AVAILABLE DATES
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'We could not have asked for a greater start to our holiday of a lifetime. The scenery has been magnificent & the history lessons have been enthralling. Meeting people from all different walks of life makes your realise what a small world it really is' - Glenys & Geoff Hellyar, Australia, July 2009
* Departure Days: Mon (14th May -15th Oct) and Sat (14th & 28th July and 11th & 25th Aug)
* Discounts for Children and Seniors
* Optional trip on the Famous Harry Potter Steam Train
* Optional Cruise on Loch Ness
* Includes Ferry Trip 'over the sea' from Skye
* Foreign Language Audio Guides Available
Our spectacular journey through the Highlands and magical Isle of Skye. This inspiring experience takes in a diverse range of classic Highland scenery, including many 'must see' sights: dramatic Glencoe, mighty Ben Nevis, the famous 'Harry Potter' Jacobite Steam Train, mysterious Loch Ness, haunting Culloden Battlefield, world famous Eilean Donan Castle and the unforgettable Isle of Skye.
DAY ONE: We head north to the ancient capital of Stirling and the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Here there are stunning views towards the impressive Castle and towering Wallace Monument. Next stop is Doune with an optional visit to its Castle, famously featured in the movie ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’. We enter the Trossachs, where the Highlands begin. Our journey takes us through wild Rannoch Moor and into brooding Glencoe, site of the massacre of 1692. We head through some beautiful scenery and onto Oban, a stunning west coast fishing port. (Overnight: Oban)
DAY TWO: This morning there’s the option to take the steam train from Fort William (voted by Wanderlust Magazine as the ‘Top Rail Journey in the World’), crossing the viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter films. Alternatively, you can enjoy a trip along the Road to the Isles including Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard. We take the ferry to the Isle of Skye full of awe-inspiring mountains, myths and legends. Here, we have the chance to explore the Clan Donald Centre and gardens before driving north to the island’s capital, Portree. (Overnight: Isle of Skye).
DAY THREE: The start of the day is spent exploring Skye. Highlights include the mysterious Quiraing, Kilt Rock and some of Skye’s extraordinary scenery. Returning to the mainland, we cross the Skye Bridge and visit the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle (used in the film ‘Highlander’). We wind our way along the Great Glen to infamous Loch Ness. Here you can hop on board a boat cruise where you can look for the monster before arriving in Inverness, our home for the night. (Overnight: Inverness).
DAY FOUR: The morning is free to explore Inverness, capital of the Highlands, with beautiful river views and shops to buy some unique Scottish souvenirs. Onward bound we head into the heart of the country and stop at a whisky distillery to discover how the 'water of life' is made. Have a wee dram after an optional guided tour then it's on to Beauly, with its 13th Century priory. We return to Inverness for our final night. (Overnight: Inverness).
DAY FIVE: We explore the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield, scene of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s defeat and the end of the Jacobite Rebellion. After travelling through the Cairngorms National Park, we make a visit to the Museum of Highland Life to learn how Scotland’s clans lived and their traditional ways. Heading south into Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains, we stop at the quaint village of Dunkeld on the banks of the River Tay and visit its stunning historic cathedral. Finally, we return to Edinburgh with one last view of the Forth Bridge.
*Please note Saturday departures run in reverse with minor changes to the itinerary.
*Optional Extras: Steam Train: £28 - must be booked when making your reservation either online or via your agent.
Accommodation Essential Info - Click Here
Departs: 09.00
Returns: 17.30
Adult $389.00
Child $354.00
Senior $354.00
Prices in US Dollars
HIGHLIGHTS
- Loch Ness
- Jacobite Steam Train (optional)
- Ferry over the sea to Skye
- Isle of Skye
- Inverness
- Glencoe
- Oban
- Doune Castle
- Eilean Donan Castle
- Culloden Battlefield
- Whisky distillery