A private transfer will take you to your hotel. Meet your Edinburgh city walking guide for a walk along the Royal Mile. Step back in time as we wind our way down from Edinburgh Castle past sharp church spires, cobbled alleyways, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Holyrood Park. A short hike brings us up the knoll of Arthur’s Seat, where we’ll have outstanding views of the city.

– The Trossachs/Oban Your guide for the rest for the week will meet you at your hotel. Heading west after breakfast, you’ll stop for a warm-up hike in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park—Scotland’s first national park, established in 2002. Your trail takes you along the shores of Loch Katrine, a stunning loch that inspired Sir Walter Scott to write The Lady of the Lake. Or take a vigorous hike up to the pointed summit of Ben A’an for sweeping views over the loch. After lunch, continue to the port town of Oban, the gateway to the wild islands that stretch along Scotland’s west coast. Wander the lively harbor. (2-3 miles hiking, 3 hours) (B)

Kerrera: The Green Isle Directly across from Oban lies the Isle of Kerrera. Here, you’ll set off on an intriguing hike through history. Pass Horseshoe Bay, where King Alexander II of Scotland died in 1249 while preparing to drive the Norwegian army out of western Scotland. Explore Gylen Castle, perched dramatically on the cliff’s edge. Built as a stronghold of the MacDougall clan in 1582, the castle was besieged and burned in 1647. Head up into the hills to take in spectacular views of the Island of Mull. Return to Oban by ferry this afternoon, and visit the local whisky distillery for a guided tour. (6-7 miles hiking, 4-5 hours) (B). Please note – the amount of walking today is flexible from a full loop of the southern half of the Isle of Kerrera to a 2-3 mile return walk to the castle and tea rooms at the southern end of the island. Ken will discuss the options with you.

Isles of Mull A long day but spectacular day awaits you today. Board the morning ferry to the Island of Mull, the second largest of the Inner Hebrides. Cross to the west coast and take a boat to the uninhabited isle of Staffa to visit Fingal’s Cave. Float into the cave to see its spectacular hexagonal basalt shafts and listen to the evocative sounds that inspired Mendelssohn to write his overture “The Hebrides.” End the day on Iona, a tiny island off the tip of Mull that has drawn pilgrims since St. Columba established a monastery here in the sixth century. Explore the stunning abbey, which dates from late medieval times. (3 miles hiking, 1-2 hours) (B) Please note – there is a lot of travel today which will include some waiting time for ferry connections as check closes 30 minutes prior to sailing time for the Oban – Craignure – Oban ferry.

The Great Glen & Culloden Battle field Journeying north through the Great Glen today you’ll enjoy lunch in Fort Augustus before a high speed RIB boat trip where you will visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle and scan the dark waters of Loch Ness to see if Nessie, the famous monster, will pop up for a photo! Continue north through the Great Glen and on to the Culloden Battlefield where you can learn about the last battle fought on British soil on 16th April 1746. (B)

Mountain Bike Safari The Cairngorms National Park is famous for its wildlife, which includes red deer, reindeer, ospreys, golden eagles and cute red squirrels. We’ll take our mountain bikes on an off-road journey through the ancient forests, seeking out the wildlife as we ride. The trails are suitable for all abilities and pass through spectacular scenery. (B)

– Gorge Walking and Adventure River Tubing A little more adventure await you over the next couple of days. Today you take to the water so get ready for the White Water ride of your life The powerful gorges that we descend through on the specially design River Tubes, are fast the furious in places. Hang on tight to the handles to avoid flipping of the tubes, but flipping is fun too! (B)

Blair Castle/Return to Edinburgh After a morning walk in the Cairngorms National Park today you journey south stopping at Blair Atholl for a visit of the spectacular Blair Castle. Dating back to 1269, the castle has been transformed through the ages, from its cold medieval beginnings in a strategic position during political struggles to become a fine Georgian mansion and finally a Victorian castle in the barionial style. These influences can still be seen today across the 30 rooms on full display. Continue your journey south to Edinburgh where your guide will bid you farewell for your final night in this great city. After dropping your bags off at the hotel, you will be taken to the home of Chales MacLean for a private tasting . After which you will all jump in a taxi and make your way back into the city for Dinner at Scran & Scalli. Either stay on in town for drinks on own, or head back to the hotel. (B & D)

– Homeward Bound You will be transferred to Edinburgh Airport to catch your flight home