Isle of Skye Explorer

from Edinburgh and Glasgow

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Experience some of Scotland’s most famous landscapes on this delightful tour through the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy a full day to discover the Isle of Skye’s many attractions including the Cuillin Hills and Trotternish Peninsula.

Day One: Edinburgh/Glasgow - Glen Coe - Isle of Skye

Bid farewell to Edinburgh and Glasgow then travel into the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park for a scenic drive along the "bonnie, bonnie banks”. Enjoy free time in the attractive conservation village of Luss before continuing our loch-side journey towards pretty Crianlarich.

Travelling through Tyndrum our coach will climb the Black Mount to reach the expansive wilderness of Rannoch Moor then make a stop in atmospheric Glen Coe, site of the tragic massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692.

Fort William sits on the banks of Loch Linnhe and is today's lunch venue. After our break head for Spean Bridge where we’ll stop to see the Commando Memorial and enjoy the vista of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. Our scenic drive takes us into the Great Glen then along the banks of Loch Garry, where we’ll make a further photo-stop. Look out for the "Five Sisters of Kintail” mountain range as we make our way through Glen Shiel then cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye. We’ll have a two night stay in Portree, the island’s main town.

Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

Day Two: Discovering Skye

A tasty Highland breakfast is a great way to start our day of exploration. Today’s itinerary is flexible to ensure you get the very best from your time on Skye. Your driver/guide will chat over the possibilities that could include taking a walk amongst the weird rock cones of Fairy Glen or visiting stately Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. The scenic beauty of Trotternish will be high up the list as here you’ll see weird landscapes including the Old Man of Storr, The Quiraing and Kilt Rock, with its cascading waterfall. Discover the story of Flora MacDonald who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie flee "over the sea to Skye” when you visit her grave at little Kilmuir cemetery. No matter which options are selected you’ll be treated to the marvellous scenery for which this island is famed.

Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

Day Three: Isle of Skye - Loch Ness - Edinburgh/Glasgow

We start today with a delightful drive enjoying beautiful views of the Cuillin Hills and sea views over to the islands of Raasay and Scalpay. Back on the mainland, our first stop will be at famous Eilean Donan Castle which has starred in several movies including Highlander, and The World is not Enough. There is time to visit this renowned fortress which sits on its little island to learn its fascinating story and admire the views.

Next, we make our way through Glen Moriston to reach Fort Augustus which sits by the banks of Loch Ness. There’s time to take a stroll along the shores of this mysterious loch - keep your camera close at hand, just in case "Nessie” makes an appearance.

Glen Spean is our next treat. We’ll drive along the banks of Loch Laggan then enter the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Our journey southwards takes us through the Grampian Mountains, into Highland Perthshire, and a stop in the delightful Victorian resort of Pitlochry. Our return to Edinburgh takes us through the ancient Kingdom of Fife then over the Forth Bridge. If you are returning to Glasgow, the coach will stop at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station where there is a frequent train service to Glasgow. The cost of the rail ticket is included in the tour fare.

Tour Highlights: Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, Fort William, Ben Nevis, Glen Shiel, Five Sisters, Isle of Skye, Portree, Cuillin Hills, Trotternish Peninsula, Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Cairngorms National Park, Glen Spean, Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire, Kingdom of Fife and Forth Bridge.