Please note: Combination tours - These itineraries are made up of individual tours which are scheduled to link up en route without having to come back to their starting point. Clients will be able to enjoy the individual styles and stories of the different driver/guides as well as a different group of travelling companions on each part of their trip. Day 1 Leaving Edinburgh at 08.30 you will head west through Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow,
along Loch Lomond then west through the mountains to the beautiful little village of Inveraray
on the banks of Loch Fyne. Here you can perhaps sample some of the local seafood for
lunch or just explore the historic town itself. After lunch you will then travel through Argyll
and into the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. There are more than 350 prehistoric monuments
within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin. You will stop here to see the mysterious stone circles and standing stones and visit the
community museum. From here it is a short drive to Kennacraig where you catch the
early evening ferry to Islay. The sail is just over 2 hours and you should look out for
wildlife such as dolphins, whales and seabirds. On arrival on Islay it is a short drive to
Bowmore for your 3-night stay.
Day 2 A full day exploring Islay. The itinerary today is quite flexible with a mixture of beautiful
scenery, white sand beaches, short walks and of course the famous Islay whiskies -
renowned for their strong peaty flavours and nurtured by the salty sea air. In the morning
you will take the short drive to the west of the island via Saligo Bay for a visit to Kilchoman
Distillery (the newest and smallest on the island) with the option of a coastal walk to Machair
Bay for any non-whisky lovers. After lunch you will explore the tiny harbour village of Portnahaven
(look out for seals) before taking the back roads along the west coast with its lovely
sandy bays, on the way back to Bowmore. You will have the chance to visit Bowmore distillery
or just relax and explore the village.
Day 3 Another day in paradise! Today you will explore the southern side of the island, home to
the smokiest and peatiest of all whiskies – Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. You will visit
Ardbeg for a tour, tasting and lunch. The restaurant here is a beautiful place to relax and
enjoy local produce as well as some unique whisky. You then follow that up with a visit
to Laphroaig or a visit to the ruins of Kildalton church with its famous 8th Century Celtic
cross. Alternatively we may stop in Bridgend where you could visit the community craft
producers at Islay House Square or take a walk through the woods along the nearby River
Sorn.Alternatively you could continue with the tour to Bridgend where we will visit the
community craft producers (and brewery!) at Islay House Square or take a walk through
the woods along the nearby River Sorn.
Day 4 This morning you take the ferry back to the mainland then travel up the coast to Oban – a
busy harbour town and the main ferry port for the islands.
On arrival in Oban your guide will drop you at your accommodation. You will say
goodbye to this group here, and will be collected by your new guide and group on
the morning of day 5.
You will have a free afternoon in Oban to enjoy this bustling and busy highland town. For
those who are partial to some retail therapy, there are numerous shopping possibilities,
or for those who wish to continue their thirst for Scottish whisky, Oban distillery is nicely
situated in the heart of the town. A hike uphill will bring its own rewards with stunning
views from the most photographed structure in the west, McCaig’s folly. The folly built
on instruction by a local banker in 1897 resembles the coliseum in Rome, and provides
magnificent vistas over the distant Firth of Lorne. You will stay in this glorious highland
town for 2 nights.
Day 5 You will be collected from you accommodation by your new guide for an early crossing on
the ferry to Mull. Exploring her dramatic coastlines and wild beauty, you will enjoy an island
adventure before boarding the small ferry to the peace and tranquility of Iona - birthplace of
Celtic Christianity and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Here you can visit the historic
abbey with its intricate carved crosses in the churchyard or explore the rocky headlands and
sandy coves of this island gem. There is also an opportunity to take a small boat out to the
island of Staffa (except Saturday departures in September) and view the dramatic basalt
columns immortalised by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture “Fingal’s Cave”. You then
return on the ferry to Oban for your second night.
Day 6 Takes you north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker,
and Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. You then pass
through Fort William and take the historic road to the Isles to catch the ferry to Skye. You will
travel through Glenfinnan, at the head of Loch Shiel, this is where the standard was raised
to start the Jacobite rebellion. Glenfinnan is also home to a 100 year old viaduct, which was
made famous when the Hogwarts Express steamed across it on the way to school in the Harry
Potter film. From Glenfinnan the road crosses mountains and glens before reaching Arisaig
and on through a spectacularly scenic stretch of coast with fantastic views of the islands of
Rum, Eigg, Muck and Skye, This beautiful coastline is formed by a series of white beaches
and a turquoise sea, known as the white sands of Morar. The road ends at Mallaig where you
take the short ferry crossing ‘over the sea to Skye’ where you arrive on the Sleat Peninsula,
commonly referred to the ‘Garden of Skye’ with great views of the Cuillin mountains. From here
you travel north to the picturesque harbour town of Portree. You are then dropped off at your
accommodation in the early evening.
Day 7 Is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather
and we take passengers preferences into account. For example: Travel north to the
stunning Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk through some of Skye’s
extraordinary geological scenery, visit Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns (reminiscent
of the pleats in a kilt) with it’s waterfall cascading over the cliffs and down into the sea
below. After lunch you can go over to Neist Point for a walk out to the lighthouse that is the
furthest point west on Skye. Or go over to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the
Clan McLeod. Talisker Distillery is also here, as are the famous Cuillin Hills. We return you
to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening for you to enjoy your second free
night in Portree.
Day 8 You will be collected from your accommodation and travel south through the Cuillin Hills
and back over to the mainland. You will stop to visit the famous stronghold Eilean Donan
Castle, used in the film “Highlander”, set at the junction of 3 lochs as protection against
Viking raiders, before travelling east for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters
of Kintail. On to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting “Nessie”. There is an
optional boat trip (Summer only) available here that will get you that bit closer!
Half an hour south of Loch Ness you will stop in the village of Spean Bridge and
join a new bus for the continuation of your tour to Orkney. Your guides will help
you transfer your luggage and introduce you to your new travelling companions.
From here, you will continue north following the Great Glen travelling the entire 23 miles
of the famous Loch passing by Urquhart castle. You can expect to arrive in Inverness, the
Highland capital, and the place of our overnight stay at approx 18.30 where you will be
dropped off at your accommodation.
Day 9 Is an early start, leaving behind the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, crossing over the Black
Isle, and past Andrew Carnegie’s Skibo Castle. From here you drive through the northeast
Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery, and enjoy
amazing views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes and the chance to see wildlife such
as Golden Eagles and red deer. Onwards through Scotland’s most northerly mainland
village, John o’ Groats, and then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, crossing the
Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago. From here you have a short drive to the Viking
stronghold of Kirkwall, Capital of Orkney, where you can visit Kirkwall’s magnificent Viking
Cathedral, and where you shall stay for 2 nights.
Day 10 Is your chance to explore this fantastic, ancient island; a land of contrasts where fertile
green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands washed by waters of the North Sea
and Atlantic ocean. You will visit the 5000 year old village of Skara Brae (older than the
Pyramids of Egypt!), the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing
stones of Stenness. We stop in Stromness - one of Scotland’s most picturesque seaboard
villages and then travel onto Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the
largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions. Then its back to Kirkwall for our 2nd night after
what is sure to be a memorable day.
Day 11 Is a relaxed start to the day, as 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 of our northern coastline. We then visit the far
northwest highlands and the grandeur, expanse and wilderness of the mountains of
Assynt before stopping to view the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle. From here
we travel to Ullapool, situated at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed
fishing village where we spent our last night’ s stay on tour.
Once again you will leave the group at this point and rejoin your new group on day
13, with who you will remain for the duration of the tour.
Day 12 Gives you a free day in Ullapool to do as you please before joining up with your new crew the
next day. There are many possibilities available in this lovely town, Options for your day include
enjoying a day just to relax and absorb the highland tranquil pace of life whilst browsing the
small craft boutiques nestling through the streets of the town. Or why not take the local boat, the
‘Summer Queen’ from the pier for an idyllic ‘summer Isles’ cruise. Alternatively you could head
up Claypool hill for an easy two hour walk offering wonderful views over Loch Broom reaching
a maximum height of 900ft. Or for the even more adventurous add to this walk by completing a
three hour circuit returning to the town via Rhiddoroch estate. (Full details of all local walks can
be found at the local tourist information centre). There is also a local swimming pool, and a small
museum giving an informative narrative about the natural and social history of the area.
Day 13 Your new driver will collect you from your accommodation and together you will head for
the morning ferry from Ullapool, for the 2 hour sail along Loch Broom, past the Summer
Isles then out across the Minch to Stornoway – the main town on Lewis and capital of
the Outer Hebrides. Catch the morning ferry from Ullapool for the 2 hour sail along Loch
Broom, past the Summer Isles then out across the Minch to Stornoway – the main town
on Lewis and capital of the Outer Hebrides. Look out for dolphins, whales and seabirds
during the crossing. In the afternoon explore the North West coast from Arnol with its
historic old “blackhouse”, through traditional crofting townships to Port of Ness and the
very north tip of the island – the Butt of Lewis. From the lighthouse here there is nothing
between you and the Americas! Overnight in Stornoway.
Day 14 Today will be spent exploring some of the prehistoric remains on the island as well as its
finest beaches. The fascinating circular stone fort, or Broch, at Carloway will be our first
stop followed by more traditional crofting communities such as Gearrannan and Shawbost.
Then its on to Callanish with its mysterious ancient stone circle. In the afternoon you will
head for the remote district of Uig with its fine, sandy beaches at Bhaltos, dramatic sea cliffs
and rugged hills. This is the wilderness of the Western Isles at its finest. Overnight again in
Stornoway.
Day 15 Travelling south today from the wild moorlands of Lewis to the more mountainous Harris
– almost but not quite an island on its own. Famous for the locally produced cloth, Harris
Tweed, it is also home to the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and the stunning
white sands of Luskentyre. After a morning of exploring South Harris you will stop for
lunch in the small port of Tarbet from where you will catch the late afternoon ferry to Skye.
Once on Skye it is less than hour to Portree, the island’s main town, and our overnight
stay.
Day 16 Is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and
your driver/guide’s knowledge will come to the fore in developing the best day out for you.
For example: heading west we might venture towards the 13th century home of the Clan
Macleod - Dunvegan Castle, the emerald green valley of Glendale and the dramatic seacliffs
and lonely lighthouse at Neist Point. Here on the most westerly point on the island,
you could be lucky enough to spot some whales or basking sharks. North of Portree is the
Trotternish ridge with its spectacular cliffs and rock formations, such as the famous Old
Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing. The weather often adds to the atmosphere of this
amazing natural scenery. We return to Portree for the evening. ** Alternatively you may
choose to spend a free day exploring Portree.
Day 17 Departing from Portree the return journey to Edinburgh has many highlights – the Cuillin
Mountains, a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, Fort William and the dramatic scenery and dark
history of Glencoe. Travelling back south through the Central Highland the last stop of the
day will be in Killin beside the Falls of Dochart before returning to Edinburgh.
Departure Point
207 High St, Edinburgh. Click here to see map.
Inclusions
Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.
We believe a small group tour with a maximum of 16 passengers really does make a big difference to your trip. It allows us to give you a more personal service and remain the only 5 Star operator to offer this personal guarantee. Touring with a maximum of 16 passengers you get more for your money, more personal attention, more time with the locals, more time off the bus, more time on the back-roads and just more of an authentic, friendly experience. The smaller groups allow you to meet people from all over the world and make friends for life.
Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
All ferry and bridge crossings.
Rabbie's Customer Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.
Exclusions
Lunch, Dinner and refreshments.
Entrances to all Visitor Attractions.
Accommodation
The tour price does not include accommodation but this gives you an opportunity to choose your budget and the type of accommodation you wish to stay in and we will book it for you - Hostel, B&B or Hotel - please refer to the booking form on this web site for prices.
For the Islay section of this tour we have pre-booked a number of rooms in the beautiful Bowmore Distillery Cottages on Islay. These are self catering cottages in the grounds of the distillery itself and offer a unique accommodation experience. The cottages have between 3 and 6 bedrooms and these are all ensuite. The kitchen and lounge facilities are shared and self service continental breakfast ingredients will be provided.
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE SHARED NATURE OF THE ACCOMMODATION INDIVIDUAL BEDROOMS DO NOT HAVE LOCKABLE DOORS.
Prices are £35 per person per night twin/double share or £60 per night for a single. For this option please select "B&B ensuite" as your first choice when booking. When these rooms are full we will book you into a nearby B&B. There is also a limited number of 3* hotel rooms available on this tour - for this option please select 3 star hotel as your first choice when booking.
Please note that in the case of late bookings accommodation availability and choice may be restricted and we cannot guarantee to find your first choice. There is usually a supplement for single rooms. By giving you a choice of accommodation it allows you to choose your budget, stay in smaller places and get closer to the local people. This also means you help to sustain their communities in the long term.
For more information click here
*NB On occasions, when villages we stay in have events on, accommodation can be scarce and expensive so we may use other locations for your accommodation on the tour. We will always inform you of this when this is necessary.
Discounts
Students, Seniors over 60. We do not carry children under 18 years on this whisky tour.
Important Information
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!! If you have mobility problems or special requirements please let us know when booking.
Photography Credits: VisitScotland, Geoff Wong (Stromness).
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