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Special Group Tours Toll Free: 1 866 725 5250 |
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SCOTLAND: The BIG Country, High Roads & Low Roads Firstly, you tour the Western Coast and Western Isles of Scotland which offer one of the most romantic and travel opportunities possible. On the isles of Iona, Mull, Skye, Lewis and the Orkneys your sightseeing includes prehistoric remains, ancient fortresses, traditional fishing villages and early Christian religious centres. We show you a variety of sites connected with 2000 years and more of Scotland's history and, of course, some ofthe most dramatic and memorable scenery to be seen anywhere in the world. The second half of your adventure takes us to the eastern side of the Highlands. We tour the Trossachs, sample single malts along the whisky trail and see the lovely Stuart Royal Kingdom of Fife. All these, and the major cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Available at any date for private groups of 2 – 15 people. Price available upon application. Rates are based upon vehicle and guide hire per day; groups of 7 - 15 would have a per person rate same/similar to one of our scheduled tours of the same length. Please note, this is a suggested itinerary. It may be revised to suit your individual group needs.
If you do not have a group of traveling companions and are still interested in this custom tour itinerary, you are welcomed to join a waitlist… We record who is looking for travel companions to make up a tour with them. We need between 6 and 8 persons minimum to operate a tour without it being uneconomic for us or too expensive for you. Back-Roads Touring Co Ltd will be happy to run the occasional special departure IF there is sufficient interest. If you would like to check on or join a waitlist for this itinerary, please email us for full information: kate@specialgrouptours.com
TENTATIVE ITINERARY DAY ONE You will land at Glasgow Airport where you will be met by your Back-Roads Representative and transferred to our local base. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore this interesting city with its famed art galleries and parks. Dinner is not included tonight. NIGHTSTOP Glasgow
DAY TWO Departing from our Glasgow hotel, we head north to immediately breathe in the atmosphere by the shores of the celebrated Loch Lomond. We'll visit Kilchurn Castle or Inverary gaol/jail before continuing west. This afternoon's itinerary includes a visit to one of Argyll's woodland gardens. We'll have time to explore Dunstaffnage Castle before reaching our base for the next three nights. NIGHTSTOP Oban
DAY THREE This morning is spent at leisure exploring Oban, the mainland port for the Hebridean Isles and full of local colour. After taking in a classic elevated view over the town, we make the short winding drive to Easdale Island. On the way we cross the only bridge over the Atlantic Ocean and pass the fascinatingly named Inn 'Tigh Na Troos' (House of the Trousers!). Once on Easdale Island we visit the local folk museum, where we learn about the life of the former slate mining community. This is probably one of the most photogenic fishing villages you'll find anywhere in the world. NIGHTSTOP Oban
DAY FOUR Time to take to the water, crossing the Firth of Lorne to the Inner Hebridean Isle of Mull. The ferry journey itself is a delight with fine views of mainland and island vistas. Before reaching Craignure, our first port of call, there's a grand view of Duart Castle, ancestral home of the McClean clan. Once on dry land we head across the open, untouched landscape to Fionnphort in the south. From here we take a very short ferry ride, as foot passengers, to the revered Island of Iona, home to St. Columba and early Christian missionaries 1400 years ago. Within the shadow of the cathedral, Scots kings until Macbeth's time were buried. There is a special atmosphere here aided by the almost total lack of motor cars. Returning to Mull we follow, time permitting, the rugged coastline to the west, with the possibility (depending on weather) of breathtaking views of the Outer Hebridean Islands offshore. NIGHTSTOP Oban
DAY FIVE A day of glorious mountain scenery awaits us as we head north through the Grampian and North West Highland ranges. As we enter the splendid isolation of the pass of Glen Coe there's a real sense of majesty in the scenery. A visit to the Glencoe Visitor Centre gives us a chance to discover the real truth behind the tragic massacre of the MacDonalds. Arriving at the busy highland town of Fort William, there's an opportunity for the 'essentials' of life - eating, banking and shopping! Continuing our full day, we take in the Caledonian Canal - maybe there'll be yachts traversing the locking system to begin their voyage through Scotland's inland waterways. As we follow the canal, there are views of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, a haven for skiers and climbers alike. As we leave the canal, we encounter the imposing Glen Finnan Monument at the head of Loch Shiel. Winding around loch, brae and mountain, we cross by ferry to the Isle of Skye. NIGHTSTOP Isle of Skye
DAY SIX It's time to take a look around the misty Isle of Skye. Nowhere on this island is it possible to ignore the sea as it eats away at the coastline. It was from islands like this that thousands left in 'coffin' ships crossing the Atlantic to a new life. Amongst today's highlights are the island's 'capital', Portree, the 17th century ruined Duntulm Castle built by the MacDonalds on the site of a Celtic fort, the Old Man of Storr, a black basalt column 160ft tall and 40ft in diameter and the unique landscape of the 'quirang'. We'll also visit the memorial to Flora MacDonald, famed accomplice of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Close by lies a fine folk museum where a peat fire burns and heather lines the roof. We board an early evening ferry and enjoy a memorable 90 or so minutes crossing to the Western Isles. Uig to Tarbert eve ferry 18.00 arr. 19.40. NIGHTSTOP Tarbert
DAY SEVEN The Isle of Lewis is not actually an island, rather it is the northern two-thirds of the largest of the Western Isles, sharing a mountainous land border with Harris to its south. Lewis's best known visitor attraction include the superb Arnol which brings you the sights, sounds and smells of Lewis's traditional way of life. Other possibilities for our day include the tweed mill at Bragar and the Norse Mill at Siabost before reaching the Blackhouse Village at Gearrannan. Just beyond is Carlabhagh, with the nearby iron age broch of Dun Carloway. Further on, the road brings you to the amazing collection of standing stones at Calanais, and to the capital of Lewis and the only town in the Western Isles, Stornoway, where we'll stay the night. NIGHTSTOP Stornoway
DAY EIGHT This morning we must arise early to catch our 07.30 ferry back the mainland. Your journey from the Isle of Lewis finishes at the picturesque village of Ullapool. The 2 hour 40 minute crossing takes you from the Minch through a scattering of islets called The Summer Isles and Loch Broom. Remember to watch out for dolphins and porpoises during the crossing, as they are regular visitors. We'll enjoy some time at Ullapool before continuing your journey through the mind-blowing scenery of these wild highlands. This is Europe's last great wilderness and the stark beauty of it all is quite simply astounding. We'll arrive at Scotland's northern most tip, near John O'Groats, to catch our second ferry of the day to the Orkney Islands. Stornoway to Stromness Northlink Ferries ex. Scrabster at 19.00 arr. 20.30 NIGHTSTOP Orkney
DAYS NINE & TEN We'll have a relaxed start to the morning following our late night before beginning our Orkneys explorations. These Isles will provide some of the most memorable sightseeing of the tour. This archipelago comprises of some 70 islands and, although it seduces with its natural beauty, it is the Neolithic history that grips one. This is a World Heritage site. For five millennia there has been human inhabitation on these islands. A storm in 1850 uncovered the remarkable Skara Brae where an intricate maze of 500 year old dwellings, largely intact, was discovered. And the discoveries have continued since with the islands now boasting over 3000 such Neolithic sites! But there's also history of a more modern time too. Evocative relics of two world wars lie in the Scapa Flow. And in the 5000 intervening years many other inhabitants have left their spoor so that there are castles, churches (including one built by Italian POWs), museums, craft centres, Martello Tower, preserved fishing villages, Victorian gardens and naturally a whisky distillery for us to visit. We'll also be visiting the outer islands of Hoy, South Ronaldsay and smaller, more remote ones where the sea and bird life are of particular interest. NIGHTSTOP Orkney
DAY ELEVEN We leave the isle of Orkney (Northlink Ferries 09.00) and cross to the northern tip of Scotland and explore the region of Caithness. There are not too many places in the world that one can honestly write are unspoilt, or undiscovered, but Caithness is surely one of them. This is true Back-Roads Touring country and we promise you some amazing sights and unforgettable experiences! You'll choose how to spend our time available from visiting literally hundreds of castle ruins precariously hugging wind-swept cliffs, the northerly town of Wick where the Heritage Centre demonstrates how people have survived in this incredible terrain of peat bog and over the centuries. Then there's Dunnet Head. This most northerly point on mainland Britain rises some 100 metres above sea level. The Dunnet Head lighthouse was built in 1831 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the author Robert Louis Stevenson. We can also visit a traditional Caithness cottage, hardly altered since it was built 150 years ago. The Caithness Heritage Trust has restored Mrs Mary-Ann Calder's former home. This crofthouse features a wealth of family history. We might also see a Caithness Glass Centre, seeing it made and perhaps buy a souvenir or two! Then there's Dornoch cathedral, in use for 700 years but in the news more recently as the venue for the pop star Madonna having a child christened. NIGHTSTOP Inverness
DAY TWELVE Then we'll take the high road south to Edinburgh. En route we'll stop at Pitlochry. This town, right in the centre of Scotland is famed for its salmon 'ladder'. Depending on the time of year, we'll see the incredible sight of salmon leaping up a waterfall!! We continue our journey south and, depending on time and group interests, we'll complete our tour with stops at Sterling or Callander. Dinner is not included tonight. NIGHTSTOP Glasgow
DAY THIRTEEN Free time in Glasgow. Dinner is not included tonight. NIGHTSTOP Glasgow
DAY FOURTEEN Departing from our Glasgow hotel, we head to the royal city of Stirling. From the esplanade of Stirling Castle we can admire the surrounding countryside. For centuries this has been the gateway to the Highlands. No wonder numerous battles have been fought in this area, not least the great victory at Bannockburn, where the Scots trounced the English. We then continue our journey north into 'Braveheart' country passing through the picturesque market town of Crieff, long the site of one of Scotland great cattle 'Trysts'. We then head into the heart of the Trossachs and Rob Roy country around Callander. NIGHTSTOP Aberfoyle
DAY FIFTEEN Grab your binoculars and telephoto lenses because today's the day we go monster hunting! Not just any monster either but the most famous wee beastie in the whole world! Loch Ness is a long, deep, dark and mysterious body of water. On our way there, we'll encounter the Caledonian Canal again. It is at Fort Augustus that the Canal enters Loch Ness via six locks. On Loch Ness itself is Urquhart Castle, a ruin that has become a favourite place for Nessie spotting - some folk believe she lives underneath the structure itself. In Drumnadrochit there's a chance to take in the documented evidence of one of the Loch Ness monster exhibitions. Maybe after this the doubters will be more convinced! Onward to Inverness, the busy 'capital' of the Highlands and our base for the next two nights. NIGHTSTOP Inverness
DAY SIXTEEN The day begins at Clava Cairns burial site. Lying close to Inverness, these circles of stones from the dawn of human civilisation sit in a quiet sheltered spot of the Scottish countryside. Close by is Culloden Moor, site of the great battle of 1746 when the forces of King George II defeated the Jacobite rebels of Bonnie Prince Charlie. There is a fine exhibition and a stroll around the battlefield with its memorial stones provides a lasting memory. Heading north from Inverness to the Falls of Rogie, we are assured of fine pine forests, rushing rivers and, if our timing is right, the sight of the Atlantic salmon jumping impossible waterfalls. On our way home, we ponder the question of the siting of Macbeth's castle. Was it in the modern town of Inverness or perhaps nearby at Cawdor? NIGHTSTOP Inverness
DAY SEVENTEEN As we start our journey south, we pick up the famous whisky trail. You can be sure of a visit to one of the many distilleries that can be found in the area. We'll pass through Grantown-on-Spey, a popular ski resort on our way to Braemar, scene of that most famous of Highland games attended by the Royals. If we have time, we'll visit Braemar Castle, built in 1628 and largely rebuilt as a residence in the 18th century. The Scottish home of the royal family can be found at nearby Balmoral. There's a chance to view the grounds and exhibition for departures in May, June or July. Finally, we wind our way to one of the attractive towns of Ballater or Banchory, our base for the night. NIGHTSTOP Banchory or Ballater
DAY EIGHTEEN This morning we pick up the coastal route south. We visit Dunnottar Castle ruins, said to be in the most romantic setting in Scotland. Cromwell's troops captured this Royalist stronghold after months of siege in 1652. As we continue south, we pass through the fishing town of Arbroath, home of the 'smokie' (a tasty smoked fish) and the site of an outstandingly beautiful 12th century abbey ruin. Dundee is our next port of call. Here we'll find Scott's 'Discovery' and the frigate 'Unicorn', the oldest British-built ship still afloat, now a museum for the Royal Navy. Rounding off our visit will be St Andrews. No time for a round of golf, we're sorry to say! (But at least we'll save you some golf balls!). At the end of a full day, we cross the Firth of Tay to the Kingdom of Fife and our nightstop. NIGHTSTOP Fife
DAY NINETEEN A relaxing day as we explore the charming coastline of the Kingdom of Fife. Anstruther itself is still a working fishing port and many of its neighbours continue to ply a similar trade. Winding our way up the coast we examine in detail the timeless beauty of Crail, another fishing village, once the centre of a major trading partnership with continental Europe. Next, the Royal Stewart Castle at Falkland before making our way to the fascinating town of Culross. This is the most complete example of a Scottish burgh of the 16th and 17th centuries. We'll take time to explore the visitor centre before driving through Dunfermline and south over the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh. NOTE: dinner is not included tonight to give more flexibility to explore Edinburgh. Visit www.edinburgh.org NIGHTSTOP Edinburgh
DAY TWENTY Your time with us finishes this morning but we encourage you to stay a day or two to explore and enjoy this wonderful city. You may extend your stay with time here or travel onward as desired. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/orkney/pentlandferries/index.html
This tour is operated by Back-Roads Touring Co Ltd |
