Isle of Skye, Oban, St Andrews and Highlands 5-Day Tour
Departing from Edinburgh, travel through Scotland’s Central Belt and head north to the village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. Next, cross the steep pass of 'Rest and be Thankful' in the village of Inveraray, a town famed for its oysters and seafood. Next to Dunadd Iron Age Fort, the coronation site of kings and queens of Dalriada, the ancient Gaelic speaking kingdom. After a stop at Kilmartin, drive through the stunning Argyll scenery to the bustling fishing town of Oban, the location of your first night’s stay. In the morning discover the beautiful Glencoe, one of the most impressive glens in Scotland, through a short hike and photograph stop. Travel to Glenfinnan Viaduct, then head to Fort William for either a tour of Ben Nevis Whisky distillery or a visit to Inverlochy Castle and Neptune’s Staircase. Drive north arriving at Loch Ness to get photos of the infamous monster Nessie! Your route then takes you into some of the most spectacular scenery in all the Highlands as we pass through Glenshiel and the iconic Five Sisters of Kintail to the meeting point of 3 lochs – Loch Duich, Loch Long & Loch Alsh – the stunning setting for Eilean Donan Castle. Day 3, explore the sights of the Trotternish Peninsula to the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing, while listening to the local folklore of the landscape was created. Next, visit the Museum of Island Life, and then loop around north Skye to take in magnificent views, east to the Torridon Mountains and west the Outer Hebrides. Journey onto the Cuillin Mountains, travel through Kyle of Lochalsh to the pretty village of Plockton. During the summer season (April-October) we’ll take you on a seal spotting cruise along the coast of palm-tree lined Plockton on Loch Carron. Yes, you read correctly – palm trees! On Day 4, head to the North Highlands with the first stop of the day at Corrieshalloch Gorge, Scotland’s deepest gorge. Onto the legendary North Coast 500 Route traveling past towering peaks to the ancient ruin of Ardvreck Castle. Head to Knockan Crag to learn more about the local geology, before visiting the pretty fishing town of Ullapool. After lunch, travel to Rogie Falls and find cascading water and gentle trails among the forest. Visit the town of Beauly, onetime favourite town of Mary Queen of Scots, before returning to Inverness. Our last day begins at Clava Cairns, the site of incredible standing stones and burial chambers dating back to 4000 years ago. Next is Culloden Battlefield, the location of the last battle to be fought on British soil. Through Cairngorms National Park, to our final stop at the ancient Fife town of St Andrews. This medieval walled town is home to St Andrews University, the oldest in Scotland, as well St Andrews Cathedral. In the evening it's time to start winding your way through the fishing villages of Fife, across the Forth Road Bridge, and back into Edinburgh. Please note: there may be seasonal changes to the route from November to March.