A Look at Skye

If time is short and you want to discover the magical Isle of Skye then this tour is just for you. Explore mysterious Loch Ness, iconic Eilean Donan Castle and awesome Glen Coe too. It's amazing how much of Scotland we can show you in two fun-packed days!

Day One: Edinburgh to Inverness

From Edinburgh we leave the city behind and head towards the Highlands. Soon there are fine views of Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, which commemorates William Wallace, the real Braveheart.

We make a stop for morning coffee in Kilmahog before crossing from the Lowlands into the Highlands – a region that is steeped in history, stunning scenery and exciting adventures. Next it's on through bonnie Strathyre and Rob Roy MacGregor country to the sprawling Great Moor of Rannoch, one of the last truly wild places left in Europe.

No matter the weather there is nothing that will prepare you for the beauty of Glen Coe. This famous valley resonates through Scottish history as a place of great significance. We will make a stop here so you can soak up the atmosphere of this special place for yourself.

Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands, sits at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain. We'll stop to enjoy the vista before heading into the Great Glen, a picturesque valley of lochs and mountains whose history has been carved from bitter clan disputes, as we shall hear.

Mysterious and evocative Loch Ness is a real highlight. We'll drive along the entire length of the loch making a stop at Urquhart Castle, a popular vantage point with "Nessie” spotters! You can mount your own exploration by taking time to visit the castle and enjoying a short cruise on the loch *.

It's a short drive to Inverness, where we will spend the night.

Day Two: The Isle of Skye

After a leisurely breakfast we board our coach for a day of discovery. From Inverness we retrace our journey along the banks of Loch Ness to visit the village of Invermoriston to see the charming ruined bridge designed by Thomas Telford, who constructed the Caledonian Canal. We continue through Glen Moriston and Glen Shiel, scene of the 1719 battle, where the dramatic range of mountains known as the ‘Five Sisters' dominate the landscape.

One of the most iconic images of Scotland is Eilean Donan Castle, on an island at the head of Loch Duich. We make a stop here so you can visit and enjoy the views from this most photographed of castles.

We head ‘over the sea to Skye' by way of the road bridge, rather than the ‘bonnie boat' of the song, and enjoy scenic drive along the beautiful coastline towards the moody peaks of the Cuillin mountains. Our main stop of the day will be in Portree, the largest town on the island. Take time to enjoy a stroll down to the picturesque natural harbour which is home to a fleet of fishing boats.

Later we head to the Trotternish Peninsula to view the weird landscapes left by massive landslips. We'll see the Old Man of Storr, The Quiraing and Kilt Rock.

As we cross back over the Skye Bridge to the mainland, look out for the little island of Eilean Ban. Gavin Maxwell, author of the novel ‘Ring of Bright Water' about a family of otters, lived in the lighthouse keeper's cottage for a while.

Our final stop of the day is the secluded village of Achnasheen, which we reach through picturesque Glen Carron. The concluding part of our tour takes us to Garve and through the Black Isle, with fabulous views over the Moray Firth to Inverness.

After a short comfort stop in Inverness, board the train for your scenic rail journey back to Edinburgh. Please note that the train journey is unescorted and part of the journey may be in darkness.

Tour Highlights: Bonnie Strathyre, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort William, The Great Glen, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Cruise (optional), Inverness, Invermoriston, Kintail, Eilean Donan Castle (optional), Isle of Skye, Loch Carron, Achnasheen, Black Isle and scenic rail journey.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Dates of Operation:

Edinburgh
Tuesdays

15 October to 26 November, 2019

Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
1 March to 6 April, 2020 and
14 October to 30 November, 2020

Daily except Saturdays
8 April to 13 October, 2020

Glasgow

Departure Information:

Edinburgh
Check in: 07:45 hrs
Departure: 08:00 hrs
from 1 Parliament Square
Royal Mile/High Street
Edinburgh, EH1 1RF
Tour returns at: 00:11 hrs

Glasgow

PRICES:

Guest House
Single: £340.00
Twin: £ 275.00

Hotel
Single: £ 430.00
Twin £ 319.00

TOUR OPERATOR

Tour operator identity and full contact information will appear on your confirmation voucher.

VOUCHER INFORMATION

Once you have booked your tour please print your voucher.
You must present your voucher and photo ID to your driver/host when joining the tour.
Please safeguard your voucher as it cannot be replaced if you lose it.