Scottish Lochs & the Isles of Skye & Mull

COASTLINES & CASTLES

A showcase of Scotland’s captivating western coastline, calling at enchanting lochs, castle-laden isles, and fishing villages. Traverse through inspiring Scottish landscapes, passing by landmarks so spectacular that they’ve been captured on screen. From the famed, myth-invoking Loch Ness to the internationally recognised Eilean Donan Castle linked to the James Bond franchise, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in Harry Potter, this tour has no shortage of stand-out sights. Set off on foot into the epic Trossachs National Park, sail to the Isles of Skye and Mull and spot some of the region’s rare wildlife along the way.

Highlights

Stand on the banks of the famous Loch Ness and visit the commonly photographed Eilean Donan Castle
Traverse the Isle of Skye, passing by the Cullin Hills
Discover the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, Dunvegan
Potter around the pretty harbour of Portree
View the striking Glenfinnan Viaduct and call at Fort William
Take a ferry to the Isle of Mull and stroll around the many-hued buildings of Tobermory
Explore the sprawling landscapes of Trossachs National Park
Cruise across the largest lake in the UK, Loch Lomond

Inclusions

Six nights' dinner, bed and Scottish breakfast accommodation at a series of hotels in Strathpeffer (1 night), Isle of Skye (2), Glencoe (2) and Glasgow (1)
Tour of Loch Ness and visit to Eilean Donan Castle
Tour of the Isle of Skye, with visits to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens and Portree
Visits to Mallaig and Fort William, and view of Glenfinnan Viaduct
Tour of the Isle of Mull, including Tobermory
Loch Lomond cruise and drive to Trossachs National Park
Flights to Inverness and from Glasgow
Comfortable coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day

1

After landing at Inverness airport, you’ll be met by your tour manager and transferred to your hotel, which looks out over the majestic Ben Wyvis Mountain. You’ll have time to get settled in, perhaps grab a drink in the snug lounge, and then have dinner.

Day

2

Breakfast this morning will followed by a full day of sightseeing. The tour will start by travelling along the west shore of the beautiful Loch Ness, where you’ll have a chance to stop and take in the spectacular scenery from the banks of this world-famous fresh-water lake. Continuing along the A87, the tour will then head to the Isle of Skye, calling at Eilean Donan Castle on the shores of Loch Doch. Here, you’ll be able to snap a photograph of the castle, which was captured in movies such as the James Bond series. You’ll then cross Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, known for its dramatic scenery, peppered with craggy outcrops, ancient castles, and fishing villages. Upon arrival, you can check into your charming accommodation with traditional features, take it easy and have dinner.

Day

3

Fuel up on breakfast as you have another day of sightseeing ahead, allowing you to get better acquainted with the Isle of Skye. The tour will kick-off by passing the lofty and often mist-clad Cullin Hills and journeying towards Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. This is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. You’ll join a tour of the property and its gardens awash with eclectic plants, ornate bridges, and ponds. In the afternoon, you’ll travel to the island’s main town, Portree, lined with white and colour-washed buildings set around the harbour. Embrace some time to potter around the pretty port before returning to your hotel for dinner

Day

4

Enjoy breakfast, check out of the hotel and then the tour will make its way to Armadale, where you’ll catch a ferry (weather permitting) to the fishing town of Mallaig. From the ferry, you’ll continue driving through the Highlands, and passing by the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland that features in several Harry Potter movies. You’ll also get the opportunity to stop at Fort William, the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, and view the mountain in all its glory. Later in the day, you’ll be taken to your next hotel, where you can nurse a whiskey in the loch-facing bar before dinner.

Day

5

Get prepped for a new day of exploration after breakfast, starting with a transfer to Oban, ‘the gateway to the isles. You’ll then catch a ferry to the Isle of Mull and begin a guided sightseeing tour. Tobermory, a highlight of the excursion, is the main town on the isle, and sports a colourful strip of buildings strung along its port. You can meander around the shops, cafés, and restaurants all the while taking in the surrounding views of the coastline. Later in the day, you’ll return to your hotel to rest up and have dinner.

Day

6

It’s your final day, and following breakfast, you’ll make the most of it by journeying to Trossachs National Park, which was Scotland’s first national park. An expanse of wooded glens, teeming with wildlife, this park is home to the largest lake in the UK, Loch Lomond. You’ll take to the waters of this lake with a cruise while keeping your eyes peeled for beavers and otters paddling near the banks, the regal Scottish red deer strolling alongside or some of the 200 species of birds that inhabit the area. Towards the end of this nature-filled day, you’ll travel on to another hotel in the greater Glasgow area for the evening.