Scottish Highlands

Leave Edinburgh and head west past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. You pass Doune Castle before stopping in the small town of Callander for a refreshment. After crossing the Fault Line into the magnificent Highlands, you take in the splendour of Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle, and Glen Dochart.

Loch Ness

You admire spectacular views and listen to a haunting story in Glencoe before you continue north up the Great Glen to the mysterious beauty of Loch Ness. The loch is 23 miles long and you have plenty of time to try and spot the monster.

Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

Leaving behind the 'Capital of the Highlands', crossing over the Black Isle, and continuing past Dunrobin Castle. From here, you drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. Short photo stop at Dunrobin Castle - please note the path leading to the front of the castle is quite steep, not suitable for everyone.

John O' Groats

This Highland village combines dramatic, unspoilt scenery and fascinating wildlife. Just 11 miles from Dunnet Head, the mostly northerly point of mainland Britain, the small coastal village of John o’ Groats is the starting point for many embarking on the famous 'End to End' journey to Land's End in England, some 876 miles away. Then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, and cross the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago.

Kirkwall

It’s a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where you stop for a visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, Capital of Orkney. Here you can visit Kirkwall's magnificent Viking Cathedral and enjoy its historic winding streets in the evening.

Skara Brae

Long before Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids were built, Skara Brae was a thriving village. Step back 5,000 years in time to explore the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe.

Ring of Brodgar

One of the finest stone circles in the world. Dating back from 2,500 to 2,000 BC, the stone ring was built in a true circle, 104 metres wide and originally contained sixty megaliths; today only twenty-seven of these stones remain.

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

You then travel onto Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions.

Kirkwall

After a relaxed start, you leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. From here, you travel the old road right across the very top of Scotland, driving past the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains, following the rocky cliffs and stunning golden sand beaches.

Ardvreck Castle

You then visit the far northwest Highlands and the wilderness of the mountains of Assynt before stopping to view the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle.

Ullapool

From here, you travel to Ullapool, situated at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you spend your last night's stay on tour.

Culloden Battlefield

Visit the powerfully moving site of the final Jacobite Rising – the last and most harrowing pitched battle to be fought on British soil.

Clava Cairns

Take a short drive to the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns, made famous by Diana Gabaldon in the ‘Outlander’ books.

Scottish Highlands

Travel through the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, hugging the Cairngorm mountain range. You enjoy lunch in these beautiful surroundings before travelling through The Big Tree country of Perthshire, the Kingdom of Fife, and back to Edinburgh.