9 Day Island Hopper - Autobusų Turas į

Aprašymas: Day 1 - Leaving Edinburgh we head straight up to the Highlands via Stirling and the Trossachs ('Braveheart Country'). Here all about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Rob Roy MacGregor. Then it’s into magnificent Glencoe and beautiful Glenshiel, up to Eilean Donan Castle (where Highlander was filmed) – you’ll hear all the history and legends, with plenty of time off the bus. Our home is picturesque Stromeferry for the night.

Day 2 – A day to explore the magical Isle of Skye! We start off with a fantastic seafood & seal cruise with local fisherman Neil. Once on the Isle of Skye you will take in the Cuillin mountains, Lealt Falls, stunning Quiraing and Kilt Rock. Later on this evening we will take the stunning ferry journey over to the Isle of Harris where we will spend the evening on the south part of the island. Ruari’s hostel sets a standard others strive to achieve.

Day 3 – The morning will be spent on Harris exploring Rodel Church, going for great coastal walks and seeing some of the best beaches (yes, we have beaches !), in the world. Then we make our way up into Lewis and over to the west coast where an amazing original Blackhouse (renovated for comfort!) is our home for the next 2 nights.

Day 4 – 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 houses) of Dun Carloway and witnessing the traditional making of Harris Tweed! Then if we have enough energy left late afternoon (of course we will!) there is a superb coastal walk to Dalmore bay, from the Blackhouse.

Day 5 – There is time to spend in Stornoway (the islands capital) this morning before taking the early afternoon ferry back to the mainland – Ullapool. Our home tonight is Inchnadamph lodge, surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Assynt.

Day 6 –Today we wind our way along the narrow roads of Sutherland – a chance to explore the famous Smoo caves and drive/wander through some of the most remote and rugged landscape Europe has to offer. Deserted beaches, towering mountains, sparkling lochs and the wide open skies really set the tone today before we take the evening ferry to the awesome Orkney Islands. We will spend our 2 nights on the island at the Murray Arms where a warm welcome is assured.

Day 7 – From our base in the fishing village of St Margaret’s Hope we 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 islands Italian Chapel, search for the coastal Puffins (May-July) and possibly 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 –Another morning on Orkney going for some lovely coastal walks in the area (have a look at a 'Gloup'). This afternoon we return to the mainland stopping at John O'Groats before heading south via Wick and the atmospheric ruins of Castle Sinclair. Finally another castle, Carbisdale our home for the night! A unique experience, living it up in style, surrounded by its priceless art collection.

Day 9 – Making our way home today there is still loads to do – its over the Moray Firth to Loch Ness for a spot of monster hunting , before taking an emotional visit to tragic Culloden battlefield (Bonnie Prince Charlie’s last stand). We recover our spirits over lunch and then meander through the Cairngorm Mountains to our final stop, a gentle walk through the beautiful Hermitage Forest. After it’s a short hop back to Edinburgh –a tired and happy honorary Scot!