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Scotland Explorer
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Length
9 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Edinburgh (Scotland)
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Ends in
Edinburgh (Scotland)
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Available Tour Start Dates
MAY 15, 2027 to SEP 18, 2027
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).No
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Special Interest(s)
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Contiki tours are only available for 18- to 35-year olds.
Overview
Over 9 days, you’ll discover Scotland’s wildest corners, from the Highlands and Orkney to the Outer Hebrides and Skye. You'll ride the legendary Jacobite Steam Train, follow the North Coast 500, explore ancient stone circles and Neolithic villages, and soak up epic coastal scenery along the way. Expect island adventures, Highland history, local experiences and unforgettable landscapes at every turn.
Visited During Tour
Cairngorms National Park (Scotland) | Dunkeld (Scotland) | Dunrobin | Edinburgh (Scotland) | Glencoe (Scotland) | Inverness (Scotland) | Isle Of Harris (Scotland) | Isle of Skye (Scotland) | John O' Groats | Kirkwall (Scotland) | Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve | Mallaig (Scotland) | Portree (Scotland) | Stornoway (Scotland) | Ullapool (Scotland)
Dates, Offers & Prices Dates
Tour Itinerary Itinerary
More Details Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Scotland Explorer tour dates available from Contiki. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
Contiki Tour Code 835-2722
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Day
1Edinburgh to Inverness via Dunkeld and Cairngorms National Park
Welcome to Scotland! We've got a short stint in Edinburgh, where you'll meet your crew and Trip Manager before we head north across the Firth of Forth, taking in views of the famous Forth Bridges as we journey into the Scottish Highlands.First stop? The charming village of Dunkeld for a stroll among its historic streets and riverside scenery before continuing deeper into Perthshire.Next, we'll venture into the Cairngorms, where you'll have the chance to ride the funicular railway up Cairngorm Mountain for sweeping views across the national park. Feeling adventurous? You can choose to swap the train for an optional mountain kart descent instead. Later, we'll visit the ancient burial chambers at Balnuaran of Clava.This evening, we'll arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, where you'll have plenty of opportunities to experience the region's renowned hospitality.
Accommodations: Inverness Youth Hostel (Or Similar) -
Day
2Inverness to Kirkwall via Dunrobin and John o'Groats
Leaving the Highland capital behind, we'll follow the eastern stretch of Scotland's legendary North Coast 500, winding past rugged coastline, dramatic scenery and tiny fishing villages.We'll stop at fairy-tale-like Dunrobin Castle to explore its grand gardens. If available, you may also have the chance to catch an optional falconry display showcasing a centuries-old Scottish tradition.Continuing north, we'll visit John o' Groats, the northernmost town on mainland Britain, before stopping at Duncansby Head to admire its dramatic sea stacks. You can also choose to visit a local whisky distillery and learn more about one of Scotland's most famous exports. Then it's time to board the ferry to Orkney. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for dolphins, whales and even the occasional orca.After crossing the Pentland Firth and passing through the historic Churchill Barriers, we'll arrive in Kirkwall. With its ancient cathedral, bustling harbour and welcoming pubs, it's the perfect place to spend your first evening on Orkney.
Accommodations: Kirkwall YHA (or similar) -
Day
3Kirkwall
Today's all about uncovering Orkney’s past. We’ll travel through the Ring of Brodgar to explore the remarkable Neolithic village of Skara Brae, before stretching our legs on a coastal walk along Orkney’s rugged shoreline. Later, we'll visit the Orkney Brewery and stop by the Italian Chapel (a moving WWII landmark built by Italian prisoners of war). This evening, embrace your inner Norse warrior with an included Viking beach experience, complete with storytelling, traditional crafts and fireside bread baking.
Accommodations: Kirkwall YHA (or similar) -
Day
4Kirkwall to Ullapool via Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
Time to leave Orkney behind and cross the Pentland Firth back to mainland Scotland. Once ashore, we'll join the final stretch of the legendary North Coast 500 and soak up more of the Highlands' wild coastal scenery.Quick stop at Smoo Cave, a vast sea cave carved (that was once a hiding spot for whisky smugglers) before getting a thrill on the Golden Eagle Zip Line. Then it's on to Knockan Crag, part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, where the dramatic landscape reveals millions of years of the Earth's history.This afternoon, we'll arrive in the colourful harbour town of Ullapool. Set on the shores of Loch Broom and surrounded by Highland peaks, it's the perfect place to settle in and experience life in the Scottish Highlands.
Accommodations: Ullapool YHA (or similar) -
Day
5Ullapool to Stornoway
This morning, we'll board the ferry and cross to the Isle of Lewis. This ain't an ordinary journey. This scenic sail follows a route once travelled by emigrants leaving Scotland for a new life overseas. Keep an eye out for whales, dolphins and seabirds as we make our way across the Minch.After arriving in Stornoway, the rest of the day is all yours/ Wander the harbour, check out the town's cafés and shops, or pay a visit to the impressive Lews Castle and its museum to learn more about the history and culture of the Outer Hebrides.
Accommodations: Heb Hostel (or similar) -
Day
6Stornoway
You've got a free morning in Stornoway before we head out to discover some of the Isle of Lewis' most fascinating landmarks. This afternoon, we'll visit the mysterious Callanish Standing Stones, which have overlooked the island's landscape for thousands of years. Then we'll explore the traditional Blackhouse Village for a glimpse into life in the Outer Hebrides in generations past.
Accommodations: Heb Hostel (or similar) -
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7Stornoway to Portree via Isle of Harris
Stornoway, you were stunning. This morning, we'll journey south through the Outer Hebrides and discover one of Scotland's most famous exports - Harris Tweed at a weaver's workshop.Next, we'll visit the spectacular beaches of Luskentyre, where white sands and turquoise waters create an unforgettable stretch of coastline. We'll also stop by Harris Distillery for a look at another local speciality.After crossing to the Isle of Skye, we'll continue to the colourful harbour town of Portree, our base for exploring more of Scotland's dramatic west coast.
Accommodations: Portree Youth Hostel (Or Similar) -
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8Portree via Isle of Skye
Today is all about the Isle of Skye. Setting off from Portree, we'll spend the day exploring one of Scotland's most legendary landscapes. Think dramatic mountains, rugged coastlines and ancient folklore. We'll keep things flexible here in Skye, and head out to seek its most spectacular scenery with a Local Guide. Expect towering cliffs, sweeping views, waterfalls and plenty of opportunities to get out and explore on foot while discovering the stories that make this island so iconic. After a full day of exploring, we'll return to Portree with a camera roll full of epic landscapes and a few Skye stories of our own.
Accommodations: Portree Youth Hostel (Or Similar) -
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9Portree to Edinburgh via Mallaig and Glencoe
Leaving Skye behind, we'll travel south through some of the Highlands' most dramatic scenery before crossing over to the mainland.In Mallaig, we'll board the iconic Jacobite Steam Train for a journey through spectacular Highland landscapes. Along the way, we'll pass the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (the railway bridge featured in the Harry Potter films) and even Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. Back on the road, we'll visit Glencoe and take time to explore one of Scotland's most legendary landscapes. We'll also roam across the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, surrounded by sweeping views and rugged Highland scenery.And back in Edinburgh, our journey will end on a high. Swap socials and say your goodbyes to this epic adventure.
More Details
Contiki is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Scotland Explorer tour:
Travelers Notes
* UNITED KINGDOM: Canadian passport holders will require an ETA for the United Kingdom starting January 8, 2025. Visa must be obtained prior to departure. You do not need an ETA to transit through the UK if you will not pass through UK border control. If you do pass UK border control, you will need to obtain one. * IMPORTANT: Please see important visa details sent with your invoice. * PLEASE NOTE: Entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.* START/END TIMES: Trip starts in Haggis Adventures, 60 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB at 08:15am and ends in Edinburgh at 08:30am.* This trip is operated by our sister brand Haggis Adventures who are the experts in all things Scotland and is exclusively for 18 - 35 year olds. * ACCOMMODATION NOTE: This trip stays in Hostels, with up to 6 beds per room. In most locations, the dorms are 6 beds per room. The dorms are shared between males and females. In one location, there may be up to 12 beds per room. Single Sex Dorms or Private Room upgrades are not available on this trip. There are no meals included in this trip. Breakfast is available for travellers to purchase at most hostels and there are self catering kitchens in most facilities. Return times are approximate and depend on road conditions and weather. Whilst we will do everything to get you back on time make sure you give yourself plenty of time to make your connection if you're travelling onward that night. We recommend at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on quad-share. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Contiki. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Contiki (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.