13-Nights Isles of Scotland Tour (Orkney, Lewis, Harris & Skye) with Private Driver/Guide

Thurso

Thurso is mainland Scotland's most northerly town, and home to the country's most northerly railway station. Located on the north coast of Caithness, its seaward views are dominated by the distant cliffs of Dunnet Head to the north east, and those of the island of Hoy to the north. In more recent times the arrival of the Kylesku Bridge and many stretches of road wide enough to boast white lines down the middle have made the far north west much more accessible. But recent developments have done nothing to diminish the utterly superb scenery the area has to offer; and there remain some stretches of single track road to add interest to the trip. Also of interest, the sometimes turbulent seas of the Pentland Firth have led to Thurso becoming an unlikely center for surfing.

Glasgow

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest city and major tourist destination, possessing some of Britain's finest architecture and hosting a variety of cultural events and attractions. Glasgow has been described as the finest surviving example of a great Victorian city. Of particular interest is George Square - lined by several buildings constructed in the Italian Renaissance style. Few buildings pre-date 18th century. The most prominent of these are Glasgow Cathedral, and Provand's Lordship, which is the city's oldest house (c. 1471) and now a museum. The cathedral, situated on high ground to the east of the city and dating in parts from 12th century, is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. The city has numerous parks and ornamental open spaces, including the Botanic Garden and zoological gardens. Glasgow grew around a church built in the 6th century by St Kentigern, who converted Scots to Christianity. The commercial growth of the community dates from the union of Scotland and England in 1707 and the opening up of trade in the 18th century when Glasgow became a major port and shipbuilder.

Inverness

Inverness is an excellent tourism destination. With its suspension bridges across the River Ness and old stone buildings, it is a pretty place well-known for its floral displays. Walk along the river banks and to the Ness Islands for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the shops. Cross the river on little bridges and visit Bught Park. The Floral Hall has a sub-tropical horticultural extravaganza with a small waterfall, fish and all sorts of plants and trees. Walk up the river in the other direction and see Ben Wyvis on the skyline. Inverness has an excellent museum and art gallery. Local history talks take place here. Eden Court Theater, situated near the cathedral, has events listings and incorporates part of the old Bishop's Palace and is said to be haunted by the 'Green Lady' ghost of a wife of one of the bishops who hanged herself there. Also check out art.tm which is an art gallery and studio. The Spectrum Centre has a cafe and is the meeting place for local clubs and education classes. Look out for Scottish Showtime music and dance performances during the summer.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye in northwestern Scotland, the largest of the Inner Hebrides, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. The capital of the island is Portree. A popular tourist resort, Skye is also home to the Dunvegan Castle, which was erected during the 9th century. Dunvegan Castle is said to be the oldest inhabited castle in Northern Scotland, having been occupied by the Chiefs of MacLeod continuously, for over seven centuries and still today remaining the Ancestral home of the present chief, John MacLeod of MacLeod, the 29th of the line, and his family. Breathtaking in every respect, the Castle should not be missed. Maybe while at the Castle you’ll learn the secret of the precious Fairy Flag.

Aberdeen

An extraordinary symphony in grey, almost everything in Aberdeen is built of granite - even the roads. When drenched with sun and rain, the silvery stone has a fairy-tale shine; when under a cloud it can be a wee bit depressing. Brimming with civic pride, Aberdeen services one of the world's largest offshore oilfields.

Edinburgh

Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.

Stornoway

The name Stornoway comes from the Norse for "Steering Bay", an indication of the early origins of the town. As the best natural harbor in the Western Isles it was a focus for development, and Stornoway Castle was built as early as 1100 by the MacNicol family. Today's Stornoway is a busy, attractive town and the largest settlement in the Western Isles. The shape of the town is defined by the harbour, which partially surrounds it. Visit an interesting range of shops pleasantly different from the usual outlets colonising most UK High Streets. Visitors to Stornoway should be aware that Sunday observance is strong here. Most transport links to Lewis and Harris, and within them, do not operate on a Sunday. Most shops, petrol stations, cafes, pubs, visitor attractions are closed on Sundays, as are at least some public toilets.

Fort William

At the southern end of the Great Glen, this area's main town is Fort William, a major and well-resourced touring and route centre for the West Highlands. The area also takes in the Highland landscapes between Loch Linnhe, the major sea-loch at the south of the Great Glen, and the western seaboard itself. These include the lands of Ardnamurchan, Ardgour, Morvern and Moidart - rugged landscapes notable for their soft and mild Atlantic climate, and - in places - their lush growth of mossy, fern-rich woodlands.

Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)

The Orkney Islands are different from mainland Britain and reflect the original 9th century Viking settlement. In addition to Norse heritage are remains of prehistoric monuments such as Stenness Standing Stones at Finstown. Steep-roofed stone houses line streets winding around medieval St. Magnus Cathedral. A museum featuring Orkney artifacts is housed in 16th-century Tankerness House. Other attractions include Maes Howe, Britain's best-preserved megalithic tomb, and the stone-age village Skara Brae. Rock circles, cairns, standing stones, ancient tombs and prehistoric villages are scattered about, gaining these islands international recognition. Only the walls and tower of the 12-century residence, Bishop's Palace, stand. The top of the tower affords a great view of the cathedral and across Kirkwall rooftops. Earl's Palace dates from 1600. Its style blends medieval fierceness with elements of French Renaissance architecture - featuring dungeons, massive fireplaces and magnificent central hall. A good mile south of town is Highland Park - the "most northerly legal distillery in Scotland."