Description
Discover the history of Vikings and their ancient myths and legends with this all Scotland tour packed full of our most iconic sights and scenery. Discover the Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye.
What´s Included
- Local Scottish Guide
- 3* B&B Accommodation in a twin room
- Ferry crossing 'over the sea' from the Isle of Skye
- Dunkeld Cathedral
What to bring
- Travel insurance
- Passport / Photo ID
- Comfortable walking shoes, a raincoat in case there is a light rain and clothing that can be layered.
- Proof of vaccination against COVID and/or negative COVID test result
Additional information
- Adults / Students must be over 18 at the time of travel.
- From 5 February 2024 we will be departing from 60 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TB.
- Please note that all tours departing before this date will depart from inside Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J. There are 2 entrances to Edinburgh Bus Station, one on Elder Street and one on St Andrew Sq.
- The departure time will be 7:45 with a 7:15 check-in
- Students must hold a valid ISIC/ISE/ITIC card.
- Must have travel insurance
- 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.
- 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.
- Please arrive to check-in 15 minutes before departure
- The drop-off location is Waterloo Place
- 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 itineraries vary slightly.
*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%.
- In this new, fast-changing Covid-19 era,to give you peace of mind,when you are travelling during these new times
All our guests are asked to follow hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organization and local Government guidelines.
• Regular washing of hands and sanitising when required
• Please bring your own:
o Hand sanitiser
o 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.
- Maintain social distancing.
- You need to make the Guide aware if you develop any COVID like symptoms.
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Itinerary
DAY 1
Edinburgh to Portree
Edinburgh to Portree
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)
DAY 2
Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye
We 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)
DAY 3
Portree to Edinburgh
Portree to Edinburgh
(Summer*)
*Summer itinerary, mid-April to mid-October
We have the chance to explore the castle and gardens of Clan Donald 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.