The Highlands of Scotland

DAY 1 - Sunday 5th July

08.15hrs          Depart from Wexford [North Station, Redmond Square

08.35hrs          Pick-up in Enniscorthy [Abbey Square Car Park]

08.55hrs          Pick-up in Gorey [at the hospital]

09.15hrs          Pick-up at the Beehive pub

11.00hrs          Pick-up at The Coach Park – Dublin Airport – opportunity for a comfort stop for those already on the coach

12.30hrs          Arrive at Buttercrane Shopping Centre. Newry – pick-up on Merchants’ Quay

13.15hrs          Depart Newry

14.30hrs          Arrive Stena Terminal Belfast

15.30hrs          Depart on Stena Superfast

17.50hrs          Arrive Cairnryan

20.00hrs          Arrive at The Glynhill Hotel & Spa, Renfrew

Dinner is in our hotel tonight

DAY 2 - Monday 6th July

08.30hrs          Depart hotel

09.30hrs          Arrive at The Kelpies

Standing at 100ft tall and weighing more than 300 tonnes each, the magical Kelpies are a man-made wonder and a feat of engineering. The works of art, created by artist Andy Scott, have become iconic on the landscape after being modelled on real-life icons of times gone by — Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron. The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy, pulling the wagons, ploughs, barges and coalships that shaped the geographical layout of Falkirk.

11.00hrs          Depart The Kelpies

11.45hrs          Arrive Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. In its grandeur with its superb sculptures and beautiful gardens. It was a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations from christenings to coronations.  Today you can meet the costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will welcome you into 16th century life. Families can have fun in the palace vaults where children can try out activities such as dressing in period costume and playing medieval instruments. Don’t miss a guided tour with knowledgeable staff who will bring the castle’s infamous characters and history to life in great detail.  Other highlights include the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Castle Exhibition, Regimental Museum, Great Kitchens, and the Tapestry Studio.

13.45hrs          Depart Stirling

15.00hrs          Arrive Pitlochry – we have a comfort stop in the picturesque town

15.45hrs          Depart Pitlochry

18.00hrs          Arrive at the Mercure Hotel, Inverness

Dinner at the hotel

DAY 3 - Tuesday 7th July

08.00hrs          Depart your Hotel

We follow the Route of The River Bran on the A832 having a comfort stop in Lochcarron.  Coming down onto the A87 at Auchtertyre we turn right for Skye.  After a few short miles we arrive and cross-over the spectacular Skye Bridge – that box is ticked – we have visited Skye.  We have a photo-stop in Kyleakin before returning over the bridge and heading for Eilean Donan Castle..

12.30hrs          Arrive at Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognised castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other. It is, without doubt, a Scottish icon and certainly one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Highlands. When you first set eyes on it, it is easy to understand why so many people flock to its stout doors year after year. Strategically located on its own little island, overlooking the Isle of Skye, at the point where three great sea-lochs meet, and surrounded by the majestic splendour of the forested mountains of Kintail, Eilean Donan’s setting is truly breath-taking.

14.00hrs          Depart Eilean Donan Castle

15.40hrs          Arrive at Clansman Harbour on Loch Ness

16.15hrs          Depart on the Jacobite Loch Ness Cruise

17.05hrs          Return to Clansman

17.20hrs          Depart Clansman

18.00hrs          Arrive at your hotel

Dinner is in your hotel this evening

DAY 4 - Wednesday 8th July

09.30hrs          Depart your hotel

09.55hrs          Arrive at the Visitor Centre for the Culloden Battlefield

On 16 April 1746, the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal head in one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Jacobite supporters, seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. It was the last pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,600 men were slain – 1,500 of them Jacobites.  The richly researched, stimulating and sensitive Culloden Visitor Centre, which stands beside the battlefield, features artefacts from both sides of the battle and interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict. It is both a monument and a guide to a pivotal day in history.

11.40hrs          Depart Culloden

12.10hrs          Arrive at your hotel

We have the afternoon at leisure in Inverness

Dinner is under your own arrangement this evening.

Day 5 - Thursday 09th July

08.30hrs          Check-out and depart your hotel

We travel south hugging the shore of Loch Ness via Fort Augustus and taking time to stop at the Commando Monument at Spean Bridge.

11.00hrs          Arrive at Fort William – we take an hour out to explore the town.

12.00hrs          Depart Fort William

We travel through Glencoe, one the most famous Glens in Scotland.  Stopping for a photo-op.  Passing the Bridge of Orchy and travelling down the length of Loch Lomond.

14.45hrs          Arrive at Loch Lomond Shores.

Loch Lomond Shores is a stunning 5* rated visitor destination set on the southern tip of Loch Lomond which offers something for everyone.

16.45hrs          Depart Loch Lomond Shores

17.30hrs          Arrive at our hotel, The Glynhill Hotel & Spa, Renfrew

check-in and dinner

Day 6 - Friday 10th July

08.00hrs          Check-out and depart our hotel

10.30hrs          Arrive at Cairnryan

11.30hrs          Depart Cairnryan on Stena Superfast

13.50hrs          Arrive Belfast

16.30hrs          Arrive Dublin Airport – dropping in Newry en-route

Coaches drops enroute to Wexford