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Ideal for the first time visitor to Scotland, this relaxing tour will intoduce you to the highlights of the enchanting Highland region. From the magical Isle of Skye to the remoteness of the Applecross peninsula there is something for eveyone!
6 Day Highland Highlights Coach Tour depart Edinburgh
Day One
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. 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 where you can enjoy these spectacular surroundings. Drive through the Great Glen to Loch Ness, where we can visit Urquhart Castle and take a monster spotting cruise (optional). 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
Today we enjoy a full day excursion to the beautiful island of Skye. From Inverness we travel through pretty Glen Carron to Kyle of Lochalsh then "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.
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.Our return to Inverness will take us through Glen Shiel where we will see the "Five Sisters" mountain range.
Day Three
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. Caithness grew rich with the development of the herring fishing industry in the 19th century and as a result there are many exceptionally beautiful harbours - as we will discover . 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
A day of scenic beauty as we travel to one of the remotest areas of Scotland—the Applecross Peninsula. Our journey commences with a drive across the Black Isle to the village of Achnasheen. Then the dramatic climb over the Bealach nam Bo, which means the Pass of the Cattle, in Gaelic. The Pass is the third highest road in the United Kingdom and climbs to over 2,000 feet! On our arrival in Applecross we can spend some quality time enjoying the spectacular seascapes or discovering the sad tale of the highland clearances at the local heritage centre. In this area wildlife abounds—nature lovers look out for red deer, pine martens (one of the rarest of British mammals) and otters.Day Five
We start with a visit to Clava Cairns, an impressive collection of prehistoric burial chambers that sit on the south shore of the River Nairn. Whisky is one of Scotland’s most iconic products and our next visit to Tomatin Malt Whisky Distillery will give an optional behind the scenes look at the whisky making process. The origin of whisky making is lost in the mists of time but today’s production process owes much to traditional methods. Our tour will introduce you to the distillers art and there is even a taste of the end product too!
The grandeur of the Cairngorm National Park is our next treat. This mountainous park extends over 1,500 square miles making it the biggest and wildest in the United Kingdom. We head into the heart of the Cairngorms where you can enjoy a walk in scenic Glen Mhor to discover a delightful little lochan (loch).
Our last experience together is to marvel at the teamwork between sheep dog and master as we watch a traditional Scottish shepherd at work.
Day Six
This morning there is an excursion through the scenic Black Isle 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. 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.
Tour Highlights: Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort William, The Great Glen, Loch Ness, Inverness, Glen Carron, Isle of Skye, Beach combing, Cuillin Hills, Eilean Donan Castle, The Five Sisters, Pre-historic sites, John O’Groats, Duncansby Head, Wick, The Black Isle, Lochcarron, Bealach nam Bo Pass, Applecross, Loch Torridon, Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve, Clava Cairns, Tomatin Malt Whisky Distillery (optional), Heather Centre, Sheep dog demonstration, Woodland walk, Beauly, Cromarty, Dolphin spotting, Spey Valley and Scenic PerthshireVirtual Tour Map
Inclusions
The tour includes:
- Five nights accommodation in rooms with private facilities;
- full Scottish breakfast;
- excursions as detailed above;
- cruise on Loch Ness (optional);
- transportation by air-conditioned luxury touring coach (to/from Inverness);
- services of a tour host;
- service charges and taxes.
Accommodation
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 Inverness. All rooms have en-suite facilities and other amenities. Full Scottish breakfast is included.
Edinburgh Departure Point
Departures:
Check in: 07:45 hrs
Departure: 08:00 hrs
From Scotline Tours
87 High Street/Royal Mile
Edinburgh EH1 1SG
Tour returns at: 20:30 hrs (day 6)
Departure Days
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
and Fridays from 17 May to 23 September, 2011
Rates
| Tour (Per Person in GB Sterling ) | ||
| Dates | Type | |
| Package per person (Hotels) | Package per person (Guesthouses) | |
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Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays |
£740.00
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£635.00
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- Prices are quoted per person per tour
- Customers must provide a valid credit card number.
- Limited availability : advanced booking required.
- Any booking is subject to our Booking Terms.
- Please note rates are based on 2 people sharing a room - single rooms can also be booked.
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