A six day tour exploring Scotland ’s dramatic western coastline, the enchanting islands of Mull and Skye not to mention the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Sample world-renowned whiskey’s, visit ancient abbeys, celtic castles and try to catch a glimpse of the famous Loch Ness Monster.
The Tour
Day 1 - Loch Lomond the Trossachs and Oban
Travel north from Glasgow in to spectacular scenery of the Trossachs National Park to the shores of Loch Lomond, once a hideaway for outlaw Rob Roy. Stop in quaint town of Inverary, home of the powerful Campbell clan, the Dukes of Argyll and visit Invararay Castle and the famous town jail. In to Scotland’s western highlands pass the unique Dunstaffnage Castle on route to quaint harbour town of Oban famous for producing one of Scotland's best-loved malt whiskeys.
Overnight near Oban.
Day 2 - Isle of Mull, Iona and Glencoe
From Oban, "Gateway to the Isles", hop over the water to explore the largest of the Hebridean islands, the Isle of Mull . From the most western tip for views of the tiny isle of Iona and its Abbey to the tiny port of Tobermory in the north, where you can see pre-historic standing stones, visit a malt distillery or take a boat to search for whales, dolphins and puffins nesting on the craggy cliffs. Returning to the mainland, take the road to Glencoe on the shores of Loch Levin , the eerie setting for the infamous massacre of one clan by another, in the shadows of Scotland’s highest peak, Ben Nevis.
Overnight Fort William area.
Day 3 - Isle of Skye and Portree
Today enjoy one of the most scenic drives of your vacation as you make your way north passing the impressive Glennfinnan viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter movies and the Hogwarts Express. Take the car ferry from Mallaig to reach the Isle of Skye and take the day to explore this incredible island which is home to the imposing cuillin hills, beautiful wildlife, ancient stone circles dotting the hillsides, dinosaur footprints, malt distilleries, and some of the most iconic images of Scotland in Eilean Donan and Dunvegan castles.
Overnight Portree, Skye.
Day 4 - The Highlands, Loch Ness and Inverness
From Skye cross the bridge back to the mainland to the Kyle of Lochalsh and journey south through the heather covered Highlands towards Loch Ness. Make a stop to visit the stunning twelth century Urquhart Castle, or to wander the banks of the loch and try to get that elusive snap of the monster himself. Continue to the capital of the Highlands nestled on the banks of the river Ness and take time to explore Inverness and its Museum and Castle.
Overnight Inverness.
Day 5 - The Cairngorms and Glasgow City
Begin today with a visit to the eerie battlefield on the moors of Culloden where Bonnie Prince Charlie made his last stand before continuing to Fort George an imposing structure whose fearsome fortifications are testament to impressive Scottish century military engineering of the eighteenth century. Journey south through the relaxing countryside of the Cairngorms National Park with a stop off at Blair Castle. Return to the south and spend the evening exploring Scotland's Largest city, Glasgow and Glasgow Cathedral.
Overnight Glasgow Area.
Day 6 - Return Home
Return to the US with the music of bagpipes still ringing in your ears.
Optional Extras
- Enjoy a City Sightseeing tour of Inverness, Capital of the Highlands.
- Pre-book your ferry tickets to Mull and from Mallaig to Skye.
- Purchase the Great British Heritage Pass offering entry and queue skip to a number of sites on your itinerary.
Customize your Tour
- Extend your stays on Mull or Skye giving you plenty of time to soak up the unique atmospheres, wildlife and scenery of these beautiful Islands.
- Return the car and enjoy an extended city break in either Glasgow or Edinburgh at the end of your stay.
|