With so many highlights along the way on this spectacular seven-day tour, we are spoilt for choice. Soak up the incredible scenery from the famous North Coast Route and the scenic train journey from Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness. We will also have a whole day on one of Scotland’s most popular islands, Orkney, visit the Queen Mother’s royal residence at Caithness and even travel as far as John o’ Groats.
Kyle Line © Tony Hardley - Scotphoto
Loch Assynt
Skara Brae
The Kylesku Bridge
Ullapool
Italian Chapel
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We depart our chosen overnight hotel and make our way to Gairloch.
Day 2 Scenic Tour & Inverewe Gardens
Today, we take a scenic drive to Garve and then head north to the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool, on the shores of Lochbroom. There we will have some free time over lunch before heading south on one of the most scenic drives in Wester-Ross, stopping for a visit to Inverewe Gardens, a family run lochside garden in a delightful setting on the Atlantic Coast. The heritage garden features a range of unique plants from across the world and there’s an abundance of wildlife to be spotted such as otters, red deer and golden eagles as well as huge California redwoods.
Day 3 Kyle to Inverness
This morning, we journey south to Kyle of Lochalsh with castles and hills all around us to catch the Scotrail train to Inverness, one of the most scenic rail journeys in Scotland. On arrival in the famous highland town of Inverness, we have free time to explore and shop before returning to Gairloch by coach. Note it is not possible to reserve seating on this train.
Day 4 North Coast Route
Today we travel clockwise along the North Coast Route, for breathtaking coastal scenery of white sandy beaches, charming fishing villages and rugged mountains. First, we travel to the west coast fishing village of Ullapool, before continuing north via wide single-track roads to our next destination of Durness, stopping at lunchtime for a refreshment break. Finally, we follow the main roads east along the northerly coastal edges of Scotland, marvelling at the breath-taking views around every corner on the way to Caithness.
Day 5 Orkney Isles
After an early start we make our way to Scrabster for our morning ferry to Stromness on Orkney. On arrival, we meet our local guide who will be with us throughout our step-on tour of the island. We visit the ancient settlement of Skara Brae, uncovered by a storm in 1850. This ancient settlement is older than Stonehenge and the amazingly preserved rooms provide us with a unique insight into prehistoric human living. From here we head to the mystical Ring of Brodgar to view the standing stones, reminiscent of those at Stonehenge and Avebury, constructed around 2500 – 2000 BC. We continue to Kirkwall to spend some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the Italian Chapel, ‘the miracle of camp 60’, which was built by Italian prisoners during WWII. Afterwards, we travel past the Churchill Barriers, the construction of which was ordered by Winston Churchill after the tragic torpedoing of the battleship Royal Oak in Scapa Flow during 1939. Finally, we make our way back for our ferry crossing to the mainland.
Day 6 Castle & Gardens of Mey & John o’Groats
Today we visit the former royal residence of the Queen Mother, the Castle & Gardens of Mey, where we get an insight into Her Majesty’s life in Caithness and spend time enjoying the peaceful gardens and grounds. We then head to the most northerly point of the mainland, John o’ Groats, a famous start or finish point for cyclists and walkers making the great journey to or from Land’s End. We can explore the village and admire the beautiful scenery, surrounding coast and wildlife before returning to our hotel.
If you require a driver’s day off, this would be the ideal day. Speak to the sales team for information about booking a guide and coach hire.
Day 7 Departure
After breakfast, we head south to our chosen overnight hotel. Please speak to the sales team about overnight options.
Hotel
Gairloch Hotel
Gairloch, Wester Ross
The impressive Victorian style Gairloch Hotel occupies a scenic spot overlooking Gairloch Bay, surrounded by picturesque shores, lochs and mountains. The comfortable 72 bedrooms feature neutral décor and are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel’s large restaurant with beautiful views across the bay offers a menu of modern European cuisine alongside hearty local favourites. There are cosy corners with relaxed seating in the hotel reception and a lounge/bar to enjoy a drink after a busy day sightseeing.
BarGround Floor RoomsLiftNewParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Norseman Hotel
Wick, Caithness
The Norseman Hotel is located in the centre of Wick. With views of the picturesque Wick River and the hotel’s private gardens, the hotel is perfectly suited for touring the Caithness area. The 48 comfortable bedrooms with either riverside or garden views are stylishly furnished and equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Ideal for groups, the hotel’s inviting lounge area offers comfortable seating and the cosy bar is traditional in style, whilst the restaurant prides itself on sourcing local produce. There is no lift but there are ground floor rooms.
BarGround Floor RoomsParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- Entrance to Inverewe Gardens
- One-way Scotrail journey Kyle to Inverness
- Return ferry crossing from Scrabster to Stromnness
- Full day step on tour of Orkney
- Entrance to Skara Brae
- Entrance to Italian Chapel
- Entrance to Castle & Gardens of Mey
See quote for hotel inclusions
6 Nights Half Board
Gairloch Hotel – Nights 1, 2 & 3
Norseman Hotel – Nights 4, 5 & 6
Twin from £739pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £183
Based on Monday arrivals
Selected dates only
