Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands Winter Small Group Tour

After leaving the bustling centre of Edinburgh, we join the motorway and make the short drive to our first stop - the magnificent Kelpies. These towering equine statues are the largest in the World.

Get fabulous views of the mighty Stirling Castle and the towering Wallace Monument and then enter the beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. We travel through the lands of Rob Roy MacGregor and hear tales of his exploits and fascinating life.

Enjoy spectacular views of Loch Tulla as the coach ascends the Black Mount to reach the sprawling Great Moor of Rannoch, a desolate landscape of rocky moorland and little lochans. 

Make a stop to experience the haunting beauty of Glen Coe. With plenty of time for a few photos, our journey continues along the banks of Loch Linnhe to our next stop in Fort William.

We’ll stop to see the famous Commando Memorial and the snowy peaks of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. 

The majestic splendour of the Great Glen – a jagged ridge slicing its way through the Highlands – takes our breath away next as mountains become lochs before our very eyes.

As we wind our way through Glen Shiel, look out for the towering peaks of the mountain range known as the “Five Sisters of Kintail. 

A spectacular sight awaits as we head towards the fairytale castle of Eilean Donan. Perched on a little island in Loch Duich, it rises mysteriously through the mist. We’ll learn of its many secrets and legends before crossing the engineering marvel of the Skye Bridge.

Portree, the island’s capital, is the perfect base for our two-night stay on the island. There is time to explore our new home before seeking a tasty dinner in a local restaurant or cosy pub.

A delicious breakfast sets us up for the second day of our adventure. 

There is time to lose yourself in the little streets of Portree and browse unique and independent boutiques. Don’t miss the colourful houses that surround the harbour – the ideal backdrop for a keepsake photo. 

Ready for more exploration, we travel to see The Old Man of Storr. It will leave you gasping in amazement. This pinnacle of rock proudly stands on the Trotternish Peninsula and can be seen for miles around. We then soak up more mystery and mythology, from The Quiraing and Kilt Rock to the spectacular Mealt Waterfall. 

See the grave of Flora MacDonald, hear the story of this heroine who famously helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape “Over the sea to Skye”. 

As the stunning drive gives us one fantastic view after another, learn the stories of clan feuds and bloody battles that form part of this island’s often turbulent story. 

The mighty Cuillin Hills dominate the landscape, and there will be a stop to savour some of the best views.

Return to Portree in time to relax before dinner.

The sun rises on our final day, and any sadness at leaving Skye after breakfast is quickly followed by excitement and anticipation as we return to the mainland.

Our first visit is to the fascinating Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, where the “Trees for Life” charity is on a mission to restore the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest and its wildlife.

Next, we reach the mysterious and alluring Loch Ness. Discover the legend of its most famous inhabitant during our stop in delightful Fort Augustus. 

After travelling through the Cairngorms National Park, famed for its rugged beauty, we enter Glen Garry and head towards the Pass of Drumochter, look out for herds of deer often seen here dining on the lush heather. 

Imposing Blair Castle, the home of the Dukes of Atholl, can be seen as we travel through the gently rolling countryside before making a stop in the quaint town of Dunkeld, nestled in glorious Perthshire woodland. The partially-ruined cathedral, overlooking the winding River Tay, radiates mystery. Discover its centuries-old history, but beware of the cursed effigy of the Wolf of Badenoch! 

From Perth, we journey through the ancient Kingdom of Fife, and then three marvels of engineering loom into view. The three bridges spanning the Firth of Forth – The Forth Bridge, the Queensferry Crossing and the Forth Road Bridge - provide us with our last awe-inspiring sight before making the final part of the journey to reach Edinburgh and the end of this scenic adventure.