Grand Tour of Scotland & The North Coast 500

Day 1

After departures, we travel north across the Scottish border to our overnight hotel.

Day 2

Today's journey begins along the 'bonnie banks of Loch Lomond' through Glencoe and to the start of the Great Glen where you'll be gifted loch views and mountain vistas. Our next stop is Fort William, the largest East Highland town, before continuing our scenic drive onto a photo stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Finally, we cross the bridge 'over the sea to Skye', where we reach our hotel for the next two nights in Kyleakin.

Day 3

Explore to the Isle of Skye today as we tour the rich history and stunning landscapes with an experienced guide. Enjoy dramatic coastal views of the Cullins visiting Portree, the island's 'capital', and Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod.

Day 4

After departing Skye, we travel along the shores of Loch Maree, considered one of the most beautiful lochs, through Wester Ross for a short stop in Gairloch, the starting line of the magnificent North Coast 500. Our next overnight hotel will be in the working harbour town of Ullapool, voted as one of the most picturesque villages in the UK.

Day 5

Following breakfast, we embark on our drive along the NC500, Scotland's very own Route 66; this over five-hundred-mile route around Scotland's stunning coastal scenery with white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, remote fishing villages and a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Experience the ruggedness of Caithness and Sutherland, where dramatic cliffs, serene lochs, and pristine beaches are abundant. Lunch is also included today. We later arrive at our next hotel in Thurso for the next two nights this evening.

Day 6

Today's first visit takes us to John O'Groats, the northernmost point of the UK mainland. Here, you'll find plenty of photo opportunities at the 'Journey's End'. We return to Thurso for free time to explore its fine harbour and beach, popular with surfers and home to stunning views out to Thurso Bay, the Pentland Firth and the island of Orkney. Finally, we visit Wolfburn, one of Scotland's most northerly distilleries, to discover how their award-winning single malt whisky is made.

Day 7

Today, we complete the NC500 as we travel down the East Coast. After passing through historic Helmsdale and Brora, we enjoy a visit to the fairytale Dunrobin Castle, one of the largest of Scotland's great houses, dating back to the early thirteenth century. From here, we travel through the picturesque Spey Valley and Drumochter Pass to our next overnight hotel in the heart of Scotland.

Day 8

Our penultimate day starts with a photo opportunity at the Kelpies. Located in Helix Park, these are the largest equine sculptures in the world! We also travel to Edinburgh with free time to explore 'Auld Reekie'. Here, you'll find one of Europe's most unique and memorable cities, with Scotland's capital home to beautiful sights, cobbled shopping streets, museums and attractions galore, before arriving at our final hotel.

Day 9

After breakfast, we return home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner