Scottish Highland Explorer Tour
Small Group Tour
Small Group Tour
Tour Description
A grand tour of Scotland, 5 days at it's breathtaking views and fascinating places throughout the Highlands of Scotland. Visit the dramatic mountain scenery of Assynt and experience the remote white sandy beaches of the Northern Highlands, walk through the ancient pine forests of the Cairngorm National Park, vibrant Inverness - capital of the Highlands, the awe inspiring Glen Coe, and soak up the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye. Further highlights include Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness and Scotland's highest road out to the remote village of Applecross, giving you a tour unrivalled for the best views of Scotland.
DAY 1: DUNKELD - CAIRNGORMS - LOCH NESS - ULLAPOOL
Going north over the Forth Road Bridge to the charming highland village of Dunkeld on the banks of the river Tay. From here you head into the Cairngorm national park and the ancient pine forests of the Rothiemurchus estate. Panoramic views of Loch Ness follow as you travel down to the banks of the famous loch and the village of Dores where you can do some “Nessie” spotting! Then it’s on to the shores of Loch Broom where you spend two nights at Ullapool. (*on some tours it may be necessary to stay in Inverness in which case the itinerary will be subject to slight changes)
DAY 2: ASSYNT - ARDVRECK CASTLE - ULLAPOOL
Visits the far northwest highlands and the grandeur, expanse and wildness of the mountains of Assynt. This area is historically famous as being the first crofting area to be bought by the local crofters, the Assynt Crofters’ Trust. You will be immersed in the history of the area and visit the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once the stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt. The day is full of amazing views of some of Europe's oldest landscapes from the stunning white sand beach at Achmelvich Bay to the traditional fishing village of Lochinver. With the chance of seeing wildlife such as whales and red deer as well, this is sure to be a memorable day.
DAY 3: BEINN EIGHE - APPLECROSS - PLOCKTON - SKYE
leaves Ullapool heading south to take in the drama of the River Droma as it plunges 60m down into the Corrieshalloch Gorge. From here you travel past the mountains of the Beinn Eighe national nature reserve and along the picturesque coastline of Loch Torridon. The tranquil setting of Applecross is your destination for lunch before taking one of the highest roads in Scotland, Bealach nam Bo (meaning the Cattle Pass), with its jaw-dropping views, hairpin bends and precipitous cliffs. In the afternoon you stop in “tropical” Plockton where you can see palm trees growing alongside Loch Carron and take time to enjoy its sheltered serenity. Then it’s over the sea to Skye and the delightful harbour town of Portree with its friendly welcome.
DAY 4: FULL DAY TO EXPLORE SKYE
Today is a flexible day on Skye; and your driver-guide ensures you take a unique route that suits the weather, the local events, and your group's interests. You can travel north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond. Here you find the geological wonders like Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. Or your guide may take you back in time and teach you about the legends and clan culture surrounding the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle. You return from to Portree in the evening.
DAY 5: EILEAN DONAN - KINTAIL - GLEN GARRY - FORT WILLIAM - GLENCOE - KILLIN - EDINBURGH
We go south from Skye stopping first at the famous stronghold Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film “Highlander”, set at the head of 3 lochs as protection against Viking raiders. Continuing east through the rugged mountains of Kintail including the splendour of the Five Sisters, you drive down through Glen Garry past Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, then onto Fort William for lunch. In the afternoon you will explore spectacular Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. You then start your journey towards Edinburgh.
For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...
Explore the breathtaking views of the Highlands of Scotland!!
Prices & Dates
Departs: 09:00 | Returns: 19:00 approx
Departure Point: Gate J & Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrews Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DX
Departs:
Tuesday and Saturday - April
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - May to September
Tuesday and Saturday - October to Early November
Prices Per Person (including accommodation)
Click on the Calendar to find pricing on specific dates (in blue)
**children under 5 years of age are not accepted. See below for more price notes
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
What's Included
The Tour Includes:
- Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience.
- accommodation in B&B or Hotels (options on booking form)
- Forced air ventilation as standard.
- Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
- All ferry and bridge crossings.
Not Included:
- Lunch, Dinner and refreshments.
- All Visitor Attractions
Important Information:
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!! Accommodation on this tour is dispersed around Inverness and Portree which are small but hilly! If you have mobility problems or special requirements please let us know when booking.
Departure & Map
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Terms & Conditions
Payment
Reservations will only be confirmed on receipt of full payment.
Cancellations and Refunds
The Company will only cancel tours due to circumstances outwith our control.
Where the Customer cancels the tour reservation then the effective date of cancellation will be the date the Company receives written notification. In the event of cancellation a charge, as detailed below, shall be payable by the Customer.
If cancellation for extended tours is made less than 3 weeks before the tour commences, refunds are at our discretion. Please also note that customers may be liable for 1 nights accommodation surcharge in this instance. If cancellations are made less than 72 hours before the tour commences, please be advised that customers may be liable for all accommodation costs.
Charges
For All Tours, City Breaks and holidays of more than 1 day
a) Cancellation more than 21 days before the tour date 10%
b) Cancellation less than 21 days before the start of the tour entirely at our discretion.
For 1 Day Sightseeing Tours
a) Cancellation more than 72 hours before tour departure 10%
b) Cancellation less than 72 hours before the tour departure entirely at our discretion.
Alternatives/Cancellations
While the Company shall do everything reasonably possible to provide your tour itinerary and details as planned, the Company reserves the right to alter itineraries, transport or accommodation for whatever reason. In the case of hotel accommodation a similar standard of alternative accommodation will be obtained wherever possible.
The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry any person whose conduct or manner is likely to cause offence or upset to other passengers. In such cases full cancellation charges apply and the Company shall have no further liability to that passenger.
Other operators/carriers
The Company will not accept or have any liability for any acts or omissions whether negligent or otherwise of any supplier or person providing services in connection with any tour unless such a person is employed by or under the direct control of the Company. Tickets for travel on other carriers are subject to the normal conditions of carriage of the individual carrier.
Luggage
Unless otherwise notified passengers are restricted to one medium sized suitcase/bag and one carry-on bag per person. Luggage is carried free of charge but at the passenger's own risk.
Children
We regret we do not carry children under the age of 5.
Insurance
The Company strongly recommends that passengers arrange suitable travel, medical and cancellation insurance.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on coaches but there are frequent stops en route for passengers who wish to smoke.
Financial Protection
In accordance with the EC Directive on Package Travel all customers monies are held in trust until such time as the tour has been completed.
Force Majeure
The Company does not accept any liability for any loss, inconvenience or damage caused by war, threat of war, riot or civil commotion, terrorist or criminal activity, industrial disputes, natural disasters, fires, sickness, weather conditions, road or traffic conditions, temporary technical, mechanical or electrical breakdown within booked accommodation, explosion of, or radioactive contamination from, any nuclear facility or other events beyond the control of the Company.
Jurisdiction
These conditions shall be construed and interpreted in accordance within the Law of Scotland and the Parties each submit to the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts.
