Compare Island Explorer by Haggis Adventures
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days |
| Price From | Check price |
| Price Per Day | Check price |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description |
This trip has been discontinued. Instead see Walking in the Lake District and Scotland Best of Scotland in 10 Days Tour
From exploring Orkney's 9000 years of history, monster hunting on the waters of Loch Ness to travelling on the 'Hogwarts Express', this trip has something for everyone. From our Morag's Lodge base, we head north to Orkney and south to Oban for rugged scenery, bloody history, golden whisky and ceilidh dancing. You'll even get a day based at Loch Ness to try adventure activities, explore the local area or just chill out. One week, one amazing trip. |
Day 1: Edinburgh to Loch Ness
Tour starts 8.30am. From Edinburgh, we head north to explore the forests and salmon packed rivers of Perthshire and Dunkeld with its mighty cathedral in the heart of Macbeth country. Then our chance to sample Scotland's national drink, a wee dram at a Highland distillery. Onto Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield, they both have dramatic history of their own but have been once again thrust into the limelight by the hit series Outlander.
Day 2: Loch Ness to Orkney
Today we journey to the tip of the British mainland where a ferry carries us from John O'Groats to St Margarets Hope in Orkney. Home to more archaeological ruins in one area than anywhere else in Europe, first we visit the Tomb of the Eagles, a Stone Age chamber that was filled with thousands of human bones and the remains of sea eagles many millennia ago.
Day 3: Orkney
Today we head off to explore Skara Brae, a stone age village dating from the late Neolithic period and inhabited between 3,200BC and 2,200BC. This incredible village still has some original furniture! Then the magnificent standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar and the Italian Chapel built by 550 Italian POW's in the Second World War.
Day 4: Orkney to Loch Ness
We bid Orkney farewell and make the ferry crossing back to the mainland and a journey south through Scotland’s rugged terrain. We travel through the sparsely populated wilderness of Sutherland and Caithness, via glens left deserted as a result of the Highland Clearances. Our journey takes us past the ruins of Urquhart Castle along the length of Loch Ness whilst we monster spot! We return to Morag's Lodge, get ready for a party at Mo's Bar!
Day 5: Free Day at Loch Ness
You have a free day to explore the charming village of Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness and take advantage of one (or more) of the many activities the area has to offer. From canoeing on Loch Ness - an excellent way to get closer to the unique wildlife in the area (Nessie!), to mountain biking along the Great Glen way and Caledonian Canal, to an exhilarating rib trip on the Loch, there is something for everyone!
Day 6: Loch Ness to Oban
We leave Loch Ness for the chance to travel on the famous Jacobite Steam train also known as the 'Hogwarts Express'. We take the 'Road to the Isles' to view Glenfinnan Monument where Bonnie Prince Charlie began his claim for the throne of Scotland back in 1745 . From Fort William we pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain and on to Oban. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ because of its spectacular views over to Mull, Oban is home for the night and this is your chance for a proper Highland Fling with some traditional dancing at a ceilidh!
Day 7: Oban to Edinburgh
We head for eerie Glencoe, home to some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery and the setting of the infamous 1692 massacre and used as a backdrop for many movies. Further south we enter Rob Roy country where the landscape changes from the Highlands to the Lowlands. We pass Doune Castle, setting for Outlander and Game of Thrones. Our journey back to Edinburgh takes in views of magnificent Stirling Castle and the mighty Wallace Monument. Returns approximately 5.00pm.
