5 Day Highland Highlights Coach Tour from Edinburgh (ST)

Day One - Edinburgh/Glasgow to Inverness (4 nights)

From Edinburgh and Glasgow 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 before heading for Fort William. Drive through the Great Glen to Loch Ness, where we can visit Urquhart Castle and take a monster spotting cruise (optional). Our tour is based in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands for the next four nights.

The stay in Inverness is unescorted.

Day Two - The Magical Isle

Today we enjoy a full day excursion to the beautiful island of Skye. From Inverness we travel through Glen Shiel where we will see the "Five Sisters" mountain range. A real highlight is our stop at Eilean Donan Castle, perched on its island at the head of Loch Duich. Here you have the option of visiting this most picturesque of castles.

Next it's "over the sea to Skye” by way of the road bridge. After a stop for lunch we take the stunningly beautiful road through Glen Suardal which provides breathtaking views of the Red Cuillin Hills. We’ll have an extended stop in Elgol where there are superb views of the Black Cuillin Hills and, if the weather is kind to us, to Rum and the Small Isles.

We return to the mainland and the village of Kyle of Lochalsh the last part of our journey will take us through pretty Glen Carron to Achnasheen from where it is a short drive to Inverness. 

Day Three - Caithness and John O'Groats

We leave Inverness and head across the Black Isle to the Cromarty Firth where, depending on tide conditions, we may see our first seals. We will make a stop in the town of Golspie. High above the town is an astonishing statue, 27m (90') high. This is 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’ll hear more about this sad episode in the history of Scotland as we head North. There will be a stop in John O’ Groats for that "I was there” photograph before making our way to stunning Duncansby Head where, after a stroll along the cliff-top path, there are views of the dramatic sea stacks and seascapes to enjoy. Duncansby is rich in birdlife including Guillemot, Kittiwakes and, the most famous residents, Puffins (until late July). There are binoculars available on-board our mini-coach so you can get a "close up” view.

After our visit to Duncansby we turn southwards for home. Our journey will take us through Wick and there will be a comfort stop along the way before we make journey’s end in Inverness.

Day Four - Scenic Applecross and Loch Carron

Day Five - Inverness to Edinburgh/Glasgow

A fascinating day of discovery lies ahead of us today. First we travel to the scenic Black Isle and the attractive fishing village of Cromarty. Next we stop at Chanonry Point to, hopefully, see some of the dolphins who live in the Moray Firth. Beauly, with it's Valliscaulian Priory is our next stop before touring through Glen Convinth to reach Drumnadrochit where you can visit the award-winning Exhibition.

Our route southwards will take us to the gentle Spey Valley and the picturesque Cairngorm National Park then through the dramatic scenery of the Drumochter Pass. There’s a stop for afternoon tea in the heart of scenic Perthshire. The rolling Perthshire countryside will guide us to Perth then we head homewards to journey’s end in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

The order in which excursions are operated may vary.

Exclusions

· Admission charges unless otherwise stated in the itinerary
· Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
· Gratuity to your driver/guide

Inclusions

· 4 nights accommodation in twin rooms with private bath/shower
· Full Scottish breakfast (days 2-5)
· Excursions as detailed in itinerary
· Transportation to/from Inverness by luxury touring coach
· Services of a tour host
· Service charges and taxes

Accommodation is included in the price of the tour. Clients can select between conveniently located quality guest house accommodation and a superior tourist class hotel in the centre of Inverness. All rooms have en-suite facilities and other amenities. Full Scottish breakfast is included. Prices are based on 2 people sharing a room - please note single supplements will apply.