Tour Description:
A three day tour of Scotland to enjoy stunning natural beauty, unforgettable sunsets, rich history, the majestic Cuillin mountains, Scotland's largest and best known islands - the land of the Viking, the McLeod and the MacDonald, and the dramatic Trotternish peninsula. Stay two nights in the picturesque town of Portree with its pastel-coloured houses.
Please note that for individual travellers, single ensuite accommodation on Skye is very limited, especially in high season - please check with us however we may have to offer you alternatives.
Day 1: EDINBURGH/GLASGOW - GLENCOE - FORT WILLIAM - POTREE
From Edinburgh we head west via Stirling where we stop for photos of its magnificent Castle then via Doune Castle and Callander before climbing up into the Highlands via Glen Orchy. We move through Clan Campbell and MacGregor territory, over Rannoch Moor, to the spectacular valley of Glencoe, passing beneath Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and into the Great Glen, a glacial valley. After lunch in the Fort William area we see the magnificent 'Five Sisters of Kintail' mountains before crossing over the Skye Bridge, on to the island of Skye. We arrive in the fishing town of Portree early evening.
From Glasgow we head west, stopping at the pretty conservation village of Luss, on the 'Bonny, Bonny, Banks' of Loch Lomond. We descend into the desolate expanse of Rannoch Moor, passing the Black Mount, to the dramatic Glencoe, made famous by the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan. Enjoy a leisurely walk here before continuing north towards Fort William and Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. We continue our journey, crossing the Skye Bridge to arrive on the Isle of Skye and our destination, Portree, early evening.
Day 2: FULL DAY EXPLORING THE ISLAND OF SKYE
After breakfast, explore the island with your guide. We may visit the famous Cuillins mountains or the bizarre rock formations of The Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and Kilt Rock. We can try out some whisky at Talisker Distillery or further west, visit Dunvegan Castle, home to the Clan MacLeod and the oldest inhabited castle in Britain, before returning to Portree for a free evening to explore.
Day 3: POTREE - LOCH NESS - PITLOCHRY - EDINBURGH
Heading homewards today enjoy a visit to the stunning Eilean Donan Castle*, featured in several movies including 'Highlander', then a stop for lunch in Fort Augustus, with its spectacular views of Loch Ness. Continuing south, we pass through the Grampian Mountains, by Loch Laggan, and Dalwhinnie - Scotland's highest whisky distillery - then on past Blair Castle. We stop for refreshments in the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry before our return to Edinburgh.
*Subject to seasonal opening times.
On tours where the coach picks up customers departing from Glasgow, the route on Day 1 will be subject to change. If continuing to Glasgow, your guide will take you to Waverley Station for the 50-minute journey by train, courtesy of Timberbush.
Tour Highlights: Stirling Castle, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Fort William, Five Sisters of Kintail, Old Man of Storr, Talisker Distillery, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Loch Laggan, Pitlochry
Optional Extras: Talisker Distillery, Dunvegan Castle, Eilean Donan Castle (these can vary subject to route & itinerary)
For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...
Isle of Skye, Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness Tour