Trip to Scotland and the Orkney Islands: 17 days in the heart of wild Scotland

Pick up your SUV at the airport and settle into the Dalmahoy Hotel, a historic residence surrounded by golf courses and a vast park.

• A first stroll in the Old Town and on the Royal Mile.

Night near Edinburgh.

A full day to discover the capital on foot.

• The rise of’Arthur's Seat at daybreak.
• Le Holyrood Palace, there St. Giles' Cathedral and the Edinburgh Castle.
• The Closes, Victoria Street and Grassmarket.
• Optional extras: a private guided tour in French or a ghost hunt.

Night near Edinburgh.

The Highlands route, from the city to the great outdoors.

• Stirling, its castle and the Bannockburn Visitor Centre.
• Le Loch Lubnaig, Callander and the Falls of Dochart.
• The valley of Glencoe, one of the most impressive landscapes in the country.

Night in a luxury pod facing Ben Nevis.

A day of mountains, hiking and mysteries.

• Glen Nevis and the hike towards the Steall Falls.
• The road to Great Glen and Fort Augustus.
• Le Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle (optional cruise).

Overnight in Inverness.

A day to savor the gentle way of life in Inverness.

• Le Inverness Castle and the St Andrew's Cathedral.
• Le Victorian Market and the Inverness Museum.
• The walk to the Ness Islands and the botanical gardens.

Overnight in Inverness.

The start of the legendary North Coast 500.

• Strathpeffer and the Pictish Eagle Stone.
• Lochcarron and, optionally, the pass of the Bealach na Bà up to Applecross.
• Shieldaig, Torridon and the majestic Loch Maree.

Night at the Loch Maree Hotel.

A day on the west coast, between ocean and mountains.

• Gairloch and the beach Big Sand.
• The Inverewe Gardens in Poolewe.
• The arrival at Ullapool, colorful fishing port.

Night in Ullapool.

The almost surreal landscapes of northwest Scotland.

• The mountains of Stac Pollaidh, Suilven and Cul Mòr.
• The ruins of’Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt.
• The coastal roads up to Scourie, near Handa Island.

Night in Scourie.

The wildest coast in northern Scotland.

• Kinlochbervie and the beach of’Oldshoremore.
• Durness, Balnakeil Beach and the cave of Smoo Cave.
• Le Kyle of Tongue, facing Ben Loyal.

Night in Tongue.

Last road on the north coast, then the crossing to the archipelago.

• Bettyhill, Torrisdale Bay and Farr Beach.
• The landscapes of Caithness up to Scrabster.
• The ferry to Stromness (1 hour 30 minutes), facing the’Old Man of Hoy.

Night in the Orkney Islands.

The rawest nature of Mainland, to the rhythm of the wind and the sea.

• The cliffs of Marwick Head and the Kitchener memorial.
• The moors of Birsay Moors.
• Neolithic sites: Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Stenness stones.

Night in the Orkney Islands.

The southern part of the archipelago, connected to Mainland by the Churchill Barriers.

• The Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel.
• St Margaret's Hope, a small port full of charm.
• Burwick, at the end of the Orkney Islands, facing the Pentland Firth.

Night in the Orkney Islands.

One last day on the archipelago, depending on the weather and your desires.

• The island of Rousay, "Northern Egypt", and the Trumland reserve.
• Or a more tranquil exploration of Mainland and Kirkwall.
• In the evening, the night ferry towards Aberdeen, in a private outside cabin.

Night on board the ferry.

Arrived in Aberdeen at 7am, then the Scottish east coast.

• Stonehaven and its fishing port.
• Dunnottar Castle, spectacular fortress facing the sea.
• The arrival at Blairgowrie, in a Victorian house dating from 1850.

Night in Blairgowrie.

A large public festival in the park of Glamis Castle.

• Glamis Castle, childhood residence of the Queen Mother.
• Le caber toss, hammer throwing and tug-of-war.
• Bagpipes, Highland Dancing and craft stalls (depending on ticket office opening times).

Night in Blairgowrie.

One last route between medieval cities and coasts.

• St Andrews, cradle of golf, its cathedral and its castle.
• Aberdour Castle and Silver Sands beach.
• The three bridges of Firth of Forth.

Night near Edinburgh.

After these days full of discoveries, return your car to Edinburgh Airport, your head full of memories.

End of the journey.