Highland Island Fling
Holiday brief
See the magnificent north of Scotland this summer. Travelling by train, coach
and boat we tour the Highlands, and journey to the Isles of Skye and Orkney.
The combination of the wealth of archaeological sites of the Orkneys, together
with the grand splendour of the Highlands, and some of the most scenic railway
journeys in Britain provides a truly memorable experience.
Ring of Brodgar, The Orkneys
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Friday – The holiday starts at Aviemore amid lovely highland scenery. Meet courier on
arrival and check into the Four Seasons Hotel. The evening is free to relax
after the long, though spectacular, journey north.
Saturday – A super, scenic day out begins with a classic cruise on Loch Ness to Urquart
Castle. Lunchtime is spent in
“The Highland Capital”, Inverness, before a rail journey to Keith transports us to the ever so
friendly Keith and Dufftown Railway. We track back to Aviemore with a leisurely
journey through the Spey Valley.
Sunday – This is our local day in and around the Cairngorms. A flexible itinerary allows
for plenty of scope and variety with highlights included being the Strathspey
Steam Railway and a memorable trip up Cairngorm itself aboard the modern
funicular railway.
Monday – After two easy days, it’s time to get moving. A glorious drive to Fort William for steam, luverly steam – aboard the Jacobite – bound for Mallaig. This is without a doubt the most stunning steam hauled
railway journey in the British Isles. Lunchtime refreshments in Mallaig, then
it
’s by Cal Mac to Armadale (Skye). A leisurely tour through the “Garden of Skye” brings us to the controversial bridge over the Kyle and to our one night stop
in Kyle of Lochalsh.
Tuesday – An easy morning in and around Kyle of Lochalsh before we head towards Inverness
and an unforgettable journey to the far north. By train to Dingwall, amid the
grandeur of the lochs and mountains, and then up the east coast passing
Helmsdale (refreshment stop) to Scotland
’s most northerly town, Thurso, arriving early evening.
OUR HOTELS
The Four Seasons, Aviemore
Situated overlooking Aviemore Station and the Cairngorm Mountain Range you can
expect all the comforts one associates with a four star hotel.
From the dining room and bar the views across to the mountains are stunning and
all rooms are well equipped. Being in the resort of Aviemore there is the
opportunity to get out and about in the evening to sample some highland
hospitality.
The Kyle Hotel, Kyle of Lochalsh
This is a gem. Situated in the village centre, a "stones throw" from the station
and loch side, this small family hotel exudes friendliness and boasts
comfortable rooms with full amenities.
The Pentland Hotel, Thurso
One of the best hotels in this northern outpost. Recently refurbished, the rooms
provide all the expected amenities and a pleasant bar/restaurant is a feature
enjoyed by hotel guests and locals alike. The hotel is centrally situated and
so is perfect for taking a stroll around, surprisingly charming, Thurso.
Wednesday – The Orkneys beckon today. From Thurso’s port, Scrabster, we take the Northlink Ferry to Stromness, passing the famous “Old Man” of Hoy en route. From the port we tour “mainland” Orkney and have plenty of time to enjoy the main attractions including Skara
Brae, the wonderful Italian Chapel and the Churchill barriers with views of
Scapa Flow. There is also time in Kirkwall (the capital) for refreshments and
to visit the magnificent cathedral. We have our evening meal on South Ronaldsay
before catching the ferry from St Margaret
’s Hope to Gills Bay to complete a wonderful day out.
Thursday – Another great rail journey today, but first we visit Scotland’s most northerly attractions, including John O’Groats. The four-hour rail journey from Wick to Inverness traverses some of the
most rugged, desolate terrain in Scotland, and will most certainly be a real
holiday highlight. We transfer back to the Four Seasons Hotel in Aviemore for
our last evening together at the end of our magical highlands tour.
Friday – Breakfast, then homeward bound from Aviemore Station, and more lovely scenery
en route.
Date & Price
Tour Ref: HF8/1
Friday June 6th (8 days)
£879.00
Price Variation
Single supplement £140.00
Majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct
