Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye

Edinburgh - Glencoe - Fort William. As we head out of Edinburgh, we travel north west, stopping to admire The Kelpies. These 30-metre high sculptures depict horse heads, and opened to the public in 2013. We make a lunch stop before continuing our drive, passing by lochs, rivers and lush forests. We cross eerily beautiful Rannoch Moor, stopping for photos at the most scenic spots. Reaching Glencoe, we have time to admire the mountain vistas and learn about the 1692 Glencoe Massacre. Around 30 members of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were slaughtered here for failing to pledge allegiance to King William III and Mary II.

Skirting the edge of Loch Linnhe, we reach our accommodation in Fort William, a highland town on the shore of the loch.

Please note: Check-in closes at 09:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.

Accommodation: Sobhan B&B, Myrtle Bank B&B or similar

Fort William - Skye. We're in for a treat today, as we see the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. This is one of the world's most famous stretches of railway, having starred in the 'Harry Potter' series as the route taken by the Hogwarts Express en route to the magical school. We also see a famous monument commemorating the Jacobites who died fighting for their cause.

Reaching Mallaig, we take the ferry to the Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides (please note that during the winter months (October till the end of March) we take a scenic route through Kyle of Lochalsh and drive over the Skye Bridge instead of the ferry).

Our afternoon is spent exploring the dramatic Sleat Peninsula. Marvel at the cascading waterfalls of Glenbrittle and the scenic Cuillin Mountains before we reach our overnight base in the Lochalsh area.

Accommodation: Caledonian B&B, Duirinish B&B or similar

Today we will be exploring the remote Isle of Skye, but there is no fixed itinerary for the day. The weather can be unpredictable, so your guide will choose the best highlights to show you in accordance with the conditions and any events that may be happening on the island during your visit. We are likely to be hiking, in order to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the island. Options include The Quiraing hill walk and the Old Man of Storr Walk, probably the most famous trail on the island. We can also see the Neist Point Lighthouse. Spend the day taking photos, sampling the view and enjoying everything this pristine environment has to offer. In the late afternoon, we return to our accommodation.

Accommodation: Caledonian B&B, Duirinish B&B or similar

Skye - Dunkeld - Edinburgh. We depart the Isle of Skye today and enjoy a visit to see Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th century fortress, located on an island. We then journey south through Glen Shiel and past Loch Cluanie, enjoying views of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

Passing through the dramatic Monadhliath Mountains, we stop in the historic town of Dunkeld where there is free time for you to see the ruins of the old cathedral. We then travel over the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh, where our tour comes to an end.

Please note: This tour ends at 18:30 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.