Highlands and Islands
The beauty of Scotland's Highlands and Islands await to be discovered on this relaxing five day tour.
Day 1
From Edinburgh and Glasgow we make our way through Rob Rob Country to the little Highland village of Tyndrum.
Next we travel through Glen Lochy to Loch Awe and the romantic ruins of Kilchurn Castle. Our tour continues through the Pass of Brander to Loch Etive and the Falls of Lora.
A short drive will bring us into Oban, a very picturesque fishing port overlooking the Firth of Lorne. The remainder of this afternoon is free for you to explore on your own - if you are feeling energetic the views from McCaig's Tower, high above the town, are simply stunning!
The stay in Oban is unescorted.
Day 2
After breakfast we'll join the ferry for the short sail to the Island of Mull (40 mins). We will arrive in the port of Craignure where our coach is waiting.
The tour of Mull takes us to Glen More and along the banks of Loch Scridain to Fionnphort, where we join the ferry for Iona. It was here in 563 that St Columba landed to found a monastery and bring Christianity to Scotland. Many early Scottish Kings are buried here, including Macbeth.
The sense of peace and history that pervades the island will remain with us as we retrace our steps to Oban.
Day 3
This morning is free for shopping or independent sightseeing.
From Oban we make our way northwards to Fort William and then through the scenic beauty of the Great Glen.
We will drive the entire length of Loch Ness, so keep a careful watch, just in case! We'll make a stop at Urquhart Castle which overlooks the loch and is a favourite location with "Nessie" spotters. A short drive will take us to Inverness.
The stay in Inverness is unescorted.
Day 4
Today we enjoy a full day excursion to the beautiful island of Skye. We make a photo-stop at Eilean Donan Castle and you will marvel at the views of this most picturesque of castles.
Soon we'll be crossing "over the sea to Skye" and visiting the beautiful gardens of the Clan Donald Centre before enjoying the dramatic scenery of the famed Cuillin Mountains.
Later we will have time for some beach combing before returning to Inverness.
Day 5
There is an excursion to nearby Beauly and Muir of Ord followed by free time in Inverness before joining your motorcoach for our tour south.
Our route will take us to the gentle Spey Valley then through the dramatic scenery of the Drumochter Pass. There's a stop in the popular Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, nestling on the banks of the River Tummel.
The rolling Tayside countryside will guide us to Perth then we head homewards to journey's end in Edinburgh or Glasgow.