Day 1: Following your home taxi service you will join our luxury tour coach and we will head north to the Scottish Borders to our overnight hotel, the Shap Wells Hotel, on a dinner bed & breakfast basis. Suitable stops will be made en-route.
Day 2: This morning we continue our journey north, through Scotland’s ever-changing scenery as we head into the Highlands of Scotland and our hotel for the next 4 nights, the Gairloch Hotel on a dinner bed & breakfast basis. Suitable stops will be made enroute.
Day 3: Today is an opportunity to sample part of the famous North Coast 500 route. We will see the tiny sheep-inhabited Gruinard Island, with its grim past and stunningly beautiful beaches, and onto Little Loch Broom with its fantastic views of the Loch and An Tellach, the highest mountain in the area.
Heading on, passing the magnificent Corrieshalloch Gorge, known for its Victorian suspension bridge, and Falls of Measach, before arriving in the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool. A village wrapped in stunning scenery, where we include admission to the town museum. Visitors to the museum can learn about the social history of Lochbroom, the bone caves, crofting, fishing and lots more!
There will be time to explore at your leisure before we return to our hotel through more spectacular scenery.
Day 4: Today we make the short journey to Inverewe Gardens. Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, this lush, tropical oasis is perched on a peninsula on the shores of Loch Ewe, amid the rugged landscape of Wester Ross. It is a magnificent and world-famous 54-acre heritage garden where rare species thrive as the effects of the Gulf Stream meet the Highlands.
The Garden was created out of bare rock and a few scrub willows in 1862 by Osgood Mackenzie, it is full of colourful and exotic plants from around the world. It now includes a wealth of exotic plants from Australian tree ferns to Chinese rhododendrons to South African bulbs. Plantings include a grove of Wollemi pines and other 'fossil' trees thought to be extinct.
Around the garden pathways visitors can admire artworks that reflects the characteristics of the garden and surrounding environment. A particular favourite is the Peace Garden willow figures.
The remainder of the day is at leisure in the pretty harbour town of Gairloch. Situated on the shore of Loch Gairloch, amongst the awe-inspiring scenery of Wester Ross, Gairloch offers a wealth of spectacular scenery. One of Gairloch’s main draws is the aptly-named ‘Big Sand’ beach – a huge, white-sand expanse which is a delight to stroll along.
Day 5: This morning we depart our hotel and head to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. This thriving city, with its historic old town and famous Leakey’s Bookshop is a delight to explore. You can view this compact city from the top of Inverness Castle, marvel at the stunning St Andrew’s Cathedral or take a relaxing stroll along the banks of the River Ness. (attractions in Inverness subject to individual choice and payment).
After some free time, we head to the east coast of Scotland and our hotel for the next 4 nights, The Altens Hotel on the outskirts of Aberdeen on a dinner bed & breakfast basis.
Day 6: This morning we depart our hotel and head to the small town of Huntly. Our destination is Deans of Huntly, home of the famous Deans Shortbread. Started by Helen Dean in her own kitchen in 1975 to raise money for the local pipe band, it has now grown to be one of the most well known shortbreads in Scotland. Here at the factory and visitors centre, you can witness the famous shortbread being created from the viewing platforms, before having time to visit the gift shop.
This afternoon we visit Fyvie Castle, a magnificent fortress in the heart of Aberdeenshire. Fyvie Castle’s 800-year history is rich in legends, folklore and even ghost stories, and you will discover the amazing collection of antiquities, armour and lavish oil paintings. Make sure you take time to stroll around the picturesque loch, the 18th-century walled garden, or visit the restored glass-roofed racquets court and ice house.
Day 7: Today is free to explore Aberdeen at leisure. The city is a place where the harbour meets the city centre, where you may just see the harbour's resident pod of dolphins playing in the waters or enjoy a stroll along the beach. Aberdeen is also famous for its stunning, sparkling, granite buildings and monuments which shimmer in the sunlight. The Duthie Park Gardens are well worth a visit and admission is free. (attractions today subject to individual choice and payment) Local buses operate regularly outside from outside of the hotel.
Day 8: today we enjoy a visit to the iconic Balmoral Castle. Originally built as a hunting lodge by King Robert II of Scotland, the castle has passed through many hands as a result of a tumultuous history until its royal acquisition by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852. On arrival at the castle, we have time to explore the grounds, gardens, castle exhibitions and gift shop. The highlight for many will be a visit to the Castle Ballroom, the largest room in the Castle. The Ballroom is still much used by the Royal Family today and is the venue for dances during the Royal Visit to Balmoral. These dances are known as the Ghillies Ball and have taken place almost every year since Queen Victoria’s reign.
We also make a stop at Craithie Church for a photo opportunity. This small parish church is where the royals worship while staying at Balmoral.
Day 9: Sadly this morning we depart our hotel and begin our journey south, making suitable stops enroute to our overnight hotel, The Holiday Inn Darlington Scotch Corner on a dinner Bed & breakfast basis.
Day 10: Today we continue our journey back to Norfolk, making suitable stops along the way. We arrive early evening to be met by our door to door taxi service who will return you home.
Holiday Information:
9 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Dinner will be table service apart from the last overnight hotel where dinner will be buffet style)
Price: £1478pp
Single Supplement: £339 (Will be allocated a twin or double for sole occupancy, apart from the first overnight which may be a true single)
Tour Reference: AWE5262
Deposit Required: £50pp (Non refundable or transferable unless cancelled by Eastons)
Balance Due: 10 weeks prior to departure