Day 2: Road to the Isles & The Silver Sands

After a leisurely breakfast, board your coach for a drive along the "Road to the Isles". First stop is Glenfinnan. It is here, on the shoreline of Loch Shiel, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1744 to make his failed Jacobite claim to the English thrown. Behind his monument is Glenfinnan Viaduct, where you can see the “Harry Potter” steam train making its way to Mallaig. The road journey to Mallaig was originally an old drovers' road and is recognised as one of the most scenic drives in the UK. The distance is only 44 miles from Fort William. Every corner you turn, a new scenic backdrop unfolds before you, as you pass Loch Morar, the deepest loch in Scotland. See the most magnificent beaches, with white fine sand, and it is worth a stop for a stroll and hear and see the abundant wildlife from otters to the occasional eagle. Time free in the fishing port of Mallaig, with views over to the Isles of Skye, Eigg, Muck and Rum.

Day 3: Loch Ness & Inverness Circular

Today, we head along the scenic Great Glen towards Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Much of the 66-mile or so journey hugs the shoreline of Loch Ness. We stop off at Fort Augustus at the head of the loch before proceeding to Drumnadrochit. Here, we board our boat for a 1-hour cruise out onto the world’s most famous loch. Loch Ness is the 2nd biggest lake in the UK, 23 miles long and up to 750 feet deep. The cruise takes you past Urquhart Castle, where many famous sightings and photos of Nessie have been made. Take your camera - just in case!  Afterwards, you’ll have time free in the Highland capital, Inverness, a city with a rich history, lovely riverside walks and an array of modern shops and eateries. The tour returns down the eastern side of the loch, which is a lot quieter with more open vistas of lochs and mountains & in so doing completes a circular tour of Loch Ness.

Day 4: Oban & Isles of Mull & Iona

After an early breakfast, take the 1 hour or so journey along the shoreline of Loch Linnhe, passing Castle Stalker to Oban - "The Gateway to the Isles". Board the morning ferry with your coach for a scenic 55-minute crossing to the magical Isle of Mull. As you explore the island, head south, passing the impressive Duart Castle en route to Fionnphort. Along the way, you will pass many beaches and bays. Take the short ferry crossing as foot passengers to the sacred Isle of Iona.  Leisurely wander the island, adorned with a white sandy beach and charming pathways. Iona is a historic pilgrimage site and is recognised as the birthplace of Christianity in the UK and the final resting place for over 100 Scottish Kings. We return to Oban late afternoon, and back to your hotel in plenty of time for dinner.