A wonderful combination of scenery, history and nature make this one of the most popular sightseeing tours.
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.* 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 we enjoy a full day excursion to the beautiful island of Skye. We’ll make a stop at Eilean Donan Castle, perched on its island at the head of Loch Duich. You will marvel at the views when we stop at this most picturesque of castles. Soon we’ll be crossing “over the sea to Skye” and driving in the shadow of the towering Cuillin Hills to Portree, a picturesque fishing port which is the island’s main town. After free time we will return to the mainland and return to Inverness.
Day 3
Your day starts with a visit to Grantown on Spey. Later you will join the whisky trail and after a scenic drive along the banks of the River Spey there is a stop at a malt whisky distillery. Unveil the secrets of the distiller’s art and at the end of our tour there will be the chance to sample a wee dram! Broomhill Station (also known as Glenbogle Station to viewers of the popular BBC programme “Monarch of the Glen”) sits on the Speyside Railway* You can have the opportunity to take a nostalgic trip by steam train on this attractive line. You can also enjoy some free time Aviemore, Scotland’s outdoor activity centre before returning to Inverness.
Day 4
This morning enjoy an excursion to the Black Isle and the delightful village of Cromarty followed by free-time in Inverness before heading southwards through the gentle Spey Valley, with views of the Cairngorm Mountains and the dramatic scenery of the Drumochter Pass. Keep an eye out for majestic and imposing Blair Castle. Stop for afternoon tea (not included) before continuing through the rolling Tayside countryside back to Edinburgh.
* Entrances not included