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Oban, Isle of Skye, St Andrews and the North West Highlands - 5 day tour
Oban, Isle of Skye, St Andrews and North West Highlands
5 day/4 night tour
This relaxing 5-day tour will let you explore the picturesque sea-lochs of Argyll and ancient Kilmartin Glen, the birthplace of the Scottish Nation. A relaxing exploration of Skye will let you discover the natural wonders of the Magical Isle. Experience a journey along the famed North Coast 500 route to explore the stunning scenery of the North West Highlands and visit the ancient town of St Andrews, the home of golf. This popular tour will provide the ideal introduction to the history and beauty of Scotland.
Oban - discover this bustling coastal town celebrated as the Scottish seafood Capital
Glen Coe - stop to savour the beauty of this famous valley, scene of the infamous massacre in 1692
Isle of Skye - explore the lunar landscape of Trotternish and marvel at the towering Cuillin Hills
North Coast 500 - experience a road trip like no other through the stunning scenery of the North West Highlands
Culloden Moor - discover the story behind Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite army
St Andrews - see the famous Old Course, St Andrews Castle and Cathedral
Movie locations - Loch Ness, Highlander and Harry Potter
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh - Inverarary - Oban
We leave Edinburgh and head westwards to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, where our first visit is to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This magnificent red sandstone building houses one of Europe’s finest art collections.
Leaving Glasgow, there’s a song in our hearts as we travel along the “bonnie, bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond to visit the charming village of Luss. We’ll see the towering Arrochar Alps before making the dramatic ascent of the “Rest and be Thankful” Pass to reach Glen Kinglas.
Picturesque Inveraray sits overlooking the sparkling waters of Loch Fyne. This handsome town is famed for its whitewashed houses and elegant castle, the seat of the Dukes of Argyll, the Chief of the Clan Campbell.
We’ll explore Kilmartin Glen, which has a wealth of prehistoric sites. Then, visit Dalriada, the cradle of the Scottish nation founded in the 6th century by settlers from Ireland. Our first night is spent is the picturesque seaside town of Oban.
Overnight: Oban
Day 2 - Oban - Glen Coe - Portree
From Oban, we will make the short drive to scenic Loch Etive. Look out for the Falls of Lora as we travel over the Connel Bridge and head into Benderloch and Appin.
We take time to enjoy the haunting beauty of Glen Coe, probably Scotland’s most famous glen. It was here in 1692 that 40 of the resident MacDonald clan were murdered by troops of the Clan Campbell.
Fort William is next. “The Fort”, as it’s known locally, makes the most of its stunning location on the banks of Loch Linnhe and is a popular spot with outdoor sports enthusiasts. Here, you can visit Ben Nevis Distillery to discover how Scotland’s national drink is lovingly produced or explore historic Inverlochy Castle.
Later, we head along the scenic “Road to the Isles” to see the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which famously featured in the Harry Potter movies. After taking in the scene, we drive northwards through the Great Glen to legendary Loch Ness.
As we travel through remote Glen Shiel, we look out for the towering mountain range known as “The Five Sisters of Kintail".
Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s best-known icons. It has appeared as the backdrop to many popular movies and is one of the most unmistakable Scottish scenes. The castle stands on an islet in Loch Duich connected by a little bridge to the shore.
Our scenic adventure continues when we cross the Skye Bridge and travel through the island to reach Portree, the island’s main town.
Overnight: Portree
Day 3 - Portree - Plockton - Inverness
As well as being the largest of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Skye is a land rich in mystery and mythology, so a traditional breakfast is essential to prepare us for the day of discovery ahead.
Our day of exploration starts with the famous sights of the Trotternish Peninsula.
This wild prehistoric landscape is home to some of Scotland’s most celebrated natural wonders, including the Old Man of Storr, a dramatic tower of rock thrusting 200ft upwards. A stone’s throw away is the equally impressive Kilt Rock, where you’ll soon see how it got its name, courtesy of the many distinctive folds of coloured basalt.
The history of the Skye is closely interwoven with that of Bonnie Prince Charlie, so we will also make a pilgrimage to the final resting place of Flora Macdonald, who helped him flee disguised as a maid after his disastrous defeat at Culloden in 1746.
The brooding Cuillin Hills, a towering range of rock, dominates the island. We’ll have plenty of time to admire the dramatic granite slabs of the Red Cuillins and darker crags known as the Black Cuillins as we make our way back to the mainland.
The picturesque village of Plockton hugs the shoreline of Loch Carron. If you travel between April and October, you can take a boat ride out onto the loch to meet the friendly resident seal colony.
The final part of today’s journey takes us to the remote village of Achnasheen and onwards to the Highland Capital of Inverness, our base for the next two nights.
Overnight: Inverness (2 nights)
Day 4 - North West Highlands Excursion
After enjoying breakfast, we leave Inverness behind and start our journey along the famous North Coast 500 route to explore Corrieshalloch Gorge. This dramatic ravine was carved during the Ice Age, where the River Droma plunges over the thunderous 45-metre Falls of Measach.
Our drive continues to the ruins of 15th-century Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt. This was once a stronghold of the MacLeod clan and is famed for the legend of the “Mermaid of Assynt”. You’ll be spellbound when you hear the tale!
Awe-inspiring scenery surrounds us as we travel through the North West Highlands, the last great European wilderness. This part of Scotland forms part of the Assynt Geopark, a land of stunning mountain ranges, deep lochs and ancient communities that can trace their roots to the beginning of time. We can learn more when we visit the Knockan Crag Visitor Centre.
Later, we stop in the attractive fishing town of Ullapool, which sits on the banks of Loch Broom, for a lunch break.
During our visit to Rogie Falls, you might be lucky to spot salmon leaping as they make their way on the arduous journey from the North Sea to spawn in the tumbling waters of the Black Water.
The last stop of the day is the picturesque town of Beauly, believed to be named “Beau Lieu” (Beautiful Place) by French monks. They built a Priory here in the 13th century, which Mary, Queen of Scots, visited in 1564. The Priory still stands, surrounded by trees in the town centre.
Day 5 - Inverness - St Andrews - Edinburgh
Our final day starts with a visit to Clava Cairns, where you’ll explore ancient standing stones and burial chambers dating back 4,000 years.
Next, we reach Culloden Moor, where, in 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was routed by the British army in the last battle ever fought on British soil. The battle’s tragic outcome changed life in the Highlands of Scotland forever.
Travel through the dramatic scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, then across the Tay Bridge to reach St Andrews, the “Home of Golf” and site of Scotland’s oldest university.
During your visit, see the famous Old Course and the attractive ruins of St Andrews Castle and Cathedral. Enjoy some time on your own to browse the many souvenir stores or take a bracing walk along the beach.
As the day comes to an end, we’ll wind our way through the picturesque fishing villages of Fife, cross the Forth Road Bridge, and return to Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Transport Only Tour?
If you are an AirB&B fan or you like the idea of flexibility in your accommodation arrangements, then this Transport-Only tour is for you.
This great-value tour is led by an experienced and enthusiastic driver/guide who will provide you with engaging commentary.
Transport is by comfortable air-conditioned midicoach.
This tour is based in Oban (1 night), Portree (1 night) and Inverness (2 nights). You will be responsible for arranging the accommodation for your party.
The tour will drop and pick-up from a central point in the town. You will need to make your way to and from your accommodation.
Your driver/guide will advise you of the departure time each day.
What are the optional extras on this tour?
To give you maximum flexibility, the cost of admission fees and other optional extras are not included in the tour price. This gives you complete freedom to choose as the mood takes you. On this tour, there are optional visits to:
Museum of Island Life (April to October only)
Calum's Seal Tour (April to October only)
Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery
St Andrews Cathedral
The links above will give you more information on these attractions, including current admission prices. At some locations, a special discount is offered to tour participants. Your driver/guide will give you more information if this applies. Credit/debit cards are not always accepted, so you should plan to have sufficient cash with you should you wish to make any visits.
Tell me what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?
A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process.
Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.
Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.
Will there be stops for meals and are they included in the price of the tour?
Meals are not included in the tour price, but we will make stops where you can get refreshments and something to eat.
If you wish, you can bring a packed lunch or pick up lunch items at a previous stop.
Vegetarian food is widely available.
How much luggage can I bring?
You can bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. The maximum weight allowance and luggage dimensions varies by tour so you should check the tour documentation for the luggage policy that applies to your tour.
Inclusions
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Accommodation
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
From Deacon's House Cafe
304 Lawnmarket
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh EH1 2PS
Check-in: 08:00 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:15 hrs
Tour Returns: 18:30 hrs
Child details
Concession discount applies to students and children aged 7 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 7 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Accommodation
Please note that accommodation is NOT included. Passengers are responsible for booking their own accommodation in Oban (1 night), Portree, Isle of Skye (1 night) and Inverness (2 nights). There will be a central set down/pick-up point in each location.
Luggage Allowance
One medium sized suitcase/bag per person (maximum weight: 15 kilos)
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
COO 04118
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5 day tour from £ 810.00