Scotland
At Its Best! Enjoy the magic, ancient history and the undisturbed tranquility
of the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa and the romantic beauty of the Isle of
Skyes.
Day
1: West Highlands, Inveraray, Argyll & Oban Your tour begins
by heading west to Scotland's first National Park around Loch Lomond, stopping
at the charming conservation village of Luss, set on the loch's "bonny, bonny
banks". You will travel through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands
through the magnificent white-washed 18th Century town of Inveraray, home to the
Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll. The afternoon will be spent in the heart
of Argyll exploring the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada and the standing stones of
Kilmartin, before arriving in the beautiful fishing harbor town of Oban, gateway
to the islands, for your 2 night accommodations. Day
2: Ferry to Mull & Iona - Return to Oban Start your day early
on the ferry to Mull and enjoy this island adventure by exploring the dramatic
coastlines and wild beauty. Then take the small ferry to the peace and tranquility
of Iona - birthplace of Celtic Christianity and ancient burial ground of Scottish
Kings. Here you can visit the historic abbey with its intricately carved crosses
in the churchyard or explore the rocky headlands and sandy coves of this island
gem. There is also an opportunity to take a small boat out to the island of Staffa
and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalized by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean
Overture "Fingal's Cave". You then return on the ferry to Oban for your
second night. Day
3: Road to the Isles, Eilean Donan Castle & Skye Head north
along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker and
Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. You then
pass through Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with
great views over Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Your tour now takes the
"Road to the Isles" through the splendor 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, used in the film "Highlander", set at
the junction of 3 lochs as protection against Viking raiders. Crossing over the
sea to Skye, you travel up to the picturesque harbor town of Portree, stopping
for dinner on the way. In the early evening you are dropped off at your accommodation
where you are free to go out and explore the town. Day
4: Flexible Day in Skye There are many possibilities depending
on the weather, and we take passengers preferences into account. You may for example:
Travel north to the stunning Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk
through some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery or visit Kilt Rock, composed
of basalt columns (reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt) with a waterfall cascading
over the cliffs and down into the sea below. After lunch you can go over to Neist
Point for a walk to the lighthouse, which is the furthest point west on Skye.
Or go over to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the Clan McLeod. Talisker
Distillery is also here, as are the famous Cuillin Hills. In the early evening
you are returned to your accommodation to enjoy your second free night in Portree.
Day 5: Glenelg, Loch Ness,
Pitlochry - Return to Edinburgh We will pick you up from your accommodation
and travel south through the Cuillin Hills and down the old drovers road to catch
the small ferry (summer only) over to Glenelg on the mainland. This is a magical
journey and there are often seal sightings on the way. It's also where Gavin Maxwell
(Ring of Bright Water) lived with his otters. After a relaxing coffee break, we
drive to the top of the Mam Ratagan mountain pass and stop for stunning views
over Loch Duich and the Five 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 much closer! Then head south through the
Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan, made famous now as "Monarch of the
Glen Country". We will pass Dawhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky
Distillery, and Blair Castle. In Pitlochry we will stop for refreshments before
heading back to Edinburgh, passing Perth and crossing the Forth Road Bridge. Arrival
in Edinburgh at approximately 7:30
Departures:
Monday (April to October)
Tour
includes: - Transportation
by top of the line 16 seat Mercedes minicoaches, for a more personal service -
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
Tour
not included: - Lunch and refreshments - All Visitor
Attractions - Accommodation - the tour price does not include accommodation,
but this gives you an opportunity to choose the type of accommodation you wish
to stay in according to your budget, and we will book it for you - Hostel, B&B
or Hotel. |