Magical Skye and the Scottish Highlands

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then on to Strathpeffer for a four-night stay.

Enjoy a scenic trip along the banks of mysterious Loch Ness – be sure to have your camera ready in case you spot the infamous Nessie! We reach Fort Augustus at the southern tip of the loch. Here, you can sit and watch boats navigate the locks that connect it to the Caledonian Canal, or visit the Clansmen Centre where guides demonstrate traditional weaponry.

We continue to visit Inverness, the 'capital' of the Highlands – a charming city situated at the top of the Great Glen. Why not stroll along the riverbanks, browse the Victorian Market, or soak up the Highlander hospitality in one of the cosy pubs?

After an early start, we travel from east to west, journeying through the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands along part of the North Coast 500 route to reach the magical Isle of Skye. This is the second largest of Scotland's islands and undoubtedly the most beautiful, where the jagged mountain peaks, deep lochs and stunning coastline have been attracting visitors for centuries. We'll cross the magnificent Skye Bridge and take in the beautiful landscapes of this wonderful corner of Scotland.

As we leave the island behind, we'll call in to admire the view of stunning Eilean Donan Castle before making our way back to Strathpeffer.

Enjoy a day to relax in the leafy Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer, where you can still drink water to treat all manner of ailments to this day. If you want to learn more about growing up in the Highlands, head to the Highland Museum of Childhood and uncover local history and traditions.

Alternatively, why not join our optional excursion to Ullapool, a picturesque point on the North Coast 500 touring route? This quaint port village on the shores of Loch Broom has whitewashed cottages and a pretty harbour. Many of the buildings here date back hundreds of years, and outside the village there are still remnants of Iron Age settlements. Today, you can browse local crafts at the Harbour Gallery or Highland Stoneware, learn about fishing and crofting heritage at the museum, or simply enjoy watching boats come in and out of the harbour.

Return home.

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then on to a comfortable hotel in the north of England for an overnight stay.

We continue our journey north, crossing into Scotland and to the Highlands for a five-night stay.

Enjoy a scenic trip along the banks of mysterious Loch Ness – be sure to have your camera ready in case you spot the infamous Nessie! We visit Fort Augustus, where a series of locks join the Caledonian Canal at the southern tip of the loch.

We continue to visit the vibrant city of Inverness – the 'capital' of the Highlands – situated at the top of the Great Glen. There's plenty to do in Inverness, whether you want to simply enjoy a riverside walk, relax with Highlander hospitality in one of the cosy pubs, or stroll around the shops and Victorian Market.

After an early start, we travel from east to west, journeying through the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands along part of the North Coast 500 route to reach the magical Isle of Skye. This is the second largest of Scotland's islands and undoubtedly the most beautiful, where the jagged mountain peaks, deep lochs and stunning coastline have been attracting visitors for centuries. We'll cross the magnificent Skye Bridge and take in the beautiful landscapes of this wonderful corner of Scotland.

As we leave the island behind, we'll call in to admire the view of stunning Eilean Donan Castle before making our way back to Strathpeffer.

Enjoy a day of leisure today or join our optional excursion to Ullapool, a quaint port on the shores of Loch Broom with whitewashed cottages and a pretty harbour. Remote and idyllic, this town is a popular stop on the famous NC500 route and is a main link to the Western Isles. You'll find fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, a warm welcome in the pubs and charming shops to browse.

Relax in Strathpeffer or Inverness (depending on your hotels location) with a day at leisure and explore at your own pace.

Strathpeffer was a renowned health resort, and the Pump Room where visitors drank water from the wells has recently been restored. There are many local walks in the area to be enjoyed, or perhaps take a visit to the Highland Museum of Childhood to learn more about growing up in the Highlands, and the local history and traditions of the beautiful region.

Inverness has a wealth of attractions to visit including the Inverness Castle experience which showcases the history and culture of the Highlands. The Victorian Market is also a must and take a stroll by the river and soak in the atmosphere of this "capital of the Highlands"

We retrace our steps, crossing back into England and to a comfortable hotel for an overnight stay.

Return home.