11 Day Highlands of Scotland (Reverse) – APT

Itinerary

11 Day Small Group Discovery from Edinburgh to Edinburgh with APT

Travel deep into the wild landscapes of Scotland, where the history is as fascinating as the countryside. Discover Cairngorms National Park and the Isle of Skye, not to mention the lochs, glens and castles that have withstood the test of time.

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, Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park, Isle of Eriska
Absorb sublime vistas as you enter Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. This region has had a profound effect on Gaelic culture, myth and folklore. We have planned a very special stay 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. Stay Two Nights: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island

(B/D)

Day 3 Isle of Eriska, Glencoe
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. Later, return to your island for dinner.

(B/D)

Day 4 Isle of Eriska, Fort William, Mallaig, Isle of Skye
Today you’ll stop in the picturesque town of Fort William where you’ll admire magnificent mountain scenery and evergreen forests. On your way to the bustling ferry port town of Mallaig, take a photo stop opportunity at Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter films. Mallaig is the perfect spot to stretch your legs. Stroll around the harbour, chat with the locals, or sit and watch the fishing boats bob in the harbour. A ferry takes you onwards to the Isle of Skye. Stay Two Nights: Duisdale Isle of Skye Hotel

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Day 5 Isle of Skye
Wake up to soaring mountains and sparkling lochs, rugged sea cliffs and expansive moors. Isle of Skye certainly boasts stunning scenery. A tour includes the Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, home to the MacLeod Clan for 800 years. Aboard your coach, drive along dramatic Trotternish Ridge. Make sure to have your camera at the ready to snap the jagged peaks and unique rock formations.

(B/D)

Day 6 Isle of Skye, Inverness
Witness the drama of Scotland’s landscapes as we travel to Inverness. Pass the immense mountain range of the Five Sisters of Kintail. Legend tells of five sisters who turned into mountains waiting for five Irish princes who vowed to come to Scotland to join the sisters in marriage. Continue along the peninsula of Knoydart, stopping en route at the famous viewpoint over Loch Garry for captivating views. You’ll also visit Loch Ness and hear all about the mysteries surrounding the famous loch. Your day ends in Inverness, capital of the Highlands. Stay Two Nights: Inverness, Ness Walk Hotel

(B/D)

Day 7 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 Wester 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.

(B)

Day 8 Cairngorms National Park, St Andrews
What better way to kick off your day’s explorations than with a tasting at a local whiskey distillery? Learn about the production process while enjoying a sample. Afterwards, venture into the heart of the Highlands to Cairngorms National Park. As the largest national park in the UK, you may stumble across castles, gardens, mountains, ancient native trees, lochs and cascading waterfalls, as well as local wildlife. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the park. Hop back in your coach and continue to St Andrews. Tonight, you might like to try the local dining scene. Stay Two Nights: Fairmont St Andrews

(B)

Day 9 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 before a special dining experience tonight.
Signature Experiences:
This evening, we have something very special planned. 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.

(B/D)

Day 10 St Andrews, Fife, Edinburgh
After breakfast, set out for Edinburgh. 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 is now teeming with rolling green farmland and delightful villages. Here, you will stop in the charming fishing town of Crail. Afterwards, return to Edinburgh, where you will say your goodbyes at a farewell dinner. Stay: Edinburgh, The Dunstane Houses

(B/D)

Day 11 Depart Edinburgh
Be transferred to the airport.

(B)