Best of the Highlands - 4 day tour
Best of the Highlands
4 day / 3 night tour
Price range: £455 - £952
This tour introduces us to Scotland's moods and landscapes, covering the country roads from the rugged west to the far north. Head northwards along the North Coast 500 route to reach the mighty cliffs of Duncansby Head and remote John O’Groats. Travel westwards through scenic Glen Carron to explore the Isle of Skye and iconic Eilean Donan Castle. This is the perfect introduction to the beauty of Scotland!
Glen Coe - stop to soak up the atmosphere of Scotland’s most famous glen
Isle of Skye - see the stunningly beautiful Cuillin Hills, amazing Trotternish and visit colourful Portree
Eilean Donan Castle - visit one of Scotland’s most picturesque castles
Duncansby Head - enjoy the dramatic sea views and abundant birdlife
Dolphin Spotting - get an up-close view of the Moray Firth dolphin colony, hopefully
Movie locations - Highlander, 39 Steps and Trainspotting
Guest house accommodation included - hotel upgrade option available
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh - Glen Coe - Inverness
From Edinburgh 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 we 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. Our tour is based in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, for the next three nights.
Overnight: Inverness (3 nights)
Day 2 - Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Excursion
After breakfast 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 to the attractive village of Lochcarron which sits by the banks of a loch that shares its name.
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 we head northwards to explore the Jurassic scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula. Look out for the impressive pinnacle known as the Old Man of Storr and spectacular Kilt Rock whose basalt columns are said to resemble the pleats in a kilt.
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 North. 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, there are views of the dramatic sea stacks and seascapes to enjoy. Duncansby is rich in birdlife including 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 - Inverness - Dolphin Spotting - Edinburgh
After breakfast we make the short drive to 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 we drive through the dramatic scenery of the Drumochter Pass and onwards to Glen Garry - look out for imposing Blair Castle, home to the Dukes of Atholl. We continue our journey through the rolling Perthshire countryside, known as "Big Tree Country". From Perth its homeward bound to journey's end in Edinburgh The order in which excursions are operated may vary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Freestyle Mini Tour?
These tours are ideal if you are an independent spirit as they offer the ideal blend of structured sightseeing and relaxing free time. Instead of spending your entire tour with the same group you’ll join a different party of fellow passengers each day to explore different aspects of the Highlands. All Freestyle Mini Tours are based in Inverness, which is an excellent base offering good quality accommodation, great shopping plus a wide choice of dining opportunities and evening diversions. A bonus is having to unpack, just once, plus there is no luggage restrictions. On the journeys between Edinburgh/Glasgow and Inverness you’ll travel in a large motorcoach allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey in comfort. Once you are based in Inverness you will travel on a different excursion each day by air-conditioned mini or midicoach. Each tour is led by a local driver/guide who will provide an entertaining and informative commentary. Comfortable guest house accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, tv and other amenities is included in the price of all tours. You can choose to upgrade to hotel accommodation, at extra cost, if you wish. Breakfast is included during your stay in Inverness. Each morning you’ll be picked up from your lodgings by the tour coach. After a day of discovery you’ll be dropped in Inverness City Centre where you can get something to eat before returning, independently, to your accommodation. If you are a free spirit that likes to get behind the tourist veneer then a Freestyle mini-tour is just for you.
What options are available on this tour and what is the cost?
Admission fees are not included in the cost of the tour so to complement your itinerary you can choose to participate in these exciting options:
Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Cruise
Visit hauntingly beautiful Urquhart Castle, once one of Scotland’s largest castles. The castle boasts a commanding presence overlooking the loch. After time to explore the castle and admire the views take to the water for a cruise on Loch Ness. Please note that for operational reasons it’s not possible to visit Urquhart Castle only.
The cost of the ticket is £19 per adult and £15 per child.
Attractions
Eilean Donan Castle
Glen Ord Whisky Distillery
Please note that not all attractions take payment by credit/debit card so it is recommended that you carry sufficient cash should you plan to make a visit. In some cases discounts are available to tour passengers. Your driver/guide will provide you with more information if this applies.
Tell me about my accommodation and which type of room should I choose?
The cost of accommodation is included in the cost of your tour. On this tour you can choose between Guesthouse/B&B or Hotel accommodation: Guesthouse and B&B. The guesthouses and B&Bs are family run and offer comfortable accommodation in bedrooms that have en-suite bathrooms, tv, tea/coffee making facilities and other amenities. Bedding, towels and basic toiletries are provided. Some guesthouses and B&Bs offer enhanced facilities such as a resident’s lounge where you can relax with other guests. Hotel. We select comfortable hotels that are a minimum of 3 stars with bedrooms featuring en-suite bathrooms, television, tea and coffee making facilities and other amenities. All have restaurants offering a selection of Scottish and international dishes as well as comfortable bars where you can relax and un-wind. All hotels are city-centre located. The guesthouses and B&Bs are a 10/15 minute walk from Inverness City Centre.
Tell me what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?
A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process. Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation. Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.
What meals are included ?
A full Scottish breakfast is included from day 2 onwards. This hearty meal consists of fruit juice; a choice of cereal; bakery basket; cooked items such as eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomato and, maybe, a taste of haggis! plus tea or coffee. Vegetarian and lighter Continental options are always available. Lunch and dinner are not included in the price. During the touring day there will be a stop where you can enjoy lunch in a local pub or restaurant. Your driver/guide will be happy to suggest a conveniently located restaurant where you can enjoy good food for dinner.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 3 nights guest house or hotel accommodation
- Location: Inverness (3)
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (3)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Full day excursion to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye with local driver/guide
- Full day excursion to John O'Groats and the Far North with local driver/guide
Tour Essentials
- Transportation by luxury air-conditioned touring coach or mini/midi coach
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced guide and/or driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
From 1 Parliament Square
Royal Mile/High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Check-in: 07:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:00 hrs
Child details
Child discount applies to children aged 3 to 15 years.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 3 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes guest house accommodation with en-suite bathroom. You can up-grade to hotel accommodation at extra cost during the booking process.
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQ's
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code:
HEX 00014
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: 18 Sep 2019
We had a wonderful and thorough experience with the Best of the Highlands tour. Informative and welcoming guides, guided us through the beautiful Scotland Highlands, explored the castles and lochs, strolled the villages, and sampled traditional Scottish whisky and food. A highly recommended tour for travellers looking to appreciate Scotland Highlands!
CHIN from SINGAPORE, SG
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Rating: 31 Oct 2017
We enjoyed the tour, Richie, Chris and Kevin had good knowledge of all the places that we visited.
Edgar from Gurgaon, India
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Rating: 16 Oct 2017
My only complaint is the Lunch stop should be a minimum of 1 1/2 hours allowing time to eat and at least visit the too...Portree, Especially...I also think the trip up to Inverness should allow a few more short picture stops
Alison from Stittsville, Canada
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