Description

This private tour is tailored for those that want to base themselves in Inverness while exploring the surrounding highlands. The capital of the highlands is the perfect place to base yourselves with daily tours exploring the area. Save yourself from packing each day. This tour can be customized to your request, below is a suggested 6 day tour...

Day 1 From Edinburgh we will first pass over the Forth Bridge as we go over the Firth of Forth to Fife. The first stop will be a relaxing woodland walk at the Hermitage. Then we can spend some time at the historic town of Dunkeld on the River Tay. After going to the Victorian town of Pitlochry. Optionally we can visit one of the local distilleries.

Continuing the tour north we can stop at the white cast fairytale Blair Castle. Ancestral home to the Clan Murray and Duke of Athol. After a full day of touring we finally reach the romantic city of Inverness. Sitting on the River Ness it has some great dinning choices.

Day 2 In the morning our tour takes us to Cawdor Castle. Shakespeare' s play makes this the home of Macbeth, but it is actually the home of the Campbell family. The dowager Countess of Cawdor as she lives here. This is a wonderful castle, still a family home but steeped in history.

We then go to Culloden battlefield, the moor where the last pitched battle in Britain took place. We tour the battlefield and visitor centre to learn about the battle. This battle saw the last hopes of Bonnie Prince Charlie taking the British Throne lost forever, the aftermath changed Highland culture forever.

The tour then takes us to the southern bank of Loch Ness at the town of Dorres. Meet Steve Feltham, the real life monster hunter. He has been here since 1993 selling his hand made Nessie souvenirs. Optionally we can then go see the Falls of Foyer which was a favourite spot of Robert Burns. There are quite a lot of stairs so if you have walking difficulties this may not be for you. End of the day returning to Inverness.

Day 3  An early departure of about 8am. It is a long journey to the Isle of Skye and will be about a 12 hour day. We will pass through the mountainous region of Kintail to reach the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. This is one of the most photographed castles in the world and was used in the Highlander movie.

Our tour then takes us to the Isle of Skye which is the highlight of the day. We will spend the majority of the day touring the island and stopping to see some of the stunning landscape. There are many options for today including; Cuillin Mountains, Portree, Quiraing, Museum of Island Life and Dunvegan Castle. You can discuss the route with your guide and go the route that interests you most. (Photo Attributes: Paul Albertella)

We will return the northern mountainous route with an option to stop in the historic town of Beauly. Overnight in Inverness

Day 4 Today we will be heading north through the scenic landscape of the Black Isle and over the Cromarty Firth. Dunrobin Castle has been the ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland for the past 700 years. We tour this beautiful castle, explore the magnificent grounds, investigate the museum and watch the falconry display. We will spend most of the morning here.

After we go to Glenmorangie Distillery and experience the making of Scotland's Spirit. Founded in 1843, the '16 men of Tain' work to produce this award winning whisky.

Heading back to Inverness we can stop at the mystical Clootie Well or seaside town of Cromarty. Overnight Inverness.

Day 5  With bags packed we say good-bye to highland city of Inverness. In the morning we will head towards  Loch Ness where you will have the opportunity to take a short cruise and visit the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle. At Fort Augustus we can see the working locks of the Caledonian Canal. Continuing down the length of the Great Glen we turn off to Spean Bridge and the Commando Memorial. From here we get great views of Ben Nevis. Lunch options are stop at the active town of Fort William or as a special treat take the Gondola ride up the Nevis Range for great alpine views.

Then we go to the breathtaking mountainous Glencoe. This area plays an important part of Scottish History as it was the scene of a bloody massacre in 1692. It is now very popular for walkers and mountain climbers. Used in many movies including James Bond Skyfall. We will have some time to explore the glen. (Photo Attributes: Danny Nicholson)

Continuing our drive north we pass through Rannoch Moor and Loch Tula. There will be plenty photo stops today. Finally we reach Stirling where we will spend the night.

Day 6 Today we will visit the historic town of Stirling. Considered the most important place in Scotland due to its location. For this reason there has been many battles fought here.

Enjoy a privately guided tour of Stirling Castle. Originally built by James IV in 1500s it was home to the Stuart Kings and Queens. After we will go to the towering Wallace Monument. Inside it tells the story of Scotland's famous hero, William Wallace. There are 246 steps to the top with great views. We will end the city tour in Bannockburn to see the impressive statue of Robert the Bruce.

We finally head back to Edinburgh where your personal guide and new friend can give you a short panoramic city tour before saying good-bye.

Note there is also an option to start or end in Glasgow. Itinerary will be slightly altered. Enquire for details.

Private Tour to Inverness, Scottish Highlands and Stirling