Highland Panorama - 5 day tour

Day 2 - Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Excursion

Leaving Inverness behind we make our way to Garve then on through Strath Bran to the remote village of Achnasheen. From there we strike out through picturesque Glen Carron, stopping to enjoy the panoramic views over Loch Carron. 

We cross "over the sea to Skye” and follow the picturesque coastal route, enjoying the wonderful vista over the sea lochs to the Isle of Scalpay. There are grand views of the mighty Cuillin Hills too as we make our way to Portree, the island’s main town. We’ll make a stop here so you can discover the town on your own and enjoy time for lunch. The colourful houses that surround the harbour make a wonderful backdrop for an "I was there” selfie! This afternoon there is a scenic drive through the Trotternish Peninsula to see the eccentric rock formations of Storr and The Quiraing. Experience amazing views of Kilt Rock and the Mealt Waterfall cascading over 60m into the sea below.   

Returning to the mainland we stop to visit fairytale Eilean Donan Castle set on its little island on Loch Duich. There is time to explore this iconic castle before our return journey continues through Glen Shiel, where the Five Sisters of Kintail will come into view. These soaring peaks are each over 3,000 feet (914 m) high!

The final part of our journey takes us through Glen Moriston to the timeless beauty of Loch Ness and onwards to Inverness.

Day 3 - John O’Groats and the Far North Excursion

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 Highland Clearances during the 19th century. We'll hear more about this sad episode in the history of Scotland as we head into the North Highlands.

There will be a stop in John O' Groats for that "I was there” photograph before making our way to stunning Duncansby Head where, after a stroll along the cliff-top path, we'll see the lonely lighthouse and enjoy dramatic views of the sea stacks. The cliffs at Duncansby are rich in birdlife so we should see some Guillemot, Kittiwakes and, the most famous residents, Puffins (until late July).

After our visit to Duncansby we turn southwards for home. Our journey will take us through Wick and there will be a comfort stop along the way before we make journey's end in Inverness.

Day 4 - Cairngorm National Park and Whisky Trail Excursion

From Inverness we make the short journey to the seaside resort of Nairn, a popular holiday spot of Charlie Chaplin. Our first stop of the day will be at fairy-tale Brodie Castle, the seat of the Brodie Clan for over 400 years. There will be time to discover the impressive apartments which are home to an extensive art collection and library containing over 6,000 books! The extensive grounds are ideal for taking a relaxing woodland walk. If you prefer you can enjoy free time in the neighbouring town of Forres which is known for its delightful floral displays.

Later we make for the Spey Valley and our lunch stop at Glenfiddich Distillery. The chef at this popular restaurant is famed for their creative dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

In the nearby village of Craigellachie we’ll stop to make a fascinating visit to Speyside Cooperage. Here you’ll see the coopers at work creating and repairing the barrels that are used to store scotch whisky. Using traditional tools and methods the casks produced here are exported all over the World.

This area of Scotland is famous for the production of Whisky so no visit would be complete without a visit to a whisky distillery. We’ll stop at famous Glenlivet Distillery where after hearing how "the water of life” is produced during our guided tour of the whisky stills we can sample a "wee dram” in the tasting room.

Alternatively, if whisky isn’t your thing, you can visit romantic Ballindalloch Castle, a family home since 1546. During your tour you can see the grand ding room, vaunted hall and enchanting nursery complete with antique toys.

Our return to Inverness will take us through the natural beauty of the Cairngorm National Park.

Day 5 - Inverness - Dolphin Spotting - Edinburgh

After breakfast we make our way through Glen Convinth to reach Beauly. The monks who built Beauly Priory in the 13th Century called it Beau Lieu or beautiful place. You'll soon discover why! On certain departures you’ll also have the opportunity of visiting the nearby Glen Ord Malt Whisky Distillery to see how Scotland’s national drink is lovingly produced. Our tour continues through the Black Isle where we will enjoy scenic views over the Cromarty Firth as we travel to the little fishing village of Cromarty. Our next stop is at Chanonry Point, a popular vantage point to spot the community of bottlenose dolphins that live in the Moray Firth. On the outskirts of Inverness join your motorcoach for our tour south.

The route will take us into the spectacular Cairngorm National Park and the Spey Valley, for the best 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 continue our journey through the rolling Perthshire countryside to Perth from where it’s homeward bound to journey's end in Edinburgh.

The order in which excursions are operated may vary.

,