Day
1: Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle & Skye
Depart Edinburgh at
9:30 and travel west passing Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots
and continue towards Stirling with its imposing castle and views of the Wallace
Monument. We then pass Doune Castle, set of Monty Python's "Holy Grail"
before stopping in Callander for refreshments. After Callander we head into the
Highlands, passing Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Crianlarich and Tyndrum, stopping
for lunch on the way. We continue north through Glencoe, scene of the great massacre
of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. We will then pass Fort William and head up to the
Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge observing the great views of 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
2: 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 a free night in Portree. Day
3: 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, Wednesday, and Saturday (All year)
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 and bridge crossings
- Rabbie's Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions
Tour
not included:
- Lunch and refreshments
- Entrances
to 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. |
