Real Scotland

DAY 1 - Edinburgh to Loch Ness via Dunkeld and Cairngorms National Park

Edinburgh

Welcome to Edinburgh Contiki fam! We won't hang around today, as we're headed north to Perthshire, or the ‘Big Tree Country’. (We wonder how it got that name...) But don't worry, we'll be back. See ya soon Edinburgh.

Dunkeld

Along the way we'll stop at the beaut cathedral town of Dunkeld on the River Tay. Then we'll continue along the (big) tree-lined gorge at Killiecrankie. Few options here: you could wander the woodlands and feel at one with mother nature, or opt to throw yourself off the Garry Bridge on the UK’s only fixed point bungee (and feel at one with gravity).

Cairngorms National Park

Need to calm your nerves? A wee dram at a Highland Whisky Distillery is just the ticket. Then it’s onwards through the Cairngorms National Park. Bronze-age standing stones. Burial chambers said to be the inspiration for Craigh na Dun in Outlander. The site of the last major battle on British soil...Is it just us, or is this place a bit eerie? Seriously beautiful, though.

Loch Ness

How could we not visit the famous, monstrous (see what we did there?) Loch Ness. Opt for an early evening cruise and keep your eyes peeled for Nessie, or choose to experience Highland hospitality first-hand in the local bars and restaurants during our night in Fort Augustus.

DAY 2 - Loch Ness to Orkney

Loch Ness

Orkney

DAY 3 - Orkney

Orkney

Today we're headed to Skara Brae, an INSANELY well-preserved Neolithic village. Get a glimpse at domestic life between 3,200BC and 2,200BC and wander around the homes in the settlement, complete with Stone Age beds and furniture! Orkney’s coastline is stunning: the perfect place to breathe in fresh air and feel zen as you watch the endless waves crash on the shore. If you're eagle-eyed you might even spot puffins. Back in Kirkwall, we gather for a Contiki Clan dinner, either in the cosy social area of our hostel or at one of the brilliant local restaurants.

DAY 4 - Orkney to Ullapool

Orkney

Ullapool

Woah, what a day of adventures. After taking a breath, we'll head over the Kylesku Bridge towards the fishing port of Ullapool, our final destination. Search for live traditional tunes, local ale and fisherman with many a tall tale to tell...

DAY 5 - Ullapool to Stornoway

Ullapool

Stornoway

Closer to modern day, but still back in the 17th century (Scotland's pretty old, eh?) we'll get acquinted with the island way of life at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. The Atlantic coastline feels like another planet, or the very edge of the Earth, and the Butt of Lewis (hehehe), is the most dramatic of all. Watch the waves crash against the isolated lighthouse and pretend you're the main character in a moody detective drama. Back in Stornoway, stroll around the harbour and sample fresh seafood for dinner. This is the life.

DAY 6 - Stornoway to Portree via Harris

Stornoway

See ya Lewis, we're headed south towards Harris.

Harris

You may have heard of Harris tweed, and today we'll meet local crofter who practices the ancient skill of making tweed on a manual loom, using wool from his own sheep! You’ll also be introduced to his dogs with jobs, a group of collies who know how to handle a flock and will show you their skills. On islands like these, the beach is always calling. And there’s no better place dip your toes into some seriously turquoise waters than Luskentyre: a pure white beach that looks like it's been plucked out of a Mediterranean postcard. Scotland really does have it all. Then we'll head back to Tarbert, the hub of Harris, to visit the award-winning (and socially responsible) Isle of Harris Distillery. Go on, buy a bottle for your mam. (And if you end up drinking it with your Contiki clan she'll never know.)

Portree

Another ferry, this time bound for the magical Isle of Skye. You might recognise it as the place that always comes up on Instagram and makes you rub your eyes, thinking "that place can't be real." Well it is, and no photoshop is required to make this place look more stunning than it is. We'll waste no time exploring Skye’s fairytale landscapes, heading straight for the Quiraing. You can hike to the Old Man of Storr and soak up the coastal scenes at Kilt Rock and Lealt Falls, or explore the colourful harbour during our overnight in Portree. Not bad choices, to be honest.

DAY 7 - Portree

Portree

It's been an action-packed 6 days, so let's take an opportunity to kick back. Today we'll take Portree at our own pace. You can set off into the hills for a long hike if you want to keep the adventures going, or just relax by the sea and watch the world go by. Oh, and there's also a shuttle bus to the Fairy Pools and wildlife cruises which depart from the harbour. Dolphins, whales and sea eagles are there for the spotting. If you’re feeling more hardcore, there is the option to go canyoning down hidden rivers or to follow in the pawprints of Bear Grylls by abseiling down into the remote Spar Cave. Today's a much needed rest day for your trusty driver and Trip Manager (they need to recharge sometimes), so the experiences up for grabs today are optional, and it's up to you to arrange them.

DAY 8 - Portree to Edinburgh via Mallaig

Portree

It's been emotional Portree. But today we're headed to the south of Skye to check out Armadale Castle, before our final ferry crossing over to the fishing port of Mallaig. Byyee Skye, we'll never forget you.

Mallaig

If you booked your trip with the option to ride on the iconic Jacobite Steam Train then you'll be waved off from Mallaig Station. Voted the best train journey in the world by Wanderlust Magazine three (!) times over, this spellbinding journey crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct (you know the one...from Harry Potter. With the flying car? Yep that's it). For those of us who didn't, we'll hang out in the bustling port of Mallaig while the others finish their steam train ride. Then it's all aboard the coach as we head to Edinburgh. 

Edinburgh

More cool sights on the way to Edinbrugh. See if you can spot Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain, before we stop at in the mind-blowing Glen Coe. Then we'll take in the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor, the Trossachs National Park, Stirling, and The Kelpies: the world’s largest equine sculptures. We arrive back into Edinburgh at around 8pm. Anyone for a wee dram?