5-Day Tour to the Isle of Skye, Inverness and Highlands from Edinburgh

Make yourself at home in Inverness for four nights and explore the beautiful Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands, traveling all the way to John O'Groats. You will enjoy five days of breathtaking scenery while experiencing the best Scotland has to offer.

Highlights of your five-day Highlands excursion include:

• Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, Scotland's most famous glen and the scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonalds in 1692
• Fort William and the striking scenery of the Great Glen
• Drive from the attractive village of Fort Augustus along the entire length of Loch Ness
• Excursion to the Isle of Skye by mini coach
• The dramatic cliff-top scenery of John O'Groats, popularly considered Britain's northernmost point
• Callanish Standing Stones
• Free time in Inverness

You'll stay in first-class hotel or guesthouse accommodations on this five-day tour, specially selected for their convenient locations close to the main sights and shopping areas. There's a hearty Scottish breakfast to get things off to a good start on days two to five, and your dinner arrangements have been kept free so you can dine as the mood takes you.

A popular feature of this tour is the extended free time available for independent sightseeing or shopping. You'll have plenty of time to relax in the Highland surroundings without feeling rushed, following your own interests at your own pace.

Schedule details

Departure Point:

Platform 17, Edinburgh Bus Station

Departure Time:

8:15am
Please note that for tours in 2010 the departure time will be 7:45am

Return Details:

Returns to original departure point at approximately 8:40pm (Day 5)

Pricing information

Click the link below for a price quote on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Inclusions:

• Full-day excursion to Skye
• Full-day excursion to John O'Groats
• Full-day excursion to Callanish Standing Stones
• Hosted by a professional driver
• multi-lingual commentary is available
• Transport is fully air-conditioned and restroom equipped
• Four nights accommodation with full Scottish breakfast

Exclusions:

• Child meals
• Optional gratuities
• Hotel pickup and drop off
• Food and beverages, unless specified
• Entrance fee to Urquhart Castle (approximately GBP12.00)

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers

Itinerary:

Day 01: Edinburgh - Glen Coe - Inverness
Travel to lonely Rannoch Moor and into Glen Coe, Scotland's most famous glen and the scene of the terrible massacre in 1692. You will make a stop in the midst of this awe-inspiring scenery where you can enjoy the magic of this special place. From Fort William the striking scenery of the Great Glen unfolds ahead of you: first Loch Lochy, then Loch Oich and finally Loch Ness. You will travel to the attractive village of Fort Augustus then drive the entire length of the loch Ness. You will stop at Urquhart Castle where you can visit the castle and enjoy a cruise on the loch. Shortly you will arrive in Inverness. Note, stay in Inverness is unescorted.

Day 02: Isle of Skye - Inverness
Today you will enjoy a full day excursion to the beautiful Isle of Skye by mini-coach. You will make a photo-stop at Eilean Donan Castle, perched
on its island at the head of Loch Duich, and marvel at the views at this most picturesque of castles. Soon you will be crossing "over the sea to Skye" and driving in the shadow of the towering Cullin Hills to Portree, a picturesque fishing port which is the island's main town. Later you will have time for some beach combing before returning to Inverness.

Day 03: Highland Clearances - John O'Groats:
The emphasis is very much on nature today and you may see red deer, seals, puffins (until early August) and hairy Highland cows along the way. The tour takes you to Golspie then through the lands of the Duke of Sutherland - where you'll hear all about the notorious Highland Clearances. You will pass many stone-age sites before arriving in John O'Groats, where several stops will be made to enjoy the dramatic cliff scenery of the northern coastline, before returning to Inverness.

Day 04: Callanish Standing Stones

Your journey commences with a visit to the astonishing Callandish Standing Stones. They are believed to be placed there by Neolithic people during the period 3000 and 1500 BC. This famous site is rated second in importance to Stonehenge. Enjoy free time in Stornoway before catching the ferry for the mainland. Arriving in Ullapool you will meet your guide and be transferred to Inverness.

Day 05: Spey Valley - Pitlochry - Edinburgh
Enjoy free-time in Inverness before joining your motorcoach for our tour south. The route will take you to the gentle Spey Valley with views of the Cairngorm Mountains then through the dramatic scenery of the Drumochter Pass.The rolling Tayside countryside then guide you to Perth and homewards to journey's end

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.