Day One

From Edinburgh we will make our way via lonely Rannoch Moor to the beauty of Glen Coe. There is a stop in the heart of the Glen where you can enjoy these spectacular surroundings. Next we head for Fort William before driving through the Great Glen to Loch Ness for some monster spotting. It’s a short drive to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and our home for tonight. The stay in Inverness is unescorted.

Day Two

We leave Inverness and head across the Black Isle to the Cromarty Firth. High above the town of Golspie is an impressive statue, of the First Duke of Sutherland, whose agents were involved in the most notorious of the Clearances in the Highlands during the 19th Century. We can contrast the plight of the tenants with the opulence of Dunrobin Castle when we make a visit to the ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland. Later we will make a stop at John O’Groats for a souvenir photograph. A short drive will bring us to Duncansby Head. Here there are dramatic cliff-top vistas and a wide variety of birdlife to enjoy during our extended stop. 

Day Three

Our day starts with a visit to handsome Grantown on Spey. Later we will join the whisky trail and after a scenic drive along the banks of the River Spey stop at a malt whisky distillery to discover the secrets of the distillers art. Our distillery tour ends with the chance to sample a wee dram! We’ll make a stop at Broomhill Station on the Speyside Railway where you have the opportunity of taking a nostalgic trip by steam train on this attractive line (optional). There’s free time in Aviemore, Scotland’s outdoor centre before returning to Inverness.

Day Four

Today we enjoy a full day excursion to the beautiful island of Skye. We’ll make a stop at Eilean Donan Castle, perched on its island at the head of Loch Duich. You will marvel at the views when we stop at this most picturesque of castles. Soon we’ll be crossing “over the sea to Skye” and driving in the shadow of the towering Cuillin Hills to Portree, a picturesque fishing port which is the island’s main town.  After free time we will return to the mainland and return to Inverness.

Day Five

A relaxing day today as we enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness followed by free time for shopping or sightseeing in the Capital of the Highlands.

Day Six

There is an excursion to the scenic village of Cromarty followed by free time in Inverness before joining our motorcoach for the tour south. Our route will take us to the gentle Spey Valley then through the dramatic scenery of the Drumochter Pass. As we travel through Glen Garry look out for imposing Blair Castle. There’s a stop for afternoon tea then the rolling Tayside countryside will guide us to Perth then homewards to journey’s end in Edinburgh.