|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 /
|
|
The Second Scottish Highland Adventure
Two of the most Scenic Rail Journeys in Britain,
Isle of Skye, Castles, Forts, Battles and Tattoo From the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel, Inverness andThe Cuillin Hills Hotel on Isle of Skye
26 -31 July 2010 |
|
This tour lives and breathes the Scottish Highlands. From the splendid romantic Castle of Cawdor, with its memories of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, to the magnificent Dunrobin Castle and the Highland Estate of Aigas The outstanding coastal military fortification at Fort George and the disastrous story of the Battle of Culloden displayed so well in a state of the art new visitor centre. The skirl of the pipes, beat of the drums and displays of Scottish Country dancing are part of an evening at the local Inverness Tattoo. The Jacobite Steam Train travelling on the famously scenic West Highland Line, Mallaig to Fort William, one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World, plus the equally scenic rail journey from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh – all this combined with “over the sea to Skye” to tour the island and stay for one night in the luxury Cuillin Hill Hotel, Portree with some of the finest and most spectacular views. The tour starts and finishes staying at the four-star Macdonald Drumossie Hotel situated just outside Inverness within easy reach of the airport or train station, set in its own grounds and with an award-winning restaurant. Travel suggestions attached.
Monday 26 July: Arrive at the Drumossie Hotel – welcome drink at 7 pm followed by dinner – timings can be adjusted for later arrivals, equally for early overnight sleeper train travellers the hotel will try to ensure your rooms are ready early.
Tuesday 27 July: In the morning a visit to Fort George – built following the Battle of Culloden to subdue the Highlands, but never fired a shot in anger. With magnificent views over the Moray Firth and across to the Black Isle with occasional dolphins visible from the ramparts – a wonderful setting. Continue to Cawdor Castle originally built as the private fortress and still home to the Thanes of Cawdor to this day. The severe exterior hides a really personal and friendly family home filled with fine pictures, tapestries and furniture. The flower and walled gardens surrounding the castle have been attractively restored. Lunch can be purchased in the small restaurant. Finally to Culloden – the tragic consequences of the ill-fated Jacobite uprising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie and the last hand-to-hand battle fought on British soil – the new exhibition centre allows the story to be told in an innovative and interactive way. Return to the hotel for early dinner before a taxi transfer to see the evening performance of the annual Inverness Tattoo – a taste of Scotland, fun and low key - not the Edinburgh Tattoo!
Wednesday 28 July – Depart for the journey north to Dunrobin Castle, the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and with 189 rooms the largest house in the Highlands, gardens inspired by those at Versailles were laid out by architect Sir Charles Barry, also responsible for the extension to the castle. Lunch may be purchased in the small restaurant or when visiting the historic cathedral town of Dornock. The afternoon continues with a private garden visit and tea at The House of Aigas, situated in a scenic Scottish glen and the family home of Sir John and Lady Lister-Kaye. Sir John is one of Scotland’s foremost naturalists and well-loved nature writers and the Aigas Estate is now considered Scotland’s premier field study centre in the Highlands. They are delighted to welcome you to their home for tea and depending on the weather a garden visit or talk on the on-going nature conservation of the Highlands.
Thursday 29 July – Check out of your rooms for an early departure to the station to catch the 09.00 from Inverness to Kyle. After boarding the train at Inverness, you follow the shores of the Beauly Firth and on to the rolling landscapes of Easter Ross. Wild mountain scenery accompanies you to Achnasheen, after descending to Achnashellach Forest you reach the coast, with its spectacular views over the sound to the isles beyond - before eventually reaching Kyle of Lochalsh, gateway to Skye and the Western Isles. The coach will meet you with your luggage and continue over the Skye Bridge and up to Portree – stopping for lunch and with a little touring before checking into the Cullin Hills Hotel and dinner in their award winning restaurant.
Friday 30 July – After a hearty Scottish breakfast a leisurely start returning to the southern tip of the island to board the ferry at Armadale for the thirty minute crossing to the little fishing port of Mallaig. An opportunity to purchase lunch before joining the steam train. Mallaig to Fort William - travelling through stunning scenery, the forty-two miles will take you past Britain's highest mountain, deepest loch, shortest river and stopping at the village of Glenfinnan before crossing the world famous 21 arch viaduct, (as featured in the Harry Potter films) with its stunning views down Loch Shiel. Arriving at Fort William the coach will meet you again and continue your journey driving the length of the Caledonian Canal - Loch Linnhe - Loch Lochy - Loch Oich - Loch Ness, Loch Dochfour back to Inverness. A break will be made for refreshments en-route at Fort Augustus before reaching the hotel around 6.30 pm to check in before dinner.
(Those that wish to take the Friday evening sleeper back to London which departs at around 8 pm can be dropped off at the station – there is no overnight sleeper on a Saturday evening).
Saturday 31 July: Check out of your rooms before departure
A good quality hotel suitable for a tour on Skye is at a premium and there are very limited twin rooms still available – married couples/partners requesting twin rooms, these will be available at Drumossie, but it will be a double at Cuillin Hills for one night. Ladies or gentlemen travelling together have priority on Skye for the twin rooms.
Tour Price:
Price per person: £785
Single Supplement: £155
Non refundable deposit: £125
Tour price includes:
 |
5 nights accommodation, dinner and full English breakfast – 4 star and luxury hotel |
|
Welcome reception. Tea at House of Aigas |
|
Rail travel on Scot Rail and The Jacobite Steam Train |
|
All entries to venues as listed above. Tickets for the Inverness Tattoo and taxi transfer |
|
Professional guide and executive coaching |
We always recommend that personal insurance is taken out against possible cancellation on your behalf.
Heritage Touring cannot be held responsible if we have to alter the daily itinerary when changes occur that our beyond our control by third party suppliers.
There are a number of different ways to travel Inverness from several local airports and train options. Please contact the office for some suggested routes.
 |
|
Staying at the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel, Inverness and one night at The Cuillin Hills Hotel on Isle of Skye
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
