Scottish Highland Explorer Tour

Tour ID: 1016 Tour Theme: Small Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) This tour starts from: Edinburgh Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
	Operated by: Rabbies Trail Burners

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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 - CAIRNGORM - LOCH INSH - LOCH NESS - INVERNESS
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. Lunch time will be spent on the beautiful shores of Loch Insh before a short forest walk takes you to the ruins of Loch an Eilean castle. 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 “Capital of the Highlands”, Inverness, where you will spend two nights.

DAY 2: ASSYNT - ULLAPOOL - ARDVRECK CASTLE
Visits the far northwest highlands and the grandeur, expanse and wildness of the mountains of Assynt. Leaving Inverness you take in the drama of the River Droma as it plunges 60m down into the Corrieshalloch Gorge followed by a visit to the fishing village of Ullapool. With visits to the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, amazing views of some of Europe's oldest landscapes and the chance of seeing wildlife such as whales and red deer this is sure to be a memorable day.

DAY 3: BEINN EIGHE - APPLECROSS - PLOCKTON - SKYE
Leaving Inverness heading west 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  
A very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and your driver/guide's knowledge will come to the fore in developing the best day out for you. For example: travel north to the stunning Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk through some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery. Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns (reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt) with its waterfall cascading over the cliffs and down into the sea below. After lunch you can travel to Neist Point for a walk out to the lighthouse that is the furthest point west on Skye. Or a visit to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the Clan McLeod. Talisker Distillery is also on Skye, as are the famous Cuillin Hills. We return you to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening for you to enjoy a free evening in the village.

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, before stopping in Killin for refreshments beside the Falls of Dochart, arriving into Edinburgh at 1900 approx.

For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...

Explore the breathtaking views of the Highlands of Scotland!!

Prices, Dates & What's Included:

Depart: Saturday (20/MAR/2010 to 6/NOV/2010)
Departure Time 09.00
Departure Point 207 High St, Edinburgh (see map)
Return Time 19.00 approx
Return Point Waverley Bridge opposite Waverley Train Station
Adult Prices: From £179 to £209
Discount Prices: From £159 to £189
**Note: All prices are in British Pound Sterling (Currency Converter)
Click below to book this tour

The Tour Includes:
- Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience.
Beware other operators claiming to deliver "small group tours" in 29-39 seat midi-coaches. We know it makes a big difference, because we tried touring in larger coaches and your experience wasn't the same and you told us so. That's why we stopped using larger coaches and we are the only 5 star operator in Scotland, who can truly claim to provide you a small group tour experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.
- Forced air ventilation as standard.
- Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
- All ferry crossings except optional trip to Staffa.
- Rabbie's Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.

Not Included:
- Lunch and refreshments.
- All Visitor Attractions

Accommodation:
The tour price does not include accommodation but this gives you an opportunity to choose your budget and the type of accommodation you wish to stay in and we will book it for you - Hostel, B&B or Hotel - please refer to the booking form on this web site for prices.
Please note that in the case of late bookings accommodation availability and choice may be restricted and we cannot guarantee to find your first choice. There is usually a supplement for single rooms. By giving you a choice of accommodation it allows you to choose your budget, stay in smaller places and get closer to the local people. This also means you help to sustain their communities in the long term.
For more information click here

*NB On occasions, when villages we stay in have events on, accommodation can be scarce and expensive so we may use other locations for your accommodation on the tour. We will always inform you of this when this is necessary.

Discount Price:
Students, Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16

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 Oban and Portree which are small but hilly! If you have mobility problems or special requirements please let us know when booking. Because there is so much to see and do on the 2nd day, we catch the early ferry which means you may miss your breakfast at your accommodation.

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