9-Day Break

Day 1 – Fly or travel by train to Inverness, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the centre of the city.  D
Day 2 – Kyle Train – Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh (included). We board the Kyle Line train for the journey to Kyle of Lochalsh. This journey is regarded as one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe. The entire region is steeped in history and almost every turn brings unrivalled scenic delights. We then head across the bridge to the Isle of Skye for a short tour. Continue to hotel, near Ullapool for two nights. B, D
Day 3 – Loch Maree and Inverewe Gardens (optional). Enjoy a full-day tour visiting Loch Maree and Inverewe Gardens. A true example of the rugged scenery of the west coast, Loch Maree lies in the shadow of the towering Ben Slioch and has around 30 isles, which lie like a cluster of jewels strung together to form a treasure of unrivalled beauty. We continue to the world-famous Inverewe Gardens, which boast a stunning location, overlooking Loch Ewe. B, D
Day 4 – Depart Ullapool and head to Thurso area for three nights. B, D
Day 5 – Thurso, Castle Mey and John O Groats (optional). Enjoy a leisurely morning in historic Thurso, the U.K’s most northerly town. Later we continue to the Queen Mother’s favourite Scottish residence at Castle Mey. It stands on rising ground about 400 yards from the seashore, overlooking the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands. We then head to John O Groats for a short visit. B, D
Day 6 – Orkney Islands (included). Today, we enjoy one of the highlights of our tour as we head out on a full-day tour with guide to the Orkney Islands. You will embark as foot passengers from Scrabster for the cruise to Stromness on the Orkney Isles. When people talk of the Orkneys, they talk of enchantment and mystery, of dramatic seascapes and historical sights. Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings, as we marvel at the mysterious standing stones and ancient villages, steeped in Nordic culture. B,D
Day 7 – Head south via Dunrobin Castle to Inverness for two nights. B, D
Day 8 – Inverness, Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle (included). Enjoy a morning in Inverness, with time to explore the shops, parks and gardens of the Capital of the Highlands. The city manages to combine its heritage with modern facilities. This afternoon, we include a highlight of our tour, as we enjoy a tour of world-famous Loch Ness with a cruise on the loch and entrance to legendary Urquhart Castle. Loch Ness will forever be associated with legend, but there is much more to it than just the elusive monster! Loch Ness is Scotland’s largest loch in terms of its volume, and it is more than 600ft deep for much of its 23 miles length. Urquhart Castle boasting a stunning location, overlooking the loch, is now home to an excellent Visitors’ Centre, which explains the history of the castle and the noble families, which have inhabited it. B,D
Day 9 – Transfer to Inverness Airport or railway station for your return journey home. B

Included Meals: B=Breakfast D=Dinner

Accommodation

For the first and last two nights you’ll stay at the 3-star standard Royal Highland Hotel in Inverness.

You’ll also stay for 2 nights at the 3-star standard lochside Dundonnell Hotel, near Ullapool, followed by three nights at the 2-star Castletown Hotel, near Thurso.

All hotels have a restaurant and bar and all bedrooms have T.V. and telephone.

the 4-star Carlton Redcastle Hotel.

Extras
Optional Excursions.
Single Room Supplement: £199
Travel Insurance from £19.95

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing.