Multiple Day Excursions

Notes for Edinburgh & Glasgow Tours:
All tours are guided in English.  Lunches are not included. However you will either stop in small Highland villages, where you can  choose where you eat, or country family establishments where there is a choice to suite all budgets. These places are always chosen for their charm and character to give you the taste of Highland Hospitality.

Visitor Attractions are not included but we have negotiated reductions to some on your behalf. This is where the Rabbies Discount card, handed out to all passengers, comes in handy. Clothing – because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks. We recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear on your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!

Winter Tours – whilst travelling around the Highlands in winter can be the most spectacular time to do so, sometimes the routes we take are altered a little depending on the conditions and tours normally run about half and hour earlier. In winter (November to March) the castles are not open but can be viewed from outside. Tours are operated by Rabbies Trail Burners who have achieve a gold award in the UKs leading green accreditation scheme, demonstrating their high level commitment to protecting the environment and sustainable tourism practices.
 

Two - Five day Tours Departing Edinburg
 

ISLE OF SKYE DISCOVERY  - Departure Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays

Day 1 (Mon/ Wed/ Fri/ Sat)
Check out of the hotel and make your way to the departure point at 207 High Street. Depart Edinburgh at 09.00hr, travelling west passing Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.  We head towards Stirling with it's imposing castle and views to the Wallace Monument. We pass Doune Castle, set of Monty Python's "Holy Grail" before stopping in Callander for refreshments.

Into the Highlands now and north past Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Crianlarich and  Tyndrum, stopping for lunch on the way. Continue north through Glencoe, scene of the great massacre of the Clan Macdonald. We pass Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with great views over Ben Nevis.

On the "Road to the Isles" now through the splendour of the Five Sisters of Kintail, the mountains guarding the
pass on the way to the Isle of Skye. We stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film "Highlander". Crossing over the bridge to Skye, we head up to Portree stopping for dinner on the way. You are then dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening where you are free to go out and explore the town. Overnight Isle of Skye.

Day 2 (Tue/ Thu/ Sat/ Sun)
A very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and your driver/guide's knowledge will come to the fore in developing the best day out.  You could travel north to the stunning Quiraing
mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk through some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery, including Kilt Rock. After lunch you can go over to Neist Point for a walk out to the lighthouse that is the furthest point west on Skye. Or go over to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the Clan McLeod. Talisker Distillery is also on Skye, as are the famous Cuillin Hills. We return you to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening.  Overnight Isle of Skye.

Day 3 (Wed/ Fri/ Sun/ Mon)
You will be collected from your accommodation  and travel south through the Cuillin Hills and back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Onto Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting "Nessie". There is a boat trip (Summer only) available here that will get you that bit closer! Heading south now through the Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan, famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky Distillery, and onwards past Blair Castle stopping for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Forth Road Bridge. Arriving at 19.00 approximately in Edinburgh.
 

HIGHLAND EXPLORER  - Departure Saturdays (20 Mar 10 to 06 Nov 10)

Day 1 (Saturday)
Check out of the hotel and make your way to the departure point at 207 High Street. Departure from Edinburgh at 09.00hr. The first day’s highlights include scenic Perthshire (Scotland’s “Big Tree country”) then into the heart of the Grampian Mountains and the Cairngorm National Park – the largest in the whole of Britain. You then travel into the Speyside region, famous as the home to more whisky distilleries than anywhere else on Earth! From here it is a short distance to Inverness area - the lively capital of the Highlands – where you will stay for the next 2 nights.

Day 2 (Sunday)
Today will take you into the far North West Highlands visiting the beautiful little fishing village of Ullapool and the dramatic landscape of Assynt. This is one of the most remote parts of the country with spectacular mountains, beautiful beaches and great views at every turn. Back to Inverness area for overnight.

Day 3 (Monday)
You will visit more amazing scenery on route to the Isle of Skye. From the fertile farmland of the Black Isle across the wide open moorlands around Achnasheen to the steep sided rocky mountains of Torridon and Applecross the variety of scenery on this day is unequalled. In the afternoon you will cross over to Skye ending up in the picturesque harbour town of Portree/ Isle of Skye for the next 2 nights. 

Day 4 (Tuesday)
Today you are focused on exploring Skye, including the wild north of the island, the Old Man of Storr, the mountain pass of the Quiraing and the island’s most westerly point at Neist. In the evening relax and enjoy your last night of Highland culture. Overnight Portree/ Isle of Skye.

Day 5 (Wednesday)
The final day takes you back past the Cuillin mountains and onto the mainland to the famous Eilean Donan Castle. You then pass the 5 Sisters of Kintail on the way to Fort Augustus and mysterious Loch Ness. The tour then returns through the Grampian mountains and along Loch Laggan with a stop in Pitlochry before ending again in Edinburgh at around 19.00hr back in Edinburgh.

IONA, MULL & THE ISLE OF SKYE TOUR  - Departure Mondays (29 Mar 10 to 25 Oct 10)

Day 1 (Monday)
Check out of the hotel and make your way to the departure point at 207 High Street. We take you west to Scotland's first National Park around Loch Lomond, stopping at the charming conservation village of Luss. Travel through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands, through the magnificent white-washed 18th Century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll. The afternoon will be spent in the heart of Argyll exploring the standing stones of Kilmartin, before arriving in the beautiful fishing harbour town of Oban for 2 nights accommodations.

Day 2 (Tuesday)
Today an early start crossing on the ferry to Mull and enjoy an island adventure, exploring the dramatic coastlines, before taking the small ferry to Iona -  birthplace of Celtic Christianity. There is an opportunity to take a small boat out to the island of Staffa and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalized by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture "Fingal's Cave". Return on the ferry to Oban for your second night.

Day 3 (Wednesday)
We travel north along the West Coast around Appin, passing Glencoe, the scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald. We continue through Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with its great views over Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. We then take the "Road to the Isles" and stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film "Highlander". Crossing over the sea to Skye, we travel up to the picturesque harbour town of Portree stopping for dinner on the way. You are then dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening. Overnight Portree/Isle of Skye.

Day 4 (Thursday)
Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and we take passengers preferences into account. You might travel north to the stunning Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk through some of Skye's extraordinary scenery. Visit Kilt Rock with it's waterfall cascading over the cliffs. Later go for a walk out to a lighthouse, the furthest westerly point on Skye. Or go over to Dunvegan Castle. Talisker Distillery is also here, as are the famous Cuillin Hills. Return to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening.  Overnight Portree/ Isle of Skye.

Day 5 (Friday)
Today we travel south through the Cuillin Hills and down the old drovers road to catch the small ferry (summer only) over to Glenelg on the mainland. We drive to the top of the Mam Ratagan mountain pass and stop for stunning views over Loch Duich. Onto Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting ‘Nessie’. Head south passing Dawhinnie, Scotland's highest whisky Distillery. Continue onwards via Blair Castle to Pitlochry where we stop for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and the Forth Road Bridge. Arriving at 19.30hr and make your own way to the hotel for overnight in Edinburgh.
 

OUTER HEBRIDES ADVENTURE  -  Departs on the following days: Tuesdays - 11/5, 25/5, 15/6, 29/6, 27/7, 10/8, 24/8, 7/9, 21/9

Day 1 (Tuesday)
Check out of the hotel and make your way to the departure point at 207 High Street. Depart Edinburgh at 09.00hr and travel north into the Highlands. First stop will be the historic village of Dunkeld where you will take a short walk through the forest to some waterfalls. Continuing north, the route passes through the Grampian Mountains to the Spey Valley where you will stop for lunch. In the afternoon you will visit the world famous Loch Ness then make a short stop in Inverness itself. There will be time for a visit to the impressive waterfalls at Corrieshalloch Gorge before you arrive in the west coast fishing port of Ullapool for our overnight stay.

Day 2 (Wednesday)
Catch the morning ferry from Ullapool and the two hour sail will take you along Loch Broom, past the Summer Isles then out across the Minch to Stornoway – the main town on Lewis and capital of the Outer Hebrides. Look out for dolphins, whales and seabirds during the crossing. In the afternoon explore the North West coast from Arnol with its historic old “blackhouse”, through traditional crofting townships to Port of Ness and the very north
tip of the island – the Butt of Lewis. From the lighthouse here there is nothing between you and the Americas! Overnight in Stornoway.

Day 3 (Thursday)
Today will be spent exploring some of the prehistoric remains on the island as well as its finest beaches. The fascinating circular stone fort, or Broch, at Carloway will be our first stop followed by more traditional crofting communities such as Gearrannan and Shawbost. Then it’s on to Callanish with its mysterious ancient stone circle. In the afternoon you will head for the remote district of Uig with its fine, sandy beaches at Bhaltos, dramatic sea cliffs and rugged hills. This is the wilderness of the Western Isles at its finest. Overnight again in
Stornoway.

Day 4 (Friday)
Travelling south today from the wild moorlands of Lewis to the more mountainous Harris – almost but not quite an island on its own. Famous for the locally produced cloth, Harris Tweed, it is also home to the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and the stunning white sands of Luskentyre. After a morning of exploring South Harris you will stop for lunch in the small port of Tarbet from where you will catch the late afternoon ferry to Skye. Once on Skye it is less than hour to Portree, the island’s main town, and our overnight stay.

Day 5 (Saturday)
Departing from Portree the return journey to Edinburgh has many highlights – the Cuillin Mountains, a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, Fort William and the dramatic scenery and dark history of Glencoe. Travelling back south through the Central Highland the last stop of the day will be in Killin beside the Falls of Dochart before returning to Edinburgh.
 

ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT & HADRIAN'S WALL  -  Departs on the following days: Wednesdays – 7/4, 21/4, 5/5, 19/5, 2/6, 9/6, 23/6, 7/7, 14/7, 4/8, 18/8, 1/9, 15/9, 29/9, 13/10, 27/10

Day 1 (Wednesday)
Check out of the hotel and make your way to the departure point at 207 High Street. Depart Edinburgh at 09.00 and travel South into the Scottish Borders stopping at the world famous Scott’s view with stunning views over the River Tweed and the Cheviot hills that form the border between Scotland and England. We continue on to take a short walk to the William Wallace statue, the first ever statue erected to Scotland’s most feared warrior. After stopping briefly at Jedburgh Abbey we continue our journey towards the border crossing at Carter Bar. We follow the old Roman Road known as Dere Street into Northumberland and continue the route of Hadrian’s wall. Take the opportunity to explore some of the Roman remains and walk in the footsteps of the Roman Centurians who patrolled this desolate frontier of the Empire. We head South West towards the lively market town of Keswick for
overnight.

Day 2 (Thursday)
This morning we travel a short distance to the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought by many to have been built over 5,000 years ago and the scene of ancient rituals. On to Ullswater, described as England’s most beautiful lake, where we take a forest walk to see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. Continuing south over the  arrow and winding Kirkstone Pass we stop at Lake Windermere where you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or simply eat lunch while enjoying views of the mountains and lakes. After lunch we travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water and shortly afterwards we arrive at the picturesque village of Hawkeshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After free time to explore the village we take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere. Free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. In the late afternoon we return to Keswick.

Day 3 (Friday)
Today we head for the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter pass and into some of the most dramatic landscapes of the Lake District. We travel through the rural village of High Lorton and past Buttermere and towards the Honister mountain pass. Stopping amongst the mountains we have the opportunity to visit the old slate workings where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living. Following refreshments we continue through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water on our return to Keswick where there is free time for lunch and shopping. Later we begin our return journey by heading north towards the border. After crossing into Scotland we make a stop in Moffat, one of Scotland’s oldest Spa towns. From here it is a leisurely drive through the Galloway Hills back to Edinburgh.

On day 4  you have the option to be dropped off in the afternoon at Penrith train station if you are wanting to continue on to London or other destinations south.

LAKE DISTRICT, HADRIAN'S WALL, THE DALES & YORK - Departs on the following days: Sundays – 20/6, 18/7, 26/9, Monday – 18/10

Day 1 (Sun/ Mon)
Check out of the hotel and make your way to the departure point at 207 High Street. Depart Edinburgh at 09.00 and travel South into the Scottish Borders stopping at the world famous Scott’s view with stunning views over the River Tweed and the Cheviot hills that form the border between Scotland and England. You continue on to take a short walk to the William Wallace statue, the first ever statue erected to Scotland’s most feared warrior. Stopping for refreshments by the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey you continue your journey towards the border crossing at Carter Bar. You follow the old Roman Road known as Dere Street into Northumberland and continue over the moors to follow the route of Hadrian’s wall, built by Emperor Hadrian to keep the Scots out of the Roman Empire. After lunch you can take the opportunity to explore some of the Roman remains and walk in the footsteps of the Roman Centurions who patrolled this desolate frontier of the Empire. You head South West and travel over Hartside Pass, at over 1900ft - on a clear day the hills and mountains of Scotland and the English Lake District are clearly visible. You follow the route of the old sheep drovers road towards the lively market town of Keswick where you  will be dropped off at your accommodation and are then free to explore this charming town.

Day 2 (Mon/ Tue)
After breakfast you head a short distance out of town to the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones. Thought by many to have been built over 5,000 years ago and the scene of ancient rituals. You then travel on to the shores of Ullswater described as England’s most beautiful lake where you can take a forest walk to see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. Continuing south over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass you stop at Lake Windermere where you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or simply eat lunch while enjoying views of the mountains and lakes. After lunch you travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards
Coniston Water and shortly afterwards you arrive at the picturesque conservation village of Hawkeshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After free time to explore the village you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. There is free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. In the late afternoon you return to Keswick.

Day 3 (Tue/ Wed)
You will be collected from your accommodation and head south through the county of Cumbria towards the Market Town of Sedbergh in the magnificent western dales of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The town is full of character from its cobbled streets to its historic houses, some of which show the hallmarks of the old knitting and woolen trades, which made the area such a thriving community. After a short stop for refreshments and to explore the town we continue east into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Established in 1954, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats and a rich cultural heritage. It’s a special place – a fantastic outdoor arena for recreation and peaceful relaxation and a haven for wildlife. Continuing East our route takes us through the Northern Dales an area of outstanding natural beauty that is the centre of the Dales cattle trade and a major brewing and cheese  making centre. You will have the opportunity
to taste the flavors of Yorkshire as we travel towards the historic town of York where you will be based for the next two days.

Day 4 (Wed/ Thu)
Today is a leisurely day that gives you the flexibility to spend time exploring the medieval heart of York, a city who’s rich history goes back to the time of the Roman’s, Vikings and the Normans and then join our excursion to the North Sea coast of Yorkshire. Our journey begins in the late morning when we head for the magnificent North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Lunch will be in Whitby, a bustling fishing port and the inspiration for the fertile imagination of author Bram Stoker, who stayed in the Royal Hotel on the western side of Whitby while writing his famous novel Dracula. After lunch and free time in Whitby we travel to the fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay *, a perfectly preserved conservation village of winding lanes and narrow alleys before returning towards York.

* The mini coach cannot access the main village because of local restrictions. The coach will drop you at the top of the village and you must walk down (and back up!) a steep hill to reach the old village centre.

Day 5 (Thu/ Fri)
Leaving Yorkshire we travel North following the route taken by countless Roman Legions as they marched towards the outposts of the Roman Empire. We arrive in the town of Alnwick where you have the option to visit Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England, and home of the Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. This magnificent Castle and it’s gardens have appeared in many films and television programs. Later we cross the border at the walled town of Berwick Upon Tweed and travel towards St. Abbs where the high cliffs of the Scottish Borders meet the North Sea. Here you have the chance to walk along the magnificent cliff tops, a haven for seabirds and wildflowers. From here it takes a little over an hour to return to Edinburgh arriving back approximately 19.00.