7 Day Isle of Skye, Royal Deeside & St Andrews

Today we start with one of Scotland’s main highlights as we head for Stirling Castle, the favoured residence of Scotland’s Kings and Queens for a full tour to take in the castles' long and turbulent history. The onwards journey takes us west through the fabulous landscape of Scotland’s first National Park, and then north for a tour across Rannoch Moor before arriving at the dramatic scenery of Glencoe that is steeped in history. Overnight Glencoe.

This morning we tour west on the ‘Road to the Isles’, providing wonderful views to the Small Isles of Eigg and Rhum. Our journey follows the West Highland Railway, built to help open up this remote part of the Scottish coast. We stop at Glenfinnan to view the monument in honour of the Highlanders who gave their lives to the Jacobite cause in 1745. After lunch in the fishing port of Mallaig we take the ferry  “Over the Sea to Skye” and visit Armadale Castle & Gardens. Overnight Skye area.

After breakfast we begin on a tour of the Isle of Skye, passing through Broadford and on to the main settlement on the Island, Portree, with its colourful harbour front and interesting shops. After lunch we head north through the rugged Trotternish Peninsula and take in the views at Uig, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Falls before travelling back down the island for the evening. Other options are a possibility depending on the weather, but this will most definitely be a day to remember. Overnight Skye area.

After breakfast, enjoy a spectacular visit to iconic Eilean Donan Castle before travelling through Glen Shiel to the charming village of Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness. We’ll stop for lunch here with a chance to look around before moving on to travel the length of the loch. The afternoon is spent visiting the Single Malt Whisky Distillery at Glen Ord for an interesting and informative tasting masterclass. Overnight nr Inverness.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Inverness before we head out for a scenic trip through the Cairngorms National Park. On the way, we visit Carrbridge village with its old pack-horse bridge, and the Highland town of Grantown-on-Spey for lunch. We tour south to spend the afternoon exploring majestic Royal Deeside. Surrounded by glorious countryside, Ballater is a picturesque Victorian village on the River Dee. Overnight Aboyne.

After breakfast we explore Royal Deeside and visit one of the largest tower houses in Scotland, Castle Fraser. Discover the home of the Fraser family of more than 400 years and the traditional walled garden. Next, we head for Crathes Castle to explore this magnificent 16th-century castle, with its intricate maze of turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings. We visit Stonehaven harbour on our way south to Dundee. Overnight Dundee.

Explore the ancient and historic town of St. Andrews. The University of St. Andrews, founded in 1410, dominates the centre of town consisting of narrow alleys and cobbled streets with shops, restaurants and cafés. Later, we head down the coast and visit the charming East Neuk fishing villages of Crail and Pittemweem, nestling amongst the natural harbours of the coastline. We now make our way back to Edinburgh via South Queensferry village.