Elegant Scotland - Western Isles

Collect your car hire and head towards Stirling before continuing into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. If travelling from Edinburgh, look out for Scotland’s newest addition, the world’s largest equine sculptures – The Kelpies. The sculptures were designed by sculptor Andy Scott and were completed in October 2013. Head north along Loch Lomond stopping off at Luss to visit this pretty little village on the loch banks. Continue west with the option of stopping for lunch before heading through Inveraray visiting the castle and jail. Continue onto Oban, the “Gateway to the Western Isles”, a location, which has been a major port to the islands for centuries.

Overnight - Taychreggan Hotel, Kilchrennan (nr Oban)

Start the day with a visit to Dunstaffnage Castle located just outside of Oban. Built before 1275 on a huge rock overlooking the Firth of Lorn, Dunstaffnage was the mighty stronghold of the MacDougalls. The castle, with its huge curtain wall, was captured by Robert the Bruce in 1309 and remained in royal possession for some years. Dunstaffnage became the temporary prison of Flora MacDonald in 1746. Return to your accommodation for overnight.

Overnight - Taychreggan Hotel, Kilchrennan (nr Oban)

Today continue north from Oban through Glencoe with its spectacular landscape and onto Fort William. Journeying towards Mallaig, you will see the Glenfinnan Monument, the statue of a Highland Chieftain, which looks towards the Hills erected on the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied the Highland Clans in preparation for the disastrous rebellion of 1745 fought at Culloden. Continue on to the Isle of Skye to your overnight accommodation.

Overnight - Duisdale Country House Hotel, Isle of Skye

Enjoy a full day on the Isle of Skye. Head south towards the Cuillin Hills, the island's best-known feature. Though their tops are places only for experienced climbers, there are many viewpoints and island locations where excellent panoramas can be enjoyed. Head back to your accommodation via Glenbrittle and the famous Fairy Pools - beautifully crystal clear blue pools on the River Brittle, these make for some fabulous photos. Return to your accommodation for overnight.

Overnight - Duisdale Country House Hotel, Isle of Skye

This morning, journey south to Kyleakin where you will cross over the new “Skye Bridge” to the mainland enjoying a brief photo-stop at Eilean Donan Castle, the magnificent setting of the film “Highlander”. Before heading south, visit Glenelg Brochs: two broch towers, standing more than 10 metres high, with well preserved structural features set in the most beautiful surroundings. They are among the four best preserved brochs in Scotland, along with Mousa in Shetland and Dun Carloway in Lewis. But whereas Mousa and Dun Carloway stand in splendid isolation, Dun Telve and Dun Troddan stand barely 500m apart. No one today knows why. Continue towards Fort William, which nestles beneath the highest mountain in Great Britain – Ben Nevis.

Overnight - The Lovat Hotel, Fort Augustus (nr Fort William)

Heading south today to the heart of the Trossachs, known as the “gateway to the Highlands”. Discover the truth behind the remarkable life of notorious outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor in an exciting exhibition at the Rob Roy and the Trossachs Visitor Centre. The visitor centre includes a replica black house and the opportunity to dress as a highlander. Be sure to visit Dunblane Cathedral before continuing to your overnight accommodation. Dunblane Cathedral is a fascinating building. It stands on a site that has been sacred for well over one thousand years. The cathedral was restored in the late 19th century, but its immaculate Gothic exterior hides a history of neglect and rejuvenation. Only the red sandstone tall tower, a relic of an earlier unfinished cathedral, gives any suggestion of the antiquity of this building. The nave walls seem more weathered inside the church than on the exterior – a legacy of 300 years without a roof.

Overnight - Gleddoch House Hotel, Langbank (nr Glasgow)

Today you will  travel south towards Linlithgow. You can visit Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and more recently home to the famous fashion house, Chanel’s tenth Métiers d’Art show. Most of the Stewart kings lived at the Palace. Numerous renovations to the palace’s grand facades and chambers were carried out as each sought to create the ideal modern palace. travel towards Edinburgh, to your final accommodation at Dalhousie Castle.  Enroute you wish to visit Glasgow and Edinburgh city, or enjoy a full day exploring the truly stunning Scottish Borders. 

If time permits you can visit a variety of Abbey’s today starting with Jedburgh Abbey, one of the border abbeys founded by David 1 in around 1138 for Augustinian canons. The church is mostly in the Romanesque and Gothic styles and is remarkably complete. Remains of the cloister buildings have recently been uncovered and finds from the excavations, including the 12th century ‘Jedburgh comb’ are on display in the award winning visitor centre. Travelling north from Jedburgh, you may also visit the ruins of Melrose Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded by King David I circa 1136. It was largely destroyed by an English army in 1385 but rebuilt in the early 15th century. It is now probably the most famous ruin in Scotland because of the elegant and elaborate stonework which remains. You can finish the day with a visit to Dryburgh Abbey. One of the four famous Borders abbeys and perhaps the most beautiful, founded in the reign of David I. It is also the burial place of Field Marshall Earl Haig and Sir Walter Scott. 

Overnight - Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg (nr Edinburgh)

After your final Scottish breakfast, your tour is complete.  Return your hire car and commence your onward journey.