Highlands and Islands
Five day/four night tour from £405.00
This comprehensive tour of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands is a perfect balance of discovery, travel and hospitality. Our carefully planned itinerary will take you to the Hebridean islands of Mull and Iona as well as to the Magical Isle of Skye, where you will visit the lush gardens of the Clan Donald Centre.
Day One
From Edinburgh we make our way through Rob Rob Country to the little Highland village of Tyndrum. Next we travel through Glen Lochy to Loch Awe and the romantic ruins of Kilchurn Castle. Our tour continues through the Pass of Brander to Loch Etive and the Falls of Lora. A short drive will bring us into Oban, a very picturesque fishing port overlooking the Firth of Lorne. The remainder of this afternoon is free for you to explore on your own – if you are feeling energetic the views from McCaig’s Tower, high above the town, are simply stunning!
The stay in Oban is un-escorted.
Day Two
After breakfast we’ll join the ferry for the short sail to the island of Mull (40 mins). We will arrive in the port of Craignure where our coach is waiting. The tour of Mull takes us to Glen More and along the banks of Loch Scridain to Fionnphort, where we join the ferry for Iona. It was here in 563 that St Columba landed to found a monastery and bring Christianity to Scotland. Many early Scottish Kings are buried here, including Macbeth. The sense of peace and history that pervades the island will remain with us as we retrace our steps to Oban.
Day Three
This morning is free for shopping or independent sightseeing. From Oban we make our way northwards through Appin and Benderloch to Fort William. From the little village of Spean Bridge we will strike out into “Monarch of the Glen” country. As we travel through Glen Spean there are wonderful views over Loch Laggan to Ardverikie House (Glenbogle House in the popular BBC TV Series). A drive through the gentle Spey Valley will bring to Inverness, our home for tonight.
The stay in Inverness is un-escorted.
Day Four
Today we enjoy a full day excursion to the beautiful island of Skye. We make a photo-stop at Eilean Donan Castle and you will marvel at the views of this most picturesque of castles. Soon we’ll be crossing “over the sea to Skye” and visiting the beautiful gardens of the Clan Donald Centre before enjoying the dramatic scenery of the famed Cuillin Mountains. Later we will have time for some beach combing before returning to Inverness.
Day Five
There is an excursion to the scenic village of Cromarty followed by free time in Inverness before joining your motorcoach for our tour south. Our route will take us to the gentle Spey Valley then through the dramatic scenery of the Drumochter Pass. As we travel through Glen Garry look out for imposing Blair Castle. There’s a stop for afternoon tea then the rolling Tayside countryside will guide us to Perth then it’s homeward bound to Edinburgh.
Tour Highlights
- Loch Lomond
- Oban
- Full day excursion to the Islands of Mull and Iona
- Oban Malt Whisky Distillery
- Ben Nevis
- Monarch of the Glen Country
- Isle of Skye
- Visit to the Clan Donald Centre Gardens
- Inverness
- Open-top bus tour of the Black Isle including Cromarty
- Moray Firth Dolphin spotting
- Spey Valley
- Forth Road Bridge
