We leave Edinburgh at 9.00am and head to the iconic Kelpies. We then head north past Stirling and take in views of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. We will make a stop for lunch before entering the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and on to the quaint fishing town of Oban. (Overnight: Oban)
Oban to Isle of SkyeSUMMER ROUTE - *(mid-April till mid-October) Today we start bright and early and head north to Fort William. There we'll take the train* on the stunning West Highland Line and cross Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter movies. As we cross, we'll take in the sweeping views of the Scottish Highlands and Loch Shiel. We arrive in Mallaig and take the ferry to the Isle of Skye before driving to our overnight destination in Portree. (Overnight: Portree)
*Please note the train ride is not on the Jacobite Steam Train. It is a ScotRail Diesel Train * The ScotRail Train will not be running on 8 June, 25 June, 6 July, and 24 August
WINTER ROUTE - * (mid-October to mid-April) Travel through some of Scotland's most awe-inspiring landscapes on the route to Skye, taking in serene lochs, rugged scenery and waterfalls trickling from great heights on the mountain ranges. We pass the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, before crossing the Skye Bridge to our enchanting island destination, where we will be spending the night in Portree. (Overnight: Portree)
Isle of Skye to InvernessWe explore more of the mysterious Isle of Skye with its awe-inspiring mountains, stunning coastline, and local folklore before returning to the mainland. On the way to Loch Ness, we stop at the incredibly photogenic Eilean Donan Castle and wind our way along the Great Glen where we also visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about Scotland's ancient Caledonian Forest and then on to Inverness, home for the next two nights. (Overnight: Inverness)
InvernessSUMMER ROUTE - *(mid-April till mid-October) Keep an eye out for the elusive monster, ‘Nessie', while we take an optional cruise on Loch Ness before heading north towards the quaint town of Beauly. The ruins of Beauly Priory were used in the filming of Outlander and have a history stretching back to 1230AD.
After lunch we visit the mysterious chambered cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns; followed by Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle fought on British soil; both locations provided inspiration for the hit TV series Outlander (Overnight: Inverness)
WINTER ROUTE - * (mid-October to mid-April) Hunt for the elusive monster ‘Nessie' while we drive along the banks of Loch Ness before heading north towards the beautiful town of Beauly. The ruins of Beauly Priory were used in the filming of Outlander and have a history stretching back to 1230AD. Our day ends with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite's were defeated in 1746. (Overnight: Inverness)
Inverness to EdinburghSUMMER ROUTE - *(mid-April till mid-October) Leaving Inverness, we visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Scottish Highland life from the past centuries before heading to a local whisky distillery for a tour and a taste of the ‘water of life'. For our final stop we visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village, on to the River Tay and make a visit to the cathedral. Our tour returns to Edinburgh in the evening.
WINTER ROUTE - * (mid-October to mid-April) Our final day begins with a visit to the mysterious chamber cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns, said to have inspired the hit TV series Outlander.
We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.