Overview
One of our most popular destinations is Scotland's Western Highlands and Islands, world famous for their rugged coastlines, beautiful landscapes and fascinating history.
Many locations on the West coast have been used as locations for films and television series including Harry Potter and Outlander. It is possible to combine this tour with either or to create an itinerary with a balance of lots of different interests. Please let us know what are your particular areas of interest.
Departing from your chosen location, tour through the stunning landscapes of Argyll including the picture postcard setting of the village of Crinan at the mouth of the Crinan Canal. Nearby Kilmartin Glen has a host of sites linked to Scotland's early human history such as the Bronze Age Nether Largie standing stones through to the site of one of Scotland's first kingdoms; Dalriada. Overnight in Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland and gateway to the Inner Hebridean Isles.
Explore the Island of Mull and the sacred Isle of Iona, the final resting place of Scotland’s royal families. The idyllic island setting featuring stunning beaches and amazing sites of religious antiquity. The evening is spent in the island capital of Tobermory.
Returning to the Scottish mainland, visiting the imposing Glencoe noted not only for its stunning scenery but its historical significance. A walk through the breath-taking Glen Nevis sited at the foot of Scotland's highest peak, Ben Nevis. Finally, Glenfinnan, notable for its role in the Jacobite uprisings and more recently its unmistakable railway viaduct. We overnight nestled in the countryside of the Great Glen, formerly a geological fault line surrounded by stunning, mountainous countryside.
Travelling through Lochaber and Lochalsh we encounter Scotland's most photogenic of castles, Eilean Donan with its history tied to the Jacobite Risings. Departing the mainland once again we arrive on the Isle of Skye. Explore the unique geological features of the Isle of Skye in particular those found upon the Trotternish peninsula; visiting sites such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the awe inspiring Quiraing mountain range. Discover more about the traditional clan based mode of life practiced on the island for centuries and their close ties with the mythological world at sites such as Fairy Glen and Dunvegan Castle. Overnight is spent in the Northern part of the Isle of Skye.
Meandering down the less explored Western coast of Skye with highlights including Neist Point lighthouse and Tallisker Distillery we depart the island via the charming and historic turntable ferry, to investigate the Iron Age Brochs at Glenelg. Overnight is spent in the wonderful village of Plockton on the shores of Loch Carron
Winding our way inland, we make our way to the shores of Loch Ness and the charming canal-side town of Fort Augustus. Photo opportunities galore alongside the iconic Loch though monster appearances can never be guaranteed. The latter part of the day is spent at historic sites in the vicinity of Inverness including the Bronze age archaelogical site of Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield, site of the climax of the Jacobite Risings. Overnight is spent in Inverness, a compact yet vibrant Highland city.
Journeying Southwards from Inverness through Cairngorm National Park, the Perthshire Highlands and rural Stirlingshire. We spend time at the open air Highland Folk Museum for a glimpse of life in the past, often used as a filming location for historical dramas such as Outlander. Historic sights abound with relevance to the Scottish Wars of Independence, the Jacobite Risings and British Imperialism fill our day, alongside opportunities to explore delightful waterfalls. Our tour concludes at your chosen location.
Included
- Wi-fi Wifi available in vehicle
This was the third trip to Scotland for me and the first for my daughter-in-law. My husband and I had used Bruce and I wouldn't hire anyone else for this trip. We gave him a list of the places we wanted to visit; he took it from there designing a fantastic itinerary including them and many other stops. We appreciated the fact that he stayed in the same lodging building each night plus ate dinner with us. This helped two ladies alone feel much safer.
My husband and I also toured with Bruce in Europe a few years ago. He picked us up in Amsterdam after a Viking River Cruise. We drove to the Normandy area in France. He was so knowledgeable and increased our enjoyment and knowledge of the areas we traveled through.