Edinburgh - Dunkeld - Cairngorms National Park - Loch Ness - Ullapool. Setting off from Edinburgh this morning, our first stop is in the charming highland village of Dunkeld. We then pass through the ancient pine forests of the Cairngorms National Park to Loch Ness. Scotland's most famous loch is allegedly home to a fearsome monster. Keep your eyes peeled as we have some free time to look for Nessie!
We then complete our drive to Ullapool, a pretty whitewashed fishing village on the edge of Loch Broom.
Please note: Check-in closes at 08:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:00) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
Accommodation: Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House or similar
On today's day trip from Ullapool, we take in some of the north-west Scottish Highlands. Admire views of the mountains of Assynt and visit the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, which was once home to a powerful clan, the MacLeods of Assynt. We also see the picturesque white beach at Achmelvich Bay and the traditional fishing settlement of Lochinver, before returning to Ullapool for the evening.
Accommodation: Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House or similar
Ullapool - Applecross - Plockton - Skye. Leaving Ullapool behind, our first stop today is the Corrieshalloch Gorge, where we can see the River Droma plunge 60 metres over a precipice. We then drive past the mountains of the Beinn Eighe nature reserve and skirt around Loch Torridon. We stop for lunch in Applecross before taking one of Scotland's most scenic drives, Bealach na B, a twisting single track road.
We also make a stop in 'tropical' Plockton, where the palm trees rising on the edge of Loch Carron look slightly out of place. After a short visit, we make our way to the coast and cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye. We're staying in the harbour town of Portree.
Accommodation: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar
Today we will be exploring the remote Isle of Skye, but there is no fixed itinerary for the day. The weather can be unpredictable, so your guide will choose the best highlights to show you in accordance with the conditions and any events that may be happening on the island during your visit. We are likely to be hiking, in order to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the island. Options include The Quiraing hill walk and the Old Man of Storr Walk, probably the most famous trail on the island. We can also see the Neist Point Lighthouse. Spend the day taking photos, sampling the view and enjoying everything this pristine environment has to offer. In the late afternoon, we return to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Caledonian, Duirinish, Dunborrodale or similar
Skye - Eilean Donan Castle - Fort William - Glenc - Edinburgh. Leaving Skye, we travel by land to Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th century fortress, located on an island. We then journey south through Glen Garry and past Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. There's a stop for lunch in Fort William and we visit Glenc in the afternoon. This picturesque area hides a turbulent history, as it was the location of the 1692 Glenc Massacre. Around 30 members of Clan MacDonald of Glenc were slaughtered here for failing to pledge allegiance to King William III and Mary II. After our visit of Glenc, we return to Edinburgh, where our tour ends.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, George St / St. Andrews Square area, (Within 5 mins of Edinburgh Bus Station), Edinburgh.
