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Scottish Highlands, North Coast 500 & Orkney
Discover Scotland’s most magnificent scenery on this fantastic tour taking in the spectacular North Coast 500, a scenic coastal route which showcases Northern Scotland beautiful beaches, glorious seascapes, rugged landscapes, historical ruins and quaint fishing villages.
Discover Scotland’s most magnificent scenery on this fantastic tour taking in the spectacular North Coast 500, a scenic coastal route which showcases Northern Scotland beautiful beaches, glorious seascapes, rugged landscapes, historical ruins and quaint fishing villages. We also will have a day exploring Orkney, a historic island lying off Scotland’s north coast that is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and has a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture. Other treats on this holiday will be a visit to John O’Groats, admission to the Castle & Gardens of Mey and a journey on a Mountain Gondola for some fantastic views of the Scottish highlands. A memorable and truly unforgettable experience awaits on this holiday as you discover some of Scotland’s finest scenery in this beautiful part of the world.
HILTON DOUBLETREE STRATHCLYDE
This modern hotel is conveniently located on the outskirts of Glasgow in the Bellshill area. All bedrooms feature television, radio, telephone, Wi-Fi, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel also features a restaurant and lounge bar area plus a leisure club with indoor swimming pool, sauna steam room and fitness centre, Lift to all floors.
PALACE HOTEL & SPA
The stylish Palace Hotel enjoys a commanding position on the banks of the River Ness, opposite Inverness Castle and only a short walk to the city centre. All bedrooms feature television, radio, telephone, Wi-Fi, iron/ironing board, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar are plus a leisure club and spa with indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and fitness centre. Lift to all floors.
PENTLAND HOTEL
Centrally located in Thurso, the Pentland Hotel offers comfortable guest accommodation. All bedrooms are equipped with television, radio, telephone, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. The hotel also features a restaurant plus a lounge bar.
ROYAL HOTEL
Situated in an excellent position overlooking Loch Broom and only a short walk to Ullapool town centre. All bedrooms are equipped with television, radio, telephone, Wi-Fi, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. The hotel also features a restaurant and bar area with lovely views over Loch Broom.
HILTON DOUBLETREE DUNBLANE
Located in a stunning position within 10 acres of landscaped grounds, the Victorian-style Hilton Doubletree Dunblane Hydro Hotel offers lovely views of the surrounding area. All bedrooms feature television, radio, telephone, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel also features a restaurant, bar, lounge area and leisure club with indoor swimming pool and fitness centre. Lift to all floors.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE
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Accommodation with dinner and breakfast
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Return Journey on the Mountain Gondola
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Admission to the Castle & Gardens of Mey
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Return ferry crossing to Orkney
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Guided tour of Orkney
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Admission to Skara Brae
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Admission to Skaill House
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Admission to Italian Chapel
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Guided tour of Smoo Caves
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Excursions as described in the tour itinerary
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Return coach travel from your local pick up point
Day One
We travel north through the Scottish borders to Glasgow and arrive at the Hilton Doubletree Strathclyde hotel with time to relax before dinner.
DDay Two
This morning we travel north, threading our way along Loch Lomond and through the Trossachs National Park, surrounded by dramatic peaks and tranquil waters. We then travel through the windswept wilderness of Rannoch Moor, one of Europe's most unspoilt areas. Venturing through 50 square miles of nature at its rawest, we soon see the majestic mountains of Glen Coe rising before us as we continue to the bustling town of Fort William. After some free time to explore and enjoy some lunch, we visit the Nevis Range mountain experience where you will be able to enjoy stunning views from onboard the UK's only Mountain Gondola. Originally built to transport skiers to the slopes, the Mountain Gondola has become a tourist attraction in its own right, allowing visitors an opportunity to absorb the stunning views. From here we travel along the shores of Loch Ness to Inverness, the Capital of the highlands where we stay for two nights at the Place hotel.
B, DDay Three
Today we have a day at leisure for you to enjoy exploring Inverness, Scotland's most northerly city and the capital of the Highlands. Pack in all the city's highlights on a sightseeing bus tour, or wander through its streets and along its river banks to discover museums, galleries and great shopping. Alternatively why not take some time to unwind and relax at the leisure club in our hotel.
B, DDay Four
Today we begin our journey on the North Coast 500, travelling north along the east coast of Scotland to Wick, where we will stop for lunch. This afternoon we continue to John O'Groats where you can have your photo taken by the famous "end of the road" sign post that marks the northernmost corner of Britain, 874 miles from Lands End. We then visit Castle of Mey, once the much-adored holiday home of the Queen Mother. Originally Barrogill Castle, the Queen Mother saved it from ruin in 1952 and set about renovating and restoring the castle and creating the beautiful walled gardens. For over half a century, she spent her summers here and today the castle is kept as it was when the Queen Mother was in residence. Late afternoon we make the short journey to Thurso and check in to the Royal Hotel, where we stay for the next two nights.
B, DDay Five
Today we board a ferry from nearby Gills Bay and cruise to St. Margarets Hope on Orkney where on arrival, we meet our local guide who will be with us throughout the day to guide us around the island. We visit the mystical ancient settlement of Skara Brae, uncovered by a storm in 1850. This ancient settlement is older than Stonehenge and the amazingly preserved rooms provide us with a unique insight into prehistoric human living. We also visit Skaill House, one of Orkney's top tourist attractions, and the finest mansion on the island, steeped in 5,000 years of history. You will also see the Churchill Barriers, the construction of which was ordered by Winston Churchill after the tragic torpedoing of the battleship Royal Oak in Scapa Flow during 1939. Our tour also includes a visit to the Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners during WWII. We will also have some free time in Kirkwall, the islands capital with its 12th century cathedral plus a stop at the Ring of Brodgar standing stones, reminiscent of those at Stonehenge and Avebury, constructed around 2500 - 2000 BC.
B, DDay Six
After breakfast we continue our journey along the North Coast 500, on which we will enjoy some of Scotland's most stunning scenery. Initially, we journey westwards along the top coast of Scotland, travelling via Tongue and its famous causeway, featuring panoramic views across the Kyle under the watchful eye of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope. Just up the coast we'll then see Britain's deepest sea inlet beside rugged Loch Eriboll before we visit the breathtaking Smoo Cave near Durness. Wander inside its 50ft high entrance and marvel at the waterfall cascading inside - a sight not to be missed. This afternoon we continue our journey southwards travelling through further spectacular countryside as we cross over the stunning Kylesku Bridge and travel via the haunting ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Loch Assynt as we wind our way to the pretty fishing port of Ullapool where we spend the night.
B, DDay Seven
Today we continue our journey along the west coast of Scotland to Gairloch, a pretty fishing village that offers lovely views towards the Isle of Skye. We then continue inland along Loch Maree, one of the most beautiful lochs in the Highlands that contains a group of scattered islands as we travel towards Inverness and the completion of our journey along the North Coast 500. This afternoon we travel through the Cairngorms national park to Dunblane where we stay for our final night in Scotland at the luxurious Hilton Doubletree Dunblane Hydro.
B, DDay Eight
This morning after breakfast we check out and begin our journey home to North Wales
BB=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Abergele | Abergele, Bowling Green Bus Stop | |
| Bangor, Nelson Pub | Bangor, Bus Stop Opposite Nelson Pub | |
| Bangor, Pontio Centre | Bangor, Pontio Centre Bus Stop | |
| Bethel | Bethel, Primary School Bus Stop | |
| Bontnewydd | Bontnewydd, Bus Stop Near Chip Shop | |
| Bryngwran | Bryngwran, School Entrance | |
| Caergeiliog | Caergeiliog, Outside Sportsmans Pub | |
| Caernarfon, Campbell Road | Caernarfon, Bus Stop Bottom of Campbell Road | |
| Caernarfon, Leisure Cent. | Caernarfon, Bus Stop opposite Leisure Centre | |
| Caernarfon, Morrisons | Caernarfon, Morrisons Bus Stop | |
| Caernarfon, Waterloo Port | Caernarfon, Waterloo Port Bus Stop | |
| Caernarfon, Y Glyn | Caernarfon, Y Glyn Bethel Road | |
| Chester | Chester, Holiday Inn South Hotel Bus Stop | |
| Colwyn Bay | Colwyn Bay, Railway Station Bus Stop | |
| Criccieth, Medical Centre | Criccieth, Medical Centre Bus Stop | |
| Ewloe | Ewloe, Outside St David's Park Hotel | |
| Gaerwen | Gaerwen, Stermat Car Park | |
| Gwalchmai | Gwalchmai, Opposite Clock | |
| Holyhead | Holyhead, Bus Stop Outside Ferry Terminal Entrance | |
| Llanberis, Maes Padarn | Llanberis, Bus Stop Opposite Maes Padarn | |
| Llanberis, Spar | Llanberis, Outside Spar Shop | |
| Llandegai | Llandegai, Penrhyn Castle Entrance | |
| Llandudno | Llandudno, Mostyn Broadway Coach Park Bus Stop | |
| Llandudno Jct. Station | Llandudno Junction, Station Hotel Bus Stop | |
| Llanfairfechan | Llanfairfechan, Castle Bridge Bus Stop | |
| Llanfairpwll | Llanfairpwll, Pringles Car Park (Parking not permitted at Pringles car park) | |
| Llanfairpwll Park & Ride | Llanfairpwll, Park & Ride | |
| Llangefni | Llangefni, Church Street Bus Stop | |
| Llanrug | Llanrug, Arvonia Garage | |
| Menai Bridge | Menai Bridge, Library Bus Stop | |
| Northop | Northop, Red Lion Pub Bus Stop | |
| Penrhyn Bay | Penrhyn Bay, Post Office | |
| Penygroes | Penygroes, Crossroads (Outside Victoria Hotel) | |
| Porthmadog | Porthmadog, Tesco Bus Stop | |
| Pwllheli | Pwllheli, Bus Station | |
| Rhos on Sea, Cayley Arms | Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Cayley Arms | |
| Rhos on Sea, Hickorys | Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Hickorys Restaurant | |
| St. Asaph | St. Asaph, Bus Stop Outside Petrol Station | |
| Valley | Valley, Opposite Valley Hotel | |
| Wrexham, Northbound | Wrexham, Taxi Stand King Street (Taxi Feeder Service) | |
| Y Felinheli, St. Marys | Y Felinheli, St Mary's Church Bus Stop | |
| Y Felinheli, Victoria | Y Felinheli, Victoria Hotel Bus Stop |
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