SCOTLAND
6 DAYS from £664
Kylesku Bridge © VisitScotland Richard Elliot
Unique Orkney & North Coast Route As we set off on this spectacular tour, we journey across the famous scenic North Coast Route, described as Scotland’s own Route 66. The highlight of this breath-taking tour is a visit to Orkney, one of Scotland’s most accessible and popular islands. We take a full day guided tour to marvel at the wealth of the Neolithic remains and local culture.
UPDATED TOUR
MULTI CENTRE
Italian Chapel
Gretna Hall Hotel Gretna plus See page 38 for full hotel description.
SCENIC TOUR
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our overnight hotel in the borders in time for dinner. Day 2 Journey to the Highlands We make a prompt start this morning to journey north to the Scottish Highlands via Perth, stopping at Pitlochry over lunchtime to explore this quaint Today we travel clockwise along the North Coast Route, Scotland’s answer to Route 66. First, we travel to the west coast fishing village of Ullapool, before continuing north via wide single-track roads to our next destination of Durness, stopping at lunchtime for a refreshment break. Finally, we follow highland town at leisure. Day 3 North Coast Route the main roads east along the northerly coastal edges of Scotland, marvelling at the breath-taking views around every corner on the way to Thurso. Day 4 Orkney Isles After an early start we make our way to Scrabster for our morning ferry to Stromness on Orkney . On arrival, we meet our local guide who will be with us throughout our step-on tour of the island. We visit the 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. From here we head to the mystical Ring of Brodgar to view the standing stones, reminiscent of those at Stonehenge and Avebury, constructed around 2500 - 2000 BC. We continue to Kirkwall to spend some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the Italian Chapel , ‘the miracle of camp 60’, which was built by Italian prisoners during WWII. We then travel past 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. Finally, we make our way back for our ferry crossing to the mainland. Day 5 Castle & Gardens of Mey & John o’ Groats Suggested Driver’s Day Off Today we visit the former royal residence of the Queen Mother, the Castle & Gardens of Mey, where we get an insight into Her Majesty’s life in
Caithness and spend time enjoying the peaceful gardens and grounds. We then head to the most northerly point of the mainland, John o’ Groats, a famous start or finish point for cyclists and walkers making the great journey to or from Land’s End. We can explore the village and admire the beautiful scenery, surrounding coast and wildlife before returning to our hotel. If you require a driver’s day off, this would be the ideal day. Speak to the sales team for information about booking a guide and coach hire. Day 6 Departure After breakfast, we head south on our journey home. Please speak to the sales team for overnight options. Please note, this tour relies on island ferry services. In the event that a sailing is cancelled or delayed, be aware that itineraries will have to be adapted, sometimes at very short notice. INCLUSIONS • Return ferry crossings Scrabster – Stromness • Full day guided tour of Orkney • Entrance to Skara Brae • Entrance to the Italian Chapel • Entrance to Castle & Gardens of Mey
Night 1
Ben Wyvis Hotel Strathpeffer, Ross & Cromarty
Set in extensive grounds, this traditional Victorian manor house is replete with character and old- world charm. The bedrooms are furnished in a contemporary style and include a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities. The restaurant is located in a stately, elegant room boasting chandeliers and a large open Victorian fireplace; all complimented by a menu of traditional Scottish fare. There is also a bar and comfortable lounge where you can enjoy the impressive views over to Ben Wyvis. There is a lift but there are some period features that might make access difficult for people with limited mobility. • Ground floor rooms • Lift • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
Night 2
Pentland Hotel (or similar) Thurso
See page 32 for full description.
Nights 3 & 5
5 Nights Half Board Twin from £664pp Single Supplement from £116 Selected Dates Only Based on Sunday arrivals
Castle and Gardens of Mey
01732 879191 | sales@albatrosstravel.com | www.albatrosstravel.com
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