Staffa

Day 1 Travel north past Stirling Castle and to the region of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. You venture through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands and the magnificent whitewashed 18th-century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll. The afternoon will be spent in the heart of Argyll before arriving in the bustling town of Oban for your two-night stay. Day 2 Today you have an early start, beginning the day crossing on the ferry to Mull for a chance to explore dramatic coastlines and wild beauty. You take the small ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity, and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Here you can visit the historic abbey with its intricate carved crosses in the churchyard, or explore rocky headlands and sandy coves. There’s an opportunity to take a small boat for an optional trip to the island of Staffa and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalised by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture "Fingal's Cave". You then return on the ferry to Oban for your second night. Day 3 You ramble north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker. Next, you head to the gorgeous Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years. You then venture through Fort William and under the shadow of Ben Nevis, which at 1,344 meters is the highest mountain in the British Isles. We continue through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the earth’s crust that runs through Scotland. From here, you travel north to the picturesque fishing village of Plockton or Balmacara. You’re dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening. Day 4 Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather, and your driver-guide will use their local knowledge to decide on the best day out for the group. You may ascend the Quiraing along Trotternish Ridge and be rewarded with spectacular views. Alternatively, you could drink in the scenery at Loch Corruisk or drive through the dramatic Red Cuillin to the little hamlet of Elgol. We return you to your accommodation in Plockton or Balmacara in the late afternoon for a free evening to explore the village. Day 5 You’re collected from your accommodation for the short drive to the famous stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle. Then, you travel east taking in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. You continue to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting 'Nessie'. Your tour moves through the Grampian Mountains and along Loch Laggan, before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky distillery. In Perthshire, you stop for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Firth of Forth.

Day 1 On your first day, saunter around Loch Lomond in the pretty village of Luss. Find the perfect spot to drink a coffee and sing the ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.’ Your driver-guide then takes you through the unforgettable landscapes of Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. And it's haunted by the tragic tale of the atrocities committed against a Highland clan. Hop on a 10-minute ferry to a mountainous peninsula and travel to the port of Lochaline. Board another ferry and make your way to the east coast of Mull. Admire the abundant wild nature in Aros Park, a beautiful area boasting waterfalls and forest footpaths. In the early evening, arrive in Tobermory with time to wander where you will spend the night. Day 2 The next morning travel past epic mountains to the south of Mull. Take a ferry to two of the most mysterious and dramatic locations in the region, Iona Abbey and *Fingal’s Cave. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to take a small boat for an optional trip to the island of Staffa, where nature enthusiasts can seek out the abundant marine life. Staffa is home to Fingal’s Cave, which is one of the most amazing geological sites, and is known as ‘Nature’s cathedral’. After satisfying your adventurous spirit, we take you north back to Tobermory. Maybe it’s time to try the seafood. Day three On the third day, travel south to Craignure and catch a ferry back to the mainland. When you arrive in Oban, taste the fantastic local seafood and wander around this Victorian harbor town. Venture to Kilmartin Glen, an archaeologist’s dream. Discover around 800 ancient monuments, including burial chambers, rock carvings, standing stones, castles and more within this area. Enjoy learning about the significance of these monuments from your driver-guide. Make a final stop in Inveraray, a gorgeous little town which boasts an impressive view over Loch Fyne. Return to Glasgow in the evening.

Day 1: You leave Edinburgh and travel past Stirling Castle to the small bustling town of Callander. From here, you continue through the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and bristling terrain of the Trossachs, before reaching the wide and remote expanse of Rannoch Moor. Your drive north brings you to Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of Clan MacDonald in 1692. After a short ferry ride across Loch Linnhe, you meander through the impressive mountains of Morven to Lochaline, where we take another ferry to the Hebridean island of Mull. You arrive in Tobermory, the island’s capital, for our three-night stay. Tobermory, meaning ‘Well of Mary’, has brightly coloured houses looking over the sea and is often referred to as one of the prettiest harbour towns in Scotland. Day 2: You head south to Fionnphort, where you take a passenger ferry to the small island of Iona. Iona is an island of quiet charm, and is the cradle of Celtic Christianity. You have time to explore the island’s Abbey, and museum of history and Celtic heritage. There are magnificent Celtic crosses and headstones to see, or, alternatively, you can enjoy a stroll along the peaceful sandy beaches. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to take a small boat for an optional trip to the island of Staffa, where nature enthusiasts can seek out the abundant marine life. Staffa is home to Fingal’s cave, which is one of the most amazing geological sites, and is known as ‘Nature’s cathedral’. After a day in the great outdoors, we return to Tobermory for the night Day 3: You drive to the remote areas of the island and visit the pretty settlement of Dervaig. From here, you venture to the wild thrashing sandy shores of Calgary Bay. And if you’re lucky, you may see the huge white tailed eagles that call this area home. An early afternoon return to Tobermory allows you to soak up the atmosphere of this pretty town. You have a chance to peruse the small shops, and the local Tobermory whisky distillery. Day 4: Departing Tobermory, we head south to Craignure for a short crossing to Oban, the biggest town in Argyll. Continuing west, you arrive in the whitewashed 18th-century town of Inveraray, on the shores of Loch Fyne. Inveraray Castle is a mixture of Scots Baronial and Neo-Gothic architecture and is the seat of Clan Campbell. After leaving the town, you arrive in the National Park of Loch Lomond and travel up more than 800 feet to the ‘Rest and be Thankful’ view. You continue to drive east towards Stirling, with opportunities for photos of the castle, before we return to Edinburgh in the early evening.