| Highlights: Loch Lomond * Argyll * Oban * Isle of Mull * Glencoe * Eilean Donan castle * Isle of Skye * 5 Sisters of Kintail
5 days to enjoy 4 fantastic West Coast Islands including the tranquility of the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa and the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye. Highlights also include Loch Lomond National Park, Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness for a great sample of the best of Scotland.
Day 1 takes you west to Scotland's first National Park around Loch Lomond, stopping at the charming conservation village of Luss set on the loch's "bonny, bonny banks". You will travel through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands through the magnificent white-washed 18th Century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll. The afternoon will be spent in the heart of Argyll exploring the ancient Kingdom of |
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of Dalriada and the standing stones of Kilmartin before arriving in the beautiful fishing harbour town of Oban, gateway to the islands, for your 2 nights accommodations.
Day 2 is an early start crossing on the ferry to Mull and enjoying an island adventure exploring her dramatic coastlines and wild beauty, before taking the small ferry to the peace and tranquility of Iona - birthplace of Celtic Christianity and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Here you can visit the historic abbey with its intricate carved crosses in the churchyard or explore the rocky headlands and sandy coves of this island gem. There is also an opportunity to take a small boat out to the island of Staffa and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalised by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture "Fingal's Cave". You then return on the ferry to Oban for your second night.
Day 3 takes you north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker, and Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. You then pass through Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with great views over Ben Nevis, Britain's highest montain. Your tour now takes the "Road to the Isles" through the splendour of the Five Sisters of Kintail, the mountains guarding the pass on the way to |
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the Isle of Skye. You stop to visit the famous stronghold Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film "Highlander", set at the junction of 3 lochs as protection against Viking raiders. Crossing over the sea to Skye, you travel up to the picturesque harbour town of Portree stopping for dinner on the way. You are then dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening, where you are free to go out and explore the town.
Day 4 is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and we take passengers preferences into account. For example : Travel north to the stunning Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk through some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery, visit Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns (reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt) with it's waterfall cascading over the cliffs and down into the sea below. After lunch you can go over to Neist Point for a walk out to the lighthouse that is the furthest point west on Skye. Or go over to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the Clan McLeod. Talisker Distillery is also here, as are the famous Cuillin Hills. We return you to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening for you to enjoy your second free night in Portree.
Day 5 You will be collected from your accommodation and travel south through the Cuillin Hills and back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Onto Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting "Nessie". There is a boat trip (Summer only) available here that will get you that bit closer! Heading south now through the Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan, made famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dawhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky Distillery, and onwards past Blair Castle to Pitlochry where we stop for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Forth Road Bridge.
Inclusions
Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoaches for a more personal service.
Forced air ventilation as standard.
Services of a professional driver/guide
All ferry crossings except optional trip to Staffa.
Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.
Exclusions
Lunch and refreshments.
All Visitor Attractions.
Accommodation - the tour price does not include accommodation but this gives you an opportunity to choose your budget and the type of accommodation you wish to stay in and we will book it for you - Hostel (10 GBP - 15 GBP), B&B (22 GBP - 25 GBP). B & B en-suite (25 GBP - 35 GBP) or Hotel (more - please enquire). There is usually a supplement for single rooms
Important Information
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour.
Departure Point
High Street, Edinburgh (9.00 AM)
Return time - day 5 - approximately 19.30
Departure Days:
Monday (April to October)
Please Quote BV RB E5 when booking by telephone
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