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Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour

Combo Tour

  • Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour
  • Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour
  • Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour
  • Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour
  • Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour
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    - Minimum age 5
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  • Tour ID:
    1062
  • Tour theme:
    Scotland Island Hopping Tours, Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days),
  • Duration:
    17 Days / 16 Nights
  • Starts from:
    Edinburgh
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Combo Tour

  • Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour
  • Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour
  • Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour
  • Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour
  • Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour

Tour Description

Discover the wonder of Scotland's treasured islands - a 17 days tour to enjoy 8 fantastic west coast islands and the prehistoric beauty and history of the northern Orkney islands, coupled with an escape to the western Isles of Lewis and breathtaking Harris, and the whisky island Islay "Queen of the Isles".

Tour highlights include Islay the home of some of Scotland's greatest whiskies, the rolling splendour of the island of Mull, the peace and spirituality of Columba’s Iona, with an optional visit to the breathtaking and musical island of Staffa, followed by the dramatic beauty of our most famous of Islands, Skye. Let the ‘misty island’ enchant you with her incredible bounty before heading to the Orkney archipelago, rich in its archaeological treasures. Ullapool, nestling on the shores of Loch Broom, is where we travel from to Lewis, and absorb ourselves in Gaelic culture, and enjoy the truly inspirational surroundings of Harris with her mountains and glorious white beaches before crossing the sea again to the drama that is the island of Skye.

DAY 1: EDINBURGH - HIGHLANDS - OBAN - KILMARTIN - ISLAY
Your driver-guide may regale you with tales from Scottish folklore as you travel through the mountainous landscapes of the Western Highlands to Oban. This port town was once the strategic heartland of great feuding clans. But today, Oban is famous for seafood sourced fresh off the boats. It also boasts its own distillery where you can sample whisky that’s been perfected for 200 years. Here, you will have time to enjoy a dram and indulge in delicious local seafood for lunch.

You then venture through the Kilmartin Glen where you see standing stones and strongholds that are over 1,500 years old. At Kennacraig, you catch the evening ferry to Islay. The sail is around two hours; and if you peek out to the ocean, you may see the Paps of Jura. These mountains mark the way to Islay, Queen of the Hebrides.
accommodation in Bowmore.

DAY 2: EXPLORE ISLAY
We know whisky tasting can be hard work, so you begin the day with a little sleep in.
After you’ve had an ample amount of breakfast, you enjoy a tour of Bowmore Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. You have time for a tour and a whisky tasting here before you continue exploring the island.

Next, your driver-guide takes you to Ardnahoe Distillery for a tour and a lunch of local treats. This modern distillery is the passion project of the Laings, a family who have loved whisky for generations. Today, you can admire their vision, craftsmanship, and unique spirit.

After trying local larder, you travel through the beautiful countryside to the third distillery of the day. On Thursday and Saturday, you visit Bruichladdich, the progressive distillery specialising in unpeated whisky. On Tuesday, you taste the unpeated and salty notes of Bunnahabhain in the most remote distillery on Islay.

DAY 3: EXPLORE ISLAY
After you've made it out of bed and eaten your breakfast, you visit Ardbeg. You stay here for a tour, tasting, and lunch. The restaurant here is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy fine Scottish produce as you sip upon delightful drams.

You then visit Laphroaig. This 200-year-old whisky distiller is a favourite with the British royal family and bears the seal of the Prince of Wales to prove it.

Throughout the day, your driver-guide takes you to historical spots such as the ruins of Kildalton church and Dunyvaig Castle. And you can also stop at Lagavulin for some intensively flavoured, rich, and smoky whisky.

DAY 4: ISLAY - INVERARAY - OBAN
This morning, you take the ferry back to the mainland and replace the intoxicating fumes of whisky with the replenishing fresh air of Scotland’s West Highlands. You travel through coastal scenery to the beautiful village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne.

Here you join a new bus for the continuation of your tour to Oban. Your guides will help you transfer your luggage and introduce you to your new travelling companions.

Once you arrive in Oban, you'll have a free evening to enjoy this bustling Highland town. You can absorb the atmosphere and visit the local pubs. Or, if you prefer to explore the area, hike uphill and admire the views from the most photographed structure in the west, McCaig’s Tower. Built in 1897 on instruction by a local banker, it resembles the Colosseum in Rome and provides magnificent vistas over the distant Firth of Lorne.

DAY 5: OBAN - MULL - IONA - STAFFA - OBAN
Today you have an early start, beginning the day crossing on the ferry to Mull for a chance to explore dramatic coastlines and wild beauty. You take the small ferry to Iona, the 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 rocky headlands and sandy coves. There's an opportunity to take a small boat for an optional trip to the island of Staffa and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalised by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture "Fingal's Cave".

DAY 6: OBAN - GLENCOE - GLENFINNAN - FORT WILLIAM - PLOCKTON
You ramble north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker. Next, you head to the gorgeous Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that's haunted this valley for over 300 years.

You then venture through Fort William and under the shadow of Ben Nevis, which at 1,344 meters is the highest mountain in the British Isles. We continue through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the earth's crust that runs through Scotland. From here, you travel north to the picturesque fishing village of Plockton*. You're dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening. *Please note that during busy periods, your tour may stay in Portree instead of Plockton.

DAY 7: A DAY TRAVELLING AROUND SKYE
Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather, and your driver-guide will use their local knowledge to decide on the best day out for the group. You may ascend the Quiraing along Trotternish Ridge and be rewarded with spectacular views. Alternatively, you could drink in the scenery at Loch Corruisk or drive through the dramatic Red Cuillin to the little hamlet of Elgol.

DAY 8: PLOCKTON - LOCH NESS - INVERNESS
You're collected from your accommodation for the short drive to the famous stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle. Then, you travel east taking in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. You continue to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting "Nessie". Half an hour south of Loch Ness you 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.

With your new crew, you continue north following the Great Glen travelling the entire 23 miles of the famous loch. You arrive at Inverness, where you're dropped off at your accommodation. The evening is free for you to explore the 'Capital of the Highlands'.

DAY 9: INVERNESS - BLACK ISLE - JOHN O'GROATS - KIRKWALL
It's an early start, 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.

Onwards through Scotland's most northerly mainland village, John O'Groats, and then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, and cross the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago. 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.

DAY 10: EXPLORE ORKNEY
Today is your chance to explore this archipelago's fertile green pastures, fringed by shores of golden sands and washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. You visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones of Stenness. You then travel onto Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions. Then it's back to Kirkwall for your second night after what is sure to be a memorable day.

DAY 11: KIRKWALL - JOHN O'GROATS - ARDVRECK CASTLE - ULLAPOOL
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.

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. From here, you travel to Ullapool, situated at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you spend two nights.

Once again you leave the group at this point and on day 13 join your new group, with whom you will stay for the rest of the tour.

DAY 12: ULLAPOOL
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: ULLAPOOL - ISLE OF LEWIS
Wake up, enjoy your breakfast, and look out over Loch Broom as it glistens under the morning sky. First on the agenda today is a ferry journey across the sea. This two and a half-hour boat trip takes you through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles. But don't spend your time snoozing and reading as you sail across the ocean; because if you look out to sea, you may spot dolphins and whales.

Once you've arrived on Lewis and Harris, you head to the North West coast. Your driver-guide will make the most of what weather you've been blessed with and take you through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. You even get to see the Butt of Lewis; from the lighthouse here there’s nothing but fishes and water between you and America.

You spend the evening in Stornoway; a bustling port town and the home of Scotland’s most delicious black puddings.

DAY 14: EXPLORE ISLE OF LEWIS
You first head to Arnol Blackhouse. Here, you can experience what traditional farming life was like in these remote reaches without getting your hands too dirty. A little down the road, you visit the stone fort of Dun Carloway. This structure was built before 100AD and has experienced more battles than you've had hot dinners. It's a wonderful location to ponder over the vast swathes of history that have come before you.

You then travel through a landscape littered with crofting villages to one of the most famous sights of the island, the Calanais Stone Circle. This prehistoric site still mystifies archaeologists today. The rest of your afternoon is spent in the beautiful beaches and mountains of the western side of Lewis. You head back to Stornoway in the late afternoon.

DAY 15: STORNOWAY - ISLE OF HARRIS - POTREE
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 continue on to your overnight stay in the picturesque village of Portree.

DAY 16: FLEXIBLE DAY ON SKYE
Back on the Isle of Skye and today your driver-guide makes the most out of your time on this marvel-studded landscape. You may travel to the Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk, venture to Kilt Rock and see a gigantic waterfall, or take a boat trip to the lesser-known Loch Coruisk. After you've enjoyed the sights of Skye, you have your final evening in Portree. There are plenty of fabulous seafood restaurants to celebrate a fine day of exploring.

DAY 17: POTREE -  EILEAN DONAN - FORT WILLIAM - EDINBURGH
Once you've crossed the Skye Bridge, you get a chance to see Eilean Donan Castle. This classic combination of a sturdy-stone fortification perched upon a loch is about as Scottish a view as you can get. Just ensure you've got some room left on your camera to take photos.

You then travel under Britain's tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. The peak of this mountain is likely to be shrouded high in the clouds. Your driver-guide may become a little emotional as you move through the valley of Glencoe. This marvellously mountainous area was the site of one of the most tragic massacres in Scottish history. The story is as unforgettable as the landscape. The hilly views become flatter as you enter the Lowlands and travel to Edinburgh. You arrive in the early evening.

*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.

For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...

Islay, Iona, Mull, Skye, Orkney And The Outer Hebrides 17 Day Tour

Prices & Dates

Departs: 08:30 | Returns: 19:00 approx

Departure Point:
Tour departs from Gate J & Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh

Departs: Friday - April to October

See calendar for current prices. Click on available dates with blue numbers.

**children under 18 years of age are not accepted. See below for more price notes

What's Included

The Tour Includes:
- Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience.
- Forced air ventilation as standard.
- Services of a professional driver/guide
- All ferry and bridge crossings
- accommodation in 3 star B&Bs 
- admissions inlcude...

  • Ardbeg Distillery; Rabbie's exclusive tour and tasting at Ardbeg Distillery
  • Ardnahoe Distillery; Rabbie's exclusive tasting at Ardnahoe Distillery
  • Bowmore Distillery; Tour and tasting at Bowmore Distillery
  • Laphroaig Distillery; Rabbie's exclusive tour and tasting at Laphroaig Ditillery (2 drams of Whisky)
  • Maeshowe; Admission to Maeshowe
  • Skara Brae; Admission to Skara Brae
  • Arnol Blackhouse; Admission to Arnol Blackhouse

Not Included:
- Lunch, Dinner and refreshments.
- All Visitor Attractions not mentioned above

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.

Cancellation conditions:
1 day tours: For cancellations less than 72 hours before departure - 100% charge
Extended tours: For cancellations less than 3 weeks before departure - 100% charge
No charges apply for cancellations received outwith these periods.

Departure & Map

Leaving From Edinburgh
Gate J & Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrews Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DX
  TERM & CONDITIONS

Payment
Reservations will only be confirmed on receipt of full payment.

Cancellations and Refunds
The Company will only cancel tours due to circumstances outwith our control.

Where the Customer cancels the tour reservation then the effective date of cancellation will be the date the Company receives written notification. In the event of cancellation a charge, as detailed below, shall be payable by the Customer.

If cancellation for extended tours is made less than 3 weeks before the tour commences, refunds are at our discretion. Please also note that customers may be liable for 1 nights accommodation surcharge in this instance. If cancellations are made less than 72 hours before the tour commences, please be advised that customers may be liable for all accommodation costs.

Charges
For All Tours, City Breaks and holidays of more than 1 day
a) Cancellation more than 21 days before the tour date 10%
b) Cancellation less than 21 days before the start of the tour entirely at our discretion.
For 1 Day Sightseeing Tours
a) Cancellation more than 72 hours before tour departure 10%
b) Cancellation less than 72 hours before the tour departure entirely at our discretion.

Alternatives/Cancellations
While the Company shall do everything reasonably possible to provide your tour itinerary and details as planned, the Company reserves the right to alter itineraries, transport or accommodation for whatever reason. In the case of hotel accommodation a similar standard of alternative accommodation will be obtained wherever possible.

The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry any person whose conduct or manner is likely to cause offence or upset to other passengers. In such cases full cancellation charges apply and the Company shall have no further liability to that passenger.

Other operators/carriers
The Company will not accept or have any liability for any acts or omissions whether negligent or otherwise of any supplier or person providing services in connection with any tour unless such a person is employed by or under the direct control of the Company. Tickets for travel on other carriers are subject to the normal conditions of carriage of the individual carrier.

Luggage
Unless otherwise notified passengers are restricted to one medium sized suitcase/bag and one carry-on bag per person. Luggage is carried free of charge but at the passenger's own risk.

Children
We regret we do not carry children under the age of 5.

Insurance
The Company strongly recommends that passengers arrange suitable travel, medical and cancellation insurance.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on coaches but there are frequent stops en route for passengers who wish to smoke.

Financial Protection
In accordance with the EC Directive on Package Travel all customers monies are held in trust until such time as the tour has been completed.

Force Majeure
The Company does not accept any liability for any loss, inconvenience or damage caused by war, threat of war, riot or civil commotion, terrorist or criminal activity, industrial disputes, natural disasters, fires, sickness, weather conditions, road or traffic conditions, temporary technical, mechanical or electrical breakdown within booked accommodation, explosion of, or radioactive contamination from, any nuclear facility or other events beyond the control of the Company.

Jurisdiction
These conditions shall be construed and interpreted in accordance within the Law of Scotland and the Parties each submit to the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts.

Operated by: Rabbies Trail Burners
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