Grand Tour of Scotland & The North Coast 500

Day 1

Travel north over the forder to an overnight hotel in central Scotland area

Day 2

We begin our journey along the 'bonnie banks of Loch Lomond', through Glencoe and the start of the Great Glen, where you'll be treated to breathtaking loch and mountain vistas, en route to a late morning visit to Fort William. We continue our scenic drive with a stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle before crossing the bridge 'over the sea to Skye' and our hotel - Kings Arms Hotel, Kyleakin (3*) x 2 nights.

Day 3

Today we discover the rich history and stunning landscapes of Skye, including the dramatic coastal views of the Cullins, as you explore the island with an experienced guide. Highlights include visits to the 'capital' of Portree and Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the Mclead Clad (NB. Local cx & driver)

Day 4

From Skye we head northwards, along the shores of Loch Maree, considered one of the bonniest lochs in Scotland, en route to Wester Ross at the start of the famous North Coast 500 and our next overnight hotel in Gairloch, with its pretty harbour, where you can take in the Highland air surrounded by a landscape rich in wildlife, unspoilt shores, lochs and mountains - Gairloch Hotel (3*) x 1 night

Day 5

We embark on our draw-dropping journey along the North Coast 500, Scotland's very own version of Route 66. We experience the rugged beauty of Caithness and Sutherland, taking in dramatic cliffs, serene lochs and pristine beaches along the way, with lunch included en route, as we skirt the very top of the UK's Northwest coastline en route to our hotel - Castletown Hotel, nr Thurso (3*) x 2 nights

Day 6

This morning we visit John O'Groats, for that memorable photo opportunity at the what is probably one of the most photographed signs in the UK, at the very top tip of mainland UK marking ‘Journey’s End’, some 874 miles from the southernmost point at Cornwall's Lands End. Our return takes us to the historic Castle of Mey, the much loved Scottish retreat of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Wolfburn Distillery, where you can discover more about their award-winning single malt whisky collections and witness the inner workings of the distillery, which is one of the most northerly in Scotland.

Day 7

We head down the east coast this morning, passing through historical sites like Helmsdale and Brora, capturing photos of Dunrobin Castle along the way to the Highland capital Inverness, where we have some free time. From here we continue throught the picturesque spey Valley and Drumochter Pass, to our next overnight hotel in the heart of Scotland – Overnight Hotel TBC (min 3*) x 1 night

Day 8

Our first visit today is for a photo opportunity at the famous Kelpies, which standing at 100 feet tall are the world's largest equine sculptures and one of Scotland's premier attractions. From here we head into Edinburgh, where there will be some free time to explore the Scottish capital, before continuing to our final overnight hotel in the borders – Overnight Hotel TBC (min 3*) x 1 night

Day 9

After our final Scottish breakfast we head south, back of the border into England and home.