Escorted Tours
Today, we leave Edinburgh and head west past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. We pass Doune Castle before stopping in the small town of Callander for refreshments. After crossing the Fault Line into the magnificent Highlands, take in the splendour of Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle and Glen Dochart. Admire spectacular views and listen to a haunting story in Glencoe before you continue north up the Great Glen to the mysterious beauty of Loch Ness. The Loch is 23 miles long and you will have plenty of time to try and spot the monster. We will arrive at Inverness, to your hotel for check-in. The evening is free for you to explore the 'Capital of the Highlands'.
Today, you will have an early start, leaving behind the 'Capital of the Highlands', crossing over the Black Isle and continuing past Dunrobin Castle. From here, you drive along the Northeast Highland Coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. Onwards through Scotland's most Northerly Mainland Village, John o' Groats, and then to Gills Bay where you board the ferry and cross the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago. It’s a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where you stop for a visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, the Capital of Orkney. Here you can visit Kirkwall's magnificent Viking Cathedral and enjoy its historic winding streets in the evening. PLEASE NOTE: Ferry timetables vary depending on the season. Due to this, a visit to John o'Groats may not be possible. Meals: Breakfast
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Today, is your chance to explore this archipelago's fertile green pastures, fringed by shores of golden sands and washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. You visit the 5,000 year old village of Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones of Stenness. You then travel onto Maeshowe where, in the 12th Century, the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions. Then, it's back to Kirkwall for your second night after what is sure to be a memorable day. Meals: Breakfast
After a relaxed start, we leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. From here, we travel the Old Road right across the very top of Scotland, driving past the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben Hope Mountains, following the rocky cliffs and stunning golden sand beaches. You then visit the far northwest Highlands and the wilderness of the mountains of Assynt before stopping to view the 15th Century ruins of Ardvreck Castle. From here, you travel to Ullapool, situated at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you spend your last night's stay on tour. PLEASE NOTE: Ferry timetables vary depending on the season. Due to this, passengers may have less time in Kirkwall in the morning as the ferry departs earlier. Meals: Breakfast
Leaving Ullapool behind, you take in the drama of the River Droma as it plunges 60 metres down into Corrieshalloch Gorge. Then, we admire the beautiful Loch Glascarnoch, on the way past the 'Capital of the Highlands', Inverness. You can visit Culloden Moor, the site of The Battle of Culloden in 1746, one of the bloodiest events in our history and the last battle to have been fought on the British mainland. Next, we take a short drive to the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns, made famous by Diana Gabaldon in the 'Outlander' books. From here, you travel through the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, hugging the Cairngorm mountain range. Enjoy lunch in these beautiful surroundings before travelling through The Big Tree country of Perthshire, the Kingdom of Fife and back to Edinburgh for your onward journey. Meals: Breakfast
Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (ra)
