Day 1 Arrive in Scotland. Transfer to Gourock for a first experience of a ferry, with the crossing to the Cowal Peninsula. Afternoon visit to Younger Botanic Gardens. O’nt Dunoon area.

Day 2 Head north and west to round Loch Fyne, taking time to stop in the scenic town of Inveraray, with its chateau-like Castle and enchanting loch-side setting. Thereafter on through the Brander Pass (with perhaps a stop at the Ben Cruachan Hydro scheme) towards Oban. O’nt Oban.

Day 3 A day trip to Mull, largest of the Inner Hebridean islands. Places of interest include Torosay Castle and Duart Castle, whilst the main town of Tobermory, is a delight, with its brightly painted houses lining the harbour. O’nt Oban.

Day 4 Onwards to the Outer Hebrides, with the ferry to Lochboisdale on South Uist. This is a fairly lengthy sailing, generally calling in at Castlebay on Barra en route. O’nt Lochboisdale.

Day 5 A day exploring South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist, now linked by a series of causeways. The islands are remote and thinly populated and therein lies their charm. There are a number of archaeological sites, as well as several craft centres and museums, but the main attraction lies in the rugged beauty of much of these islands. O’nt Lochmaddy.

Day 6 A much shorter ferry crossing from North Uist to the neighbouring conjoined islands of Harris and Lewis. St Clement’s Church at Rodel is an archaeological gem well worth visiting. O’nt Tarbert.

Day 7 A day to explore Harris and Lewis. Lewis is known for a number of archaeological sites, notably the Bronze Age standing stones at Callanish, as well as the Iron Age broch at Carloway. O’nt Tarbert.

Day 8 Sail from Tarbert to Uig on Skye. The Trotternish area to the north and east of Uig is very interesting geologically and both rock stack known as the Old Man of Storr and the unusual formations of the Quirang attract many visitors. O’nt Skye.

Day 9 A day to explore this interesting island where Viking and Gaelic culture has exerted an influence over many centuries. Places of interest include Dunvegan Castle, home to Clan MacLeod for over 700 years, the Aros Centre at Portree, Talisker Distillery at Carbost (something of an acquired taste!!) and the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle in the south of the island. O’nt Skye.

Day 10 A final ferry crossing, with the 30 minute sail from Armadale to Mallaig. Thence east, via Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie first raised his standard to start the 1745 Rebellion, to Fort William, then via Glencoe, Tyndrum and Crianlarich to spend a final night by the bonnie, bonnie banks. O’nt Loch Lomond area.

Day 11 Transfer to airport for return flight home.

The above package includes:

A number of routings in the Outer Hebrides do not operate on Sundays. This would affect the final form of any islands itinerary.