SCOTLAND
UPDATED TOUR
6 DAYS FROM £659
A837 by Loch Assynt on the North Coast 500
Unique Orkney & Scotland’s Answer to 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. We then drive west across the famous North Coast Route, described as Scotland’s Route 66, and spend some time in the
Salutation Hotel (or similar) Perth
See page 30 for full hotel description
Night 1 Castletown Hotel Nr Thurso, Caithness
pretty town of Strathpeffer. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our overnight hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Inverness
Located in the heart of the picturesque fishing village of Castletown, around 5 miles from Thurso, the family-run Castletown Hotel offers 28 comfortable bedrooms, which are traditionally furnished and equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/ coffee making facilities. There is no lift but there are ground floor rooms. Specialising in traditional Scottish and British cuisine, the restaurant makes use of local produce to ensure quality and freshness, and guests can enjoy a drink from the bar.
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we begin our drive through the stunning and scenic Cairngorm National Park, Britain’s largest mountain range, en route to Inverness, where we spend lunchtime at leisure. From here, we make our way to our home for the next couple of nights, on the north coast. Day 3 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 4 North Coast Route Today we travel west across the North Coast Route, Scotland’s answer to Route 66. Following the main roads along the northerly coastal edges of Scotland, we marvel at the breath-taking views around every corner, stopping in Durness at lunchtime for a refreshment break. In the afternoon we make our way south via wide single-track roads to our next destination. Day 5 Strathpeffer Driver’s Day Off We enjoy a day at leisure in the picturesque, leafy Strathpeffer. Once a renowned Victorian spa town, it has recently restored its Pump Room where visitors would drink the water in search of health treatments and can still do so today, as well as in the small pavilion in the town’s main square. Strathpeffer makes a wonderful base for exploring nearby Ben Wyvis whilst impressive views can be found from the Iron Age hill fort, Knock Farril. If a driver day off is not required, alternatively we can take a cruise on Loch Ness and then visit Inverness. Day 6 Departure After breakfast, we head south on the journey home. Please speak to the sales team for overnight options. Please note, this island tour relies heavily 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.
• Ground floor rooms • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
Ben Wyvis Hotel Strathpeffer, Ross & Cromarty Nights 2 & 3
Set in extensive manicured gardens and woodland grounds, this traditional Victorian manor house is replete with character and old world charm. The bedrooms are furnished in rich, warm colours 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 • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
Nights 4 & 5
5 Nights Half Board Twin from £659pp Single Supplement from £104 Selected Dates Only Inclusions 1 Night Half Board at Salutation Hotel • Porterage • Choice of menu & tea/coffee after dinner
• 2 Nights Half Board at Castletown Hotel • Porterage • Choice of menu & tea/coffee after dinner • Return ferry crossing Scrabster - Stromness • Full step-on guided day tour of Orkney • Entrance to Skara Brae • Entrance to the Italian Chapel 2 Nights Half Board at Ben Wyvis Hotel • Porterage • Choice of menu & tea/coffee after dinner
01732 879191 | sales@albatrosstravel.com | www.albatrosstravel.com
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