Starting from Inverness we visit Culloden Battlefield to explore the bloody history surrounding Charles Edward Stuart and his Jacobite supporters (which included the Macdonalds of Keppoch, Clanranald, Glengarry and Glencoe). We then follow the Great Glen down the banks of Loch Ness before turning west to Glen Shiel and the Five Sisters of Kintail mountains. Arriving at Eilean Donan Castle (which was involved in a 'less than successful' Macdonald uprising in the 1530s) we enjoy a viewpoint break before we cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye on our journey north to Portree for our overnight stay.
Begins with a tour to the Trotternish Peninsula (clan Macdonald lands) including the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. Continuing north we pass the ruins of Duntulm Castle, a former clan stronghold, before arriving at Kilmuir, the final resting place of one of the clan's most celebrated figures - Flora Macdonald. The afternoon takes us south to the Sleat Peninsula to explore the Museum of the Isles (which tells the history of the Macdonalds) along with the ruins of Armadale Castle, the last ancestral home of the Macdonalds of Sleat. We then take the late afternoon ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig (or Arisaig) for our overnight stay.
Departing from Mallaig/Arisaig we tour through the lands of the Macdonalds of Clanranald to Glenfinnan where they stood with Charles Edward Stuart as the Standard was raised in 1745. After a visit to the Jacobite monument and museum we take a breath-taking drive through the magnificent Glencoe, home to the Macdonalds of Glencoe and location of the infamous massacre of 1692. Leaving Glencoe we head back north through Fort William on our way to the lands of the Macdonalds of Keppoch and the lands of the Macdonalds (Macdonells) of Glengarry where we stop at the ruins of Invergarry Castle and the Well of the Seven Heads before our return to Inverness.
April to October: £2200
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(3 Days)
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Prices include ferry tickets, all taxes and an experienced driver/guide and historian (John Alasdair Macdonald).
Your accommodation costs, entrance fees and meals.
I recommend that you book accommodation in Portree (Day 1) and Mallaig or Arisaig (Day 2) to make the most of your trip. Whilst I do not book accommodation for you I am happy to help with advice on where to stay and eat. The tour quote will include a list of accommodation recommendations and suggestions for overnight locations.
The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, I have a little flexibility and the tour itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. Please let me know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. However, the only ferry journey on this tour (Armadale to Mallaig on Day 2) has a road alternative option available in the event of cancellation, though there would be a later arrival into Mallaig or Arisaig with an additional three hour driving route.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather and even in the summer months we are likely to experience some wet and windy weather conditions on tours. As such we always recommend a light waterproof jacket for all tours and decent footwear that you do not mind getting a little bit muddy or wet.
