This four day tour will give you real insight into the nature and beauty of the Highlands.
Day 1
From Edinburgh make your way via lonely Rannoch Moor to the beauty of Glen Coe. There is a stop in the heart of the Glen so you can enjoy the spectacular surroundings. Next head for Fort William before driving through the Great Glen to Loch Ness* where you can visit Urquhart Castle* and take a monster spotting cruise (entry fees not included ). Your tour is based in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, for the next 3 nights where you have a choice of either staying in a guest house or a 3* hotel. Your overnight stay in Inverness is unescorted.
Day 2
Today enjoy a full day excursion to the beautiful island of Skye. Stop at Eilean Donan Castle, perched on its island at the head of Loch Duich. Marvel at the views at this most picturesque of castles. The tour continues as you cross “over the sea to Skye” and drive in the shadow of the towering Cuillin Hills to Portree, a picturesque fishing port which is the island’s main town. After free time there you will return to the mainland and your base in Inverness.
Day 3
Leave Inverness and head across the Black Isle to the Cromarty Firth. High above the town of Golspie is an astonishing statue, 27m (90') high. This is of the First Duke of Sutherland, whose agents were involved in the most notorious of the Clearances in the Highlands during the 19th Century. You can contrast the plight of the tenants with the opulence of Dunrobin Castle during the stop at the ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland. There will be time to tour the castle and grounds. Later you will see the northern most point in Scotland - John O’Groats when you stop for a souvenir photograph. The tour continues to Duncansby Head, where you can view the dramatic cliff-top vistas and a wide variety of birdlife.
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Day 4
This morning there is an excursion through the Black Isle to the pretty village of Cromarty followed by free time in Inverness for shopping. As we head southwards later this afternoon, you will travel through the gentle Spey Valley, with views of the Cairngorm Mountains, and the dramatic scenery of the Drumochter Pass and onwards to Glen Garry - watch out for imposing Blair Castle. Stop for afternoon tea (not included) before continuing through the rolling Tayside countryside back to Edinburgh.
*Entrances not included.