Inverness, Skye and the Highlands
from Edinburgh and Glasgow
INCLUDES: Three nights accommodation in rooms with private facilities; full Scottish breakfast; excursions as detailed below by superior air-conditioned minicoach; admission to the Clan Donald Centre Gardens; transportation by air-conditioned luxury touring coach (to/from Inverness); services of a tour host; service charges and taxes.
This four day tour will give you real insight into the nature and beauty of the Highlands.
Glen Coe and Loch Ness
From Edinburgh and Glasgow we will make our way to Rannoch Moor a wilderness that extends over 50 sq miles. Next we’ll enter brooding Glen Coe. There is a stop in the heart of the Glen so you can enjoy the spectacular surroundings for ourselves. Our crossing of the Ballachulish Bridge will bring us to Fort William which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis. The majestic beauty of the Great Glen is next – Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and finally Loch Ness will provide wonderful views at every turn. We’ll drive the entire length of Loch Ness stopping so you can visit Urquhart Castle and take a monster spotting cruise (optional). Our tour is based in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, for the next three nights.
The stay in Inverness is unescorted.
Eilean Donan Castle and Skye
Today we enjoy a full day excursion to the beautiful island of Skye. Following our tour through picturesque Glen Carron we cross “over the sea to Skye” and make our way to Sleat, the Garden of Skye. The gentle scenery that we see in this part of the island contrasts with the rugged beauty of the Cuillin Hills that we will discover later on our tour. We will make a visit to the Clan Donald Centre where there is time to explore the fabulous gardens. Later we will make a scenic drive and enjoy some beach combing. A real highlight is our stop to visit Eilean Donan Castle (optional), perched on its island at the head of Loch Duich. You will marvel at the views when we stop at this most picturesque of castles. Our return to Inverness will take us through Glen Shiel to Invermoriston where we will make our final stop of the day.
Caithness and John O'Groats
We leave Inverness and head across the Black Isle to the Cromarty Firth where, depending on tide conditions, we may see our first seals. We will make a stop in the town of Golspie. High above the town is an astonishing statue, 27m (90') high. This is of the First Duke of Sutherland, whose agents were involved in the most notorious of the Clearances in the Highlands during the 19th century. We’ll hear more about this sad episode in the history of Scotland as we head North. Caithness grew rich with the development of the herring fishing industry in the 19th century and as a result there are many exceptionally beautiful harbours - as we will discover. There are telescopes available on-board our mini-coach to let you marvel at the wide range of birds & wildlife including Puffins (until early August) and red deer (the "Monarch of the Glen"), which are seen on almost all tours. There are several stops along the way to give you ample opportunity to relax and take a stroll amidst this beautiful scenery.
The Black Isle and Glen Garry
This morning there is an excursion through the Black Isle to the pretty village of Cromarty followed by free time in Inverness for shopping or sightseeing. Later this afternoon join your motorcoach for our tour south. Our route will take us to the gentle Spey Valley, with views of the Cairngorm Mountains, then through the dramatic scenery of the Drumochter Pass and onwards to Glen Garry - watch out for imposing Blair Castle. We'll make a stop for afternoon tea before continuing through the rollingPerthshire countryside. From Perth its homeward bound to journey's end in Edinburgh or Glasgow
Eilean Donan Castle
