Day 1: Following your home taxi collection we join our luxury tour coach and head north to the Border area and our overnight hotel, the Holiday Inn Dumfies.
Day 2: This morning we continue our journey into Scotland, stopping on route in the town of Stirling, which is rich in history, spectacular scenery and home to one of the most important castles in Scotland (entry to castle not included). After some free time here we continue our journey to Pitlochry and our hotel for the next 5 nights, the lovely Fishers Hotel, on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3: This morning, we head out on a scenic drive, 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. The mountains were formed through violent volcanic eruptions, and then sculpted by massive glaciers. We make a couple of photo stops enroute, before heading to Banavie where we have a chance to see the fantastic Neptune’s staircase, The longest staircase loch in Scotland. We Return to Fort William where we board a boat for a cruise on the tranquil waters of Loch Linnhe. While we are on board we have a live commentary of the sights of the Loch, we will pass Seal Island and some of the many Salmon farms that are on the Loch. We later return to Fort William for some free time before returning to our hotel. (Itinerary amended as cruises no longer available on Neptunes Staircase)
Day 4: Today we have a full day in The Cairngorms National Park. Our first stop is Aviemore where we join the Strathspey Steam Railway. Setting off from Platform 3 at Aviemore station, through to Boat of Garten, the railway takes you along part of the original Highland Railway Mainline. As the train passes moorland, through woods and alongside the meandering River Spey, stunning Cairngorm Mountains scenery is ever present. On this nostalgic journey you will savour the sights, sounds and smell of a bygone era. We then re-join our coach and continue our journey passing through Grantown on Spey, Tomintoul and Braemar before arriving in back in Pitlochry
Day 5: Today is a day of leisure to explore Pitlochry at your own pace. 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: Today we enjoy a visit to the iconic Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family. En-route to the castle we stop at Crathie Church for a photo opportunity. This small parish church is where the royals worship while staying at Balmoral. 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. On our return to the hotel we make a stop at the Edradower Distillery where we have included a tour of the distillery followed by a wee dram or two of the famous Scotch whisky.
Day 7: Sadly this morning we depart our hotel and begin our journey back to the border area through ever changing scenery, making suitable stops en route. For our overnight hotel, we will again stay at the Holiday Inn Dumfries.
Day 8: This morning we continue our journey south and head back to Norfolk where our door to door taxi service will be waiting to return you home.
Holiday Information:
7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Price: £1079pp
Single Supplement: £nil (Limited Availability)
Additional Singles Beyond Allocation From: £160 (Will be twin/double sole occupancy at overnight hotel but will be allocated at true single at the Fishers Hotel)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available)
Tour Reference: AWE4763
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure