our tours

Departing your hotel, we’ll journey straight towards the highlands and into the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. This was the first national park established in Scotland and we’ll take our first stop of the tour within its boundaries. Here, you can admire some of Scotland’s scenic beauty and enjoy a short stroll.

Continuing westward, we’ll work our way into Argyll, arriving in the charming town of Inveraray – a former royal burgh and the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll and Clan Campbell. The streets here are lined with elegant buildings characterised by their white-washed facades and black window frames. We’ll stop here for lunch, and you can explore the town at your leisure.

Before we depart, we recommend a visit to Inverary Castle and Gardens (£), where you can discover the fascinating stories of Clan Campbell, one of the most influential Scottish Clans. Take the opportunity to explore the opulent rooms and picturesque gardens of this striking castle, which has stood on the shores of Loch Fyne since the 1400s.

We’ll then head south from Inveraray into mid Argyll, towards the Kintyre Peninsula and our next stop, Tarbert. With a backdrop of rolling hills, serene coastal landscapes and a castle built by Robert the Bruce, Tarbert has a timeless charm that beckons travellers to explore its historic sites and enjoy the tranquillity of its surroundings. The natural harbour in Tarbert has been a focal point of maritime activity for centuries with the fishing industry being the traditional livelihood for many living here.

A short drive from Tarbert is Kennacraig, where we board the Islay ferry. The crossing takes approximately two hours and offers beautiful views of the islands of Gigha, Jura and the area surrounding West Loch Tarbert.

Once we arrive on Islay, we’ll get checked into your accommodation.

You’ll have two full days to explore Islay, an island with a long history of human settlement, dating back to prehistoric times. We recommend spending a full day exploring the north of the island, and a full day exploring the south. We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in the morning and drop you back there in the evening on both days.

There’s plenty for you to explore and learn about, from the island’s fascinating history to its whisky industry…

Discover stunning empty beaches, picture-perfect villages, fresh seafood, local wildlife and interesting landmarks, like the Kildalton Cross – a monolithic Celtic cross dating back to the 700s – and the American Monument, which sits high on the cliffs as a reminder of the soldiers who lost their lives in Islay’s waters in WWI.

And for those of you who enjoy a dram, Islay is the place to be… Known as the ‘Whisky Isle’, the island is home to ten working distilleries, each producing a unique style of whisky that is highly prized by connoisseurs around the world.

In the evenings, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to options for places to eat and drink. Islay has a diverse selection of exceptional local produce available in its eateries, and plenty of fantastic bars for you to relax in.

We’ll collect you from your accommodation in the morning to catch the ferry back to the mainland, which we’ll reach around midday.

Our first stop back on the mainland will be Kilmartin Glen – an area that boasts one of the most extensive and important collections of archaeological monuments in the UK. Here you can find ancient stone circles and sites from various historical periods, including the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and early medieval times. We highly recommend a visit to Kilmartin museum for a truly immersive understanding of this fascinating part of Scotland.

After finding a spot for our lunch, we’ll journey back towards the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Taking a comfort stop here, we’ll journey back to your hotel, ideally arriving in the early evening.

• Please note, Day 1 and 4 itineraries may be altered in order to suit any ferry timetable changes.

Clothing
Glasgow comedian and actor Sir Billy Connolly famously said of Scotland that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes”.

It’s true that no matter what the season, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket and plenty of layers, particularly in the winter months.

Ensure you bring shoes that are suitable for short walks on rough or uneven terrain and, if you plan to do any hiking, we recommend appropriate boots.

The infamous Scottish midge
In the spring/summer months, we highly recommend you pack insect repellent to keep midges away, especially in the highlands. While bites aren’t painful at the time, they can become itchy and uncomfortable afterwards.

Cash or card?
Although all attractions we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.

And…
Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!

We encourage you to research and book suitable accommodation based on your preferences and budget.

We do not facilitate or manage accommodation bookings. However, we are happy to advise.