Highland Explorer - Skye and the Far North

Prices From: $848
Days: 5 days

Tour Itinerary

Spend 5 days exploring the dramatic mountain scenery of Assynt and the untouched white sands of Northern Highland beaches. Stroll the ancient pine forests of the Cairngorms and enjoy the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye . Also on route are iconic Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness not to mention the hidden gem of remote village Applecross reached by Scotland's highest road. Combined you receive a tour of unrivalled and breathtaking views of Scotland .

Day 1 Loch Ness and Inverness

From Edinburgh journey north crossing the Forth Road Bridge to the charming village of Dunkeld located on the shores of the river Tay. From here you pass in to the beautiful pine forests of the Cairngorm national park you and the Rothiemurchus estate. Lunch is taken on the scenic shores of Loch Insh and a short forest stroll to the ruins of Loch an Eilean castle. In the afternoon you gain panoramic views of Loch Ness as you make your way along the shores of the famous loch and the quaint village of Dores. As evening falls you arrive in Inverness , "Capital of the Highlands".

Overnight Inverness.

Day 2 Ardvreck Castle and the Far North

This morning you will experience the vast wildness of the mountains of Assynt and dramatic views of the River Droma which plunges 60m deep into the Corrieshalloch Gorge on route to the small fishing village of Ullapool located remotely on the far north west coast. In the afternoon you will make a visit to the ruins of Ardvreck Castle which date back to the 15th century and gain amazing views of some of Europe's most ancient landscapes along with the opportunity to spot enchanting wildlife such as whales and red deer. A memorable day of spectacular scenery.

Overnight Inverness.

Day 3 Loch Torridon and Plockton

Today you leave Inverness travelling west past the Beinn Eighe mountains, a national nature reserve, and along the scenic coast of Loch Torridon. Lunch is taken in the tranquil setting of the village of Applecross before ascending the highest roads in Scotland , Bealach nam Bo (meaning the Cattle Pass), whic boasts jaw-dropping views, sharp bends and rugged cliffs. You will make a stop at "tropical" Plockton, home to palm trees growing on the edge of Loch Carron, with time to relax in its sheltered serenity. Then you will cross to Skye to the delightful harbour-town of Portree.

Overnight Portree.

Day 4 Explore the Isle of Skye

Day four is a flexible day exploring the Island and taking in an array of sites dependent on weather and your preferences as guests. Enjoy the spectacular Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a scenic walk through Skye's extraordinary geological landscapes, visit the unique basalt columns of Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall passing over the cliffs to the sea. After lunch you visit Neist Point to see the traditional lighthouse that marks the most westerly point on Skye. Or make a trip to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the McLeod clan. You may choose to indulge in exploring the Talisker Distillery and the island's famous Cuillin Hills. Your evening is spent at your own leisure in Portree town.

Overnight Portree.

Day 5 Eilean Donan Castle and Glencoe

Travelling south from Skye stop you stop firstly at the famous Eilean Donan Castle , as featured in the movie "Highlander" and originally constructed as protection against Viking raiders. Passing east through the rugged mountains of Kintail and the splendour of the mountains of the Five Sisters, you travel through Glen Garry and past Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, then onto Fort William where you will take lunch. In the afternoon you can explore eerie and infamous Glencoe, scene of the 17th century Macdonald Clan massacre, before a stop in Killin at the Falls of Dochart. You arrive back in Edinburgh at approximately 7pm.

Optional Extras

Pre or post tour accommodation in Edinburgh
Make your tour part of an extended Edinburgh City Stay

Prices

Prices

Dates and Rates

Departs Edinburgh every Saturday throughout the 2010 Season.

Departs Edinburgh	Returns Edinburgh	Price pp (USD$)
Sat 20th Mar 2010	Wed 24th Mar 2010	$858
Sat 27th Mar 2010	Wed 31st Mar 2010	$858
Sat 3rd Apr 2010	Wed 7th Apr 2010	$858
Sat 10th Apr 2010	Wed 14th Apr 2010	$858
Sat 17th Apr 2010	Wed 21st Apr 2010	$858
Sat 24th Apr 2010	Wed 28th Apr 2010	$858
Sat 1st May 2010	Wed 5th May 2010	$858
Sat 8th May 2010	Wed 12th May 2010	$858
Sat 15th May 2010	Wed 19th May 2010	$858
Sat 22nd May 2010	Wed 26th May 2010	$858
Sat 29th May 2010	Wed 2nd Jun 2010	$858
Sat 5th Jun 2010	Wed 9th Jun 2010	$858
Sat 12th Jun 2010	Wed 16th Jun 2010	$858
Sat 19th Jun 2010	Wed 23rd Jun 2010	$858
Sat 26th Jun 2010	Wed 30th Jun 2010	$858
Sat 3rd Jul 2010	Wed 7th Jul 2010	$858
Sat 10th Jul 2010	Wed 14th Jul 2010	$858
Sat 17th Jul 2010	Wed 21st Jul 2010	$858
Sat 24th Jul 2010	Wed 28th Jul 2010	$858
Sat 31st Jul 2010	Wed 4th Aug 2010	$858
Sat 7th Aug 2010	Wed 11th Aug 2010	$858
Sat 14th Aug 2010	Wed 18th Aug 2010	$858
Sat 21st Aug 2010	Wed 25th Aug 2010	$858
Sat 28th Aug 2010	Wed 1st Sep 2010	$858
Sat 4th Sep 2010	Wed 8th Sep 2010	$858
Sat 11st Sep 2010	Wed 15th Sep 2010	$858
Sat 19th Sep 2010	Wed 22nd Sep 2010	$858
Sat 26th Sep 2010	Wed 29th Sep 2010	$858
Sat 2nd Oct 2010	Wed 6th Oct 2010	$858
Sat 9th Oct 2010	Wed 13th Oct 2010	$858
Sat 16th Oct 2010	Wed 20th Oct 2010	$858
Sat 23rd Oct 2010	Wed 27th Oct 2010	$858
Sat 30th Oct 2010	Wed 3rd Oct 2010	$858
Sat 6th Nov 2010	Wed 10th Nov 2010	$858

Prices are per person land only based on 2 people sharing a twin room.
Single supplements apply.
Please ask for pricing other currencies.

What's Included

What's Included

Maximum group size 16 passengers!

4 nights hotel accommodation.
Full Scottish breakfast each morning
All transport and fuel costs. Transport is provided in luxury 16 seat mini-coach.
Services of your driver/guide-companion.
All ferry and bridge crossings.
Discount card for money off in shops, restaurants and attractions.

Attraction Entry costs are NOT included but are all optional.

Images