11 Day Highlands of Scotland – APT

Itinerary

11 Day Small Group Discovery from Edinburgh to Edinburgh with APT

On a round trip from Edinburgh, travel deep into the wild landscapes of Scotland, where the history is as spectacular as the countryside. Discover Cairngorms National Park, the Isle of Skye and beautiful glens where gardens and castles await.

Day By Day

Day 1 Arrive Edinburgh
Arrive in Edinburgh, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, come together and get to know your intimate group of fellow travellers and tour director during a welcome reception. Stay: Edinburgh, The Dunstane Houses

Day 2 Edinburgh, Fife, St Andrews
After breakfast, set out for St Andrews. Along the way, breathe in the sea air as you travel along the Eastern peninsula of Fife, previously home to monarchs for more than 500 years and now teeming with rolling green farmland and delightful villages. Here, you will stop in the charming fishing town of Crail. This evening, we have something very special planned. Stay Two Nights: Fairmont St Andrews
Signature Experiences:
There is no place more fitting for your welcome dinner than Glamis Castle, the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and birthplace of HRH Princess Margaret. The castle is also the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372, as well as providing the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

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Day 3 St Andrews
Today, embark on a fascinating walking discovery of St Andrews, taking in sights of the University of St Andrews and its beautiful grounds including colleges of St Mary’s and St Salvator’s, as well as the Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA). The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore. Tonight, you might like to try the local dining scene.

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Day 4 St Andrews, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness
Stop by the incredible Cairngorms National Park in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Within the park, a plethora of attractions can be found, including castles, wildlife and of course distilleries, where you will visit a local whiskey house for a tasting. Later, arrive in Inverness in time for dinner. Stay Two Nights: Inverness, Ness Walk Hotel

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Day 5 Inverness, Ullapool
Embark on an exploration of the rarely visited Ullapool, a remote, picturesque fishing port town situated on the shores of Loch Broom. Not only is it the largest settlement in Western Ross, it’s also served as an emigration point during the Clearances. Here, admire beautiful whitewashed cottages dotted along the harbour, as well as the surrounding unspoilt scenery. We have left the rest of the day for you to either further explore on your own or take it easy as you relax and unwind.

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Day 6 Inverness, Isle of Skye
Travel to the iconic Loch Ness and stop at the famous viewpoint over Loch Garry. Stretching approximately 37 kilometres, the deep, dark waters run from Inverness to Fort Augustus. You will then continue past the immense mountain range of the Five Sisters of Kintail, which offers one of the best views of the Northwest Highlands. Later, see the village of Kyle of Lochalsh with its whitewashed buildings before crossing the bridge to the Isle of Skye, where you’ll have dinner tonight. Stay Two Nights: Duisdale Isle of Skye Hotel

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Day 7 Isle of Skye
Today is all about exploring the Isle of Skye, commencing with a visit to Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, set in the heart of a staggering 17,000-hectare property which has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of MacLeod Clan for 800 years. The gardens, meanwhile, are a hidden oasis containing an eclectic mix of plants offset by shimmering pools and waterfalls. Afterwards, you’ll need to have your camera handy as you take a scenic drive along the dramatic Trotternish Ridge. This drive offers Scotland’s most incredible scenery, teeming with spectacular cliffs and rock formations. The ridge rises to 719 metres above sea level at its peak, the Summit of Storr. Later, return to your hotel for dinner this evening.

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Day 8 Isle of Skye, Mallaig, Isle of Eriska
Take the ferry across to the bustling ferry port town of Mallaig, before stopping near the Glenfinnan Viaduct for a photo of the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous by the Harry Potter series. We have planned a very special stay and dinner. Stay Two Nights: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island
Signature Experiences:
For the next two nights on your very own private island. The Isle of Eriska derived its name from the surge of Norse invasions in the 10th century. The Big House was built in 1884 by a branch of the Stewarts of Appin. The isle itself is 300 acres of unspoilt natural beauty, where you may be able to spot wildlife such as seals, Roe and Red Deer. Tonight, savour an incredible gourmet experience at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant.

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Day 9 Isle of Eriska, Glencoe
After your selected sightseeing activity, return to your island for dinner.
Freedom of Choice:
Admire Glencoe, considered one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland and the site of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, following the Jacobite uprising that commenced in 1689. Members of the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were murdered by government forces for not being prompt In pledging their allegiance to the new monarchs, William III of England and II of Scotland and Mary II. Otherwise, golf enthusiasts will enjoy a round on the greens.

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Day 10 Isle of Eriska, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Edinburgh
Absorb sublime vistas as you enter Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. This region has had a profound affect on Gaelic culture, myth and folklore. Afterwards, return to Edinburgh, where you will say your goodbyes at a farewell dinner. Stay: Edinburgh, The Dunstane Houses

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Day 11 Depart Edinburgh
Be transferred to the airport.

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