Leaving Edinburgh at 8.00am, we travel past the stunning views of the Forth Bridge and enter the Highlands through Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains. We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay. It's then further north into the Highlands before we enter the Great Glen. At Fort Augustus, there is time to explore the shores of Loch Ness and a chance to spot Nessie. The journey continues to the famous Isle of Skye but first, we take in spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most famous icons. Our home for the night is the Isle of Skye, the ‘winged isle'. (Overnight: Portree)
Isle of SkyeWe spend the day exploring the dramatic Isle of Skye with its amazing scenery, myths and legends. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie's escape from the mainland against the backdrop of the jagged Cuillin Mountains. Highlights include the mysterious rock formation of the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall and Dunvegan's impressive castle*. (Overnight: Portree)
Portree to Edinburgh(Summer*)
*Summer itinerary, mid-April to mid-October
We have the chance to explore a wee bit more of the beautiful Isle of Skye before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig. We will be able to take in some incredible views from the coach such as the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie's campaign now stands. We head south through the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, wild Rannoch Moor then the heart of Rob Roy country before arriving back in Edinburgh at approximately 8.30pm
(Winter*)
*Winter itinerary mid-October to mid-April
We head south via the Skye Bridge and through the stunning glens, we pass the Commando Memorial with views to Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Eerie Glencoe and the wilds of Rannoch Moor await before arriving in Rob Roy country to hear about the rogue who turned to a hero. Crossing back into the lowlands we arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening at approximately 5.30pm. The drop-off location, where we say our good-byes, is at Waterloo Place in central Edinburgh.