This is a Scottish bucket list must, isn't it? Heading to the eerie and famous Loch Ness to hunt for the enigmatic Loch Ness monster. We call her Nessie to make her seem less threatening, but let's be honest... if she's real, she'd be more powerful than us wee mortals. But that's the question, isn't it? Is she real? Now it's your turn to make up your own mind. We travel north over Highland rivers and rugged mountains, taking in the varied countryside as you descend into the Great Glen – a rift valley fault that is millions of years old. And now it's time to take in the most dramatic view of Loch Ness from the tiny settlement of Dores.

From this striking introduction to Scotland we drive to Dochgarroch Locks on the Caledonian Canal where you will embark on an hour-long cruise of this most famous of lochs. Your cruise takes you up the 19th-century canal, through Loch Dochfour and onto Loch Ness. After an hour of sailing on the dark, deep waters hiding Nessie, you arrive in a most splendid manner at the impressive Urquhart Castle.

The castle played a central role in the Wars of Scottish Independence and was frequently contested between English and Scottish forces. In 1692, the towering gatehouse was deliberately blown up so it couldn't be used as a military stronghold. You have an hour to explore this ruined stronghold with a most spectacular view of the loch. You then meet up with your Driver-Guide at the Visitor Centre car park.

We'll take a detour through the Highland's capital city of Inverness for a brief stop beside the river for refreshments. Then we take the road back into the Cairngorm National Park towards Aviemore, where you arrive in the early evening.

You return to Aviemore at approximately 4.30pm.