Day 1: Following your home taxi collection we join our luxury tour coach and head North towards the Scottish border and our overnight hotel, the Holiday Inn Dumfries for our one night stay on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.
Day 2: After breakfast we depart our overnight hotel and continue our journey North passing through the breath-taking Glencoe Valley. No description can re-create the impact of seeing Glencoe for the first time. It has long been one of the most loved places in Scotland, and what is Glencoe famous for? It’s known equally for its awe-inspiring views and sorrowful past – it is a place of history, wildlife, adventure and myth. We arrive late afternoon at the fabulous Inverness Palace Hotel where there will be free tea & coffee whilst your luggage is taken to your rooms.
Day 3: This morning we depart our hotel and make our way along the shores of Loch Ness. We make a brief photo stop at Urquhart Castle before continuing to Fort Augustus, where we enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness. Departing from the southern end of the Loch, you’ll soon be treated to the breath-taking vista of the Loch in all its natural wonder. The custom built boats are the perfect way to experience the sights, wildlife and history of the famous loch. Sit back and relax, as we cruise past Cherry Island, the loch’s only island and spoil you with a loch-side view of the striking Fort Augustus Abbey. For those curious about what’s beneath the deep waters of Loch Ness, the top of the range Sonar equipment beams live images and the tour guides will be on hand to answer any of your questions.
We then re- join our coach and continue to Fort William. This bustling resort is set in a beautiful location, at the foot of Ben Nevis, overlooking tranquil Loch Linnhe. From dramatic hills to iconic films locations, castles and distilleries, there are plenty of things to do in Fort William. Take your time and explore the natural wonders of Lochaber, breathe the fresh mountain air and marvel at some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. We have some free time here before heading back to our hotel.
Day 4: Today is a day of leisure to explore the “capital of the Highlands” Inverness at your own pace. Inverness really has it all for a memorable break. 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 subject to individual choice and payment). Remember to take advantage of the hotels luxury pool & bubbling spa in the 86 degree warmth!
Day 5: This morning we make our way into the Cairngorms National Park, with our first stop being Blair Athol to explore one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland, Blair Athol Distillery, which stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Located at the foothills of the Grampian Mountains, Blair Athol's ancient source of water - the Allt Dour - contributes to the whisky's mellow and smooth finish as it runs through the rich landscape from Ben Vrackie. We will enjoy an educational guided walk around the distillery as well a delicious dram of Blair Athol Single Malt Whisky. We then make the short journey to Pitlochry. Pitlochry is a walker's paradise, so why not enjoy an easy circular route taking in the woods and forests. Alternatively, explore the centre of town which is dotted with delightful shops, charming cafés and pubs.
Day 6: This morning we head for The Black Isle, a rather special and mysterious corner of Scotland. Contrary to its name, the Black Isle is not an island, it is in fact a peninsula, surrounded on three sides by expanses of water, with the Cromarty Firth to the north, the Beauly Firth to the south and the Moray Firth to the east. One of the region’s great draws is its pod of resident bottlenose dolphins. At Chanonry Point, in between Fortrose and Rosemarkie, they can often be seen frolicking in the Moray Firth.
We will call at Fortrose, which overlooks the Moray Firth, the largest of the Black Isle’s towns which lies close to Rosemarkie, a small village with a beautiful beachfront
We also stop in historical Cromarty, the Highlands’ best-preserved town. Cromarty, located at the north east tip of the peninsula, is distinguished by its Georgian merchant houses and quaint fishermen’s cottages.
Day 7: This morning we depart our hotel and head south to our overnight hotel, the Holiday Inn Dumfries. We will make a stop in Stirling on the way which is rich in history, spectacular scenery and home to one of the most important castles in Scotland (entry to castle not included)
Day 8: This morning we continue our journey back to Norfolk making suitable stops on route before re-joining our door to door taxi service which will be waiting to take you home.
Holiday Information:
7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Dinner will be table servicen at both hotels )
Price: £1301
Single Supplement: £545 (Limited Availability) (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy at overnight hotel, main hotel will be a true single)
Additional Singles Beyond Allocation From: £595 (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy, depending on availability)
Tour Reference: AWE5216
Deposit Required: £50pp- Non refundable/transferable unless cancelled by Eastons
Balance Due: 10 weeks prior to departure