Two day tour (can be squeezed into one day if you are feeling brave!)

We begin The Grand Tour of Scotland with a drive through the Stirlingshire countryside; through Tyndrum, home of Scotland’s only goldmine; across the Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe; then a stop for coffee at Kingshouse, a spot often visited by Scottish red deer, not for the coffee but maybe a cheeky carrot.

There is the option here to journey down the Glen Etive road, one of Scotland’s most beautiful and dramatic glens, made famous by the James Bond film, Skyfall.

Glen Etive is flanked by two of the most photographed mountains in Scotland, The Herdsmen of Etive; Buachaille Etive Beag (Small Herdsman of Etive) and the Buachaille Etive Mor (Big Herdsman of Etive).

Otherwise it is on to Glencoe, unsurpassed in its rugged and majestic beauty, and the scene of Scotland’s most infamous massacre.

As we approach Ben Nevis, Scotland and the UK’s highest mountain, we will stop at Neptune’s Staircase, the longest staircase lock system in Scotland. Then we will travel through the Great Glen which is 62 miles long and contains three lochs; Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness, all linked by the Caledonian Canal. The Great Glen has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in Scotland so don’t forget your camera.

Another option on this tour is a visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in the Harry Potter films. If you are very lucky you might even see the famous Jacobite steam train which crosses it, going between Fort William and Mallaig. Glenfinnan is also where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his banner on landing in Scotland in 1745. Historic significance and Harry Potter, what more could you want?

From here we go onto Spean Bridge, known as the ‘crossroads of the highlands’, and home of the Commando Memorial, which is not only one of Scotland’s best known monuments but it also has fantastic views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor, making it a popular tourist spot.

The Grand Tour of Scotland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Scotland’s most famous loch, Loch Ness, where you can try to spot the legendary sea monster that supposedly lurks beneath its waves.

Halfway up the loch is Urquhart Castle which has witnessed some of the most dramatic moments in Scottish history and enjoys stunning views out over Loch Ness.

If you fancy venturing a bit further north, Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed fortresses in Scotland, lies another hour’s drive away.

The night’s accommodation will be arranged for you, depending on your budget and requirements. From luxury lodges to small B&B’s, we use our network to find exactly what you are looking for.  As all our tours are bespoke, where you stop is by arrangement, depending on the sights you wish to visit.

When we reach Inverness, locally known as the capital of the Highlands, it is time to turn back and head for home. However we are only too happy to arrange for stops at Dalwhinnie Distillery if you fancy a dram at the highest distillery in Scotland, or if retail therapy is your thing we can make a stop at the House of Bruar, where you will find all your tartan, tweed and cashmere not to mention the obligatory waterproofs required for any trip to the Scottish Highlands. When you are there, why not try the lobster supper from the fish and chip shop, what could be a better way to end your Grand Tour of Scotland?