7 Day Best of Scotland & Cowal Highland Gathering

Pick-up and head north over the Firth of Forth, pausing in the village of South Queensferry with fine views of the Bridges. We will visit the traditional village of Falkland and tour the Palace here that was once a favoured place of retreat for the Stewart monarchs including Mary Queen of Scots. Moving on, we head into the Highlands to visit the village of Dunkeld on the banks of the river Tay before making our way to the Victorian town of Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire. Overnight Pitlochry

This morning we head out and travel through the Cairngorms Mountain Range. The Cairngorms National Park is the largest of the UK’s national parks and encompasses mountains, valleys, un-spoilt countryside, and many different communities. We travel through Kingussie, Aviemore and later, we visit Carrbridge village on our way north for a tour of Culloden Battlefield. This will provide a lasting image of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite Army of 1745. Overnight nr Inverness

We begin this morning with a tour of Inverness, ‘Capital of the Highlands’, allowing some time to explore the shops and walk the riverside before we move on. When we are ready, we’ll head south along iconic Loch Ness with fabulous scenery and picturesque villages along the way. After an enjoyable lunch and a look around the village of Fort Augustus we head west and end the day with a tour of Eilean Donan Castle dating from the 13th century. Overnight nr Skye

Today is dedicated to a wonderful tour of the Isle of Skye. We pass through Broadford village to view the Cuillin Mountains, and then on to the main settlement on the Island, Portree, with colourful houses and traditional harbour. Later, we explore the north of the island and admire the scenery and views at the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Falls, Lealt Falls and the strange landscape of the Quiraing. Other options available depending on the weather. Overnight nr Skye

This morning we take the ferry over to the mainland, arriving in the fishing village of Mallaig. After a look around the village we tour along the spectacular “Road to the Isles” with spectacular coastal views. Our journey follows in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie at Glenfinnan where he raised the Royal Standard at the beginning of the ’45 uprising. We end the day viewing the awe-inspiring Glencoe landscape with stunning scenery and a bloody history. Overnight St. Catherines

Today is all about the Cowal Highland Gathering and we make the short drive through to the town of Dunoon to soak up the unique, friendly atmosphere and stunning Highland location of the games. Watch world-class pipers, dancers and athletes competing on a grand scale, taking some time to also enjoy the town. Saturday sees the finals of the Highland Dancing World Championships – the most important event in the highland dancing calendar. Overnight St. Catherines

We begin our return journey to Edinburgh today with a fabulous journey to Loch Lomond via the views at the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ pass. We stop to visit the beautiful lochside village of Luss to take in the quaint workers’ cottages and fine views over Loch Lomond. We end the day in the city of Stirling for a 2-hour tour of Stirling Castle to take in the castle's long and turbulent history. From the castle walls the monument to Sir William Wallace can be seen in the distance. Tour ends in Edinburgh.