Isle of Skye and the Highlands

Tour Itinerary

Enjoy 3 days exploring dramatic landscapes, the beautiful scenery of the Highlands and the tranquil and romantic island of Skye . Also on the itinerary are Glencoe, Loch Ness , the 5 sisters of Kintail and the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle .

Day 1 Glencoe, Fort William and the Eilean Donan Castle

Departing Edinburgh you travel in to the countryside and pass by Stirling, its imposing castle and the Wallace Monument . You gain views of Doune Castle , featured in Monty Python's "Holy Grail" before a refreshment stop in Callander. You will travel through the wild desolation of Rannoch Moor and the spectacular mountain pass of Glencoe, eerie scene of the 17th century massacre of the Macdonald Clan. After lunch in Fort William you pass the great Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain, and on into the Great Glen. Journeying along the "Road to the Isles" you pass through the mountains of the Five Sisters of Kintail. You will make a stop at the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, one of the more photographed of Scotland's castles. Crossing the bridge to Skye, you follow the coastline to harbour town Portree, the islands capital.
Overnight Portree.

Day 2 Exploring the Isle of Skye

Today is a flexible day spent exploring the Isle of Skye but can be adapted dependent on weather and preferences of the group. In the North you can visit the spectacular rock formations of the Trotternish ridge with rugged cliff faces including the famous the Old Man of Storr landmark, the impressive Kilt Rock cliff and the beautiful Quiraing mountain pass. You have the opportunity to take a stroll as this amazing natural scenery and unique landscape is best enjoyed on foot. In the West of the Island you can enjoy Glendale Valley, emerald in colour and the craggy sea-cliffs of Neist Point. From here, there is the opportunity to spot whales or sharks off the coast. Also enjoy Dunvegan Castle, home of the Macleod Clan dating back to the 13th-century.
Overnight Portree.

Day 3 The Cuillin Hills and Loch Ness

Today you pass south through the spectacular Cuillin Hills and returning to the mainland where you're greeted with stunning views over Loch Duich. Enjoy lunch on the shores of Scotland's most famous loch, Loch Ness where you can enjoy some "Nessie" spotting. In the summer months there is time to enjoy a boat trip on the loch. From Loch Ness you journey south along the banks of Loch Laggan and through the heart of the Grampian mountains, before you pass the Dalwhinnie distillery which is Scotland's highest Distillery. You also pass Blair Castle and cross over the Forth Road Bridge on route back to Edinburgh. Return to Edinburgh 7pm approx.

Optional Extras

• Pre or post tour nights in Edinburgh.
• Make your mini-tour part of an extended Edinburgh city break.

Prices

Dates and Rates

Departs Edinburgh year round throughout 2010.

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

What's Included

• 2 nights hotel accommodation.
• Full Scottish breakfast each morning.
• All transport (by minicoach) and fuel costs.
• Services of your driver/guide-companion.
• All ferry and bridge crossings.
• Discount card for money off in shops, restaurants and attractions visited.

Attraction Entry costs are NOT included on this tour but are all optional.

.

Images

Map