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

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Dates of Operation:

Thursdays 14 May to 24 September, 2009

Departure Information:

Tours departs at 08:30 hrs Check in: 08:15 hrs From Platform 17, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh Tour returns at 20:40 hrs (day 5)

PRICES:

Guest House
Single: £0.00
Twin: £ 0.00

Hotel
Single: £ 0.00
Twin £ 0.00

BROCHURE PRICE from £480.00 per person. Save up to £75.00 with Edinburgh Tours!

TOUR INCLUDES

Quality accommodation with private bathroom for 4 nights
Full Scottish breakfast (vegetarian option available)
Admission to Clan Donald Gardens & Oban Malt Whisky Distillery
Two full day excursions to the Isle of Skye and Mull/Iona by luxury minicoach
Open-top bus tour to the Black Isle and Cromarty
Transportation to/from Inverness by luxury air-conditioned motorcoach with on-board toilet
Friendly driver/host

TOUR EXCLUDES

Admission fees unless stated above
Meals and snacks unless detailed above
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, telephone charges etc
gratuity to the driver/host

TOUR OPERATOR

Tour operator identity and full contact information will appear on your confirmation voucher.

VOUCHER INFORMATION

Once you have booked your tour please print your voucher.
You must present your voucher and photo ID to your driver/host when joining the tour.
Please safeguard your voucher as it cannot be replaced if you lose it.