Highland Experience Tours Brochure 2009

1. contact us

2. ts from
rld – taking gues
st jobs in the wo
“I ha ve one of the be to Loch Ness.
er visitors out on
nce Tours and oth ferent every
Highland Experie , because it is dif
ising on the Loch
ver get bored cru e. The wildlife
I ne new things to se
always amazing
time and there are and the Loch its
elf takes on a
ever changing,
is spectacular and weather and the
seasons.
depending on the
different character
g Loch
myths surroundin
ly interested in the
Pe ople are obvious facts! My boat, Deepscan, has
r to give them the
Ness, but I prefe depth surveys of
the Loch
me of the most in-
be en involved in so ard so my pass engers can see
ho sounder on bo
and I’ve got an ec them that this is
230 metres
bed. When I tell
a profile of the Loch t the North Se a is, on average,
d remind them tha
at its deepest, an really blown away
.
s deep, they are
on ly about 90 metre
s down in the
fascinating thing
and many other
We ’ve found wrecks no need to ‘flo wer’ anything
Loch, so there is
murky water of the scenery and tell
in the incredible
let people drink
up. Instead I just gical place.”
truth about this ma
them the amazing
John Minshull,
pscan
Skipper of Dee
THE BESPOKE
something
otland and want to do
If you are visiting Sc y or interest that
rticular activity, hobb
special, or have a pa country, then
while you explore the
you want to pursue
te tour?
nd Experience priva
why not try a Highla
help you
a tailor-made tour to
We can put together on page 16.
ur way. Find out more
discover Scotland yo

3. “Hi my name is
Will, I'm a guid
one thing I love e for Highland
doing, it’s intro Experience Tour
ducing people s. If there is
Scotland. No, to the best coun
wait a moment, try on earth –
days out – days what I actually
full of laughs, ex like doing is giv
ing people grea
citement and ad t
PRIVATE TOURS: THE BESPOKE Seriously though
, there is nothing
ventures.
wonder on peop more satisfying
le’s faces as we than seeing the
stand amidst th look of
unravel the stor e grandeur of th
ies of its past; e Highlands an
We can put together a tailor-made tour to help you gu my ests enjoy CLAN HOMECOMING TOURSmorand there is no
thing d
ing the hosp e gratifying th
discover Scotland your way. One common e people th for ‘Homecoming’an watching
memories that of our mostitality of threquests is ey mee tours in
they can ta t and storing up
which peopleke backto helpwith thtrack down their ancestors and
ask us home them em
.
If you are visiting Scotland and want to do something special, ink m
I th to take them to explore the homelands of their clans. If you’ve got
y favourite plac
or have a particular activity, hobby or interest that you wantwhere 5,
to e of all is then we should be
such a tour in mind, the exceptional lan your first port of call – we
000 years of Sc dscape of Kilm
ottish history ar artin Glen
find yo favour skilled at researching clan d out before yo make sure that ,
pursue while you explore the country, then why not try a Highlandur are e lai histories and will
ite bit of Scotlan u. Let me help
Experience private tour? d … I can’t wa
your tour really does take you ‘back home’ to see all of the keyu yo
it to say ‘Hello’
and ‘let’s go’.”
historic sites of your clan’s past. Of course we’ll also add in stops
We have the knowledge and expertise to put together a bespoke to taste your ‘local’ whisky and visit your ‘local’ highland games, if
Will Stockham
tour that will meet your specific needs, whatever the size of your you want. High land Experience ,
party, your budget or your timescale. In fact we are the best in the Tour Guide
business when it comes to crafting tours that combine all of the best
elements of Scotland in a way that is entertaining and enjoyable.
Our bespoke tours are ideal for small private groups, such as
families and friends, study groups or corporate guests. Like our
scheduled tours you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable and
friendly guide who will bring alive the countryside and places you
pass through. Unlike our scheduled tours, you’ll have your vehicle
and guide all to yourself and your route and the itinerary will be
designed, from scratch, to meet your exact requirements.
No request is too large or too small for our team. Take a look at
some of the ideas on this page to see the types of tours we can
e Tours to
put together. But rememberinvite visitors from Highland Experienc
“It’s always a pleasure to we love a challenge! Give us a call s on the
and we’ll turnguesthouse indreams My husband and I pride ourselve
stay at my your holiday Oban. into reality. welcome
offer. We love to make people feel
old-style Scottish hospitality we they are
guests are well looked after so that
and I always make sure that my
d.
really set up for the day’s tour ahea
r.
cosy and full of charm and characte
Our guesthouse is comfortable and ’re
ng that all our visitors feel as if they
I take a personal pleasure in seei SCOTTISH GASTRONOMY TOURS
of
e. I certainly enjoy cooking the type
in a friendly home away from hom Scotland has the best food and drink on the planet – from the
made
for me: Old-fashioned porridge
breakfasts my mother used to cook best black seafood and the tastiest game to the finest single malt
freshest
a cooked breakfast featuring the
from oats soaked overnight and whiskies and the heartiest porridge and haggis. To help you
ts.
pudding and other local ingredien explore Scotland's culinary treasures we can put together a lip-
smacking menu of gastronomic treats. We'll take you to the best
s.
t position close to the centre of thing
We’re lucky enough to be in a grea localsee
can eateries and the finest Michelin-stared restaurants. We'll
and letting them know what they
I love telling people about the town arrange a tour of our great distilleries and take you to the places
le
meal or a relaxing drink. Seeing peop
and where they can go for a good why I the finest raw materials come from. We'll give you the real
where
what really makes me tick. That’s
enjoying their time in Scotland is taste of Scotland and a whole host of mouth-watering memories.
Experience,
g the latest group from Highland
always look forward to welcomin
giving them a fantastic stay.”
hearing about their adventures and
Louise Tran,
Glenroy Guest House, Oban

4. Herzlich Willkommen bei Highland Tours Bienvenues dans nos circuits “A la Benvenuti all' Highland Experience
– der besten Möglichkeit Schottland zu découverte des Highlands”: le meilleur Tours - il miglior modo per scoprire la
erkunden. Wir machen das Beste aus moyen de découvrir l’Ecosse. Quelle que Scozia. Qualunque sia il tempo a vostra
ihrer Zeit in unserem wunderschönen soit la durée de votre séjour, nous vous disposizione, vi aiuteremo a sfruttare
Land. Unsere Reisen geben ihnen aiderons à profiter un maximum de votre al massimo il vostro tempo nel nostro
einen wirklichen Einblick in Schottlands passage dans notre merveilleux pays. affascinante paese. I nostri tours vi
Geschichte, Bewohner und Landschaften. Nos circuits vous donneront un très bon permetteranno di conoscere la Scozia,
Wir präsentieren Ihnen das Beste, was aperçu de l’Ecosse, de son histoire et la sua storia e la sua gente. Vi mostreremo
Schottland zu bieten hat und unsere de son peuple. Nous vous emmènerons il meglio che la Scozia ha da offrire e le
Reiseführer erwecken dieses interessante à la découverte de ce que l’Ecosse a de nostre guide vi sveleranno l'autentica vita
Land vor ihren Augen zum Leben, fernab mieux à offrir et nos guides vous feront di questo paese, non soltanto il famoso
von Shortbread und Tartan. Wenn Sie vraiment vivre ce pays, bien au-delà shortbread e il tartan. Se lo desiderate,
es brauchen, werden wir zufrieden, die du shortbread et du tartan. Si vous le sarà lieto di fornirvi una descrizione
schriftliche Bezeichung von den Orten die demandez, nous serons contents de scritta, nella vostra lingua, dei luoghi
Sie besuchen werden, in Ihrer eigenen vous fournir avec une description écrite che visiterete.
Sprache Ihnen zu bieten. des endroits que vous visiterez, en votre
langue propre.
Bienvenidos a Highland Experience Tours, 欢迎来到体验高地旅游团 - 苏格兰高地体 Вас приветствует Highland Experience
la mejor manera de descubrir Escocia. 验的最佳选择。无论您愿意旅行多久，我 Tours – лучший способ познакомиться
Sea cual sea el tiempo del que disponga, 们会让您在这个美好的国家留下最最难忘 с Шотландией. Сколько бы времени
le ayudaremos a sacar el máximo partido 的美好时光。我们的旅游团会带您进入苏 Вы не запланировали здесь провести,
de su estancia en este fascinante país. 格兰最真，最美的地域，以及苏格兰的历 мы поможем Вам получить как
Nuestros tours le permitirán conocer 史，人物，文化。 跟随我们，你会体验到 можно от нашей чудесной страны.
realmente Escocia, su historia y sus 苏格兰最独特美妙的一面。我们的导游将 Наши туры дадут Вам возможность
gentes. Les llevaremos a ver lo mejor 会把苏格兰活灵活现地展现在您面前，不 узнать Шотландию, ее историю и
que estas tierras tienen que ofrecer, y 仅仅只是苏格兰的黄油饼干和呢格子。如 ее народ. Мы покажем Вам лучшее,
nuestros guías les pondrán en contacto 果您有特别感兴趣想去的地方需要咨询,我 что есть в Шотландии, и наши гиды
con la auténtica vida escocesa, yendo 们很乐意为您提供您的本国文字参考资料。 преподнесут Вам живую страну,
mucho más allá de los mantecados знаменитую не только своим
"shortbread" y de las telas de cuadros. песочным печеньем и шотландкой.
Si así lo requiriese, estaríamos encantados Если Вы пожелаете, мы будем рады
de ofrecerles una descripción de los предоставить Вам письменный обзор
lugares que visite en su lengua materna. достопримечательностей, которые Вы
посетите, на Вашем родном языке.

5. 01 DAY TOURS
WELCOME TO HIGHLAND Loch Ness, Glen Coe
EXPERIENCE TOURS & the Scottish Highlands
Get to the heart of what
MO
POPU ST
LAR
Scotland has to offer. 04
Why are we the best way to experience Scotland? Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond
The clue is in our name. However long you’ve got & Glengoyne Distillery
to visit, we’ll help you get the most out of your time A taste of three classic Scottish
ingredients - castles, lochs
in this wonderful country: we’ll give you the best and whisky. 06
experience possible.
St Andrews
& the East Neuk of Fife
Our tours will give you a real insight into Scotland, its
Golf, beaches and the best fish
history and its people. We’ll take you to see the best and chips in Scotland. 07
that this country has to offer, but our guides will also
bring the place alive for you, showing you the real Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline
& Stirling Castle
Scotland beyond the shortbread and tartan.
Get behind the headlines of
Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code. 08
THE BEST TOURS
Our tours are designed to take you away from the crowds and The Hermitage, Dunkeld
& the Highlands NEW
T
to give you authentic and out-of-the-ordinary experiences. Our FOR 2 OUR
Experience the majesty of 009
guides don’t follow a script, instead they tailor their tours to each
the Highlands. 09
individual group, creating new adventures every time. Oh, and
they also know some great jokes.
02 DAY TOURS
THE BEST ACTIVITIES Loch Ness, Inverness
Rather than herding you into shops you don’t want to visit, we’ll & the Highlands
point you in the direction of the activities and excursions that Immerse yourselves in the best
will provide the richest memories and most fun. We know who of the North of Scotland. 10
tells the best stories and who bakes the best scones and we’ll
Balmoral, Royal Deeside & Whisky
introduce them both to you.
The Royal Highland Experience. 11
THE BEST EXPERIENCE Loch Lomond, Kilmartin Glen
& Oban
Our small group sizes, luxury mini-buses and carefully chosen
This is the ‘Best of the West’ Tour. 12
accommodation options ensure that you will have a really
friendly and welcoming experience. And remember, we don’t
just do scheduled tours, we can also create private, tailor-made 03 DAY TOURS
excursions if you have something special in mind. Take a look at
this brochure to whet your appetite – then get ready for the best Eilean Donan Castle, Skye
& Loch Ness ISL
of Scotland, the Highland Experience way. ADVEAND
NTURE
Cross over the sea to the
magical Isle of Skye. 13
To book your unforgettable Scottish experience visit:
www.highlandexperience.com
05 DAY TOURS
The Lowlands, Northern Highlands,
the West Coast & Skye
The ultimate Scottish Experience. 14
01

6. HOW OUR TOURS WORK
From the dramatic Cuillin Mountains of Skye to the
mystical secrets of the Rosslyn Chapel, from the
brooding battlefield of Bannockburn to the quaint
fishing villages of Fife, Scotland is full of amazing
things to see. A Highland Experience Tour is the best
way to see this great country, but which tour to pick?
Our one-day tours will get you straight to the heart of the
Scottish experience and give you the chance to visit the most
beautiful and historic parts of the country. If you have a bit
more time you can join a number of our one-day tours together
(they all offer unique experiences, so there’ll be no overlap) or
try one of our multi-day adventures. These allow you to explore
Scotland in greater depth and to take a little more time getting
to know the country and its people.
ACTIVITIES
GUIDES One of the great things about our tours is that you’ll have lots
Our guides are the special ingredient that make our tours so of time to get out of your luxury mini-bus and explore. We make
memorable. Friendly, knowledgeable and above all fun, they’ll sure that there are loads of things for you to do at each point of
make sure your tour is exciting and entertaining, full of amazing call – from boat trips and walks to whisky tastings and castle
facts and absorbing activities. As you travel, they will reveal the tours. We take a great pride in knowing the most interesting
fascinating stories, myths and legends of the countryside and places to visit and the most exciting things to do. What is more,
places you pass. To add to the experience they’ll also play you Highland Experience clients get a discount on many of the
beautiful and evocative Scottish music linked to the area you’re activities on offer. And remember, what you do is totally up to
visiting (how about a bit of Capercaillie in Oban?). you; you can be as energetic or relaxed as you want. We’ll just
let you know what the best options are.
ACCOMMODATION
On our multi-day tours you can be sure of a warm welcome
and a comfortable night’s rest. That’s because we’ll help you
find the perfect accommodation, whatever your budget. We
provide a courtesy booking service for all the accommodation
that you’ll need during your tour. In keeping with our company
commitment to support Scotland, wherever possible we’ll book
you into family-run accommodation in small villages and towns
where you’ll find a genuine Scottish welcome and real Scottish
style – no faceless hotel chains in big cities for us.
You can choose from a range of accommodation styles and
budgets. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a door-to-door drop
off and a guaranteed best price. What’s more, as you pay your
host directly, you’ll know exactly where your money’s going.
Options include: hostels (£15-£20 pppn); B&Bs (£25-£45 pppn);
and small hotels or guest houses (£45+ pppn).
| highlandexperience.com

7. HOW WE WORK
As a Highland-owned, Edinburgh-based company we
are committed to being good Scots. For us that means
doing our bit for the Scottish environment, its economy
and for the people we employ and work with.
We try to channel money where it is needed – into the heart of the
local communities we visit. We are also committed to continually
improving our environmental performance and have already taken
a number of practical steps: all our buses meet the latest European
emission regulations, we recycle all our rubbish and we have had
our headquarters audited by Envirowise (the government’s green
business agency) to keep informed of how we can improve.
TRANSPORT
A great tour needs a great vehicle and at Highland Experience As a mark of our commitment to Scotland’s beautiful countryside
we have a fleet of modern Mercedes mini-buses to drive you we encourage all of our guests to donate to Trees for Life – the
around Scotland in comfort and luxury. We have recently project that is working to restore the ancient Caledonian Forest
enlarged our fleet with an additional four new Mercedes 515s. that used to cover a large area of the Scottish Highlands (see
These vehicles feature air conditioning, double glazed windows, www.treesforlife.org.uk to have a tree planted in your name).
reclining passenger seats, Blaupunkt audio and PA system and
lowered entry steps. They are the perfect seats from which to Our commitment to being a great company is shown by the fact
experience Scotland. that we have gained three prestigious tourism awards:
FOOD & DRINK 5 Star – the highest level of award under Visit
Great food is part and parcel of the Scottish experience and Scotland’s Quality Assurance Scheme. It shows
we pride ourselves on knowing where you can get great tasting that we are ‘Exceptional’ at what we do.
local food – whatever your budget. Our guides all love their
grub and they’ll be more than happy to let you know where Investor in People – this prestigious award
their favourite places to eat are located and to suggest some highlights our dedication to investing time and
of the best things to try. They know the best pubs, cafes and money in the training and care of all of our staff.
restaurants (and the best haggis); and they’ll help you sniff
out the tastiest, locally-sourced food and drink: the true taste Hospitality Assured – presented by the Institute
of Scotland. But don’t forget, the choice is up to you. That’s of Hospitality, this internationally-recognised
why the price of food isn’t included in our tours – it’s up to award shows that we have achieved service and
you to decide where you dine. For information on our bespoke business excellence in the hospitality industry.
'Gastronomy' tours see pages 16 and 17.
02 | 03

8. 01 MONSTERS, MOUNTAINS & MASSACRES
DAY TOURS LOCH NESS, GLEN COE & THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS MO
POPU ST
LAR
If you’ve only got a day, but want to get to the
heart of what Scotland has to offer, then this is the
tour for you. It’s the ‘monster of all trips’ and it’ll
give you big adventures, big scenery and big fun.
Get on board the world-famous ‘Nessie Bus’ and you’ll soon
find yourself searching for the monster in the waters of the
world’s most famous Loch. You’ll travel through the majestic Loch Ness
scenery of the ‘homelands of the clans’ and pass under the Ben Nevis
shadow of the UK's highest mountain.
Glen Coe
Pitlochry
We’re never ones to follow the crowd and we make sure that
this whole trip is full of unique and special moments. For
Edinburgh
example, our first stop in the Highlands is the beautiful village
of Pitlochry, where we’ll show you where to buy the best
homemade cakes we’ve ever found.
You’ll stop for lunch at Loch Ness. Here you can have a
leisurely lunch at a family-run restaurant overlooking the
waters or grab a picnic and take a cruise*. We know the
boatman with the best stories to tell, and we’ve asked him
not to spare you any shivers. In the afternoon, as you stand
at the mouth of Glen Coe, our guide will bring to life the
terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan so vividly that you’ll
swear you can still hear the cries of betrayal echoing from the
surrounding mountains.
By the time you make it back to Edinburgh, you’ll have
glimpsed the iconic railway bridge crossing the Firth of TOUR ITINERARY
Forth and have seen the empty wilds of the Cairngorms
From Edinburgh into Perthshire
National Park; you’ll have travelled through the breathtaking We cross the Firth of Forth and stop off in Pitlochry.
countryside where they filmed the BBC’s world-famous Into Monarch of the Glen country
Monarch of the Glen TV series and your head will be We travel through the breathtaking Cairngorms
swimming with tales of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. National Park and beyond.
All in all, thanks to our guides, you’ll have had a real Scottish Loch Ness
Grab a picnic and take a cruise* or eat and ‘monster
Experience – one to remember forever. spot’ on dry land.
Ben Nevis
TOUR DETAILS Views of Scotland’s highest mountain (mist permitting!).
Glen Coe
Departure Days Every Day Time to enjoy the amazing scenery and learn its history.
Whisky tasting stop
Departs | Returns 8am | 7.30pm (approx.) A taste of the Highlands in the Highlands.
Adults | Concessions from £32 | from £30 Stirling
Past the castle and back to Edinburgh.
Please meet at pick-up point 15 mins prior to departure. * Optional extra - subject to seasonal availability.
| highlandexperience.com

9. “The views were be
yond my wildest im
I’ve seen climbing agination.
videos of the Highla
obviously not have nds but could
grasped the area's
Again, thank you kin vast beauty.
dly for allowing me
in the Loch Ness To to take part
ur last week.”
Daniel D. Lee,
Loch Ness Tour
, 2008
04 | 05

10. 01
DAY TOURS
CASTLES, LOCHS & WHISKY
STIRLING CASTLE, LOCH LOMOND & GLENGOYNE DISTILLERY
This tour is the Scottish experience ‘distilled’.
It will give you a taste of three classic Scottish
ingredients – castles, lochs and whisky – and,
because we aren’t venturing too far afield, it is
the perfect trip for those who don’t want to hurry,
but want to really savour the rich flavours of this
beautiful country.
You’ll be travelling through a landscape steeped in history.
As you journey west to Glasgow and then on to Stirling
castle, our guides will bring to life the turbulent times of
William Wallace and explain his place at the heart of Scottish Stirling
Loch Lomond
identity. Once at Stirling, you’ll have plenty of time to get out
Glasgow Edinburgh
of your luxury mini-bus and explore its amazing fortress or
stroll through the beautiful city itself.
The Bonnie Bonnie Banks O’ Loch Lomond are your lunch-
time stop and you can stretch your legs and take in the
grandeur and scenery of Scotland’s first designated National
Park. As with all of our tours, we know the best places to
eat: so why not try lunch at a traditional pub built out of a
300-year-old oak tree?
In the afternoon, there is then a chance to experience the
real spirit of Scotland and visit one of Scotland’s most
beautiful and unique distilleries. At Glengoyne, you’ll get a
taste of the true spirit of Scotland – whisky. You’ll be able to
take a tour of the distillery, find out how the drink is made
and discover why a whisky matured in the Lowlands is
classified as a Highland malt.
Castles, lochs and whisky – the recipe for a perfect Scottish
Experience and a perfect day out.
TOUR ITINERARY
Glasgow
TOUR DETAILS A chance to see Scotland’s largest city.
Stirling
Departure Days Every Day Explore the castle or the old town.
Loch Lomond
Departs | Returns 9am | 7.15pm (approx.) Pub lunch or picnic. Guided walks or ‘free to roam’.
Adults | Concessions from £26 | from £24 Glengoyne Distillery
Tour and whisky tasting.
Please meet at pick-up point 15 mins prior to departure.
| highlandexperience.com

11. 01
DAY TOURS
KINGDOMS, PALACES & GOLF
ST. ANDREWS & THE EAST NEUK OF FIFE
The Home of Golf, beautiful beaches and the
best fish and chips in Scotland – what more could
you want from a day out? Yes, it’s time to explore
the great kingdom of Fife, just an hour or so north
of Edinburgh and full of fascinating history and
beautiful scenery.
Fife has some of Scotland’s most picturesque villages and, on
this tour, you’ll be able to visit the best. As you head for Fife,
you'll be able to get a photograph of the famous Forth Railway
Bridge. Our next stop is Falkland. Here, history seems to have St. Andrews
stood still and you can soak up its old-world charms and drink Falkland East Neuk
in the beautiful architecture of the nearby Palace with the
Edinburgh
option of a cup of morning tea.
The heart of the Fife tour is the seaside town of St. Andrews
and you’ll have more than two hours to explore this historic
place. You’ll be able to watch people play some of the most
iconic golf holes in the world and, perhaps, have a round on
the Himalayas putting course.
If you aren’t a golf-nut, rest assured that St. Andrews has
much more to offer – it is one of Scotland’s most beautiful
small towns and its long beach (famous from the opening
shots of Chariots of Fire), historic streets, ancient university
buildings and ruined cathedral are a delight to explore. It’s
also got great shops and cafés. Why not try the world-famous
fudge doughnuts at Fisher and Donaldson?
After St. Andrews, you’ll journey through the East Neuk of Fife.
This is an undiscovered corner that yields some real gems,
including the historic fishing villages of Crail and Anstruther.
Here there is the chance to experience an award-winning ‘fish
supper’ (as it’s known to all true Scots) before heading home,
full of good food and good memories.
TOUR ITINERARY
Falkland
TOUR DETAILS See the Palace - favourite of Mary Queen of Scots.
St. Andrews
Departure Days Tue, Sat & Sun Golf, history and shopping.
East Neuk
Departs | Returns 9am | 6pm (approx.) Fishing villages and sea views.
Adults | Concessions from £26 | from £24 Anstruther
The best fish and chips in the world.
Please meet at pick-up point 15 mins prior to departure.
06 | 07

12. 01
DAY TOURS
QUEST FOR THE HOLY GRAIL
ROSSLYN CHAPEL, DUNFERMLINE & STIRLING CASTLE
Do you want to hear one of the greatest stories
ever told? Then get on board our Quest for the
Holy Grail. This fascinating tour will take you
behind the headlines of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci
Code and help you discover one of the most
fascinating chapters in Scotland’s history – and
one of the world’s most enduring mysteries. On
this tour we don’t travel too far, but we do cover
a lot of ground as we piece together the jigsaw of
Scotland’s medieval history.
Stirling Dunfermline
We start the tour by crossing into Fife and you'll get a chance
to see the world-famous Forth Railway Bridge, we then get Edinburgh
into a landscape rich in history and our guides will begin to tell Rosslyn Chapel
the story of this part of Scotland's past.
The star of this story is Robert the Bruce, said by some to
be the father of modern Scotland. You’ll be able to see the
battlefield of Bannockburn, where Bruce routed the English
in 1314, visit Stirling Castle which he re-captured, and walk
down the beautiful nave at Dunfermline Abbey, his final
resting place.
Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll find yourself swept
up in the excitement of the story, as our guide explains how
Scotland fought for its right to be a nation. But there is much
more than history to discover. You can stroll round the city of
Stirling at lunchtime and enjoy the breathtaking scenery as we
take you through some of Scotland’s prettiest countryside.
The tour finishes with the greatest mystery of all – Rosslyn
Chapel. Is this the resting place of the Holy Grail? Did the
Knights Templar build it? No one knows, but one thing is for TOUR ITINERARY
sure – you’ll have fun trying to figure out some of the answers. Into Fife
Views of the famous Forth Railway Bridge.
Dunfermline Abbey
The jewel in the crown of Scotland’s medieval
TOUR DETAILS architecture.
Stirling Castle
Departure Days Tue, Thurs & Fri Explore the castle or city.
Bannockburn
Departs | Returns 9am | 5.30pm (approx.) Site of one of Scotland’s greatest victories.
Adults | Concessions from £26 | from £24 Rosslyn Chapel
Made famous in the Da Vinci Code.
Please meet at pick-up point 15 mins prior to departure.
| highlandexperience.com

13. 01
DAY TOURS
A TOUCH OF THE HIGHLANDS
THE HERMITAGE, DUNKELD & THE HIGHLANDS NEW
T
FOR 2 OUR
009
If you want to experience the majesty of the
Highlands, but only have a limited amount of time
to spare, then try our ‘Touch of the Highlands’ Tour.
This is a beautiful, relaxed tour, perfect for those
who want to take it easy, stroll through the Scottish
countryside and get a feel for the grandeur of our
high country.
The tour starts a little later than most, so this is also a great
tour for anyone who needs a bit of lie-in in the morning (you The Hermitage
are on holiday, after all). Once we get going, our first stop is Dunkeld
Crieff
South Queensferry, where you can take a snap of one of the
most-photographed bridges in the world: the railway bridge
Edinburgh
across the Firth of Forth.
Our next point of call is the Hermitage – a beautiful National
Trust site that lies on the banks of the River Braan. This is a
perfect spot for a leafy walk through stunning countryside and
a chance to see Ossian’s Hall, a Victorian folly built to honour
the immortal bard of the Gaels.
Lunch is at Dunkeld, on the banks of the Tay. Take a look at its
beautiful cathedral and you’ll be transported back in time to
when Dunkeld was a pocket-sized city and centre of Scottish
Christianity. We next drive up into the Sma’ Glen and all of a
sudden you will know you have arrived in the Highlands as the
countryside takes on a much more imposing character. This
is a landscape rich in history, beauty and wildlife – it’s a really
special moment when we arrive.
On the way home, we’ll stop in the bustling market town
of Crieff and you’ll be able to roam around and enjoy its
characterful shops and cafes before you board the bus again
to head home. Then, relaxed and recharged, you’ll be able to TOUR ITINERARY
say that you really have experienced the Highlands.
From Edinburgh to South Queensferry
Photo stop at the bridge across the Firth of Forth.
The Hermitage
TOUR DETAILS Woodland walk along the river Braan.
Dunkeld
Departure Days Sun, Mon & Wed Lunch and a visit to the Cathedral.
The Sma’ Glen
Departs | Returns 10am | 4.45pm (approx.) Into the Highlands.
Adults | Concessions from £22 | from £20 Crieff
Shopping and coffee in a traditional market town.
Please meet at pick-up point 15 mins prior to departure.
08 | 09

14. 02
DAY TOURS
THE HIGHLAND EXPERIENCE
LOCH NESS, INVERNESS & THE HIGHLANDS
The Highland Experience: two days of fun and
adventure that will allow you to immerse yourself
in the best that the North of Scotland has to
offer. You’ll see world-famous lochs and imposing
mountains, and, if you’re like most of our guests,
you’ll find yourself falling in love with the Highlands.
Inverness
This tour will take you through a landscape rich in history, Drumnadrochit
Loch Ness
myth and legend – among the sites you’ll see will be Culloden,
last stand of the Jacobites against the British government Glen Coe
forces. You’ll also be able to walk through Glen Coe, where Dunkeld
the MacDonalds were massacred, and experience the rugged
beauty of Braveheart country. At each stop our guides will be
Edinburgh
there to bring the history alive for you.
You’ll be travelling through some of the best scenery in
Scotland – from the dizzying heights of the Drumochter Pass
to the stunning peaks of the Cairngorms National Park; from
the majestic sweep of the Great Glen to the towering heights
of Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain). Along the way there
will be ample time to get out and breathe in the Highland air,
stretch your legs and try some hearty Highland fare.
The night stop is in Drumnadrochit, a beautiful and welcoming
village on the shores of Loch Ness. This means that in the
morning, after a delicious Scottish breakfast, you’ll be able
to really explore this beautiful loch. Why not take a boat tour
over to Urquhart Castle* (with the best story-teller on the TOUR ITINERARY
water), visit the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition*, or just monster
DAy ONE
hunt from the shore?
From Edinburgh to Dunkeld
A chance to have a woodland walk in the Highlands.
By the end of the tour, whether you’ve seen Nessie or not, you Through the Drumochter Pass
can be certain that you’ll have had a real adventure – and a Lunch en-route.
real Highland Experience. Cairngorms National Park and Culloden
Mountains and massacres.
DAy TWO
Loch Ness
TOUR DETAILS Explore the loch after a good night's sleep.
Great Glen and Ben Nevis
Departure Days Tue, Thurs & Sat See Britian’s highest mountain.
Glen Coe
Departs | Returns 9am | 6.30pm (approx.) Lunch en-route to the Glen.
Adults | Concessions from £62 | from £58 Braveheart country and Stirling
Pass the Castle and the Wallace Monument.
Please meet at pick-up point 15 mins prior to departure. * Optional extra - subject to seasonal availability.
| highlandexperience.com

15. 02
DAY TOURS
ROYAL HIGHLAND EXPERIENCE
BALMORAL, ROYAL DEESIDE AND WHISKY
Have you ever wondered which bit of Scotland
the Royal family likes the most? Well now’s your
chance to find out. This two-day tour will take you
up the beautiful east coast of Scotland to Royal
Deeside, a place where monarchs from Queen
Victoria onwards have holidayed.
As befits a royal tour, we’ll visit some awe-inspiring castles
Balmoral Dunnottar
along the way. The Queen’s Scottish home, Balmoral* Castle
is certainly the highlight, but you’ll also have a chance to Edradour Arbroath
see Falkland Palace and explore the historic lanes of the
surrounding village. You’ll also be able to wander through the Falkland
evocative ruins of Dunnottar Castle. Perched on a cliff top,
Edinburgh
this fortress is famous for having protected the Scottish crown
jewels from the English.
Food and drink fit for royalty are another reason to join us as
we travel north. You’ll be able to try one of Scotland’s seafood
delicacies, the Arbroath Smokie (smoked haddock), in Arbroath
itself. And when you stop at a traditional inn amongst the
mountain scenery of Glenshee, you’ll have a right royal view.
Because we spend the night in Royal Deeside we can devote
much of day two to exploring the true spirit of Scotland –
whisky. For those who appreciate this magical drink, this is a
chance to visit three of the great distilleries. Royal Lochnagar
(royal in name and nature), Edradour (the smallest in Scotland)
and Glenturret (the oldest – which also boasts a BAFTA-
winning visitor experience).
TOUR ITINERARY
For those who don’t indulge, there are loads of other things DAy ONE
to do, including visiting Crathie Kirk (where Queen Victoria’s Falkland
Highland servant John Brown is buried), strolling through Step back in time in this beautiful village.
breathtaking scenery and exploring quaint villages – still the Over the Tay to Arbroath
spirit of Scotland, just not in a glass. Lunch at this picturequre fishing port.
Dunnottar Castle
Haunting ruins overlooking the North Sea.
TOUR DETAILS DAy TWO
Balmoral* or the Royal Lochnager Distillery
Departure Days Sun The royal connection.
Glenshee
Departs | Returns 8.30am | 6pm (approx.) Lunch surrounded by mountains.
Adults | Concessions from £62 | from £58 Edradour and Glenturret Distilleries
Whisky tasting and tours.
Please meet at pick-up point 15 mins prior to departure. * not available during August, September and October when
the Royal family is in residence.
10 | 11

16. 02
DAY TOURS
BEST OF THE WEST
LOCH LOMOND, KILMARTIN GLEN & OBAN
The West coast of Scotland holds a special
fascination for many. It’s a land rich in ancient history
and, with its wild mountains and windy moors, it’s a
place of romance, mystery and excitement. ‘Best
of the West’ is the perfect way to find out about this
wonderful region – two days of great food, amazing
stories and exceptional scenery.
The beautiful Trossachs (Scotland’s first designated national
park), Loch Lomond and Glen Lonan (the funeral route of the
ancient Scottish kings) are just some of the scenic wonders Oban
you’ll be travelling through. You’ll be able to stop and explore Loch Lomond Stirling
along the way. You should even be able get a close-up photo of Linlithgow
Edinburgh
a Hairy Coo (Highland cow), if you want!
History is writ large across this landscape. In Kilmartin
Glen, you’ll be able to explore countryside marked with the
monuments and ruins of over 5,000 years of Scottish history
(some older than the pyramids). You’ll see the beautiful ruins
of Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots,
picturesque Inveraray, stronghold of the notorious Clan
Campbell, and the haunting ruins of Kilchurn Castle on Loch
Awe. At Dunadd Hill Fort, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps
of the kings of the Gaels, the ancient highlanders. At each step
of the way our guides will bring this history alive – for example,
you’ll find out just where Scotland’s most famous outlaw, Rob TOUR ITINERARY
Roy, rustled cattle and why he became our greatest folk hero.
DAy ONE
Linlithgow Palace
We’ll feed your mind, but also your body: the food and Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.
hospitality on this tour are second to none. Sample world- The Trossachs and Loch Lomond
famous oysters, fresh from the waters of Loch Fyne, or try Where the Highlands meet the Lowlands.
finger-licking garlic prawns from the harbour-side in Oban Loch Fyne and Inverarary
(where you stay the night). Still not full? Try lunch at the 14th- The chance to try some oysters.
century Drovers Inn near the head of Loch Lomond. By the time Kilmartin Glen and Dunadd HIll Fort
5,000 years of Scottish history.
you get back to Edinburgh we can guarantee that you’ll be well
Oban
fed and that you’ll have tasted the Best of the West. Stay overnight by the ‘little bay’.
TOUR DETAILS DAy TWO
Glen Lonan
Departure Days Fri Funeral route of ancient Scottish kings.
Loch Awe
Departs | Returns 9am | 6.30pm (approx.) The ruins of Kilchurn Castle.
Adults | Concessions from £62 | from £58 Through Rob Roy country to Stirling
A chance to see the Wallace Monument.
Please meet at pick-up point 15 mins prior to departure.
| highlandexperience.com

17. 03
DAY TOURS
SKYE EXPERIENCE
EILEAN DONAN CASTLE, SKYE & LOCH NESS ISL
ADVEAND
NTURE
Crossing over the sea to the Isle of Skye is one of
those magical experiences you should do at least
once in a lifetime. Skye is a place of breathtaking
scenery. It is also a place where the cares of the
world slip away and you can slow down as ‘island
time’ takes over.
Skye Culloden
Our three-day Skye tour is the best way to see this unique Eilean Donan Castle Loch Ness
and special place. The route we take to the island is itself full
Pitlochry
of spectacle. You’ll pass Stirling Castle, cross the brooding Glen Coe
expanse of Rannoch Moor and enter Glen Coe. As our road
nears the coast its passes Eilean Donan Castle, one of the
most iconic images of the Highlands. Here you'll have the
Edinburgh
chance to visit the castle that featured in the film Highlander.
Then it’s time to cross the ‘infamous’ bridge to Skye, to get a
welcoming dinner and your bed for the night.
When you wake, you’ll have a full day to explore. This means
that you can take things nice and easy but still see all the
sites, such as the craggy Cuillin mountains, the dramatic
hills of the Quiraing and outstandingly beautiful Trotternish
peninsula. What Skye memories will you bring back? Maybe
you’ll spy an inquisitive seal peeking out of the waves, or spot
an antlered stag silhouetted against the horizon. One thing's
for certain: your Skye memories will stay with you forever.
Once you’ve left Skye the Highland magic doesn't stop. You TOUR ITINERARY
stay the second night at Loch Ness and on the third day you
can go monster spotting and choose to take a boat cruise*. DAy ONE
You’ll also visit the battlefield of Culloden, the site of the Through Rob Roy territory
defeat of the Jacobite forces. As we head home, we’ll take Past Stirling Castle, across Rannoch Moor to Glen Coe.
you through the stunning Cairngorm mountains and on to Eilean Donan
Fort William and Ben Nevis, past the castle and across
explore the picturesque Victorian town of Pitlochry (where the the bridge.
best coffee and cake can be had). At the end of the tour, you’ll
have made new friends and have heard ancient stories. Most DAy TWO
importantly you’ll have experienced the magic that is Skye. Day on Skye
Mountains, beaches, magic and memories.
TOUR DETAILS DAy THREE
Loch Ness
Departure Days Wed & Sat Chance for a boat cruise* and monster spotting.
Through Inverness and beyond
Departs | Returns 8.30am | 6pm (approx.) The capital of the Highlands and on to Culloden.
Adults | Concessions from £98 | from £88 The Cairngorms and Pitlochry
Mountains scenery, coffee and cakes.
Please meet at pick-up point 15 mins prior to departure. * Optional extra - subject to seasonal availability.
12 | 13

18. 05
DAY TOURS
THE HIGHLAND & ISLAND EXPERIENCE
THE LOWLANDS, NORTHERN HIGHLANDS, THE WEST COAST & SKYE
This is the ultimate Scottish experience. In five
wonderful days you will explore this great land
of ours, soak up its dramatic scenery, discover
its turbulent past and get to know its welcoming
people. Your journey will take you through high Torridon
mountain passes and across historic battlefields,
along rugged and beautiful coastlines and through Skye
Loch Ness
misty glens.
The tour starts by heading north through the stunning lowland Dunkeld
Oban
countryside of Fife and Perthshire. It then climbs into the Loch Lomond
heart of the Highlands to reach Inverness and Loch Ness. The
Edinburgh
second day takes you through the stunning scenery of Glen
Affric and the Torridon Mountains and on, over the sea, to the
magical Isle of Skye. You’ll have the third day to explore the
island’s mysteries and landscape. Day four sees you travelling
past Ben Nevis and down the dramatic west coast and through
the haunting landscape of Glen Coe. Day five provides a battlefields in the world, including Culloden and Glencoe.
wonderful conclusion to the tour as you explore the ancient, Visit the stunningly beautiful Eilean Donan Castle and pass
historic landscape of Kilmartin Glen south of Oban. through the village of Appin, made famous in Robert Louis
Stevenson’s book Kidnapped. Then immerse yourself in
There will be numerous chances to get out of the mini-bus and Scotland’s ancient past at Kilmartin Glen, where over 5,000
explore. For example, you can take a woodland walk along the years of history are marked on the landscape: literally walk
riverside at Dunkeld and a chance to see its ancient cathedral. in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the
Or how about a stroll up to a stunning waterfall surrounded Temple Wood Stone Circle.
by the ancient Caledonian forest that used to cover much of
the Highlands? On Skye, the mountains and beaches beckon We’ll feed your mind and also your body: Good grub is a
and you can loose yourself amongst the spectacular scenery key part of this Scottish adventure. You’ll lunch in some
of the Cuillin mountains, the slanting hills of Quiraing and the glorious places: in the Cairngorms, Britain’s highest mountain
incredible Trotternish peninsula. Of course, a trip to Loch Ness plateau and in the beautiful Loch-side village of Inveraray, the
wouldn’t be complete without some monster hunting and you stronghold of the infamous Clan Campbell. You’ll also have
are free to take a cruise* and hear our boatman’s exciting the chance to try a nip of whisky with the locals in Portree,
stories about the Loch and its mysteries. the capital of Skye, try oysters on the shores of Loch Fyne, or
garlic prawns by the quay side at Oban.
The tour will not just take you to stunning places, it will also
take you back in time. Walk across some of the most famous Overall, this five day tour will allow you to really get a
deep understanding of the places you’ll visit. Our guides
TOUR DETAILS particularly enjoy this tour as it gives them the opportunity
to really get to know people, so that they can make sure that
Departure Days Mon
everyone gets to see exactly what they want. By the time you
Departs | Returns 8.30am | 6pm (approx.) return to Edinburgh you’ll have made new friends, have some
Adults | Concessions from £170 | from £160 really unforgettable memories stored away and have got to
know the real Scotland.
Please meet at pick-up point 15 mins prior to departure. * Optional extra - subject to seasonal availability.
| highlandexperience.com

19. "My friend
Heather an
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. Steve's lo n the 5-day
ve of and Tour
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Highlands r Scotland
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His knowle of Skye co
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combined tland's his
with his w tory
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trip an unfo orytelling ab
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– we'll nev
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Heather C
lendening
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kibenecky
TOUR ITINERARY
DAy ONE
From Edinburgh through Fife and Perthshire
Riverside walk at Dunkeld.
Into the Highlands
Drummochter pass, lunch in the Cairngorms.
On to Loch Ness
Culloden, Inverness and the Loch.
DAy TWO
Glen Affric
Explore the ancient Caledonian forest.
Torridon Mountains
Time for lunch amidst the mountains.
On to Skye
Over the sea to the island.
DAy THREE
Skye Tour
Walking, sight seeing, souvenir hunting and
exploring.
DAy FOUR
Eilean Donan Castle
One of the most iconic buildings in the Highlands.
Ben Nevis and Fort William
The pinnacle of the Highlands.
Loch Linnhe and Glen Coe
Beauty and battles.
DAy FIVE
Kilmartin Glen
5,000 years of history in one place.
Inveraray
Lunch by Loch Fyne.
Loch Lomond and Stirling
A beautiful way to finish.
14 | 15

20. PRIVATE TOURS: THE BESPOKE
We can put together a tailor-made tour to help you CLAN HOMECOMING TOURS
discover Scotland your way. One of our most common requests is for ‘Homecoming’ tours in
which people ask us to help them track down their ancestors and
If you are visiting Scotland and want to do something special, to take them to explore the homelands of their clans. If you’ve got
or have a particular activity, hobby or interest that you want to such a tour in mind, then we should be your first port of call – we
pursue while you explore the country, then why not try a Highland are skilled at researching clan histories and will make sure that
Experience private tour? your tour really does take you ‘back home’ to see all of the key
historic sites of your clan’s past. Of course we’ll also add in stops
We have the knowledge and expertise to put together a bespoke to taste your ‘local’ whisky and visit your ‘local’ highland games, if
tour that will meet your specific needs, whatever the size of your you want.
party, your budget or your timescale. In fact we are the best in the
business when it comes to crafting tours that combine all of the best
elements of Scotland in a way that is entertaining and enjoyable.
Our bespoke tours are ideal for small private groups, such as
families and friends, study groups or corporate guests. Like our
scheduled tours you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable and
friendly guide who will bring alive the countryside and places you
pass through. Unlike our scheduled tours, you’ll have your vehicle
and guide all to yourself and your route and the itinerary will be
designed, from scratch, to meet your exact requirements.
No request is too large or too small for our team. Take a look at
some of the ideas on this page to see the types of tours we can
put together. But remember we love a challenge! Give us a call
and we’ll turn your holiday dreams into reality.
SCOTTISH GASTRONOMY TOURS
Scotland has the best food and drink on the planet – from the
freshest seafood and the tastiest game to the finest single malt
whiskies and the heartiest porridge and haggis. To help you
explore Scotland's culinary treasures we can put together a lip-
smacking menu of gastronomic treats. We'll take you to the best
local eateries and the finest Michelin-starred restaurants. We'll
arrange a tour of our great distilleries and take you to the places
where the finest raw materials come from. We'll give you the real
taste of Scotland and a whole host of mouth-watering memories.
| highlandexperience.com

21. ACTIVITY TOURS
Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience an
activity holiday in the great outdoors. Whatever sport you are into
– whether it is golfing, walking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking,
shooting or fishing – we can arrange a tour that will allow you
and your party to indulge your passion surrounded by the most
spectacular scenery and with access to the best facilities.
Don’t just take our word for it though, we recently put together a
bespoke five-day tour for three generations of American Campbells
trying to trace their Scottish roots. This is what they thought:
Hi,
My family recently
returned home from
adventure through our Scotland vacatio
Highland Experienc n/
impressed with the e Tours. Everyone wa
quality of the tour an s very
guide, Will. d with our exception
al
The tour, and guide
, exceeded our expe
extremely knowled ctations by far. Will
geable and passion is
very engaging with ate about Scotland.
everyone, adults an He was
so much about Scott d children alike. We
ish history, culture, learned
the legends and lor the people, landsca
e of the land. Every pes,
brilliant. Will is exce minute of the tour
ptional at his trade was
and should be comm
ended.
It was sad when the
tour came to an en
a return trip though. d, we are already pla
I arrived in Scotlan nning
the country and lef d excited to see so
t absolutely thrilled me of
we did. Please pass to have experienced
this information on what
of Highland Experie to the owners/mana
WILDLIFE TOURS nce Tours. If your oth gers
as Will, then you ha er guides are half as
People return again and again to Scotland to see its wildlife, from ve an exceptional sta good
Scotland, I will recom ff. To anyone trave
the spectacular birds of prey that hunt its moors to the deer that mend Highland Ex lling to
perience…
graze its upland wildernesses. At Highland Experience Tours we
can get you close to some of the most wonderful animals in the
world, amidst the most spectacular scenery imaginable. Whatever Regards,
Kevin William Cam
the season and whatever type of wildlife you are interested in, pbell
we’ll give you the wildlife experience of your life.
16 | 17