Loch Lomond National Park One of Scotland’s largest lochs. Admire the views and take postcard-perfect photos to share with your friends and family.
Oban This Victorian harbour town offers excellent seafood and a charming intimacy.
Iona Visit the tiny Island of Iona inhabited with around 120 people.
Fingal's Cave The cave is compiled of natural hexagonal pillars and has inspired many musicians and writers.
Isle of Skye Traverse one of the world’s most stunning islands, with beautiful views around every corner.
Eilean Donan Castle An iconic and gorgeous 13th-century castle that once warded off Viking invasions.
Orkney Isles These beautiful islands are full of ancient history and wildlife.
Glencoe and Rannoch Moor Be moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.
Loch Ness This loch holds more fresh water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined. But does it also hold the Loch Ness Monster?
Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar Learn how people used to live in ancient times at these prehistoric monuments.
North Coast 500 A rollercoaster road of ruined castles, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages.
And there’s more. Because you’ll also venture far from the well-trodden paths to the northern wilds of Orkney, and the peaceful shores of Iona and Mull.
It’s a tour that's perfect if you want an unforgettable experience of both Scotland’s local secrets and world class highlights.
Starts
Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Gate J And Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Finishes (approx.)
19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, George St / St. Andrews Square area, (Within 5 mins of Edinburgh Bus Station), Edinburgh,
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs)
of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag
(approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Discounts
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
Important information
- This tour combines two of our trips. This means you swap your bus and guide during the journey
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
Tour inclusions
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- All ferry fares except the optional trip to Staffa
Tour exclusions
- Tour accommodation
- Attraction entry tickets
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
Day 1
- Stare into mountainous horizons in the West Highlands
- Stroll through the handsome harbour town of Oban
Travel north past Stirling Castle and to the region of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
You venture through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands and the magnificent whitewashed 18th-century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll.
The afternoon will be spent in the heart of Argyll before arriving in the bustling town of Oban for your two-night stay.
Day 2
- Discover the history of Celtic Christianity
- See one of Scotland’s most unique geological wonders at Fingal’s Cave
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 intricately 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".
You then return on the ferry to Oban for your second night.
Day 3
- Be awestruck by the majestic slopes of Glencoe
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, we'll take you to your overnight accommodation at the Balmacara Hotel, a lovely four star hotel with a classic Scottish view of Loch Alsh. You’re dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening.
Day 4
- Traverse the legendary landscapes of Skye
- Learn about the tales and battles that shaped the island's culture
Today is a very flexible day on Skye; and your driver-guide ensures you take a unique route that suits the weather, the local events, and your group's interests.
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.
We return you to your accommodation in Balmacara in the late afternoon for you to enjoy a free evening.
Day 5
- Snap a few photos at the gorgeous Eilean Donan Castle
- Try and spot the Loch Ness Monster
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 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.
With your new crew you continue north following the Great Glen travelling along the famous loch and passing by Urquhart Castle.
You arrive in Inverness, the Highland Capital, in the early evening.
Day 6
- Explore mainland Scotland’s most northern scenery
- Arrive in the Capital of Orkney, 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 its historic winding streets.
Day 7
- Go to an ancient site that is older than the pyramids, Skara Brae
- See the wild ocean clash with redstone cliffs
Today is your chance to explore this archipelago’s fertile green pastures fringed by shores of golden sands 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 8
- Take a look at the stunningly located ruins of Ardvreck Castle
- Stroll around the beautiful harbour town of 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 your last night's stay on tour.
Day 9
- See the ancient standing stones made famous by Outlander, Clava Cairns
- Learn about one of the most brutal events in British history at Culloden
Leaving Ullapool behind, you take in the drama of the River Droma as it plunges 60m down into Corrieshalloch Gorge. You then admire the beautiful Loch Glascarnoch, on the way past the 'Capital of the Highlands', Inverness.
You can visit Culloden Moor, the site of The Battle of Culloden in 1746, one of the bloodiest events in our history and the last battle to have been fought on the British mainland. Next, you take a short drive to the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns, made famous by Diana Gabaldon in the ‘Outlander’ books.
From here, you 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.
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
- Skara Brae
- Maeshowe
- Culloden VC, Museum & Battlefield
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay two nights in Oban, two nights exclusively at the Balmacara Hotel in Balmacara, one night in Inverness, two nights in Kirkwall, and one night in Ullapool*.
*Please be aware that Ullapool is busy all year round and Kirkwall is busy between June and August . You may need to be flexible with rooms we're able to reserve for you here. If you'd prefer to find your own accommodation for this location, please choose the 'book your own accommodation' option when you book your tour.
How can I book accommodation?
Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE.
Alternatively, please email us your questions at tours@rabbies.com or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.
Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab: types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.
How much will the accommodation cost?
We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.
As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices, per person per night:
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Approximate prices, per person per night
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Overnight Location
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|
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Sole Occupancy
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Multiple Occupancy
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(1 person per room)
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(2+ people per room)
|
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B&B Standard
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£80 - £120
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£60 - £80
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UK & Northern Ireland
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€80 - €120
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€60 - €80
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Ireland
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B&B En-suite
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£100 - £150
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£80- £110
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UK & Northern Ireland
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€100 - €150
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€80- €110
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Ireland
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Hotel
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£155 - £255
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£100 - £160
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UK & Northern Ireland
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€130 - €235
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€100 - €150
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Ireland
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NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc).
Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all scheduled packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 56 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click
here
to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our
terms and conditions
for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email
tours@rabbies.com
, or check out our full
FAQs
.
Children
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs)
of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag
(approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
