With Scotland boasting over 900 islands, this tour allows you to visit a select few of these idyllic locations. Not only will you experience the stunning beauty of the islands, but you will also get to explore some of the Scottish mainland which is just as gorgeous.
After your arrival into Scotland, you will travel to Scotland’s largest city of Glasgow. Here you will tour the former 2nd city of the British Empire as you explore sites such as Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Glasgow’s Shopping District. You will reside for the evening in Hotel Du Vin’s signature Scottish hotel, One Devonshire Gardens. This hotel is composed of five victorian styled townhouses which have been adapted to create this luxury hotel in Glasgow’s affluent west end.
You will travel north west from Glasgow through the beautiful Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond provide spectacular loch side views onto the Trossachs Mountains beyond. You will then be travelling on a ferry to the Isle of Islay to stay in the beautiful Machrie Hotel and Golf Links. This Scandinavian styled venue enjoys a spectacularly secluded location not far from Islay’s Port Ellen. The hotel also boasts a new age championship golf links which is a must play for any golfing fanatic.
Islay is home to some of Scotland’s most renowned whiskies allowing you to drink in the beautiful scenery and visit some of these iconic sites.
Lagavulain, Ardbeg, Laphroig (all close together on the south of the Island) are the most powerful, medium-bodied whiskies, distinctively renowned for their smoky character derived from peat which is considered a main characteristic of the Islay malts.
Bunnahabhain, Ardnahoe (both on the north of the Island).
The newest of the famed Islay Distilleries, Ardnahoe is nestled in between Coal Ila and Bunnahabhain is on the banks of the Island with spectacular views over to the Paps of Jura.
You may also wish to visit Bowmore (central Islay) which is located on the shore of Loch Indaal.
After your stay on the Isle of Islay, you will once more return to the mainland where you will journey north entering the majestic figure of Glencoe. At the pinnacle of this wonderful landscape you will arrive at the luxury 5 star Glencoe house, a magnificent mansion situated in the Highlands of Scotland. The Glencoe area offers numerous activities for you to partake in as well as providing the breathtaking views of Loch Leven. The House offers a range of food and beverages to suit your mood as well as seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients.
Departing Glencoe, you will travel to the coastal town of Oban. The name Oban comes from the Gaelic “Little Bay” which is a very apt description of this scenic little town.
You will take the morning ferry to the Isle of Mull where you will have the afternoon to explore some of this beautiful island. From its colourful capital of Tobermory to the Caribbean like white sands at Calgary Bay, this Hebridean island is a true piece of beauty.
Your sixth day will see you return once more to the Scottish Mainland where you return to Oban. From here, you will venture north to the town of Mallaig. On route, you will have the option to board the Jacobite Steam Train which was the inspiration for J.K Rowling’s Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter series and is featured in the films. You will take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale on The Isle of Skye where you will make your short journey to Kinloch Lodge. This former hunting lodge turned hotel offers award winning dining along with wonderful views over the sound of Sleat. With the Isle of Skye often described as one of the most impressive places on earth, guests can enjoy the relaxed comfort of hospitality and leave with an unforgettable experience.
During your seventh day, you are provided with many spectacular locations to visit on the Isle of Skye. You will be taken to visit the famous Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr, the crystal clear water of Fairy Pools, Portree and Dunvegan Castle.
You will make your journey to the town of Uig where you will board a ferry which will take you to the final islands of your experience, Lewis and Harris. This beautiful land boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and has many neolithic monuments to see such as the Standing Stone of Callanish.
You will reside in the largest town on the island, Stornaway, in the beautiful Lews Castle. This rather unique property still holds a museum within it.
Returning to the Scottish Mainland for the final time you will board a ferry from Stornaway to the north western town of Ullapool. From Ullapool, you will travel through Scotland’s northern highlands as you venture to the “Capital of The Highlands” Inverness.
Inverness and its surrounding areas offers much to see, from the world famous Loch Ness to the eerie Culloden Battlefield and Shakespearian linked Cawdor Castle.
For your final evening, you will reside within the beautifully renovated 18th century building which houses Ness Walk Hotel. This luxury, five-star property is perfectly situated on the banks of the River Ness to allow you easy access to Inverness town centre.
You will depart the following morning with your Lang Atholl Representative on hand to transfer you to your chosen departure location (the nearest being Inverness Airport or Train Station)