the secrets of Scotland’s “water of life”. At the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry you can visit the magnificent Blair Castle before making your way back to Edinburgh, the magnificent Scottish Capital. Return your vehicle at the airport before proceeding in to the city.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included.

The final day of your trip can be spent discovering the magnificent city of Edinburgh, best explored on foot and public transport. From the winding streets of the cobbled old town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian Edinburgh holds a unique atmosphere. Visit Royal sites such as the Palace of Holyrood House or the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks. The highlight of your day will be climbing the Royal Mile to the city's centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included.

Enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel before checking out. You may have a chance for some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing (luggage can be stored at your hotel) before making your way back to Edinburgh or Glasgow Airports to check-in for your return flight to your home nation.

Meals: Breakfast included.