4 Day Best of Highlands Coach Tour depart Glasgow
This popular four day tour, which includes a trip to Skye, will give you real insight into the nature and beauty of the Scottish Highlands. This tour takes you through the variety of Scotland's moods and landscapes, covering the country roads from the far west to the far north. It's the perfect introduction to the beauty of Scotland! The tour runs Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from April to October.
Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort William, The Great Glen, Loch Ness, Inverness, Glen Carron, Isle of Skye, Beach combing, Cuillin Hills, Eilean Donan Castle, The Five Sisters, Pre-historic sites, John O'Groats, Duncansby Head, Wick, Beauly, Cromarty, Dolphin spotting, Spey Valley and Scenic Perthshire
Day One - Glasgow to Inverness (3 nights)
From Glasgow we will make our way via lonely Rannoch Moor to the beauty of Glen Coe. There is a stop in the heart of the Glen where you can enjoy these spectacular surroundings. Our crossing of the Ballachulish Bridge will bring us to Fort William which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis. The majestic beauty of the Great Glen is next – Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and finally Loch Ness will provide wonderful views at every turn. We'll drive the entire length of Loch Ness stopping so you can visit Urquhart Castle* and take a monster spotting cruise *.
Our tour is based in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, for the next three nights.
The stay in Inverness is unescorted.
Day Two - The Magical Isle
Today we enjoy a full day excursion to the beautiful island of Skye. Following our tour through picturesque Glen Carron we cross 'over the sea to Skye' and make our way to Sleat, the Garden of Skye. The gentle scenery that we see in this part of the island contrasts with the rugged beauty of the Cuillin Hills that we will discover later on our tour. We will make a visit to the Clan Donald Centre where there is time to explore the fabulous gardens. Later we will make a scenic drive and enjoy some beach combing. A real highlight is our stop to visit Eilean Donan Castle* (optional), perched on its island at the head of Loch Duich. You will marvel at the views when we stop at this most picturesque of castles. Our return to Inverness will take us through Glen Shiel to Invermoriston where we will make our final stop of the day.
Day Three - Caithness and John O'Groats
We leave Inverness and head across the Black Isle to the Cromarty Firth where, depending on tide conditions, we may see our first seals. We will make a stop in the town of Golspie. High above the town is an astonishing statue, 27m (90') high. This is of the First Duke of Sutherland, whose agents were involved in the most notorious of the Clearances in the Highlands during the 19th century. We'll hear more about this sad episode in the history of Scotland as we head North. There will be a stop in John O'Groats for that 'I was there' photograph before making our way to stunning Duncansby Head where, after a stroll along the cliff-top path, there are views of the dramatic sea stacks and seascapes to enjoy. Duncansby is rich in birdlife including Guillemot, Kittiwakes and, the most famous residents, Puffins (until late July). There are binoculars available on-board our mini-coach so you can get a 'close up' view.
After our visit to Duncansby we turn southwards for home. Our journey will take us through Wick and there will be a comfort stop along the way before we make journey's end in Inverness.
Day Four - Inverness to Glasgow
After breakfast we make the short drive to the Black Isle where we will enjoy scenic views over the Cromarty Firth as we travel to the little fishing village of Cromarty. Next we stop at Chanonry Point, a popular vantage point to spot the community of dolphins that live in the Moray Firth. Our next visit is to Beauly. The monks who built a priory here in the 13th Century called it Beau Lieu or beautiful place. You'll soon discover why! There is a stop at the popular Loch Ness Exhibition and Centre * before you join your motorcoach for our tour south.
The route will take us into the spectacular Cairngorm National Park and the Spey Valley, for the best views of the Cairngorm Mountains, then through the dramatic scenery of the Drumochter Pass and onwards to Glen Garry - watch out for imposing Blair Castle. We'll make a stop for afternoon tea before continuing through the rolling Perthshire countryside. From Perth its homeward bound to journey's end in Glasgow.
The order in which excursions are operated may vary.
* Admission fees extra
Inclusions
Accommodation is included in the price of the tour. Clients can select between conveniently located quality guest house accommodation and a superior tourist class hotel in the centre of Inverness. All rooms have en-suite facilities and other amenities. Full Scottish breakfast is included. Prices are based on 2 people sharing a room - please note single supplements will apply.
· 3 nights accommodation in twin rooms with private bath/shower
· Full Scottish breakfast (days 2, 3 & 4)
· Excursions as detailed in itinerary
· Transportation to/from Inverness by luxury touring coach
· Services of a tour host
· Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
Admission charges unless otherwise stated in the itinerary
· Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
· Gratuity to your driver/guide
The Little Details
- Minimum Age: Age 3+
- Min Age: 3 years
- Tour Vehicle Type: Coach
- Months of Operation: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Duration of Tour: 4 days
- Departure Point: Glasgow
- Departure Point: Holiday Inn Theatreland 161 West Nile Street Glasgow, G1 2RL
- Departure Time: Check in: 07:45 hrs Departs 08:00 hrs
- Expected return Time: 20:30 hrs (day 4)
- Duration of Tour: 4 days
Rates & Dates
| Tour (Per Person in GB Sterling ) | ||
| Dates | Type | |
| Package per person (Hotels) | Package per person (Guesthouses) | |
|
Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays Monday only from 30th October - 27th November |
Sharing a Twin or Double Room: £520.00
Single Room: £710.00
|
Sharing a Twin or Double Room: £455.00
Single room: £555.00
|
Booking Notes
- Prices are quoted per person per tour based on two sharing
- Customers must provide a valid credit card number.
- Limited availability : advanced booking required.
- This tour only operates on certain days of the week
- Any booking is subject to our Booking Terms.
Click on the 'Book Now' button to make your reservation. Enter your dates and requirements and complete the booking. Scottish Tours will confirm availability to you immediately or very soon thereafter. Rest assured no payment will be taken if they cannot confirm the booking to you.
Full tour operator information including local contact telephone numbers and departure details will appear on your tour voucher/confirmation.
Some Places We Will Visit
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Fort William
Fort William is the gateway to the Western Highlands and one of the country's main tourist centres. It stands at the head of Loch Linnhe, with the snow-topped mass of Ben Nevis towering behind.
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Glencoe
Dramatic landscape with a dramatic history. Few who visit the glen are unmoved by its majesty and power.
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John O'Groats
If you still feel inclined to visit this old tourist trap, then that's your prerogative, but don't say we didn't warn you. It's kind of boring at best and pretty miserable most of the time. It gets its name from the Dutchman Jan de Groot, who was commissioned by King James IV to run a ferry service to Orkney in 1496. Ferries still operate from here to Burwick in Orkney (see Transport below). There's a Tourist Information Centre here (Tel. 611373, open April-October Monday-Saturday 0900-1700), as well as a post office, craft shops and a chippie.
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Beauly
Beauly is located on the north bank of River Beauly 10 miles to the west of Inverness in Scotland. The main attraction is Beauly Priory or the Priory Church established in 1230 by John Bisset. This attractive town got its name from the French word “beau lieu” means beautiful place. It is also said that the name came from a comment made by Mary Queen of Scots when she visited here, she was much impressed by the place.
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Wick
Visitor guide to Wick in the Scottish Highlands. Includes what to see and do and great accommodation and eating options.
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Cromarty
Charming white harled village that is picture postcard pretty and features on many pictures postcards
Castle Visited
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Eilean Donan Castle
One of the world's quintessential castles: Eilean Donan is familiar from films and stunning in its romantic location. Open daily.