6 Day Highlands & Islands

6 Day Highlands & Islands

Day 1

is a fabulous journey west for an exploration of the lochs and glens of Scotland’s first National Park and the charming and picturesque conservation village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond; the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area. On the way we visit Stirling Castle with its commanding position atop an intrusive crag, ample time will be offered to allow you to take in the castle’s long and turbulent history. Knights, Nobles and Foreign Ambassadors once flocked to the Royal Court at Stirling Castle to revel in the castle's grandeur. After lunch we travel over the 'Rest and Be Thankful' mountain pass to indulge in the sights of enchanting Glencoe with imposing mountains matched with a bloody history. Overnight nr Fort William.

Day 2

we explore the white sand beaches of Arisaig when we travel on the ‘Road to the Isles’ which will take us through some of Scotland’s most stunning west coast scenery. On the way we will pass through Glenfinnan situated at the head of Loch Shiel. Erected here in 1815 is the Glenfinnan Monument which marks the place where Prince Charles Edward Stuart or "Bonnie Prince Charlie” raised his standard at the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. The onward journey takes us past ‘Neptune’s Staircase’ and provides tremendous views as we pass the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis. Arriving in the charming fishing village of Mallaig we board the ferry to take us “Over the Sea to Skye”. Overnight Skye.

Day 3

we take the morning ferry crossing to the Outer Hebrides known as the “long islands” as they stretch for 100 miles and we will spend the afternoon exploring the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Lewis.

Lewis in Gaelic means “marshy” and the story of the Isle of Lewis is steeped in both history and mystery - man has inhabited these lands for around 5000 years or more. We will visit the ancient Calanais Standing Stones and discover Hebridean history and the Gaelic way of life when we visit a traditional Blackhouse village at Gearannan with fantastic views over the Atlantic. Overnight Outer Hebrides.

Day 4

we venture into Harris - a sparsely populated area that has been proposed to create Scotland's third National Park. Harris is almost completely unspoilt, with numerous white sandy beaches on the west coast. Learn about the Harris Tweed Industry, originally a cottage industry producing an article made entirely by hand. The inhabitants of the Western Isles, like those in many parts of the country manufactured cloth, entirely by hand, for domestic and local use long before the industrial revolution reached Scotland. We shall also visit the most spectacular and beautiful white sandy beach in the Hebrides, Luskentrye Beach, before taking the afternoon ferry back to the Isle of Skye to explore further. Overnight Skye.

Day 5

we set off through Glenshiel and the Great Glen towards Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness where we will take time to have a walk along part of the Caledonian Canal. This is an extremely relaxing Highland village with the charm of the canal - you will not want to leave. After lunch we travel through the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms National Park bound for the highland town of Pitlochry surrounded by the Monadhliath and Grampian mountain ranges. On our way south we visit the House of Bruar which offers excellent highland retail therapy before reaching the Victorian town of Pitlochry on the banks of the River Tummel. Overnight Pitlochry.

Day 6

takes us to the quaint highland village of Dunkeld ‘Fort of the Caledonians’ to view the Cathedral on the north bank of the River Tay. The area around the Cathedral was the original focus of settlement in Dunkeld in medieval times. We take the Old Military Road south to Scone Palace, the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. The Grampian Mountains form a distant backdrop, and across the river stands the city of Perth. From Scone we travel to Culross; the most complete example in Scotland today of a Burgh of the 17th and 18th centuries, and then to the Forth Rail Bridge and into Edinburgh for your Airport transfer where we must sadly say farewell.

Our service is second to none. When you choose a Luxury Highland Tour you can relax in the knowledge that your entire experience will be the best that Scottish hospitality can provide. This all comes with an exceptional personal service and your own designated tour co-ordinator. Price includes tour driver/guide and associated costs, luxury tour vehicle and your chosen attractions. Lunches, beverages and gratuities are NOT included.