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 Dryfesdale in Lockerbie, 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 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 4: 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 5: Today we have a full day exploring Wester Ross even further. We start by heading along Loch Maree, framed by the Slioch and Beinn Eighe mountain ranges, to Achnashee in the east of the region. Here, you will join the train for a scenic trip to the Kyle of Lochalsh. The train weaves its way through the Highlands and down to the Kyle of Lochalsh, close to the Isle of Skye. Crystal clear lochs mirror the forests and mountains on this wonderful journey. The views from the carriage windows are worth the fare alone!,
Rejoining the coach, we then head to the jewel of the Highlands - the village of Plockton. The village is set around the curve of a bay, with stunning views overlooking Loch Carron, and old original cottages facing the sea. Why not grab a coffee and sit on benches, under the palm trees, as you admire the view across the bay onto the wooded crags, with Duncraig Castle in the distance. Or maybe walk to the far end of the village and look west towards the Isle of Skye to see the breath-taking views
Day 6: Sadly this morning we depart our hotel and begin our journey south, making suitable stops enroute to our overnight hotel in Lockerbie.
Day 7: 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:
6 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Dinner may be table service or buffet style at both hotels)
Price: £1133pp
Single Supplement: £261
Tour Reference: AWE5221
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 10 weeks prior to departure