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A real Christmas cracker, ideal if you have wee bit more time to really see the magnificent Highlands covered in a blanket of snow.  Over 5 fun filled days, you will take in some of the most dramatic and spectacular scenery in Europe, as well as having the time of your life meeting some really great people and our legendary HAGGiS crew.

Our extended Christmas tour leaves Edinburgh on Thursday, December 24th and includes all accommodation. You will spend 2 nights at a fantastic 4* Hostel on the banks of Loch Ness, but the highlight of this trip is spending Christmas Eve and Christmas night in a haunted Highland castle surrounded by forest for the best Christmas party ever! Returning to Edinburgh on Monday 28th December.

Day 1: 24th December
Heading north from Edinburgh, we pass the Forth Bridges, through Perthshire - surrounded by mountains, forests and salmon packed rivers. We will stop at Dunkeld to visit the beautiful Cathedral and hear gruesome tales of the Wolf of Badenoch who was buried there.  We then head north to the Pass of Killicrankie where you will hear tales about the Jacobites and Bonnie Dundee. Lunch is in the small village of Kingussie, made famous by the 'Monarch of the Glen' tv show. Then it's off to lonely Culloden Battlefield, scene of the last major battle in Britain set in the Cairngorm National Park.  We then pass over the Kessock Bidge with views of the Black Isle and Cromerty Firth as we head for our lavish evening accommodation in a haunted Highland castle!
 
Day 2: Christmas Day
Christmas Day will never be the same again. After a good night’s sleep and a quick breakfast, we’ll depart for our journey north over Bonar Bridge. On the way take in the views of Dornoch Firth, and Dornoch town's picturesque Cathedral.  Frolic on the amazing sandy beaches and stop off at the spectacular Falls of Shin.* Unlimited fresh air will mean no more hangovers!  A few snow ball fights and snowman building attempts* will set you up for the slap-up Christmas feast awaiting our return to the castle.  After a delicious meal you can grab a partner and work off some of your Christmas indulgencies Ceilidh dancing!
*Weather permitting
 
Day 3: Boxing Day
This morning we travel west through Sutherland with views of Suilven, a spectacular mountain ridge before arriving at the picturesque fishing town of Ullapool.  We will stop off at the impressive Corrieshalloch George and then onto the stunning Beauly Priory before passing through Drumnadrochit on the banks of Loch Ness for a quick photo stop at Urquhart castle.  Our home for the night is the fantastic Morag’s Lodge at Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness.
 
Day 4: 27th December
Our first stop of the day is  Loch Gary (Scotlands' Loch) We take the road to the Isles past Loch Cluanie  through Glen Shiel before stopping at Eilean Donan castle.  We then cross over the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye.  Here we will see ruins of castle Moil and hear about the famous’ Saucy Mary'.  We travel through Broadford and stop at Sligachan Bridge to hear all about the Faeries, Selkies and local characters who have contributed to the rich history of this magical island as well as magnificent views of the Black & Red Cuillin.  Next stop is Portree, Skye’s main town and then travel onto the Old Man of Storr, the Quirang and then finally Kilt Rock before returning back to Morag’s Lodge for the night.

Day 5: 28th December
Our last day will take us past Loch Oich and the Well of the 7 Heads - find out the story of the 1554 Battle of the Shirts!  It’s then onto the Commando Memorial before arriving at the Great Glen and Fort William.  It’s then onto haunting Glencoe, Rannoch moor and the Black Mount before stopping for lunch.  We travel past Ben Lawers, Glen Ogle, Loch Lubnaig and hear tales about Rob Roy.  We will stop in the Trossachs at Kilmahog to say hello to Hamish the Hairy coo.

Our journey home will take us past Stirling castle and the Wallace monument as we drive north on the motorway returning to Edinburgh between 5 & 6pm.

Travelling from London?

We have a fantastic Rail Add On option, with return train from London Kings Cross and pre and post tour hostel dorm accommodation in Edinburgh.  Once in Edinburgh you will have time to explore and enjoy the Capitals festivities with its' German Markets, outdoor ice rink and big wheel!

> 23rd December - depart London by train to Edinburgh - overnight Edinburgh Hostel (mixed dorm)
> 24th December - 28th December - 5 day trip to the Highlands
> 28th December - check back into Edinburgh Hostel (mixed dorm)
> 29th December - return train back to London.

All this for £139 (does not include tour)
(Special cancellation charges apply to this product - up to 22 days prior to departure 50% refund. Within 21 days - no refund)