5D/4N - 2020 Highland Explorer, Skye & the North West small group tour

day 01 Edinburgh-Dunkeld-Cairngorn-Loch Ness-Ullapool

Your journey starts at 09.00am and it takes you north over the Forth Road Bridge to the charming highland village of Dunkeld on the banks of the river Tay. From here you head into the Cairngorm National Park and the ancient pine forests of the Rothiemurchus Estate. Lunchtime will be spent on the beautiful shores of Loch Insh before a short forest walk takes you to the ruins of Loch an Eilein castle. Panoramic views of Loch Ness follow as you travel down to the banks of the famous loch and the village of Dores where you can do some “Nessie” spotting! Then it’s on to the shores of Loch Broom where you spend two nights in Ullapool. (*on some tours it may be necessary to stay in Inverness in which case the itinerary will be subject to slight changes).

day 02 Ullapool-Assynt-Inverness-Ullapool

Today, you explore the far northwest Highlands and the mountains of Assynt. This area is famous as being the first crofting area to be bought by the local crofters, the Assynt Crofters’ Trust.You’re immersed in the history of the area and visit the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once the stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt.The day is full of amazing views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, the stunning white sand beach at Achmelvich Bay, and the traditional fishing village of Lochinver. You spend the night in the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool

day 03 Ullapool-Applecross-Plockton-Portree

You leave Ullapool heading south to take in the drama of the River Droma as it plunges 60m down into the Corrieshalloch Gorge. From here you travel past the mountains of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve and along the picturesque coastline of Loch Torridon. The tranquil setting of Applecross is your destination for lunch before taking one of the highest roads in Scotland, Bealach na Bà (meaning the Cattle Pass), with its jawdropping views, hairpin bends and precipitous cliffs. In the afternoon you stop in “tropical” Plockton where you can see palm trees growing alongside Loch Carron and take time to enjoy its sheltered serenity. Then it’s over the sea to Skye and the delightful harbour town of Portree with its friendly welcome.

day 04 Isle of Skye

Today is a flexible day on Skye; and your driver-guide ensures you take a unique route that suits the weather, the local events, and your group's interests.You can travel north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond. Here you find the geological wonders like Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. Or your guide may take you back in time and teach you about the legends and clan culture surrounding the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle.You return from to Portree in the evening.

day 05 Portree-Kintail-Fort William-Glencoe-Edinburgh

Travel south from Skye and visit the famous stronghold, Eilean Donan Castle. Continuing east through the rugged mountains of Kintail, you drive down through Glen Garry past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and onto Fort William for lunch. In the afternoon, you explore spectacular Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. You then start your journey towards Edinburgh.

Inclusions: twin share in B&B or 3* hotel, breakfast daily, accommodation with private facilities, mini-coach transportation with maximum capacity of 16 seats, professional Irish driver-guide, local taxes and service charges.

Note: itinerary is subject to change