6 nights: 1 night Central Scotland, 1 night Thurso, 3 nights Orkneys, 1 night Perthshire area.
"Thanks for the outstanding guide you arranged for our Orkneys stay. She was brilliant - really knew her stuff & presented it perfectly". UK Coach Driver
First inhabited some 6000 years ago. The Orkneys offers an unspoilt experience blending history old and new with 570 miles of dramatic coastline. Located off Scotland’s North coast lies the ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history, with raw and dramatic coastlines. With the services of a local guide discover ancient civilisations, world famous archaeology and bountiful wildlife from our base in the Island capital Kirkwall. Only a one-hour ferry crossing lies between the mainland and a hub of historic delight.
The Orkney Isles are actually closer to the Arctic Circle than it is to London.
Driver Day off possibility on Day 5 in Kirkwall.
6 nights: 1 night Central Scotland, 1 night Thurso, 3 nights Orkneys, 1 night Perthshire area.
"Thanks for the outstanding guide you arranged for our Orkneys stay. She was brilliant - really knew her stuff & presented it perfectly". UK Coach Driver
Day 1: Overnight hotel
in desired area in Central Scotland
Day 2 : Glencoe, Loch Ness & Northern Highlands
From the comfort of your coach, this great Highland drive takes you through mountainous Glencoe, with time free in Fort William before continuing along the total length of Loch Ness (23 miles). The loch contains more freshwater than all lakes in England and Wales combined! Time free in Inverness, the Highland capital. Depart mid-afternoon along the coastline passing Dornoch, Dunrobin Castle, silver sands at Brora & Wick. Overnight in Thurso.
Day 3: The Orkneys
Board the early afternoon ferry with your coach across the Pentland Firth - a graveyard to sunken ships, arriving in St Margaret’s hope 1 hour later. The day concludes with a drive along the shoreline of Scapa Flow – famous as the naval refuge during both world wars. Next 2 nights in the capital - Kirkwall, with its 12th century St Magnus Cathedral.
Day 4: Guided Tour of the Orkney Isles
Your local guide joins your coach for a memorable day out. As the day unfolds, the islands Neolithic ancestry is evident as many ancient monuments, stone circles, settlements and tombs are visited - a testament to its UNESCO World Heritage status. The tour includes a scenic circular tour of the island visiting most of the main sites including 5000-year-old Scara Brae, Churchill Barriers, Ring of Brodgar, Stennes Standing Stones & Italian chapel. Along the way, listen to the tales of Viking intruders, wartime exploits and immerse yourself in Orkney’s rich maritime heritage.
Day 5: Orkney Distillery and Kirkwall
New is the highly rated Orkney Distillery. Enjoy a tour and a guided tasting of the area’s most up and coming spirit. Enjoy a walk in the local town followed by a relaxing afternoon tea to finish off a relaxing day in Kirkwall. (Can be a drivers day off).
Day 6: Speyside & Perthshire
Catch the morning ferry back to the mainland, southwards bound on the coastal drive to Inverness with time free in the Highland capital. Onwards & into the Spey Valley passing Aviemore, Kingussie & Newtonmore. Then over The Drumochter Pass and into the Big Tree County of Perthshire for your final night’s stay, suited for your onward journey home the next day.
6 nights: 1 night Central Scotland, 1 night Thurso, 3 nights Orkneys, 1 night Perthshire area.
"Thanks for the outstanding guide you arranged for our Orkneys stay. She was brilliant - really knew her stuff & presented it perfectly". UK Coach Driver
CENTRAL SCOTLAND - Overnight Hotel
A minimum 3* suitably located hotel will be arranged to suit your onward journey & itinerary.
THURSO - Station Hotel
Commended
Approved - Reaches Classic’s minimum quality threshold
Commended - Many areas within the hotel are above average
1st Class - The hotel is well above average in all departments
Groups either stay in the Station or neighbouring 3* St Clair Hotel. Both are similarly styled and are centrally located. Each with 35 bedrooms. Privately owned and managed by North Hotels
Lift/Ground Floor rooms
Town or city centre location
Disabled assisted rooms
Free on site coach parking
KIRKWALL - Ayre Hotel
Commended
Approved - Reaches Classic’s minimum quality threshold
Commended - Many areas within the hotel are above average
1st Class - The hotel is well above average in all departments
Family-run Ayre Hotel & Ayre Apartments overlooks Kirkwall harbour. It offers local produce in its restaurant and traditionally styled rooms, with free Wi-Fi. Free coach parking is available on site. In our view the best hotel on the island for groups.
Lift/Ground Floor rooms
Disabled assisted rooms
Free on site coach parking
PERTHSHIRE - Overnight Hotel
A minimum 3 star hotel will be booked in the Perthshire or Spey Valley areas to suit your onward journey & itinerary.
THURSO - Overnight Hotel
A minimum of 3* hotel will be allocated
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