Travelpack

Highlights: Edinburgh - Oban - Glencoe - Isle of Skye - Loch Ness

Hotels:
- 1 night Oban Hotel
- 2 nights Skye superior Bed and Breakfast
- 1 night Fort Augustus Hotel

Experience the natural beauty of Scotland on a 5-day tour through the Lowlands, Northern Highlands, West Coast and the magical Isle of Skye. Focusing on the breathtaking Scottish countryside, your route explores a diverse range of landscapes, including a Jacobite steam train ride (seasonal) and the classic sights of Loch Ness, Glencoe and more. Relax with an expert guide and overnight accommodation in Oban, Skye and near the banks of Loch Ness.

Highlights:
- Close encounter with wildlife
- Get inside tips from a local
- Informative, friendly and professional guide
- Step back in time on a history tour

Your 5-day Scotland and Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh highlights the country’s outstanding natural beauty and rich history. From ancient castles to mysterious lochs, this experience allows you to uncover the best of rural Scotland alongside one of our fun and knowledgeable guides.

Depending on the season, enjoy a scenic ride aboard the Jacobite steam train or a Loch Ness cruise and admission to Urquhart Castle.

Relax in your choice of B&B (shared bathroom), B&B ensuite or hotel accommodation with a breakfast included each morning.

Departures 13th May - Sep 12 will include the Jacobite Steam Train All other departure will include Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle instead.

Departure Point:
Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Additional Information:
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Itinerary:

Day 1: Edinburgh – Oban
Meet your guide at the prearranged departure point in central Edinburgh, and then hop inside an airconditioned minivan and travel west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Stop first in Kilmartin Glen, where Neolithic and Bronze Age remains abound. With more than 350 ancient monuments in the area, it is one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe. Walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and see the impressive standing stones of the Temple Wood Stone Circle.

Next, continue to the beautiful fishing town of Oban, known as ‘The Gateway to the Isles’ because of its link with the Hebrides. Then, after checking in to your hotel or guesthouse, enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Oban.

Day 2: Oban – Glencoe – Isle of Skye
Savor a delectable breakfast at your hotel or guesthouse, and then check out of your accommodation and travel to Glencoe — perhaps Scotland's most famous and most scenic glen. On arrival, marvel at the breathtaking scenery and hear from your guide how the picturesque spot was the site of a terrible massacre in 1692 that took the lives of many members of the MacDonald clan.

After enjoying some free time to explore Glencoe independently, return to your minivan and continue on to Fort William, a settlement dominated by the UK's tallest mountain: Ben Nevis. Hop aboard the Jacobite steam train, considered one of the greatest train journeys (included May 13 –September 12). When you reach Mallaig, enjoy a seafood lunch (own expense) before crossing the sea to the magical Isle of Skye.

Arrive in the delightful village of Isle of Skye and check in to your hotel or guesthouse, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. The rest of the evening is yours to spend at your leisure.
Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Isle of Skye

Meal: Bed & Breakfast

Day 3: Isle of Skye
Start the morning with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, and then enjoy the rest of the day to explore the Isle of Skye as you wish. Perhaps pull on your hiking boots and head to the Cuillin Mountains to lose yourself amid the spectacular scenery. Or, maybe visit Dun Beag Broch, a small fortress near the village of Struan that dates back to the Ice Age. You might even travel to Dunvegan Castle, the 13th-century home of the Macleod clan, or take a cruise to see the Loch Dunvegan seal colony.
Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Isle of Skye

Meal: Bed & Breakfast

Day 4: Isle of Skye – Loch Ness
After breakfast, check out of your hotel or guesthouse and journey to the harbor town of Portree. Make the most of some free time to explore the small island capital, and then head to Trotternish Ridge, which is formed by a series of landslips including the well-known craggy pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr and the dramatic sea cliff of Kilt Rock.

Next, cross back over the sea to the Scottish mainland to visit Eilean Donan Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. Used as a filming location in the 1986 movie Highlander, the ruins of the castle look out over three sea lochs, and the landmark is widely considered as one of Scotland’s most iconic sights.

Then, travel into the heart of the Highlands. Gaze out at the rambling green hills and other scenic sights of the Scottish countryside, and then arrive at your accommodation in Fort Augustus near the mysterious Loch Ness. After checking in to your hotel or guesthouse, enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Fort Augustus near Loch Ness.

Meal: Bed & Breakfast

Day 5: Loch Ness – Edinburgh
Following breakfast, gather your bags and check out of your accommodation. Then, with your guide and group, relax on the short journey to Loch Ness. Hop out of your minivan by the mysterious stretch of water to snap photos and look out for Nessie, the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Should you wish, set off on a 30-minute cruise (own expense) from Clansman Harbour to Urquhart Castle. After taking in the sights from the water, disembark at the castle’s ruins and head inside (own expense) to explore at your leisure. (Note: Loch Ness cruise and admission to Urquhart Castle are included March 21–May 9; September 10–October 10.)

Alternatively, head to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition (own expense), which boasts seven themed areas crammed with more than 500 million years of history, mystery and legends of Loch Ness and its When the time comes, join back up with your guide and travel south to the battlefield of Culloden, the site of the short but brutal hand-to-hand Battle of Culloden in 1746 that marked the defeat of the
Jacobite forces.famous monster.

Next, visit a local distillery, where you can sample a wee dram of Scotch whisky (own expense). Then, catch glimpses of the stunning Cairngorm Mountains on route to Pitlochry. Enjoy free time in the charming town before traveling back to Edinburgh. Your 5-day tour then concludes with a drop-off at the original start point.

Meal: Bed & Breakfast

Exclusions:
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Hotel pickup and drop off

Offer Includes

Meal Plans