Day 1: Following your home taxi pick up we make our way north to our overnight accommodation, the Best Western Derwent Manor Hotel, arriving in plenty of time to freshen up before our evening meal.
Day 2: After breakfast we continue our journey north, making a stop in Edinburgh for lunch. We then continue through the Lowland Hills, arriving late afternoon at the Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore for our 6 night stay on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Upon our arrival we can relax with tea/coffee and biscuits while our cases are delivered to our rooms.
DAYS 3 - 7
The following excursions are included during your stay, plus a day to relax in Newtonmore itself.
AVIEMORE & HIGHLAND WILDLIFE - We make for Aviemore, a charming resort town surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms National Park. Here there will be time to explore and perhaps have a bite to eat.
Later, we head to the Highland Wildlife Park. Experience Scottish wildlife and see endangered animals of the world's mountain and tundra regions in the spectacular setting of the Highlands.
Discover the amazing variety of wildlife found in present day Scotland, such as the pine marten, wildcat and red deer – then step back in time and meet the creatures of Scotland's past – wolves, lynx, beavers and wild horses.
Owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the park has expanded its species collection to fulfil its mission in conservation and now provides a home to rare animals of the world's mountains and tundra regions, including Amur tigers, snow monkeys, red pandas, Bactrian camels and even polar bears Victoria, Brodie, Arktos and Walker.
We will take a drive around the Main Reserve in the coach and then explore the rest of the Park on foot.
KYLE OF LOCHALSH - We travel north into the Highland capital, Inverness. Here we join the Scotrail train for one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World - the line to Kyle of Lochalsh.
The route takes us through some of the best scenery in the country, skirting lochs and passing remote villages, and drawing a wide arc from Inverness to the shores of Loch Alsh, and finishing with magnificent views of Skye.
After a break in Kyle of Lochalsh, we enjoy the return ride, this time by road, back to the hotel.
NEWTONMORE – Enjoy a relaxing day to explore our base of Newtonmore. Perhaps visit the Highland Folk Museum and the Clan MacPherson Museum located close by, or enjoy a gentle ramble in the surrounding countryside. The Wildcat Experience (a treasure hunt for over 130 painted wildcats) is a fun way to explore the village. Or simply put your feet up and relax in the hotel bar and lounge.
FORT WILLIAM, GLENFINNAN AND MALLAIG - This excursion takes us southwest along the shore of Loch Laggan and through Glen Spean to Fort William. Here we have another train journey, this time along the celebrated West Highland Line to Mallaig. This spectacular line passes hidden lochs and inlets, silver sands, and crosses the magnificent Glenfinnan viaduct on its way west.
The bustling and thriving port of Mallaig is situated on the northwest coast along the famous Road to the Isles. The town is a fascinating place where you can soak up the atmosphere of a working fishing port but at the same time its remote location makes is a great place to relax. Why not try the pleasant Mallaig Circuit walk which has great views over Mallaig harbour and across Loch Nevis to Knoydart.
After free time, we catch the train for the return journey to Fort William, where we rejoin the coach for the ride back to Newtonmore.
LOCH NESS CRUISE - Loch Ness is our destination today. We travel through unspoilt scenery past Loch Mhor and along Stratherrick to Fort Augustus. A bustling and welcoming little village, perfect for those making the most of the surrounding paths and trails, including the Great Glen Way. Running through the heart of the village is the 60 mile long Caledonian Canal, which runs from Inverness to Fort William. It's no surprise that it's considered as one of the greatest waterways in the world.
Whilst here we have time to obtain lunch and we enjoy a cruise with commentary on Loch Ness on board ‘The Royal Scot’. Departing from the southern end of Loch Ness, you’ll soon be treated to the breath-taking vista of Loch Ness in all its natural wonder. Sit back, 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.
Later, we leave Fort Augustus and head north, overlooking the loch towards Inverness before heading back to Newtonmore.
Day 8: Sadly, this morning we depart our hotel and begin our journey south. We arrive early evening at our overnight hotel, the Blackwell Grange Hotel on a dinner bed & breakfast basis.
Day 9: We continue are journey back to Norfolk arriving late afternoon, where we re-join our door to door taxi service who will return you safely home.
Holiday Highlights:
8 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Price: £1312pp
Single Supplement: £208 (Limited Availability) (Will be allocated a true single at main hotel, overnights TBC)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available for 2025)
Tour Reference: AWE5057
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure