Day 1 - Edinburgh
Travel to Edinburgh in time to enjoy some
free time in the strikingly attractive capital of Scotland, with its superb
sightseeing, historic buildings, galleries, shops and restaurants.
Day 2 - Inverness
Following breakfast, start the journey north from Edinburgh through Glen Coe,
one of Scotland’s most famous glens with its awe inspiring scenery
and on to Fort William. Journey on passing Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and finally
Loch Ness, before arriving in Inverness, located on the shores of the Moray Firth.
You will find that everything you need is within easy walking distance of the
city centre where pipers, jugglers and fiddlers provide a welcome distraction
from the serious business of holiday shopping!
Day 3 - Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart
Castle
This morning starts with a cruise on Loch Ness from Inverness to Urquhart
Castle (entry included), which offers superb panoramic views of Loch Ness and
is a popular place for ''Nessie spotters''. Re-join the coach for a visit to
the original Loch Ness Visitor Centre exhibition before making up your mind
on one of the world's most intriguing mysteries.
Day 4 - Moray Firth Cruises – Dolphin & wildlife
spotting!
Today’s
cruise departs from Inverness harbour out onto the Moray Firth where you have
the best chance of seeing the most northerly group of bottlenose dolphins in
the world plus common seals, grey seals and porpoise. However in the Moray
Firth there is also a lot of bird life such as terns, gannets, fulmers, razorbills,
kittiwakes, red kites and ospreys. There are also superb views up to the last
jacobite battlefield Culloden Moor plus the picturesque villages of Fortrose,
Avoch and the lighthouse at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle.
Day 5 - Culloden
Moor & Brodie Castle
Today starts with a visit to the Culloden
Moor Visitor Centre, scene of the last major battle fought on mainland Britain.
It was here that the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart was crushed by government
forces led by the Duke of Cumberland and in less than an hour - the time it
takes to walk round the battlefield - it was all over! Following your visit
to Culloden make your way to Brodie Castle, a fine 16th century tower house
packed with art and antiques and home of the Brodie family until the late 20th
century, although it is believed the families association with the area goes
back further than the castle itself!
Day 6 - Pitlochry
Depart after breakfast
and make your way through the Spey Valley with its stunning scenery as you
drive over the Drumochter Pass. We also suggest a stop in the popular Victorian
resort of Pitlochry, which nestles on the banks of the River Tummel before
continuing the journey home.