Inverness, Skye and the Highlands
from Edinburgh
The stunning beauty of Applecross, Torridon, a malt whisky distillery and a visit to the Magical Isle of Skye make this one of our most popular sightseeing tours.
Day One
Edinburgh/Glasgow to Inverness (3 nights)
From Edinburgh and Glasgow we will make our way via lonely Rannoch Moor to the beauty of Glen Coe. There is a stop in the heart of the Glen so you can enjoy the spectacular surroundings. Next we head for Fort William before driving through the Great Glen to Loch Ness where 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.
Day Two
The Magical Isle
Today we enjoy a full day excursion to the beautiful island of Skye. From Inverness we travel through Glen Shiel where we will see the "Five Sisters" mountain range. A real highlight is our stop at Eilean Donan Castle, (optional) perched on its island at the head of Loch Duich. Here you have the option of visiting this most picturesque of castles.
Next it's "over the sea to Skye” by way of the road bridge. After a stop for lunch we take the stunningly beautiful road through Glen Suardal which provides breathtaking views of the Red Cuillin Hills. We’ll have an extended stop in Elgol where there are superb views of the Black Cuillin Hills and, if the weather is kind to us, to Rum and the Small Isles.
We return to the mainland and the village of Kyle of Lochalsh the last part of our journey will take us through pretty Glen Carron to Achnasheen from where it is a short drive to Inverness.
Day Three
Scenic Applecross and Loch Carron
A day of scenic beauty as we travel to one of the remotest areas of Scotland—the Applecross Peninsula. Our journey commences with a drive across the Black Isle to the village of Achnasheen. Then the dramatic climb over the Bealach nam Ba, which means the Pass of the Cattle, in Gaelic. The Pass is the third highest road in the United Kingdom and climbs to over 2,000 feet! On our arrival in Applecross we can spend some quality time enjoying the spectacular seascapes or discovering the sad tale of the highland clearances at the local heritage centre. In this area wildlife abounds—nature lovers look out for red deer, pine marten (one of the rarest of British mammals) and otters.
Day Four
Inverness to Edinburgh/Glasgow
Our Highland adventure continues today as we travel across the Black Isle to the sleepy fishing village of Cromarty. It was from here that many Highlanders emigrated to the New World. The Moray Firth is home to a colony of dolphins and we'll make a stop at Chanonry Point, a popular vantage spot with enthusiasts of these loveable mammals. There is a stop in the pleasant town of Beauly before we travel through Glen Convinth to reach Drumnadrochit and the award winning Loch Ness Exhibition and Centre (optional).
Our route south 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 rolling Perthshire countryside. From Perth its homeward bound to journey’s end in Edinburgh or Glasgow.
The order in which excursions are operated may vary.