Scotland's North West Passage, Skye & Orkney
- Duration: 7 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TDAV3455
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
Join us for a trip of a lifetime as we head to discover Route 500 - Scotland's Route 66 - a jaw dropping journey skirting the very top of the UK's North West coastline passing deserted beaches and ancient castles. 430 miles of some of the most unspoilt and picturesque scenery in Europe, with its diverse array of wildlife and a culture which has little changed in generations. We'll stay on the magical Isle of Skye, the delightful harbour town of Ullapool and if all of that is not enough for you ……. We top it off with a wonderful guided day tour of the Orkneys
What's Included
· 6 Nights, Dinner, bed & breakfast
· Explore the North West Highlands
· Excursion & Guided Tour of Orkney
· Visits to Fort William, Inverness, Ullapool, John O' Groats
· Explore Route 500
· Lunch at the Smoo Cave Hotel
· Spectacular Scenery
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Day One
Our Scottish adventure begins as we head North of the border enjoying an overnight stop in the Glasgow area.
Day Two
We journey into the West Highlands today, following the shores of Loch Lomond, "The Queen of Lochs", then through "The Weeping Glen" of Glencoe and into Fort William, where we spend our lunch break. Our journey then continues along the Great Glen with loch & mountain scenery all the way. We stop for photos at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles, before reaching Skye via the spectacular Road Bridge. We spend the evening at the Kings Arms Hotel.
Day Three
This morning we tour Skye, stopping in Portree, the island's colourful capital, before turning northwards into the vast region of Wester Ross. Along the shores of Loch Maree, regarded as one of Scotland's bonniest lochs. Time free to take in the Highland air in Gairloch with its pretty harbour. From here our drive snakes its way along the coastline, dotted with islands, inlets, beaches and cliff s before descending into the picture perfect harbour town of Ullapool where we rest at The Royal Hotel for the evening.
Day Four
It's all about Route 500 todays as our journey makes up a large part of the North Coast 500, and will leave a lasting memory too. Mile upon mile of crumbling cliffs, sheer rocky headlands, picturesque lochs, sheltered bays & deserted perfect white beaches to rival those abroad. It is here you will feel Scotland in an entirely different way - its' not all about tartan and bagpipes! Lunch is included at Smoo Cave Hotel in Durness and this evening we check into the Castletown Hotel for 2 nights
Day Five
To John O' Groats this morning to board the 40 minute crossing across the Pentland Firth, to the Orkneys, on arrival, a private coach and experienced driver/guide awaits to commence a magical day on the Orkneys crossing the Churchill Barriers, Ring of Brodgar, The Italian Chapel, Kirkwall with its 12th century cathedral. We then return to the mainland and back to hotel in time for dinner
Day Six
What goes up must come down, there's nowhere else Northern to go on the British Mainland so our journey South begins, the coastal road between Wick and Inverness passes many interesting places -historical Helmsdale, white sands at Brora & fairytale Dunrobin Castle. We will have some free time in the Highland capital Inverness, before continuing through the Spey Valley then over the Drumochter Pass and into Perthshire for our final nights stay.
Day Seven
From Perthshire we travel back to the North West area
Other Information
Kings Arms Hotel, Skye * * *
Dating back to the 1600s, the Kings Arms is one of the oldest on the island. While it has a range of modern comforts, it still retains many traditional features, such as big, open fires, and spectacular views across the Kyle of Lochalsh, the Skye Bridge and to the mainland. Many of the rooms offer stunning views and all offer hairdryer, TV & tea/coffee making facilities. No Lift rooms on ground or 1st floor.
Royal Hotel, Ullapool * * *
Believed to be the oldest hotel in Ullapool in continuous use, The Royal Hotel has a wonderful position overlooking Lake Broom with views to be enjoyed from the Waterfront Bar & Restaurant and many of the hotel bedrooms. The bedrooms all off TV, tea/coffee making facilities and if you don't get a Loch view don't worry there's mountains galore to marvel at. No lift rooms on ground or 1st floor.
Castletown Hotel, Castletown * *
Enjoy old fashioned Highland Hospitality at the Castletown Hotel - formerly the St. Clair arms, in 2007 Brothers, Andrew & Sandy bought and transformed the hotel into the delightful lodging it now is. Situated on the Main Street in the traditional fishing village of Castletown, Sandy is in charge in the kitchen specialising in traditional Scottish and British cuisine, and committed to using locally sourced produce wherever possible, there is a strong emphasis on creating quality home-cooked food fresh from the natural larder that is the Scottish Highlands. Bedrooms are en-suite with TV & Tea Coffee Making facilities
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