The ultimate tour of Scotland! In just over a week you will see more of Scotland than most Scots ever do. A vast variety of terrain and culture all within so few miles.

Day: 1 | Location: Edinburgh - Glencoe

Leaving Edinburgh you'll enjoy a superb day meadandering our way into the Highlands. Hear all about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Rob Roy MacGregor with walks for fantastic views. After a picnic lunch, it's into magnificent Glencoe (the massacre of Clan MacDonald) where they'll be plenty of time to explore the dramatic beauty of arguably Scotland's most famous glen. Tonight you'll stay in the Great Glen at a lochside hostel with views of Ben Nevis. It's the perfect introduction to this superb country!

Day: 2 | Location: Glencoe - Isle of Skye

This morning you'll have a short stop at Eilean Donan Castle(where Highlander was filmed) - you'll hear all the history and legends - before enjoying a morning seafood & seal cruise with local fisherman Neil. The rest of today will be spent exploring the Isle of Skye, with lots of walks and time to take in the magic. You'll see the Cuillin Mountains, the Old Man of Storr (an incredible Jurassic pillar) and hear some of the tales and legends surrounding the MacDonalds and MacLeods, the two main Clans of the island. The tour will visit the fascinating Kilt Rock, and take in absolutely awe-inspiring panoramas in the Quirang. Tonight you'll stay on the magical Isle of Skye.

Day: 3 | Location: Isle of Skye - Isle of Lewis

The morning you will head for Uig to catch the ferry over the sea to the Isle of Harris where you will spend the afternoon checking out Rodel Church, home to the tomb of Alisdair Crotach MacLeod and going for great coastal walks along some of the best beaches (yes, there are beaches!) in the world! Then you'll make your way up into Lewis and over to the west coast where an amazing original Blackhouse(renovated for comfort!) is your home for the next 2 nights.

Day: 4 | Location: Isle of Lewis

A great day on Lewis with time spent at a recently discovered Iron Age village at Bosta, the amazing 4,000 year old Callanish Standing Stones (second only to Stonehenge), exploring the ancient Broch (fortified dwelling house) of Dun Carloway and witnessing the traditional making of Harris tweed! Then if you have enough energy left late afternoon (of course you will!) there is a superb coastal walk to Dalmore bay, next to the Blackhouse.

Day: 5 | Location: Isle of Lewis - Loch Ness

Stornoway, the capital of Lewis, is your destination this morning and there's time to wander the streets, see the harbour and wander the castle grounds before taking the ferry back to the mainland at Ullapool. Then, with a stop at Corrieschalloch Gorge to stretch the legs, it is off to Lewiston by the banks of Loch Ness. With pubs playing live music and Loch Ness within 5 mins, plus an outdoor BBQ (for those sunny evenings Scotland is so famous for!) it's the perfect place to party the night away!

Day: 6 | Location: Loch Ness - St. Margaret's Hope

Today the tour will wind its way along the North East Coast, taking in Dunrobin Castle, home of the Duke of Sutherland, discover the ghostly clearance villages perched on the cliff tops and the harbours where they tried to make a living. There'll be time for a great walk to try and spot a puffin or two (May - July) as you take in the sea stacks of Duncansby Head before a wee stop in John O'Groats. It's then time to catch the ferry through the Scapa Flow to St Margaret's Hope where you'll stay for the next two nights.

Day: 7 | Location: St. Margaret's Hope - Orkney Islands

From your base in the fishing village of St Margaret's Hope you'll spend a full and energetic day today exploring the islands - it will be packed with Viking ancestry and world-renowned archaeological treasures such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brogar. Plus a chance to gaze in wonder at the island's Italian Chapel, search for the coastal Puffins (May-July) and also walk to one of the neighbouring islands. Loads of time will be spent off the bus and much time spent walking especially along some of the fantastic beaches: a day to remember (another one!)

Day: 8 | Location: North Western Coast

Today it's back to the Scottish mainland as you wind your way along the far North Western coast giving you a chance to explore the famous Smoo caves and explore some of the most remote and rugged landscapes Europe has to offer. Deserted beaches, towering mountains, sparkling lochs and the wide open skies really set the tone today before you arrive at Carbisdale Castle, your home for the evening.

Day: 9 | Location: Loch Ness - Edinburgh

Your last day takes you past the banks of Loch Ness for a second chance to spot Nessie before an emotional stop at tragic Culloden battlefield. Then cheer yourself up with beautiful forest walks at the Hermitage before making your way over the Firth of Forth back to Edinburgh happy honorary Scots!

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Please note that this tour shares the first 5 days with the 6 Day Hebridean passengers - on the 5th day of the tour you will have a change of tour guide and may be joined by new passengers for the rest of the trip.

This tour will not stay at Carbisdale Castle on tours departing 12th May, 9th June and 30th June. Tours departing 19th May and 21st June will not be able to stay at the Blackhouse. However Wild in Scotland will use great alternative accommodation for those nights.

Tour itineraries and accommodation can vary due to acts of God etc, but the tour normally sticks to this. Kitty includes hostels, evening meals, breakfasts and ferries to and from Orkney.

Departs Tuesdays, May to September
Check In: 08:15
Return: 18:30

Kitty Includes

• Hostels
• Evening meals
• Breakfasts
• Ferries to and from Orkney

All of our guides are born and bred Scots with unrivalled knowledge and passion for their homeland. They are trained to the highest standards and are all fantastic storytellers - nothing less will bring to life the vibrant history, enchanting legends and deep rooted culture of our proud nation.

All of the Wild in Scotland team are or have been driver guides for the company. We derive from different backgrounds but all have certain things in common; an enthusiasm and passion for Scotland, a desire to show it off, an ability to work together as a team, a liking for meeting folk from all over the world and for giving them a great time. The team is young (mid 20's - 30's) and energetic.

We are the only backpacker company in Scotland that operates smaller buses (16 seats max) which we believe is an ideal number to travel in (without feeling as though you are part of a gaggle of tourists!).
We are the only backpacker company in Scotland to operate the Kitty system. Covering accommodation, breakfasts, evening meals and ferry crossings (where applicable), it means that we keep the cost down for you as a traveller and also allows you to sit back and relax knowing that everything has been taken care of for you.

Wild in Scotland
166 High Street (Royal Mile)
Edinburgh
EH1 1QS

Tel: 0131 478 6500
Fax: 0131 478 6501
Email: mail@wild-in-scotland.com
Web: www.wild-in-scotland.com