Description
Join us on an unforgettable journey across the Highlands and Islands, where we discover some of Scotland’s most iconic destinations, as well as the hidden gems; from the world-famous Loch Ness to the remote corners of the Hebrides. We explore by land and sea, from beach to battlefield, castle to coastal town; where stunning scenery, ancient monuments, and Scotch whisky are guaranteed. Capture treasured photographs of the magical Isle of Skye and Glencoe, while we keep you entertained with myths, legends, and tales from our rich history. Venture beyond the classic tourist trail on this extended adventure and prepare to fall in love with our beautiful country.
What´s Included
- 5 nights B&B Accommodation
- Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
- All ferry crossings
- Bannockburn
- Jacobite Steam Train
- Local Passionate Guide
What to bring
- Travel insurance
- Passport / Photo ID
- Students must hold a valid ISIC/ISE/ITIC card
- Comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket in case of a few sprinkles.
- Proof of being fully vaccinated against COIVD and/or negative COVID test result
Additional information
- Departing from 60 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TB.
- Please check-in at 8:00am
- 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.
- All attractions are subject to availability. Third party suppliers have the right to close attractions/suspend operations at any time
- Adults / Students must be over 18 at the time of travel.
- Students must hold a valid ISIC/ISE/ITIC card.
- Please note that we cannot guarantee that people who have booked together will be seated together. We do ot allocate seats.
- It is very important to return to the coach on time at itinerary stops. Your guide will display the time that the bus departson a clock that will be visible. Our coach cannot wait for you.
- The minimum age for a Highland Explorer Tour passenger is 5 years old.
- Those who are 17 year old pay the adult price, but need to be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over.
- Check-in 15 minutes prior to departure
- If you need organise to transport from your accommodation to our departure point please book it via the hotel concierge. We have had a lot of feedback from customers saying that Uber taxi’s are not showing up.
- *Cancellation of Extended Tours cancelled outside of 45 days prior to departure will be given a flexi-deposit. If the cancellation is made 45 to 22 days prior to the departure a 25% cancellation fee will be charged. If a cancellation is made 21 days or less, the cancellation charge will be 100%.
- Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark.
- Highland hotels and guesthouses do not have lifts/elevators. Guests should be able to walk up steps in order to access rooms.
- The summer and winter itinerary vary slightly.
- In this new, fast-changing Covid-19 era,to give you peace of mind,when you are travelling during these new times
- Regular washing of hands and sanitising when required • Please bring your own: o Hand sanitiser
- Maintain social distancing.
- You need to make the Guide aware if you develop any Covid like symptoms.
- Update to COVID Government Guidelines in Scotland
As per government guidelines, the use of masks whilst on our tour coaches is no longer compulsory.
Should our staff or passengers wish to keep wearing masks whilst on the coach they can.
We will keep the hand sanitiser and enhanced cleaning procedures in place.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Edinburgh to Inverness
Edinburgh to Inverness
We depart Edinburgh at 08.30am and set off north towards Bannockburn; site of the famous battle won by ‘Outlaw King’ Robert the Bruce. Learn about William Wallace as we pass Stirling Castle, and catch a glimpse of Doune Castle, which appears in Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Outlander and Game of Thrones. Soak up the atmospheric scenery in Glencoe, and look out for Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest mountain – on our journey towards Loch Ness. Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’, the Loch Ness monster, on our visit to the loch, before we continue onto Inverness. We arrive in Inverness, where we will be spending the night, at around 17.30. Free time in Inverness; enjoy a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city, then a wander round the various bars and restaurants. (Overnight: Inverness)
DAY 2
Inverness to Stornoway
Inverness to Stornoway
Start the day we as mean to continue, with fresh air and stunning scenery at Black Water Falls. We continue north on a beautiful stretch of road and take to the water on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis – keeping an eye out for dolphins along the way! Explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline of Lewis. Visit the Butt of Lewis – the most northerly point on the island – to see the isolated lighthouse and dramatic force of the sea against the cliffs. We return to the main town of
Stornoway for the night. (Overnight: Stornoway)
DAY 3
Stornoway
Stornoway
Prepare for an exciting day touring the cultural attractions
on the Isle of Lewis. First, go back to the Neolithic period on our visit to
the mysterious 5000-year old Callanish Standing Stones, and then fast-forward
to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience 17th century island
life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and unwind with a wee dram of whisky
at Abhainn Dearg; the most westerly distillery in Scotland. Free time back in
Stornoway; wander around the pretty harbour and go in search of fresh seafood
in the local restaurants. (Overnight: Stornoway)
DAY 4
Stornoway to Portree
Stornoway to Portree
We depart Stornoway and drive south towards the idyllic Isle
of Harris. Marvel at the flawless white sand beaches with turquoise sea and a
backdrop of mountains on West Harris. Board the ferry and go over the sea to
the Isle of Skye, where we spend the afternoon exploring the Trotternish
peninsula. Soak up the enchanting scenery and learn about the island’s myths
and legends. We arrive into our final stop at Portree in time to enjoy dinner
in one of the town’s restaurants.(Overnight: Portree)
DAY 5
Portree
Portree
Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye. Hear about the island’s resident fairies on our stop at one of the famous Fairy Bridges. Visit the enchanted waters of the Sligachan River with views of the old bridge and the breathtaking Cuillin mountains. We drive over the Skye bridge to the iconic – and absolutely beautiful – Eilean Donan Castle; used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough. Free time back in Portree; visit the shops, restaurants, and picturesque harbour with its colourful facades. (Overnight: Portree)
DAY 6
Portree to Edinburgh
Portree to Edinburgh
Wander round Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum; the spiritual home of Clan Donald and our final stop on the Isle of Skye. Board the ferry back to the mainland, arriving at the fishing village of Mallaig on the west coast. Experience one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train; made famous by Harry Potter. We take the scenic route back to the city through the Cairngorms National Park and arrive into Edinburgh at around 8.30pm.