ITINERARY

Day 1 Depart Edinburgh at 09.00 and travel west passing Linlithgow Palace and Stirling with its imposing castle and views of the Wallace Monument. We pass Doune Castle, set of Monty Python's "Holy Grail" before stopping in Callander for refreshments. Crossing into the Highlands we head north towards the glorious scenery surrounding Loch Luibnaig then through Breadalbane (meaning the ‘high country of Scotland’) and up to the wild desolation of Rannoch Moor. We continue through the spectacular mountain pass of Glencoe, scene of the great massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Leaving Fort William after lunch we drive past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and into the Great Glen. Travelling west on the "Road to the Isles" we head through the splendour of the Five Sisters of Kintail, the mountains guarding the pass on the way to the Isle of Skye. We stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, set at the junction of 3 lochs and completely surrounded by water. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, we follow the dramatic coastline north towards the island’s capital, Portree. You are then dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening where you are free to go out and explore the town.

Day 2 is 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 on that particular day. North of Portree is the Trotternish ridge with its spectacular cliffs and rock formations, such as the famous landmark – the Old Man of Storr, the impressive sea cliff, Kilt Rock and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. Amazing natural scenery, which is best enjoyed away from the bus by taking a walk through this unique landscape. Further west the scenery changes again with the emerald green valley of Glendale, the dramatic sea-cliffs of Neist Point (the most westerly point on the island, where you might get lucky and spot some whales or sharks!), and the 13th-century home of the Clan Macleod, Dunvegan Castle. We return to Portree in the evening.

Day 3 You will be collected from your accommodation and travel south through the Cuillin Hills and back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Onto Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting "Nessie". There is a boat trip (Summer only) available here that will get you that bit closer! Heading south now through the Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan, famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky Distillery, and onwards past Blair Castle stopping for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Forth Road Bridge. Arriving at 19.00 approx.

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