Compare Highlands, Skye and Northwest Scotland by Great Value Vacations vs Country Roads of Scotland - Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,144 | $ 4,713 |
| Price Per Day | $ 449 | $ 471 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation. Scotland is calling! Your adventure starts and ends in the vibrant capital city of Edinburgh, where you can visit castles that sit atop ancient volcanoes, as well as visit royal gardens, floating royal residences, and even an art gallery or two! You'll also embark on a 4-night guided tour, where you'll experience breathtaking views and fascinating places throughout the Highlands of Scotland. From the ancient forests of the Cairngorms, and vibrant Inverness (capital of the Highlands), to the majestic splendor of the mountains of Assynt, the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye and the awe-inspiring Glencoe, you'll see it all. Important information regarding the guided tour portion of this vacation:Please Note: Lunches are not included during your guided tour. However the tour will either stop in small villages with a choice of lunch options, or at a local family establishment where there is a choice to suit all budgets. These places are always chosen for their charm and character - to give you the taste of local hospitality. Entrance fees to some visitor attractions are not included, to allow you greater flexibility to choose the sites that you would like to enter. Please check with your guide, as in some cases discounted admission has been arranged on behalf of tour participants. |
Set foot on the stomping grounds of the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, see the grand Georgian architecture of Glasgow and sail across the sea to the Isle of Skye—the most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Join Local Experts on this grand Gaelic tour as you pass Britain’s northernmost point at John O’Groats and board a ferry to the Orkney Islands. Enjoy a quieter pace of life on these tranquil isles as you explore the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. In Wick, whet your whistle with a wee dram of whisky at the Old Pulteney Distillery or visit the fascinating Heritage Museum on this Insight Choice. After exploring the charming cobbled streets of St. Andrews, take afternoon tea at Blair Castle—the historic home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. |
Day 1 Welcome to Edinburgh!
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and enjoy a private transfer to your Edinburgh accommodation. Spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure! Start your Scotland adventure by hiking up to Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an ancient volcano; from here you can enjoy panoramic views of Scotland's capital city.
Day 2 Edinburgh - Ullapool
Leaving Edinburgh with your guide, the tour begins by taking 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. If time allows, you'll take a short walk after lunch where you'll explore the ruins of Lach 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 at Ullapool.
Day 3 Ullapool
Today starts with a visit to the far northwest highlands and the grandeur, expanse and wildness of the mountains of Assynt, with its abundance of wildlife. This area is historically famous as being the first crofting area to be bought by the local crofters, the Assynt Crofters’ Trust. You will be 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, from the stunning white sand beach at Achmelvich Bay to the traditional fishing village of Lochinver.
Day 4 Ullapool - Isle of Skye
This morning leave Ullapool, heading south to take in the drama of the River Droma as it plunges almost 200 feet 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 Bo (meaning the Cattle Pass), with its jaw-dropping 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 harbor town of Portree, with its friendly welcome.
Day 5 Portree
Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather, and your driver/guide’s knowledge will come to the fore in planning the best day for you. For example you might travel north to the stunning Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk through some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery, or visit the Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns (reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt) with its waterfall cascading over the cliffs and down into the sea below. After lunch you can travel to Neist Point for a walk out to the lighthouse at the most westerly point on Skye. Alternatively a visit to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the Clan McLeod, may be possible. Return to the hotel in Portree in the late afternoon and enjoy a free evening in the village.
Day 6 Portree - Edinburgh
Leaving Portree, we’ll travel south from Skye stopping first at the famous stronghold Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film “Highlander,” set at the head of three lochs as protection against Viking raiders. Continuing east through the rugged mountains of Kintail, you drive down through Glen Garry past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, then onto Fort William for lunch. In the afternoon you will explore spectacular Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Your tour comes to an end as you arrive in Edinburgh, at approximately 7:00 pm.
Day 7 Depart Scotland
In accordance with your departure flight, enjoy one more private airport transfer to Edinburgh Airport.
Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh
Welcome to Scotland - land of legends and romance, from the great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands. On arrival at Edinburgh airport, transfers depart for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00. Then the rest of the day is yours to relax before joining your Travel Director at 16:30 for a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. On select departures, during your time in Edinburgh you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Edinburgh, The Capital of Culture
Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. In the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.The rest of the day is at leisure; why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery?
Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh.
Breakfast
Day 3: To St. Andrews and the Highland Capital of Inverness
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course, home of golf since its creation in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Alternatively, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Cross the Tay and journey to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Tour the magnificent ballroom and learn about the history of the estate. During your visit relish a delicious cream tea. Continue to Inverness, where your luxury hotel is set within four acres of manicured grounds.
Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.
Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Culloden, Loch Ness and onto Thurso
See Culloden Moor in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre before continuing along the shores of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary monster! Next, follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Explore Wick with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskeys. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum and hear about the past of this once thriving fishing community.
The Pentland Hotel, Thurso.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: A Day in the Orkney Islands
Start the day by driving to the most northern point of the British mainland, John O’Groats. Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquillity supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water.’ Your Local Expert accompanies you as you visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II.
The Pentland Hotel, Thurso.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Over the Sea to Skye
Travel through stunning, pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie and see the dramatic Cuillin Hills.
The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Through the Scottish Highlands to Glencoe Relaxed Start
Explore this wild and beautiful island on your own, before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there is a fine view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe. Join a ranger for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy market-fresh Scottish ingredients and wine, as you get together with your newfound friends for a sumptuous Celebration Dinner. Don't be surprised if, by the end of the evening, you're 'Toasting to the Lassies' or singing 'Auld Lang Syne'.
Ballachulish Hotel, Glencoe., Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Centre.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond to Glasgow Relaxed Start
Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to Sir Walter Scott and the largest in Great Britain. Perhaps experience the beauty and tranquillity of the loch with an optional cruise before continuing to Glasgow? An orientation drive through the city will show you the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Then the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Holiday Inn Glasgow - City Centre Theatreland.
Breakfast
Day 9: Depart Glasgow
Your travels come to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Glasgow airport at 06:30 and 09:00.
Breakfast
