The Highlands of Scotland

08.15hrs          Depart from Wexford [North Station, Redmond Square 08.35hrs          Pick-up in Enniscorthy [Abbey Square Car Park] 08.55hrs          Pick-up in Gorey [at the hospital] 09.15hrs          Pick-up at the Beehive pub 11.00hrs          Pick-up at The Coach Park – Dublin Airport – opportunity for a comfort stop for those already on the coach 12.30hrs          Arrive at Buttercrane Shopping Centre. Newry – pick-up on Merchants’ Quay 13.15hrs          Depart Newry 14.30hrs          Arrive Stena Terminal Belfast 15.30hrs          Depart on Stena Superfast 17.50hrs          Arrive Cairnryan 20.00hrs          Arrive at The Glynhill Hotel & Spa, Renfrew Dinner is in our hotel tonight

08.30hrs          Depart hotel 09.30hrs          Arrive at The Kelpies Standing at 100ft tall and weighing more than 300 tonnes each, the magical Kelpies are a man-made wonder and a feat of engineering. The works of art, created by artist Andy Scott, have become iconic on the landscape after being modelled on real-life icons of times gone by — Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron. The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy, pulling the wagons, ploughs, barges and coalships that shaped the geographical layout of Falkirk. 11.00hrs          Depart The Kelpies 11.45hrs          Arrive Stirling Castle Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. In its grandeur with its superb sculptures and beautiful gardens. It was a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations from christenings to coronations.  Today you can meet the costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will welcome you into 16th century life. Families can have fun in the palace vaults where children can try out activities such as dressing in period costume and playing medieval instruments. Don't miss a guided tour with knowledgeable staff who will bring the castle's infamous characters and history to life in great detail.  Other highlights include the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Castle Exhibition, Regimental Museum, Great Kitchens, and the Tapestry Studio. 13.45hrs          Depart Stirling 15.00hrs          Arrive Pitlochry – we have a comfort stop in the picturesque town 15.45hrs          Depart Pitlochry 18.00hrs          Arrive at the Mercure Hotel, Inverness Dinner at the hotel

08.00hrs          Depart your Hotel We follow the Route of The River Bran on the A832 having a comfort stop in Lochcarron.  Coming down onto the A87 at Auchtertyre we turn right for Skye.  After a few short miles we arrive and cross-over the spectacular Skye Bridge – that box is ticked – we have visited Skye.  We have a photo-stop in Kyleakin before returning over the bridge and heading for Eilean Donan Castle.. 12.30hrs          Arrive at Eilean Donan Castle Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognised castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other. It is, without doubt, a Scottish icon and certainly one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Highlands. When you first set eyes on it, it is easy to understand why so many people flock to its stout doors year after year. Strategically located on its own little island, overlooking the Isle of Skye, at the point where three great sea-lochs meet, and surrounded by the majestic splendour of the forested mountains of Kintail, Eilean Donan’s setting is truly breath-taking. 14.00hrs          Depart Eilean Donan Castle 15.40hrs          Arrive at Clansman Harbour on Loch Ness 16.15hrs          Depart on the Jacobite Loch Ness Cruise 17.05hrs          Return to Clansman 17.20hrs          Depart Clansman 18.00hrs          Arrive at your hotel Dinner is in your hotel this evening

09.30hrs          Depart your hotel 09.55hrs          Arrive at the Visitor Centre for the Culloden Battlefield On 16 April 1746, the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal head in one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Jacobite supporters, seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. It was the last pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,600 men were slain – 1,500 of them Jacobites.  The richly researched, stimulating and sensitive Culloden Visitor Centre, which stands beside the battlefield, features artefacts from both sides of the battle and interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict. It is both a monument and a guide to a pivotal day in history. 11.40hrs          Depart Culloden 12.10hrs          Arrive at your hotel We have the afternoon at leisure in Inverness Dinner is under your own arrangement this evening.

08.30hrs          Check-out and depart your hotel We travel south hugging the shore of Loch Ness via Fort Augustus and taking time to stop at the Commando Monument at Spean Bridge. 11.00hrs          Arrive at Fort William – we take an hour out to explore the town. 12.00hrs          Depart Fort William We travel through Glencoe, one the most famous Glens in Scotland.  Stopping for a photo-op.  Passing the Bridge of Orchy and travelling down the length of Loch Lomond. 14.45hrs          Arrive at Loch Lomond Shores. Loch Lomond Shores is a stunning 5* rated visitor destination set on the southern tip of Loch Lomond which offers something for everyone. 16.45hrs          Depart Loch Lomond Shores 17.30hrs          Arrive at our hotel, The Glynhill Hotel & Spa, Renfrew check-in and dinner

08.00hrs          Check-out and depart our hotel 10.30hrs          Arrive at Cairnryan 11.30hrs          Depart Cairnryan on Stena Superfast 13.50hrs          Arrive Belfast 16.30hrs          Arrive Dublin Airport – dropping in Newry en-route Coaches drops enroute to Wexford