Brightwater Holidays - Scenic Scottish Tours 2019

2019

Scenic Scottish Tours

Welcome

Neist Point Lighthouse

I

f you’re on the hunt for an authentic Scottish experience, look no further. The team here at Brightwater has years of collective expertise in this wonderful country and each of our itineraries has been carefully designed to showcase the wealth of history, culture and beauty it can offer. So, where can we take you?

Travel by land, rail and sea around this enchanting part of the United Kingdom, discovering its varied and surprising landscapes as you go. If you want to experience the fiery Viking festival of Up Helly Aa, visit the place that inspired Mendelssohn to write his Hebridean overture or sip a golden dram of Islay malt whisky, join us for a holiday to remember.

Our portfolio includes perennial best-sellers such as the Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides, stringing together ten different islands; old favourites like Coll and Tiree and the Mull Wildlife Experience and brand new tours which we hope will capture your imagination, such as Outlander and In the Footsteps of the Picts. To tempt you further, a number of places on selected tours are being offered for a limited period at a special introductory price, so do book early.

Whether you want to ride a classic steam train over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, stand among the 5,000-yearold Standing Stones of Callanish and tour some of the country’s most historic houses, with Brightwater Holidays the possibilities are endless and the hardest part will be choosing which tour to take!

So, browse our holidays, pack your suitcase and prepare to make lasting memories in Scotland...

How to book

Full financial protection

After you have enjoyed browsing these pages at your leisure and you’re ready to treat yourself with a place on one of our tours, just get in touch and we will do the rest.

All our holidays are fully bonded and protected. The air holiday packages in this brochure are ATOL Protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 4498. ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services in this brochure. Holidays without flights are protected by ABTOT. This means that in the unlikely event of our insolvency, your holiday would be completed or refunded.

Give our friendly team a call on 01334 898575, or send us an email at info@brightwaterholidays.com For further details on any of our holidays, including day-by-day itineraries, what’s included as well as any extras, please just head to our website: www.brightwaterholidays.com Happy browsing, and we look forward to hearing from you!

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5020

Scenic Scottish tours

Stac Pollaidh

Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

pg 10

Historic Houses of Scottish Borders

pg 33

Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 day

pg 12

pg 34

Undiscovered Orkney

pg 13

Gardens and Architecture of the Firth of Clyde

Highlights of Orkney & Shetland

pg 14

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

pg 35

An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney and Shetland

pg 16

Arran, Scotland in Miniature

pg 36

Autumn Tints of Arran

pg 37

Shetland and its Outer Isles

pg 18

Islay and Jura

pg 38

Up Helly Aa - 6 day

pg 19

Coll & Tiree

pg 39

Up Helly Aa - 7 day

pg 20

Mull, Staffa & Iona

pg 40

Knitting in Shetland

pg 22

Mull Wildlife Experience

pg 41

Scotland's Northern Edge

pg 24

Skye and the Summer Isles

pg 42

Gardens of the Far North

pg 25

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

pg 44

Royal Deeside and Victorian Scotland

pg 26

pg 46

In the Footsteps of the Picts

pg 27

Flying Scotsman in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland

The V&A Museum in Dundee

pg 28

Lord of the Glens - Highlands and Islands

pg 48

Historic Houses of Scotland

pg 29

Outlander

pg 30

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway

pg 32

Lord of the Glens - Heart of the Highlands pg 50 Hebridean Princess

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pg 52

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Why Scotland, why Brightwater?

I

f you want to discover the beauty, history and culture of Scotland, you can trust our highly experienced team to offer you the very best of this unforgettable country. Based in the heart of Fife, we are proud of our country and passionate about the place we call home. Between us we have visited every corner of the land, including a total of 35 islands, so we know this destination inside out, allowing us to create the very best itineraries.

For the last quarter of a century we have drawn guests from all over the world to experience the many and varied delights of Scotland. Whether you want to discover the ancient treasures and clean, fresh air of Orkney and Shetland, take a ride along the most scenic railways, or discover Scotland’s finest castles, houses and gardens, we’ve got it covered. The tours we have designed for 2019 include new destinations and more islands than ever before and each one showcases the unique magic of Bonny Scotland.

Eildon Hills

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Better service

We value you, our guests F

eedback from our guests is simply invaluable and we take all of it on board, which helps us to provide a better service throughout your entire holiday journey – from the moment you first enquire, right through to your return home. Each member of our friendly team understands what it is that you expect from a holiday, and we have worked hard to ensure we can

give you exactly that. So, from the Scotland experts in our office and the accommodation that we hand pick for each tour, to the comfortable coaches that transfer you between visits and the knowledgeable tour managers who look after your every need, you’re in safe hands with Brightwater Holidays.

We cover the country

A truly varied programme

What we include

In 2019, our tours will visit more destinations in Scotland than ever before, including a total of 33 islands! Our Scottish itineraries take in archaeological sites, offer glimpses into history and culture and highlight our heritage. We offer local pick-up points throughout Scotland and for those travelling from further afield, we can also arrange flights, rail travel and overnight accommodation.

Our programme includes a host of tried and tested favourites, a handful of holidays making a welcome return and a peppering of brand new tours to capture the imagination. As always, we try to ensure that we give our guests a wealth of experiences.

Whether it’s special access to gardens, hands-on workshops or visits to historic castles, you can do it all with us!

For 2019 we have taken a more thoughtful approach to what we include in our tours, based on the feedback from our guests.

Where you’ve told us lunches don’t need to be included, we’ve taken them out. Where you’ve told us you really enjoyed that delicious meal, we’ve kept them in. All our tours now include porterage (where available), taking that weight off your mind.

2019 PRICES

O

ur brand new programme is extra special because we have reviewed the prices of many of our tours to ensure that we provide optimum value – over 70% of our regular Scottish tours are either the same price as 2018 or even cheaper. In some cases we have added elements that increase the value and enjoyment of the tour but elsewhere we have passed on savings or removed elements, based on the feedback we have received from our guests. We promise that when we launch our new holidays, our lowest prices are made available to you, at the very best value for money. It pays to book early, as prices may increase as the departure date approaches.

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What Brightwater Holidays offers W

e’ve mentioned our wide range of new and established tours that cover the length and breadth of Scotland; we’ve mentioned the expertise and experience we’ve gained from living and working here; we’ve mentioned that what we include in our holidays is based on what our guests tell us they want. What we haven’t yet mentioned is that the Brightwater Holidays experience is so much more than turning up and joining the tour at the appointed time and place. Wherever you are travelling from, whatever your needs, we can tailor your holiday so that it begins from the moment you leave home.

Travel connections

Overnight accommodation

Most UK regional airports offer a very good range of domestic flights with low-cost airlines, while on the train it takes a little over four hours to get from London to Edinburgh. So, if you live south of the border and want to join our Scottish tours, do ask us to quote for connecting travel. Why not treat yourself to a first-class up-grade and travel in comfort and style?

As most of our tours depart in the morning and arrive back in the evening, overnight accommodation is often advisable and with preferential rates at hotels in Glasgow, Edinburgh and elsewhere it pays to ask us to arrange this for you. Should you want to spend a little longer in Scotland, extended stays can also be arranged.

Departure points

Extended tours

Scottish holidays pick-up from Dundee, Perth, Kinross, Dunfermline, Edinburgh (Marriott Hotel) and Glasgow. Occasionally Montrose, Arbroath, Aberdeen and Inverness are available depending on coach routing. Pick-up points and approximate departure times for every Scottish holiday are detailed in our full day-by-day itineraries, available on request by contacting our office on 01334 657155 or on our website: www.brightwaterholidays.com

If you are one of our increasing number of guests from overseas, you will want to make the most of your time in Scotland so why not consider linking two or more tours together? Some of our holidays are designed deliberately to run consecutively (Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides and Mull, Staffa and Iona for example) and others can be linked with just a night or two in between, which of course we can book for you. The tour calendar on pages 54-55 will help you with this, alternatively give our Sales team a call and they will help plan your itinerary.

Indeed, if there is anything at all you need to know about our holidays, do contact our friendly and enthusiastic Sales team and they will be more than happy to answer your questions, give you a quote for any extras you require, and of course confirm your booking for you.

On certain tours, we advise that a reasonable degree of mobility is required to get the most out of the holiday, usually where there is a certain amount of walking involved.

These are indicated by this symbol: Highland Heather

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New for 2019 S

cotland always seems to have something new to offer, such as the prestigious V&A Museum in Dundee which features prominently in our 2019 programme. Ironically, new tours can also arise out of something ancient, such as the long-vanished Picts who once reigned supreme here in the east of Scotland. Sometimes a special anniversary is the hook on which we hang a new tour – take a look at Royal Deeside and Victorian Scotland. The popularity of a new TV show such as Outlander also presents an opportunity to share some of Scotland’s historic treasures.

The V&A Museum in Dundee Art, culture and history await on this wonderful four-day Scottish escape.

The centrepiece is the newly opened V&A Museum in Dundee, where the best in Scottish creativity and international design are showcased.

Royal Deeside and Victorian Scotland Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, this new tour examines some of the Scottish locations that played a part in her life and helped popularise Scotland as a holiday destination.

See Pg.28

See Pg.26

In the Footsteps of the Picts

Outlander

Travel through the heartland of the Picts, tracking down these elusive people and coming face-to-face with them through the clues of their everyday life as seen in the incredible artistry of their monumental stone sculpture.

We seek out some of the most recognisable locations from the Outlander novels and TV series, as we travel from Edinburgh to Inverness.

Highlights include Blackness Castle, the Culloden Battlefield and Doune Castle.

See Pg.27

See Pg.30

Early booking offer

Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders

To get our new holidays off to the best possible start we are offering a number of places on selected tours at a special introductory price which will be available until 30 November 2018, so book early to get the best possible price. We are offering £50 per person off tours under £1000 and £100 per person off tours over £1000.

On our Hebridean Princess cruise we are offering 10% off all cabin prices.

The Scottish Borders are home to a remarkable number of historic houses, ancient castles and stately homes, allowing the visitor to sample a huge slice of Scottish history and folklore in a short space of time.

See Pg.33

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The tours under offer are indicated by this symbol:

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Tailor made group travel S

ince its inception over 25 years ago, Brightwater Holidays has provided tailor-made travel arrangements for many private groups and societies, with a dedicated Group Travel department providing a highly personal service. The itineraries and packages have been as varied as the groups themselves, ranging from a short city break to an extended tour of South Africa.

Typically, tours include all transportation, accommodation and entry costs, visiting gardens, stately homes, art galleries and other specialist attractions depending on the group’s individual requirements. On most occasions we also provide an experienced Tour Manager, who will ensure the smooth running of the holiday, leaving the group organisers free to relax and enjoy themselves.

We aim to understand fully the requirements of your group, so if you are a group travel organiser or a group of friends and would like some advice or a quotation for a tour, please contact our Private Groups Manager, Jenni Duncan, who would be delighted to help tailor a package for you.

Remember it’s your tour, and we will try and supply the perfect holiday to match your requirements and budget.

Oberammergau 2020: Great for Groups

O

ccurring just once a decade, the historic Passion Play of Oberammergau is the rarest of rare treats — and it’s also, as luck would have it, the perfect example of how we can tailor a tour around your specific interests or travel goals.

With the Passion Play as your tour’s headliner, there’s plenty of room for the supporting acts of your choice.

WAFA 2020 and Palaces & Gardens of India’s Golden Triangle Another key event taking place in 2020 is the World Association of Flower Arrangers show in Jaipur, India. We can arrange an inclusive tour that takes you to all the great sights of the ‘Golden Triangle’ such as the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort.

Contact us for quotations for either of these major events which are sure to be popular.

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“Absolute perfection in all aspects of the holiday.”

Friends of Scottish Opera | Guest, 2018

“The gardens were beautiful and our guide was absolutely excellent.”

Cornwall Garden Society | Guest, 2018

“If I could give a higher ranking, I would.

His knowledge of horticulture, Scottish heritage, overall lay of the land, and connections to people there was unbelievable. I have been telling my friends about Scotland. When I tell them about it, I tell them that the tour would be quite different without the most incredible Colin Crosbie. He was so enthusiastic! He was very personable and made everyone feel special. Quite the guide!”

Dayton Ohio Gardeners | Guest, 2018 “I found the Brightwater office service excellent as usual.”

York Association of the National Trust |Guest, 2018

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e put so much thought into the way we craft our private group holidays. There are lots of factors, but no matter your needs, rest assured we’ll be able to combine them into your perfect tour.

Group size

Transport

Tour destination

A small group of friends, a club of fifty, or anything in between — no matter the number, we’ll find the visits and hotels that offer the perfect fit.

Plane, train, or coach — how will you get to your destination? We figure out the cost and itinerary implications so you can make an informed choice.

Let us know where you’d like to go, and for how many days, and we’ll do the rest. Weekend in London? Three-week Caribbean jaunt? Sorted.

Room and board

All inclusive

5* luxury accommodation and pre-dinner drinks or rustic hotels and independent meals? You decide on the particulars, and we’ll factor it all into your total price.

All site and garden visits included, or a pick-andmix of optional excursions — just how much you’d like to cover in the cost of your tour is up to you.

Get in touch and get started

G

ive our friendly and highly experienced Private Groups Manager Jenni Duncan who has been with Brightwater for over 20 years a call on 01334 657155, or send an email to groups@brightwaterholidays.com to get things started.

If you would like some inspiration, have a look at our website www.brightwaterholidays.com No matter what stage of planning you’re at, our team will be able to work with you every step of the way.

Tangasdale

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A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides O

ur Grand tour takes in the beauty and diversity of this very special environment with ten different islands and four ferry trips. Two comfortable hotels ensure that this holiday is as relaxing as possible, while at the same time offering great variety and the sense of a true journey of discovery.

This extended tour of the Hebrides has proved extremely popular, offering a unique opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the Western Isles.

Our odyssey begins with a scenic drive to Mallaig before taking the ferry to Lochboisdale in South Uist and continuing to our hotel in Benbecula. From here we visit the islands of Eriskay; Vatersay and Barra, including visits to Kisimul Castle and Cockleshell Beach, which is used as the island’s airport. A captivating journey follows as we travel north by ferry from North Uist and on through the magnificent

mountain scenery of Harris and the rolling moorland of Lewis to Stornoway, our base for the next three nights.

We continue with visits to the remarkable Standing Stones of Callanish, the tranquil little Norse Mill at Shawbost and the distinctive Black Houses at Gearrannan. Our return route takes us by ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool.

What’s Included Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: two nights at the Isle of Benbecula Hotel and three nights at the Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway (one dinner and one breakfast served on board the ferry)

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All visits as outlined in the itinerary Ferry transfers as detailed Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

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Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our designated

Gearrannan, typical of the crofting settlements, which until relatively recently, were found throughout the Western Isles. The final visit on our circular tour is the Norse Mill at Shawbost, where barley grain was ground into meal by Viking settlers.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 2 After breakfast we head for

Day 5 Today we visit the Lews Castle

pick-up points and head to Mallaig, stopping en-route for refreshments.

We catch a ferry to Lochboisdale in South Uist and enjoy dinner on board. Upon arrival, we continue over causeways to Benbecula.

Barra, travelling via the little island of Eriskay. Upon arrival in Barra, we enjoy a tour of the island, including a visit by boat to Kisimul Castle. Next we visit Cockleshell Beach, the unique runway whose use is governed by the tides. Finally, we visit Vatersay by the causeway which links the two islands. In the course of our tour today, we hope to see many species of wildflowers. Dinner will be at our hotel this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Luskentyre Beach

and Museum, where we can meet the famous Lewis Chessmen and view the Outer Hebrides as never before in a wrap-around audio-visual presentation. This afternoon we visit St Columba’s Ui Church, one of the most important archaeological sites on the island. We will also see the Port of Ness and the Butt of Lewis, home to the unique Stevenson lighthouse.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 This morning we check out of the hotel and take the early morning ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool (breakfast will be served on board) before continuing to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Note: The above itinerary is for the Benbecula to Stornoway departures.

On 12 May, 9 June, 11 August and 8 September this tour operates in reverse with two nights in Stornoway & three nights in Benbecula from £895pp

Black Houses at Gearrannan

Day 3 We check out of our hotel Dun Carloway broch

Departures (Stornoway - Benbecula, from £895pp) 12 May |9 June|11 August & 8 September 2019 (Benbecula - Stornoway, from £955pp) 21 May | 18 June | 9 July | 23 July & 20 August 2019

Price

£895

6 days from per person Single room supplement £150

and take the ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh, located on the Isle of Harris. Upon arrival we visit St Clement’s Church at Rodel. The tombs here are among the most spectacular in Scotland. Next, we travel along the coast to the rolling moorland of Lewis, continuing to our hotel in Stornoway, where dinner is served in the evening.

For an even grander tour, you have the option of extending your holiday by linking up in Oban with our Mull, Staffa and Iona holiday departing 17 May, 14 June and 13 September – see p40 for details.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 This morning after breakfast we travel to the west coast of Lewis for a visit to the 5,000 years old Standing Stones of Callanish. Undoubtedly the most remarkable antiquity in the Western Isles, this collection of almost 50 stones forms a well-marked megalithic avenue. From here we move on to the Black Houses at

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Standing Stones of Callanish

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What’s Included Four nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast: two nights at the Dark Island Hotel and two nights at the Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway All visits as outlined in the itinerary

Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 day

Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Callanish, Isle of Lewis

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ate March is an exhilarating time of year to visit the Outer Hebrides when the westerly winds can whip up the ocean into a spectacular display of crashing waves and foaming surf.

Our journey begins with a scenic drive to Mallaig before taking the ferry to Lochboisdale in South Uist and continuing to our hotel in Benbecula. From here we visit the islands of Eriskay; Vatersay and Barra, including Cockleshell Beach, which is used as the island’s airport.

We then continue by ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh, through the magnificent mountain scenery of Harris, to the Western Isles’ ‘capital’ Stornoway.

Departures 27 March 2019

Price 5 days from

£695

per person Single room supplement £120

Our two bases in Benbecula and Stornoway make this trip as comfortable as possible, as well as providing the opportunity to discover the many facets of this unique island environment on a holiday that will stay long in the memory.

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our designated pick-up points and head north to the ferry point at Mallaig. From here we sail to Lochboisdale and cross to Benbecula, the stepping stone between the two Uists.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 After breakfast, we head for

Barra, travelling via the little island of Eriskay. Upon arrival in Barra, we enjoy a tour of the island before visiting Cockleshell Beach, the unique runway whose use is governed by the tides.

Finally we visit Vatersay, the film location for “Whisky Galore”. Dinner will be at our hotel this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 This morning we take the ferry

from Berneray to Leverburgh, located on the Isle of Harris. Upon arrival we visit St Clement’s Church at Rodel.

The tombs here are among the most spectacular in Scotland. Next, we travel along the coast to the rolling moorland of Lewis. We continue to our hotel in Stornoway where we have dinner this evening.

early ferry to Ullapool, with breakfast served on board. Upon arrival on the mainland, we continue to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We have a full day of visits

today. First, we stand before the Standing Stones of Callanish, then the Black Houses at Gearrannan and the Norse Mill at Shawbost. We enjoy our final meal at the hotel.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

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Day 5 We depart this morning on an

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St Clement’s Church

What’s Included Four nights’ bed and breakfast at the Kirkwall Hotel, Orkney. Three dinners in the hotel and one on board the Serco Northlink ferry (all with wine) Two lunches All visits as outlined in the itinerary

Undiscovered Orkney

Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

The Old Man of Hoy

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rkney is an archipelago of 70 islands, each with their own distinctive charm, history and natural beauty. Based on Mainland, we can offer you the exciting opportunity to visit previously unexplored areas as we discover the historic landmarks and landscapes of the North & South Isles.

On the island of Westray, relive Orkney’s Viking past as we sail the Old Norse sea routes. We sail across Scapa Flow to Hoy – an island of dramatic mountain scenery and seascapes that inspired the Orcadian symphonies of former resident, Sir Peter Maxwell-Davies. Finally, we explore Mainland and the enigmatic sites collectively known as the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ – Maeshowe, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Skara Brae.

Departures 29 June | 24 July & 29 September 2019

Price 5 days from

£995

per person Single room supplement £300 June and July supplement £100pp

Itinerary Day 1 We join the tour from our

pick-up points and catch the ferry for our journey to Orkney. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 After breakfast, we head to

Westray and visit the Scaun Natural Arch, where black guillemots and fulmar can be spotted. Later, we discover Westray Heritage Centre, before touring the historic Noltland Castle.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3 Today, we tour the island of

Hoy. After a 45-minute ferry trip, we admire the Dwarfie Stone, which dates from around 3000 BC. A few

miles on, we reach Rackwick Bay, once home to composer Sir Peter Maxwell-Davies. Later, we learn about the recent past at Lyness Naval Base and Interpretation Centre. In the afternoon, we visit the stone-built Martello Tower at Hackness and the Naval Cemetery. We travel back to Kirkwall for our evening meal.

Day 5 We check out of the hotel and catch the ferry back to the mainland.

We visit the Timespan Museum and Arts Centre in Helmsdale, before travelling back home.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 A full day exploring mainland

Orkney awaits, where we visit the archaeological sites of Maeshowe, Skara Brae and the great Standing Stones of Stenness. After an opportunity to explore the local Museum and Arts Centre we visit Highland Park Distillery for a dram.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

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Black guillemot

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Highlights of Orkney & Shetland: the ‘Islands of the Simmer Dim’ S

ail away to lands steeped in history, wildlife and stunning scenery, far from the jostling crowds to the haunting beauty of the Orkney and Shetland Isles. Many people have landed there before you - as early as 3000 BC.

Most famous of all were the Vikings, but they were not alone and all around you will find historical treasures.

Both islands, but particularly Shetland, in summer have virtually no darkness and the beauty of this ‘Simmer Dim’, as it is called locally, has to be seen to be realised.

Both Orkney and Shetland have their own identity, Orkney being very green and fertile while Shetland has a more rugged cliff and sea loch scenery. Both however share a colourful history of Picts, Norsemen, ancient antiquities, buried treasure and seafaring

legends, bound up with an independent spirit that makes them different from the rest of Scotland.

We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries and their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen to Lerwick. We have two full days to tour Shetland. After rejoining the ship for an evening sailing to Kirkwall, we have a further two full days in Orkney, before our short crossing back to the mainland.

What’s Included One nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Busta House Hotel, Shetland and three nights’ bed and breakfast (plus two dinners) at the Kirkwall Hotel, Orkney

One breakfast and two dinners on board ship

All ferry crossings, including 1 nights’ accommodation in 2-berth inside cabins on Serco Northlink Ferries. (Outside cabins are available on request for a small supplement)

Services of a professional tour manager

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All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout

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Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our designated

departure points and travel north, stopping en route for lunch (not inc).

We take an overnight ferry to Lerwick and once on board we shall check in to our comfortable, twin-berth cabins which all have en-suite facilities. The ship has a delightful restaurant, where dinner is served this evening.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

we re-join our ship and sail to Orkney.

Dinner is on board and upon arrival in Orkney, we transfer to our hotel.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We have a full day excursion

of mainland Orkney visiting the many archaeological sites including the, great stone circles of Brodgar and Stenness, which lie to the north side of the Orphir Hills. To this day the monuments’ age remain uncertain. We then continue to Maeshowe, the finest chambered tomb in Western Europe.

Built before 2,700 BC, Maeshowe was raided by the Vikings in the 12th century, and it houses the largest collections of runic inscriptions to be found in any one place in the world. A visit to Skara Brae is also included, with its new visitor centre depicting the history of this world famous monument. Dinner will be served at the hotel tonight.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

St Magnus Cathedral Whale bone

Day 2 After breakfast we leave

the ship and commence our tour of Shetland. Our first stop is in Scalloway, where we visit the ruined castle built in 1600 by the infamous Earl Patrick Stuart. We then continue north towards the spectacular cliffs of Eshaness, look out for the ‘Otters Crossing’ sign at the narrow isthmus known as Mavis Grind, where it is said to be possible to throw a stone from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.

From here, we transfer to our hotel and have dinner this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 Today we start with a visit Puffins at Sumburgh Head

Departures 20 May | 3 June | 29 July & 19 August 2019

Price 6 days from

£1095

per person

Single room supplement £350 July/August supplement £50pp

to the outstanding Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, with over three acres of remains, spanning 3000 years since the days of the Stone Age, including oval shaped Bronze Age houses, Iron Age broch and wheel houses. From here we travel to mainland Shetland to Sumburgh Head and visit the RSPB Reserve, home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. This afternoon we travel through small communities before we have free time in the island’s capital of Lerwick and an opportunity to visit the state of the art Shetland Museum. This evening

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Day 5 This morning, we have free

time to explore Kirkwall at leisure.

In the afternoon we depart on a tour of the south end of mainland Orkney, crossing the Churchill Barriers which were built after the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak in October 1939. We also stop off at the beautiful Italian Chapel, built on the site of a former prisoner of war camp. Dinner shall be served at our hotel.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 After breakfast we check out of the hotel and transfer to St Margaret’s Hope to catch the Pentland Ferries sailing to Gills Bay. We then return to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Neolithic site of Skara Brae

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An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney and Shetland O

rkney and Shetland are an archaeologist’s dream — stunning, isolated archipelagos carpeted by windswept landscapes and dotted with the remains of ancient cultures. Join us on this island-hopping tour, following expert archaeologists as they bring the extensive relics of the region to life.

Scotland’s Northern Isles are imbued with an allure that’s hard to pin down. Gain a fascinating insight into Stone Age life at Skara Brae, where everyday objects —such as beds, jewellery and medicines— paint a full and telling picture. Enjoy an enlightening experience at the Tomb of the Eagles, where we ponder the mysteries of ancient Orkney; and marvel at the complexity of the former Norse settlement at Jarlshof as we consider the Scandinavian chapters of Scotland’s past. While the human history of these striking archipelagoes is our main focus, there’s also

plenty in the natural world here to enjoy. Take a free afternoon to wander the lanes of Kirkwall, the vibrant harbour-front capital of Orkney, and walk the rugged cliffs of craggy Sumburgh Head, accompanied by the chattering calls of the fulmars.

What’s Included One nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Busta House Hotel, Shetland and three nights’ bed and breakfast (plus two dinners) at the Kirkwall Hotel, Orkney

One breakfast and two dinners on board ship

All ferry crossings, including 1 nights’ accommodation in 2-berth inside cabins on Serco Northlink Ferries. (Outside cabins are available on request for a small supplement)

Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager

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All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout

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Itinerary Day 1 We travel to Aberdeen, via the

dramatic coastal ruins of Dunnottar Castle, and board the Serco Northlink ferry for our overnight sailing to Shetland.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 Arriving at Lerwick, we take

a tour of the island, passing through the communities of Gulberwick and Cunningsburgh. Weather permitting, we cross to Mousa to visit the 2,000 year old Mousa Broch, an Iron Age tower still standing at its original 13m height. Returning to the mainland, we visit Hoswick Visitor Centre, before heading to the outstanding Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, where three millennia of history may be traced in the remains and buildings, from oval-shaped Bronze Age houses to Viking long houses and medieval farmhouses. Finally, we visit the nearby cliffs at Sumburgh Head before transferring to our historic hotel.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Dunnottar Castle

Italian Chapel, built on the site of a prisoner of war camp. Several hundred Italians, captured during the North African campaign were sent here to work on the Causeways and converted two huts into a chapel. The marvellous paintings in the interior were the work of Domenico Chiocchetti, one of the prisoners who has returned several times to restore and repaint parts of the building. We continue to the Isbister chambered tomb (otherwise known as the Tomb of the Eagles for the number of talons of sea eagles found there) and the Liddle Burnt Mound – two exceptional sites discovered by the same farmer some 50 years ago. We return to Kirkwall for free time this afternoon, when you may choose to visit magnificent St Magnus Cathedral.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 Today we enjoy an excursion

to the heart of Neolithic Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit Maeshowe, home to the largest collection of runic inscriptions to be found in one place in the world, the evocative Ness of Brodgar and the world-famous prehistoric stone settlement of Skara Brae. Later we visit the iconic Standing Stones of Stenness and Neolithic village of Barnhouse. Dinner is at our hotel.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 We check out of the hotel and

transfer to St Margaret’s Hope to catch the Pentland Ferries to Gills Bay. We will then return to our original pick-up points.

Mousa Broch

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 3 We travel up to St Ninian’s Isle, Italian Chapel

Departures 22 April | 27 May & 16 September 2019

Price

£1195

6 days from per person Single room supplement £350

with its church dating from the 6th century, when Christianity first came to Shetland. We travel to Scalloway, Shetland’s former capital, where we visit the ruined castle of the infamous Earl Patrick Stewart. We continue through Tingwall Valley, site of the old Norse parliament. We return to Lerwick to explore the town before sailing to Orkney.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 This morning we depart on

a tour of southern Orkney, crossing the Churchill Barriers, built after the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak in October 1939. We stop first at the

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Jarlshof

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What’s Included Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: two nights at the Busta House Hotel and two nights in 2-berth inside cabins on Serco Northlink Ferries (Outside cabins are available on request for a small supplement) All visits as outlined in the itinerary

Shetland and its Outer Isles

Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager Sumburgh Head

I

f you want to get away from it all, Shetland is the place to be. As close to Norway as it is to Scotland, Shetland is rugged and remote, with a raw natural beauty, a unique culture and wonderful wildlife. With over 100 islands here, only 16 of which are inhabited, each with its own individual character, our tour offers the opportunity to visit four of them — providing a real taste of the diversity of the amazing archipelago.

We visit the little island of Mousa, whose Iron Age broch is the best preserved example anywhere in the world, the Shetland Croft House Museum which gives us an insight into a typical 19th century croft, while Jarlshof provides a unique archaeological time capsule, spanning 3,000 years of successive settlements. Finally we have a tour of the northernmost isles, Yell and Unst.

Departures 15 June & 10 July 2019

Price 5 days from

£985

per person

Single room supplement £250

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our pick-up

points and travel to Aberdeen. From here, we sail overnight to Lerwick with Serco Northlink Ferries. Dinner will be on board this evening.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 We arrive early this morning

and start with a visit to the Shetland Croft House Museum, a typical thatched croft house of the 19th century which has been restored with traditional materials. Next we explore the outstanding Norse Settlement of Jarlshof. It has over three acres of remains, including Viking long houses and medieval farmhouses.

This afternoon we visit the little island

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of Mousa to view the 2,000 year old broch — the best preserved example in the world.

time. Later, we board the overnight ferry and have dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 We disembark in Aberdeen and

Day 3 Today we have a full day tour of

Yell and Unst. We travel north through Tingwall and Girlsta and past Sullom Voe, before arriving at Toft where we catch the ferry to Yell. Upon arrival, we transfer to Gutcher before taking the ferry to Unst and visit Muness Castle, Baltasound and Saxa Vord Hill. Our return route takes us via East Yell and Burravoe.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

return to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 After breakfast this morning we

return to Lerwick and enjoy some free

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Jarlshof

What’s Included Five nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast: three nights at the Busta House Hotel and two nights in 2-berth inside cabins on Serco Northlink Ferries (Outside cabins are available on request for a small supplement) All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout

Up Helly Aa - 6 day

Services of a professional tour manager Unst

F

ight off the lingering gloom of winter with a blazing torch and bone-rattling cry, and watch as warm island hospitality and unabashed merrymaking come together in a festival unlike any other.

This is Up Helly Aa, a once-yearly invocation of flame and festivity, when Vikings take over the sleepy Shetlands.

Join us for this six-day experience, taking in rugged landscapes, wonderful wildlife, and a host of historical sites. Explore the fascinating prehistoric and Neolithic site of Jarlshof and the nearby cliffs at Sumburgh Head, enjoy the festive atmosphere of Lerwick, and take scenic ferry rides that offer a breathtaking perspective on the Shetland Islands. Travel through Tingwall and Girlsta, enjoy panoramic views at Saxa Vord on Unst, and admire the utilitarian grandeur of the Sullom Voe Terminal.

Departures 28 January 2019

Price 6 days from

£965

per person

Single room supplement - on request Shetland Hotel, Lerwick supplement £150pp

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our pick-up

points and travel to Aberdeen, boarding the Serco Northlink ferry in time for dinner. We sail overnight to Lerwick.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 After breakfast we disembark

and are immersed straight away in the day’s festivities, as Up Helly Aa takes over the town of Lerwick once again.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 We depart for a full day tour

which, weather permitting, will take us to the northern isles of Yell and Unst. We travel north through Tingwall and Girlsta and past the oil terminal at Sullom Voe. After a 15-minute crossing, we travel across

Yell to Gutcher, at the north end of the island. We then make another short ferry crossing to the island of Unst, before driving north to Baltasound. We continue northwards again and enjoy marvellous views from Saxa Vord Hill.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 Today we visit Mavis Grind and

Jarlshof before ending our day at Sumburgh Head. Dinner served on board the ferry.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 After breakfast on board, we

disembark in Aberdeen and make our way back to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

stop for a walk along the sea cliffs at Eshaness, which offer spectactular views over the offshore rocks.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 This morning we check out of

our hotel and depart on a full day tour which begins with a visit to Scalloway, the original capital of Shetland. Later, we explore the Norse Settlement of

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Burning longship at the Up Helly Aa festival

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Up Helly Aa - 7 day A

wander through the streets of Lerwick is normally a quiet, peaceful experience, but take a walk there at the end of January and it’s quite likely that you will bump into a squad of very large, very bearded Vikings, resplendent in gleaming chain-mail and winged helmets.

This is Up Helly Aa, the annual winter festival of Shetland, which celebrates the lengthening of the days and the coming of another year, not to mention the chance of a good old knees-up. It’s run by Shetlanders for Shetlanders, but that’s not to say visitors aren’t welcome and the island hospitality will be as warm as ever.

Norse settlement of Jarlshof to the south, and tour as far as the islands of Yell and Unst to the north. Up Helly Aa itself is on the Tuesday, when we will have the day free to enjoy the various events in Lerwick, culminating in the torchlight procession and boat burning ceremony in the evening, the highlight of an unusual and uplifting winter break.

Shetland is a beguiling place to visit at any time but in the short winter days the islands take on a special character with steely grey seas and dramatic skies.

During our stay we will take in the prehistoric and

What’s Included Four nights’ dinner, bed, and breakfast at the Sumburgh Hotel, Sumburgh

All visits as outlined in the itinerary

Two nights’ accommodation in 2-berth inside cabins on Serco Northlink Ferries Hrossey or Hjaltland with dinner and full breakfast. (Outside cabins are available on request for a small supplement)

Services of a professional tour manager

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Comfortable coach travel throughout

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Itinerary Day 1 Travel to Aberdeen to join the

Serco Northlink ferry for the overnight sailing to Lerwick. Dinner is served on board.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 After breakfast, our tour

begins with a visit to Scalloway. The castle built by Earl Patrick Stuart still dominates the skyline. More recently, Scalloway was the secret base of the heroes of the Norwegian Resistance and the wartime exploits of the ‘Shetland Bus’ from a courageous memoir. Later, we head to Mainland Shetland, where we explore the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof. From here, we travel to Sumburgh Head, the southern tip of mainland Shetland, which is also an RSPB Reserve and site of a lighthouse that is still functioning.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Up Helly Aa festival

Sunrise at Sumburgh Head

‘squads’ of ‘guizers’ — groups of about 20 men who choose a theme and dress up as whatever takes their fancy each year. As darkness falls, the squads begin to assemble for the torchlight parade and eventually a procession of 1,000 men snakes its way through the streets, carrying aloft flaming brands of paraffin-soaked hessian.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 We enjoy another scenic

excursion to the west mainland of Shetland today, which takes us to Walls – terminus for the ferry to the island of Foula – and the headland at Sandness, overlooking Papa Stour island. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 After a leisurely breakfast,

we depart for a full day tour which, weather permitting, will take us to the northern isles of Yell and Unst.

We travel north through Tingwall and Girlsta and past the oil terminal at Sullom Voe. After a 15-minute crossing, we travel across Yell to Gutcher, at the north end of the island.

After a refreshment stop we make another short ferry crossing to the island of Unst. We shall drive north to Baltasound. After lunch (not included) we continue northwards again and enjoy marvellous views from Saxa Vord Hill. Our return route takes us via East Yell and Burravoe. Back at Lerwick we will rejoin our ship, for our sailing to Aberdeen. Dinner is served on board.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 A scenic excursion to the north

26 January 2019

mainland of Shetland awaits. Our route takes us over the Mavis Grind, an isthmus just 100 yards wide, and through a stark landscape of hills, moors and lochans. We stop for a walk along the Eshaness sea cliffs, which offer amazing views over the nearby islets. There are also many caverns and sea caves, one of which was recently declared the largest in Britain.

Price

Day 4 After breakfast this morning,

Serco Northlink ferry

Departures

£995

7 days from per person Single room supplement - on request

2020 details available on request

Day 7 After breakfast on board, we

disembark in Aberdeen and return to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

we depart for Lerwick, where you are free to explore at leisure, and view the various activities associated with the Up Helly Aa festival which takes place today. Keep an eye out for the various

21

Rush hour in Shetland

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Knitting in Shetland E

ven those who think they know all there is to know about the art of knitting can pick up a thing or two in the scenic Shetland Isles, and we’re not just talking about those pesky dropped stitches...

As anyone who’s been lucky enough to visit the Shetland Isles can surely attest, it can get a bit chilly.

It should come as no surprise then, that one of their most famous exports is as warming as the welcome we receive on landing there.

There are workshops aplenty, both starting off our mornings and rounding off our afternoons. These present the perfect opportunity to hone our skills — and perhaps even learn some new ones — under the watchful eye of experienced artisans.

Knitting knowledge isn’t the only thing available for us to take home — a visit to the elegant Nielanell Design Studio is the perfect place to pick up a stylish souvenir.

Along with other wool and textile-related visits, we also take the opportunity to sample some of the other delights that these remote, yet fascinating islands have to offer. We visit the historic archaeological site at Jarlshof and see the spectacular sea cliffs at Sumburgh Head, which brim with wildlife.

What’s Included Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: three nights at the Busta House Hotel and two nights in 2-berth inside cabins on Serco Northlink Ferries. (Outside cabins are available on request for a small supplement)

Three knitting workshops with an expert tutor All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Three lunches

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22

Itinerary Day 1 Departing from our local

pick-up points, we arrive in Aberdeen and board the ferry for our overnight crossing to Shetland. There is a comfortable bar and lounge, and we have dinner on board this evening.

Once we have finished getting to know each other as a group, we are lulled to sleep in private en-suite cabins by the motions of the North Sea.

Next, we return to our hotel for lunch and a second hands-on workshop, a great opportunity to ask your tutor any burning questions, and hone your techniques. We have dinner at our hotel this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 This morning we disembark at

Traditional Shetland yarn being hand-woven

Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Isles.

From here, we travel to the southern tip of mainland Shetland, where we visit the outstanding Norse settlement of Jarlshof, and nearby Sumburgh Head, a windswept sanctuary and migration route for all manner of birds. We then have free time for lunch in Lerwick before we visit the award-winning Textile Gallery of the Shetland Museum and Archives for a guided tour. Our next stop is the Shetland Textile Museum, where we find an inspiring collection of local pieces, located within a restored 18th century fishing station. Finally, we transfer to our hotel where we enjoy dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 After breakfast we have our

first interactive workshop. We will be joined by a local tutor who will help us to learn the basics of Shetland hand knitting. We have lunch in the hotel before visiting the Nielanell Design Studio at Sandwick. Here we discover an inventive range of alternative knitwear, including hand-spun batts just waiting to be used. We continue to Hoswick and stop in the visitor centre, housed in a former woollen mill. The centre includes weaving machinery, local items and an interpretation of the Hoswick Whale case. Finally, we visit the Laurence Odie Knitwear outlet at Hoswick Woollen Mill. We have dinner at our hotel this evening.

Lerwick, capital of Shetland

Day 5 Following breakfast we spend

the rest of the morning engaged in a final knitting workshop. From here, we venture to Scalloway where we have the chance to explore. We continue to Lerwick, where the remainder of the afternoon is free, our last chance to pick up some Shetland yarn and souvenirs, or perhaps simply take in the sights of the town. This evening, we board the ferry which takes us back to Aberdeen, with dinner served in the ship’s own restaurant.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 6 We dock at Aberdeen this

morning and after breakfast on board, we join our coach and transfer to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Departures

Day 4 We depart on a tour to western

22 September 2019

Price 6 days from

£1345

per person

Single room supplement £295

Shetland this morning. Visits include Walls, terminus for the ferry service to the island of Foula, and the headland at Sandness, which overlooks the island of Papa Stour. We also visit Jamieson’s of Shetland, where there will be a chance to purchase some 100% Shetland yarn for your own projects.

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Knit one, purl one

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What’s Included Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: two nights at the Station Hotel, Thurso (or similar) and two nights at the Kinlochbervie Hotel All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout

Scotland’s Northern Edge

Services of a professional tour manager

John O’Groats

T

he sweep of Scotland’s northern edge is truly epic, a wildly beautiful frontier shaped by wind and sea over millions of years. We carve a course from east to west, tracing the rugged lines and unearthing the wonders of a breathtaking northern coast; from leaping salmon to the world’s best cup of cocoa — or so we’ve heard.

Scotland’s extreme northern boundaries are not only a sight to behold, but a treat for all the senses. Imagine isolated hamlets set in rough landscapes; harbour-side towns sound-tracked by the hum of passing boats, and warming drams of whisky consumed fireside in a Highland pub.

Departures 2 June & 2 September 2019

Price 5 days from

£695

per person Single room supplement £120

Join us on tour and you’ll have to imagine no longer.

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our pick-up

points and head to our hotel in Thurso where we enjoy dinner this evening.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 This morning, we visit

Duncansby Head, which offers stunning views from the cliff top. Our next visit is to John O’ Groats, the landmark at the “end of the road”. We continue to the Castle of Mey, former holiday home of the late Queen Mother and to Dunnet Head, home to some of the most extensive views in northern Scotland.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 Our first visit today is to

Strathnaver Museum, which takes

us on a journey from the mystical past of prehistory to the vibrant culture of today. We travel to Tongue where we have free time for lunch before continuing to Kinlochbervie.

Day 5 We journey home today

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 4 This morning, we travel to

Keoldale. On the way we pass an old tin schoolhouse, last used in the 1930s.

On our return back to the other side of the Kyle of Durness, we move on to the village of Durness itself, where we visit the beautiful old church graveyard of Balnakeil, home to the grave of the famous Gaelic poet Rob Don. We also visit the nearby Smoo Cave which has the largest entrance of any sea cave in the British Isles.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

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travelling via Laxford Bridge, Loch More, Loch Shin, Lairg, Bonar Bridge and Tain. We return back to our original pick-up points this evening.

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Dunnet Head lighthouse

What’s Included Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel One lunch All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout

Gardens of the Far North

Services of a professional tour manager

Dunrobin Castle

A

journey to the far north of Scotland brings many rewards, not least the sense of freedom and open space to be found in the thrilling seascapes of the coasts or the vast, empty expanse of mountain and moorland that separates east from west. Rewards also come in the shape of some enchanting castles and gardens, which we have threaded together to bring out the best of this remote and unspoilt region.

Highlights of this tour include Inverewe, a truly wonderful garden, which involves a journey to the wild beauty of the west coast through some of the most glorious scenery. We will also visit the Castle of Mey, which sits high on a cliff overlooking the turbulent waters of the Pentland Firth, and it is here that the late Queen Mother had one of her most favourite retreats.

Departures 14 July 2019

Price 5 days from

£975

per person

Single room supplement £260

Itinerary Day 1 We journey north, stopping en

route in Pitlochry. We continue to the gardens of Cawdor Castle, which include vast herbaceous borders, a rose garden and a peony walk. We then transfer to our hotel in time for dinner this evening.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 This morning we visit Dunrobin Castle, the château-style ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland.

Later we continue to John O’Groats before having an afternoon visit to the gardens of the Castle of Mey. Dinner will be at the hotel.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 After breakfast we have a

long but most rewarding day as we drive across the north of Scotland to visit Dundonnell House Garden.

Next, we visit Inverewe Gardens, unquestionably one of the most outstanding gardens in the country. We will return to Inverness via Loch Maree and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 5 En route home we visit the

House of Aigas and enjoy lunch using produce from the estate. We continue to Abriachan Gardens where we will have the chance to purchase plants from the adjoining nursery before returning home.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 Our first stop this morning is the private gardens of Dunbeath Castle.

Thereafter, we explore the private garden at Langwell before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Castle of Mey

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New for 2019

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the 4-star Maryculter House Hotel, Aberdeen All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout

Royal Deeside and Victorian Scotland

Services of a professional tour manager

Balmoral Castle

2

019 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, during whose reign Britain went through huge social changes. This new tour examines some of the Scottish locations that played a part in her life and helped popularise Scotland as a holiday destination.

The centrepiece must be Balmoral Castle, the much-loved home of Queen Victoria and subsequent generations of the Royal family.

It was Victoria’s frequent visits here, and to the surrounding area, that transformed Scotland into a popular holiday and recreational destination. We also take the opportunity to visit the new Victoria & Albert Museum in Dundee, which is expected to bring a significant increase in visitor numbers to the city.

Departures 17 June 2019

Price 4 days from

£595

per person Single room supplement £75

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our local

pick-up points and travel to the new V&A Museum in Dundee, which presents the brilliance of Scottish creativity and the best of design from around the world. We then continue to our hotel and enjoy dinner.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 We begin our day with a visit

to Balmoral Castle, the centrepiece of Royal Deeside. It has been one of the residences for members of the British Royal Family since 1852. We also pay a short visit to Crathie Kirk before stopping at Ballater, the former terminus of the branch railway line from Aberdeen.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

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Day 3 After breakfast, we travel to

Craigievar Castle, a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture. The great tower stands just as it did when completed in 1626 and the castle is home to a fine collection of family portraits and original plaster ceilings. In the afternoon we visit Crathes Castle.

Fairytale-like turrets, gargoyles of fantastic design and the ancient Horn of Leys are just a few of the features of this historic castle.

we enjoy the Queen’s View on Loch Tummel. It is a stunning vista and an apt way to wrap up our tour.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We check out of our hotel and

head to Blair Castle. Victoria’s first visit here in 1842 was the subject of an episode of the second series of ITV’s ‘Victoria’. Before we head home,

26

Blair Castle

New for 2019

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the 4-star Links Hotel, Montrose All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of archaeologist Peter Yeoman as tour manager

In the Footsteps of the Picts Pictish Stone, Aberlemno

L

iving beyond the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, the people of northern Scotland in the Dark Ages were known as the Picts – a name given by the Romans meaning the ‘painted - tattooed ones’.

They were renowned as one of the most warlike of the Celtic barbarian tribes of Europe, successfully attacking the Roman army, and yet few of their homes or forts have ever been found. They did however, leave behind some of the finest carved stones and jewellery from early Medieval Europe.

During this tour we will travel through the heartland of the southern Picts in Perthshire and Angus, tracking down these elusive people and coming face-to-face with them through the clues of their everyday life as seen in the incredible artistry of their monumental stone sculpture.

Departures 30 August 2019

Price 4 days from

£545

per person Single room supplement £90

Itinerary Day 1 We depart by coach from our

pick-up points and transfer to the National Museum of Scotland. Here we will be joined by one of the curators for a specially-arranged guided tour of the Pictish jewellery collection and sculpture held here. We then continue to our hotel.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 After breakfast, we begin with a

visit to the symbol-inscribed cross-slab depicting angels and a striding cloaked figure at Eassie. We then travel to Brechin to view the medieval round tower and adjacent cathedral. Next we visit nearby Aberlemno with its four magnificent Pictish stones. From here we travel the short distance to St

Vigeans Museum of Pictish Sculpture before returning to our hotel for dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 This morning, we head to

on the Isle of May, a national nature reserve. We return to our original pick-up points this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Dunkeld to visit the Pictish hillfort, and then onto the attractive village of Dunning where we visit the Pictish monastery. We then travel to Forteviot, the royal centre of Pictish kings, and finally, we explore Perth Museum, viewing its fine display and collections.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We drive to St Andrews this

morning to see the decorated stone sarcophagus of a great Pictish king before travelling by boat (weather permitting) to visit the monastery

27

St Andrews Castle

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What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at the 4-star Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Dundee All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout

The V&A Museum in Dundee

Services of a professional tour manager

V&A Dundee - © Ross Fraser McLean

A

Departures

rt, culture and history await us on this wonderful four-day Scottish escape. Take a tour of the fabulous Glamis Castle, the former childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Spend time at the newly opened V&A Museum in Dundee, where the best in Scottish creativity and international design are showcased. Visit the RRS Discovery, one of the last three-masted wooden ships built in Britain.

Price

Experience the stories that shaped this amazing country as we travel from gallery to architectural marvel, and see Scotland in a fascinating new light.

per person Single room supplement £135

31 March | 6 June & 6 October 2019

4 days from

£499

June supplement £46pp

Itinerary Day 1 We start our tour at Kellie

Castle, home to the Earls of Kellie and restored in 1878. Visit the old stables, now housing an exhibition on Hew Lorimer’s life, or take a stroll in the magical Arts & Crafts garden. This evening we enjoy a welcome drink and dinner at our hotel.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 This morning we visit the newly

opened V&A Museum. The first ever dedicated design museum in Scotland and the only other V&A museum anywhere in the world outside London, V&A Dundee showcases Scottish creativity and offers the best in design from around the world, while providing a place of inspiration and discovery.

www.brightwaterholidays.com

This afternoon, we tour the McManus Gallery & Museum, where we discover how Dundee developed through the ages from a small settlement into the great city we know today.

Day 4 After breakfast, we begin our

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

journey home with a stop off at the Perth Museum and Art Gallery, one of the oldest museums in Britain with over half a million objects.

Day 3 Following breakfast, we visit the

RRS Discovery, one of the last three masted wooden ships built in Britain which sailed with the National Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04, captained by Robert Falcon Scott. This afternoon, we travel north of Dundee for a visit to Glamis Castle. It has been a royal residence since 1372, childhood home of the Queen Mother, and is a stunning architectural treasure.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

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Kellie Castle

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the 4-star Dunkeld House Hotel All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Historic Houses of Scotland Balmoral Castle

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Departures

What do Her Majesty The Queen and one of Shakespeare’s most accomplished tragic creations have in common? Both have found themselves at home in the environs of Scotland’s historic houses.

Price

o on the trail of monarchs both factual and fictional on our tour of Scotland’s historic houses, from the world-famous to the lesser-known.

From Glamis, both the real childhood home of the Queen Mother and fictional dwelling of Macbeth, to Balmoral, the current monarch’s favourite bolthole (or so they say), we embark on a fascinating exploration of Scotland’s historic houses, with a few little surprises along the way — quick tipple at Edradour Whisky Distillery, anyone?

2 June 2019

4 days from

£675

per person

Single room supplement £150

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our pick-up

points and travel to Loch Leven Castle. Many personalities have visited here, but the castle will be forever associated with Mary, Queen of Scots.

Following our visit we transfer to our hotel for dinner.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 On our first full day, we begin

at Braemar Castle which was built in 1628 by John Erksine, 2nd Earl of Mar as his high Hunting Lodge. Next we explore Balmoral Castle, the centrepiece of Royal Deeside itself.

Built around 1854 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the image of the castle is recognised worldwide. Our final stop today is to Crathie Kirk, a

quaint small church that is used by the Royal Family for worship.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 After breakfast, we explore Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. The castle enjoys one of Scotland’s finest settings in the heart of Highland Perthshire. This afternoon we tour Edradour Whisky Distillery, the smallest in Scotland.

Finally, we visit Menzies Castle before returning to the hotel for dinner this evening.

has witnessed more than 600 years of history. We will learn the many stories, secrets and intrigue that surround it before returning to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 Our last morning is spent at

Glamis Castle. This was the childhood home of the late Queen Mother and it

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Gardens at Glamis Castle

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New for 2019

Outlander “B

illow and breeze, islands and seas, mountains of rain and sun, all that was good, all that was fair, all that was me is gone.

“

Based on the historical time travel series of novels

by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander has become one of the most successful and popular television dramas of the decade. It combines romance, action, history and time travel in an intriguing story, with a strong cast of talented actors and actresses. The other element that makes Outlander such compelling viewing is, of course, the landscape in which it is filmed. The Scottish countryside is a location director’s dream, with a host of castles, glens, lochs and villages to choose from.

Some are also actual locations from the turbulent days of the Jacobite rebellions.

On this new tour we will seek out some of the most recognisable locations from the novels and the TV series, as well as sites with historical relevance to this period, as we travel from Edinburgh to Inverness and back. Highlights include the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Culloden Battlefield and Doune Castle.

What’s Included Seven nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: five nights at the 3-star Kings Manor Hotel, Edinburgh and two nights at the 3-star Palace Hotel, Inverness

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All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

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Itinerary Day 1 Travel independently to

Edinburgh and meet the group at the hotel. In the late afternoon, we have the option to join an introductory panoramic coach tour of Edinburgh, with its dramatic skyline dominated by the castle. We have dinner together this evening.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 Our first stop today is the

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway

Departures 13 June & 1 September 2019

Price

£1495

8 days from per person Single room supplement £395

Palace of Holyroodhouse, where in 1765, Bonnie Prince Charlie established his court for six weeks. This is portrayed in the Outlander novels when Claire and Jamie visit the Prince at the palace and beg him to abandon his hopeless cause. The palace also has connections with Mary, Queen of Scots and it is still in use as a royal residence by Her Majesty The Queen.

Next, we head up the Royal Mile where we enjoy some free time. You may wish to go to the World’s End, a historic, traditional Scottish pub which features in Outlander as Dougal MacKenzie’s favourite Edinburgh haunt. In the afternoon we continue to the National Museum of Scotland, whose diverse collections take visitors on a journey through the history of Scotland.

In the afternoon we visit the village of Culross. With many original buildings dating from medieval times, the village has been carefully preserved.

It appears many times in Outlander as well as other historical dramas.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 We check out of our hotel and

head north, stopping en route at the Highland Folk Museum, which shows what life was like in the Highlands from the 1700s to the 1960s, and the replica 18th century Highland crofts have been used as an Outlander location. Before reaching our next hotel in Inverness, we take a walk in nearby Tulloch Ghru.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 This morning we visit the

National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre at Culloden, built next to the site of the decisive battle of 16 April 1746. We visit the nearby Clava Cairns before continuing to Fort George, one of the most outstanding fortifications in Europe. It was built in the wake of the Battle of Culloden as a secure base for King George II’s army, so it is very much a part of the period in which Outlander is set.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 After breakfast, we visit the

Day 7 We begin our journey back to

grand stately home of Hopetoun House, designed by Sir William Bruce.

In Outlander, parts of the house and grounds double as the Duke of Sandringham’s stately home, the spare room in Jamie and Claire’s Paris apartment, the Hawkins Estate and the backdrop for Parisian streets. Next, we continue to nearby Blackness Castle, a 15th century stronghold used as the location for ‘Black Jack’ Randall’s Fort William headquarters. We conclude today with a trip on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, a short heritage railway line which captures the essence of steam-hauled train travel in Scotland. In Outlander, it appears as the wartime London railway station.

Edinburgh, travelling via Loch Ness and the real Fort William. We will drive through Glencoe, a hauntingly beautiful landscape which features in the opening credits of Outlander. Our final location visit is to Doune Castle, a perfect example of a medieval stronghold. It stands in admirably for the fictional Castle Leoch in Outlander.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 8 Following breakfast, we check

out of our hotel and continue with your onward travel arrangements.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We visit Falkland Palace this

morning, which is closely associated with Mary, Queen of Scots. The palace is a spectacular example of Renaissance architecture, while the gardens have been beautifully laid out with green lawns, colourful herbaceous borders and unusual shrubs.

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Cobbled street in Culross

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What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at the 4-star Woodland House Hotel All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway

Services of horticulturist Colin Crosbie as tour manager

Drumlanrig Castle

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his often over-looked corner of Scotland has so much to offer the garden enthusiast — the Logan Botanic Garden alone will inspire and astound with its vast collection of plants.

In the south-western corner of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway are home to some of the country’s most attractive gardens and artists. The artistic highlight of our tour is undoubtedly Dumfries House in Ayrshire, whose future has been secured with the support of Prince Charles.

Something different awaits at Broughton House – an artist’s garden at the restored former home of ‘Glasgow Boy’ E A Hornel – which shows the influence of his time in Japan and is always full of colour. Further highlights include Drumlanrig Castle, with its world-class collection of fine art and furniture, and the hidden gem that is Crawick Multiverse.

Departures 14 June | 18 August & 11 September 2019

Price 4 days from

£575

per person

Single room supplement £120

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from your local

pick-up points and head for Dumfries House, near Cumnock in Ayrshire.

Here, we enjoy a grand tour of the house and the impressive Queen Elizabeth walled garden, followed by tea and shortbread. Afterwards, we travel to our hotel where dinner is served in the evening.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 After breakfast, we visit

Glenwhan Garden, where the slopes above are lavishly planted with trees and shrubs, and after our guided tour, we move onto our next visit: Logan Botanic Garden, whose splendid collection of exotic plants never ceases to amaze. We return to our hotel where

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dinner is served in the evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 This morning, we visit

Broughton House, a fascinating 18th century house and garden that was home to E A Hornel from 1901 until his death in 1933. Thereafter, we head into the town of Kirkcudbright, where there will be an opportunity to visit the new art gallery and have lunch (not included). Later, we explore the gardens of the Threave Estate and the wonderful plantsman nursery of Ellenbank, which offers a tempting selection of plants.

explore Drumlanrig Castle before visiting Crawick Multiverse, where the design is interestingly based around space, astronomy and cosmology.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 Before we return home we

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Logan Botanic Gardens

New for 2019

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Peebles Hydro Hotel One lunch All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout

Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders

Services of a professional tour manager

Abbotsford House

T

he Scottish Borders are often overlooked in comparison with the Highlands and Islands, whose grandeur and drama have an obvious attraction. Yet the Borders have a quiet, understated beauty of their own, with softly rolling hills draped in early morning mist, peaceful valleys dotted with sheep and the River Tweed, which runs like a silver thread from the Lowther Hills to the sea at Berwick.

This prosperous region is also home to a remarkable number of historic houses, ancient castles and stately homes, allowing the visitor to sample a huge slice of Scottish history and folklore in a short space of time. From Manderston House, to the grand Floors Castle, this is a tour to remember.

Departures 7 July & 26 September 2019

Price 4 days from

£595

per person

Single room supplement £120

Itinerary Day 1 We depart by coach and drive to Day 3 We start our day at Mellerstain Manderston House, which was built in the 1790s. Legend has it that the house was “The swansong of the stately home”.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 Today we travel through

Tweeddale to Abbotsford House, built by Sir Walter Scott following the success of his great novels. In the afternoon we visit Traquair House, said to be the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland. Many monarchs from both Scotland and England have visited Traquair including Mary, Queen of Scots. We enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

House, home of the Earl and Countess of Haddington. Completed between 1770 and 1778, the interior decoration is outstanding and it stands in 200 acres of magnificent parkland. We move on to Kelso to visit Floors Castle, situated on a natural terrace overlooking the River Tweed. It was built in the 1720s by architect William Adam for Duke John, and it is now a category A listed building.

Following this, we make our journey home, returning to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We check out of our hotel

and head to Thirlstane Castle, a magnificent 16th century castle, set in a quiet meadow landscape. Lunch is provided in the Victorian kitchen.

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Floors Castle

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What’s Included Three nights’ dinner bed and breakfast at the 4-star Gleddoch House Hotel One afternoon tea

Gardens and Architecture of the Firth of Clyde

All visits as outlined in the itinerary All coaching and ferry transfers Services of a professional tour manager

Mount Stuart

“

A

rt is the flower. Life is the green leaf.” It’s almost as if Charles Rennie Mackintosh were describing our tour himself. Join us as we visit some of the incomparable architect’s greatest works, as well as other outstanding houses and gardens in and around the Firth of Clyde.

Hill House, arguably Mackintosh’s finest domestic creation, is currently undergoing a major conservation project which is part of the visitor experience. We visit further Mackintosh masterpieces at House for an Art Lover and Scotland Street Museum, and take afternoon tea at the iconic Willow Tea Rooms in Sauchiehall Street, newly re-opened having been restored to its former glory. Elsewhere, we see the Gothic grandeur of Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute and a splendid woodland garden.

Departures 9 June & 16 September 2019

Price 4 days from

£595

per person

Single room supplement £135

Whether you’re in it for the arts or the gardens, or both, one thing’s for certain: this is one artfully-designed tour.

Itinerary Day 1 We depart by coach this

morning and head for Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park where we visit the House for an Art Lover. Later, we continue to our hotel where we have dinner this evening.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 After breakfast, we hope to

visit Hill House and have a close-up look at the conservation work, as well as admiring the original interiors.

Should the property be closed, we will visit Ardkinglas House. Next we explore the nearby gardens of Glenarn, reputedly one of the best woodland gardens in Scotland. We return to our hotel for dinner this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

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Day 3 This morning, we head for

Wemyss Bay where we catch a ferry to Rothesay. Upon arrival we explore the house and gardens of Mount Stuart, which is one of the largest Victorian Gothic houses in Britain before visiting Ascog Hall Fernery. Open to the public only recently, this unique fern house is a joy to behold.

collections outside the National Museums. Finally, we will enjoy afternoon tea at the authentically restored Willow Tearooms in Sauchiehall Street before returning to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & afternoon tea.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 Following breakfast, we travel

to Glasgow and visit Scotland Street School. With many typical Mackintosh features and details built into the stonework and staircases, there is something to admire around every corner. We continue to the Hunterian Museum, home to one of the largest

34

Willow Tearooms

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner (with wine), bed & breakfast at the Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar One lunch All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

A Classic Scottish Steam Break PS Waverley

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Departures

One of the undoubted highlights is the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig on one of the longest, and most spectacular scenic, steam-hauled rail journeys in Britain today.

Price

hart a course and set the propeller going — it’s full steam ahead on our Classic Scottish Steam break! By track and by tide, we discover firsts, lasts, exclusives and superlatives on a unique tour that takes us back to the heady days of the steam era.

We also enjoy the gentle beauty of the Argyll hills, and the lucid Kyles of Bute from the deck of an elegant paddle steamer, sail on peaceful Loch Katrine aboard a steam-powered veteran and marvel at a feat of Scottish engineering.

25 June | 18 July | 29 August & 11 October 2019

4 days from

£595

per person Single room supplement £90

There’s simply no better way to explore the many scenic gifts that the Scottish countryside has to offer.

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our pick-up

points and head to the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. From here we transfer to our hotel, where we enjoy dinner.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 An early start brings us to Fort

William where we board the legendary Jacobite steam train which takes us to Mallaig. The journey is often heralded as the most scenic in the world, with the crossing of the Glenfinnan Viaduct sitting prominently among its many highlights. After independent lunches in Mallaig, we make the return journey back to Fort William and enjoy champagne and chocolates en route.

We arrive back at our hotel in time for dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 Following breakfast we depart

for Helensburgh for a trip on the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, PS Waverley*. As we sail across the Kyles of Bute to the village of Tighnabruaich, we enjoy lunch on board. We will leave the ship at Tighnabruaich and our coach will be waiting to take us back to the hotel, travelling over the “Rest and Be Thankful” and through stunning Argyll scenery. Dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 4 This morning we embark on a

scenic tour through the glorious glen of the Trossachs. Arriving at Loch Katrine, we take to the waters for a cruise on the SS Sir Walter Scott before returning to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

*Subject to confirmation of the Waverley’s sailing schedule.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

35

Falkirk Wheel

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No single supplement

What’s Included Four nights’ dinner (with wine), bed and breakfast at the comfortable Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran One lunch All visits as outlined in the itinerary All coaching and ferry transfers

Arran, Scotland in Miniature

Services of a professional tour manager

Brodick Castle

S

‘

cotland in miniature’ might just be the most apt way to sum up the Isle of Arran. Separated into Highland and Lowland, geographically and ecologically diverse, and filled with history, Arran has more in common with the mainland than you might think.

The picturesque villages here show a way of life that still revolves around the sea — such as Sannox with its curving beach and Corrie with its twin harbours. We also explore Arran’s Victorian legacy at Brodick Castle — its walled gardens, woodland walks, and ravishing rhododendrons are truly a joy to behold.

Departures 26 April | 7 June & 26 August 2019

Price 5 days from

£675

per person

No single room supplement

Between these engaging visits, there is ample time to explore at your own pace, or to just simply relax at the hotel.

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our designated pick up points and head for Ardrossan to catch our ferry to Brodick. Upon arrival we travel to our hotel in Blackwaterfoot where we enjoy dinner.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 This morning we embark

on a circular tour of Arran. From Blackwaterfoot we visit Whiting Bay, Lamlash, Brodick, Corrie and Sannox.

Down the west coast we take in Pirnmill and Catacol, with its ‘Twelve Apostles’, 19th century cottages built to relocate locals from inland homes, and make way for sheep and deer. Next we visit Arran Distillery, for lunch, along with a tour and tasting of their single

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malt. We have dinner at our hotel, and enjoy a talk from a local historian.

enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 5 This morning we travel by ferry

Day 3 Today we are free to relax in

Blackwaterfoot and its surroundings.

For those who prefer, there is an optional excursion to Gigha, which includes visiting Achamore Gardens.

Dinner will be served at our hotel this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

back to the mainland before returning to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 Following breakfast we travel

to Brodick Castle and gardens which offer views across the Firth of Clyde.

On site we find a delightful Bavarian Summerhouse. The afternoon is free to take in Brodick at our leisure. Later we

36

Goatfell

No single supplement

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner (with wine), bed and breakfast at the comfortable Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran All visits as outlined in the itinerary All coaching and ferry transfers

Autumn Tints of Arran

Services of a professional tour manager

Goatfell

A

t no time are we more assured of Arran’s beauty than in the autumn months, when its wild woods and wide open moors are aflame in a riot of red and gold foliage. Just add impressive castles, imposing mountains, and idyllic bays for a truly unforgettable trip.

At the always-impressive Brodick Castle, the sandstone walls seem to be lit from within by the late-year sunshine. Around the island’s rugged coast, the profusion of small villages often compared to ‘jewels on a necklace’ invite us in to explore.

Join us on a full-day circular tour of the island, learn the Norse origins of Whiting Bay and relax in comfort at our hotel.

Departures 21 October 2019

Price 4 days from

£475

per person

No single room supplement

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our designated pick-up points and head for Ardrossan to catch our ferry to Brodick. Upon arrival we travel to our hotel in Blackwaterfoot where we enjoy dinner.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 Today, following breakfast, we

have a circular tour of the island of Arran. From Blackwaterfoot we will visit Whiting Bay, Lamlash, Brodick, Corrie and Sannox under the shadow of Goat Fell and other mountains, and then down the west coast to Catacol and Pirnmill with its ‘12 Apostles’. We return to our hotel in time for dinner.

Day 3 This morning, we have included

a visit to Brodick Castle and gardens, which occupies a splendid position as it is well protected from westerly winds and overlooks the across the Firth of Clyde. The present garden dates from 1932 when the Duchess of Montrose started an ambitious woodland garden with a collection of rhododendrons.

A walled garden, dating from 1710, has been restored and mixed borders on three sides retain the gardener’s interest throughout the year. We have free time this afternoon to explore Brodick. Dinner will be at our hotel this evening.

Day 4 This morning we travel by ferry back to the mainland before returning to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Blackwaterfoot

37

www.brightwaterholidays.com

What’s Included Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Port Askaig Hotel, Islay All visits as outlined in the itinerary All coaching and ferry transfers Services of a professional tour manager

Islay and Jura Port Charlotte, Islay

E

Departures

With nine working whisky distilleries between them, boundless beautiful beaches, and an abundance of world-class heritage sites, these neighbouring islands are more alike than different.

Price

xploring Islay and Jura is a study in contrasts: Islay’s verdant fertility plays off against Jura’s mountainous sobriety; the former’s contented bustle underscores the latter’s wild mystery. But these Hebridean cousins also have much in common, as we find out on tour...

Still, Islay, an island well-known for its whisky and seabirds, is rightly called ‘The Queen of the Hebrides’. Jura, meanwhile, is perhaps best summed up by the slogan describing its favourite liquid gold export: ‘The Isle of the Unexpected’.

8 April | 3 June | 15 July & 9 September 2019

5 days from

£995

per person Single room supplement £120

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our pick-up

points and catch the ferry from Kennacraig to Port Askaig, Islay. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel, which overlooks the harbour.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 Following breakfast our first visit will be to Bowmore Distillery where we enjoy a guided tour. We continue t0 Loch Finlaggan, which was once the centre of the ‘Lordship of the Isles’.

We stop for lunch (not included) in Port Charlotte and, finally today, we will visit the Loch Gruinart RSPB Nature Reserve. We have the opportunity to see many bird species, including the chough, a rare type of crow.

Day 3 Following breakfast, you are free to explore Islay. Alternatively, you may wish to join our optional excursion to Colonsay where we visit the 30-acre woodland garden and Kiloran Bay. We catch the early evening ferry back to Islay and return to our hotel for dinner.

make our journey home, stopping at the picturesque village of Inveraray, before returning to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 This morning, we travel to the

neighbouring island of Jura, which has a record habitation stretching back over 5,000 years. We enjoy a scenic tour before having some free time in Craighouse, the main settlement on the island with a shop, tearoom and Jura’s distillery.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

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Day 5 We leave Islay this morning and

Inveraray

38

New for 2019

What’s Included Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: two nights at the Coll Hotel and two nights at the Scarinish Hotel, Tiree Two packed lunches All visits as outlined in the itinerary All coaching and ferry transfers Services of a professional tour manager

Coll & Tiree Tiree

C

oll and Tiree are two little jewels basking in the Hebridean Sea. Steeped in the romantic legends and tangled history of the western isles, they abound with natural wonders, abundant wildlife and ancient remains. Offering peace, tranquillity and spiritual calm, they can also be wildly invigorating as the machair (coastal meadowland) comes alive during the summer months with myriad varieties of wild flowers creating a colourful carpet along the shoreline.

Explore unspoilt beaches on Coll and the RSPB reserve which includes a growing resident population of corncrakes, which breed here in the summer months. On Tiree we will explore the machair and monuments as well as the Skerryvore Lighthouse Museum, which records the building of Britain’s tallest lighthouse.

Departures 25 June & 27 August 2019

Price 5 days from

£1195

per person Single room supplement £320

Itinerary Day 5 We check out of our hotel and

pick-up points and head for Oban, where we board a ferry to the isle of Coll. We arrive in the little harbour of Arinagour and transfer to our hotel in time for dinner.

Day 3 This morning, we check out of

our hotel and transfer to the harbour in time for the ferry to Tiree. Upon arrival, we make our way to the hotel and have the rest of the day to relax. Dinner is served this evening.

view ‘An Turas’, a piece of architecture the locals have named the ‘Wind Tunnel’. We board the ferry and start our journey home, arriving at our original pick-up points this evening.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 2 After breakfast, we depart for

Day 4 Today, we tour Tiree, passing

Day 1 We depart from our designated

a tour of the island. Machair flowers come and go in phases through the growing months with purples, yellows and whites punctuating the rich greens of the turf. Next we visit the RSPB Reserve and Visitor Centre which was established to help protect the corncrake. We have dinner at our hotel this evening.

through the small crofting townships where some of the distinctive speckled cottages remain. We will visit the Skerryvore Lighthouse Museum and the Treshnish Isles Natural History Museum, which offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the enchanting Treshnish Isles.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Hebridean Machair

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www.brightwaterholidays.com

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the comfortable Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, Craignure One packed lunch All visits as outlined in the itinerary All coaching and ferry transfers Services of a professional tour manager

Mull, Staffa & Iona Duart Castle

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he Isle of Mull is a place of tumbling burns, high peaks, dramatic views and a silent, lonely beauty.

The multi-coloured buildings that line the waterfront of the island’s principal town, Tobermory, will be familiar to many. From here we sail on a new wildlife cruise that takes us to the Treshnish Isles, home to thousands of seabirds including puffins, and the little island of Staffa.

Duart Castle, the 13th century home of the Chief of Clan MacLean, sits broodingly on its headland, seemingly unmoved by the stunning views across the Firth of Lorne to Ben Cruachan. Lying just off the Ross of Mull, the sacred isle of Iona is famous for its peaceful Abbey, a place of calm and contemplation, the perfect antidote to the stress of modern life.

Departures 17 May | 14 June | 15 August & 13 September 2019

Price 4 days from

£735

per person Single room supplement £150 August supplement £40pp

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our designated

and we cross as foot passengers to Iona. Here we visit the Abbey and explore the island, which attracts many visitors every year. Dinner is served at our hotel this evening.

dolphins and sea eagles. We arrive on the idyllic Isle of Lunga, the largest of the Treshnish Isles. Surrounded by wildflowers and stunning scenery, the main attraction is the large Puffin colony nesting in burrows (May & June only). Next, we take the short crossing to Staffa. We explore the island, in particular the massive natural cathedral known as Fingal’s Cave, following in the footsteps of illustrious tourists from Sir Walter Scott to Queen Victoria. We have dinner at the hotel.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3 This morning, we depart for

Day 4 Following breakfast, we visit

pick-up points and head for the Western Highlands. Upon arrival in Oban we board the late afternoon ferry for Mull. We have dinner at the hotel.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 Today, we drive to Fionnphort

Tobermory, the starting point for our wildlife cruise to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa. We hope to see whales,

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Duart Castle, where we have the chance to explore the dungeons and the state rooms. We take a short ferry

40

crossing and enjoy a scenic drive through Morvern. Finally, we cross Loch Linnhe by the Corran ferry and continue our journey home.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only

Please note that the 17 May, 14 June and 13 September departures can be linked with the Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides on 12 May, 9 June and 8 September. See p11 for details

Fionnphort, Isle of Mull

Mull Wildlife Experience

New for 2019

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, Craignure Two packed lunches All visits as outlined in the itinerary All coaching and ferry transfers Services of a professional tour manager

Puffins on the Island of Lunga

W

ith its diverse landscape of mountains, sea lochs, moorland and peatbog, the Isle of Mull is home to a wide range of mammals and birds and has established itself as one of the UK’s top wildlife destinations.

Mull is a paradise for birdwatchers and one of the best places in the country to see big raptors such as the Golden Eagle and White Tailed Sea Eagle. The scarce Black Throated Diver can be spotted on sea lochs and on our boat trip to the Treshnish Isles we will see a vast array of seabirds.

Departures 30 May 2019

Price 4 days from

£895

per person Single room supplement £150

Otters, seals and red deer are just some of the other animals we hope to see during our time on the island and in the course of our Wildlife Walk a local guide will teach us how to look for them.

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our designated

pick-up points and head for Oban.

Here we board the afternoon ferry for Craignure and upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel. This evening we have a presentation by a member of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.

We will be given a short talk on their history and the work they do. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 Our first stop today is

awe-inspiring Staffa and in particular, Fingal’s Cave. As we cruise through the many islands and rocks which make up the Treshnish Isles, look out for the Common and Atlantic Grey Seals. Finally, we land on Lunga,

the largest of the islands. Here we will spend a few hours viewing puffins, razorbills, fulmars, shags and kittiwakes.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3 Today, following breakfast, we

whales, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and seals. Following this we shall catch the ferry back to Oban before returning to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

have a Wildlife Walk on the island of Mull with one of Mull’s top guides. We will learn how to find and where to search for different animals. Targets today will be otters, seals and sea eagles. Dinner will be served at the hotel in the evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 4 We check out of our hotel and enjoy a short Wildlife Cruise in the waters around Mull. We will look for

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Dolphin

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Skye and the Summer Isles C

an any two place names evoke the joys of Scotland’s great outdoors more succinctly than Skye and the Summer Isles? The former, where mist-covered mountain peaks punctuate the landscape, is pure drama, the latter is pure charm. Join us on tour and get to know them both.

Calming coastlines, remote reserves, brilliant black mountains and romantic boat rides are all there for us to enjoy first-hand, creating experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Take, for example, a sunlit morning cruise aboard the fittingly regal ‘Summer Queen’, with the chance of spying a shy grey seal at the surface.

From the breathtaking scenery of Corrieshalloch Gorge, the thunderous Falls of Measach and the dramatic culmination of the river that carved it, to the lush sub-tropical eden of Inverewe Gardens, where we admire the wide range of exotic and native plants.

To think of Skye and the Summer Isles is to conjure up visions of vast and open landscapes, welcoming locals, blossoming gardens, and an almost limitless clarity of light. But, the beauty of these destinations goes well beyond anything words alone can describe. For a real taste of the sublime, you simply must come and visit them for yourself.

What’s Included Six nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: three nights at a comfortable hotel in Skye and three nights at the Royal Hotel in Ullapool

Cruises to Handa and the Summer Isles All coaching and ferry transfers Services of a professional tour manager

All visits as outlined in the itinerary

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Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our pick-up

points and head north-west, travelling through rugged Lochaber. We pass landmarks such as Glencoe, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Glenfinnan Monument, before arriving in Mallaig to catch the ferry to Skye. Upon arrival, we visit the Armadale Castle & Museum of the Isles, set in the heart of a 20,000 acre Highland estate. Later, we transfer to our hotel and enjoy dinner.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

also visit the Aros Centre, an arts and heritage centre with information, shops and forest walks. We have dinner at our hotel this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We check out of our hotel and

travel via Plockton and Loch Carron to Inverewe Gardens, unquestionably one of the most outstanding gardens in the country. The climate here promotes luxurious growth and today it is full of mature exotic trees and shrubs. We continue to Ullapool and check in to our hotel, where we have dinner this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 Today we head to Tarbet and

take a ferry to Handa Island where we explore at our own leisure. Look out for seabirds such as razorbils, gulliemots and arctic skuas, and wander around the archaeological remains of an old village which was inhabited until 1847.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 Today we board the

Portree, Isle of Skye

Dunvegan Castle

Day 2 This morning we travel to

Old Man of Storr

Departures 3 May & 2 September 2019

Price

£1295

7 days from per person Single room supplement £195

Sconser where we make the short ferry trip to Raasay. Just over 14 miles long, with a third of the island over 500 feet above sea level, Raasay, the ‘Roe Isle’, has had its fair share of joy and sorrow, and paid dearly for a visit from Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746. Highlights here include the picturesque ruins of the 15th century Brochel Castle and Calum’s Road, named after the indefatigable Calum MacLeod. We then take the ferry back to Sconser and continue to Kyleakin to visit Eilean Ban, the last home of author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell.

The small house is now a museum to Gavin Maxwell, with many interesting mementoes of his time spent there.

MV Summer Queen for our Summer Isles Cruise. As we head out of Ullapool, sailing down the centre of Loch Broom, keep a look out for Mussel Bay where you can often see a colony of Atlantic Seals basking on the rocks. Passing through the islands, we arrive at Tanera Mhor, the only inhabited island within the group.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 7 We check out of our hotel and

head to Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach before continuing our journey home, arriving in the evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Please note the September tour operates in reverse.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 After breakfast we travel to

Dunvegan Castle, the ancient home of the chiefs of the Clan MacLeod.

Following our visit we depart on a scenic drive around Trotternish, Skye’s most northerly peninsula. We then spend some time in the island’s chief town and port, Portree. We will

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Armadale Castle Gardens

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Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides G

entler, lusher, and less wild than their Outer cousins, the Inner Hebrides still have more than their fair share to offer travellers — the sheer drama of sea caves and castles, the friendly warmth of locals, and more than a hint of myth and magic, to name just a few of their charms.

From rocky coasts to glassy lochs, there’s much to be discovered on a Grand Tour of this wonderful, westerly archipelago.

Attempting to sum up the appeal of a landscape in one word might seem foolhardy, but if pressed, we think that ‘inspiring’ just might cover it for the Inner Hebrides.

After all, it was here that Mendelssohn was moved to write his Hebridean Overture, and it is here that countless artists, craftspeople and artisans make their living today, many selling their wares from Tobermory’s colourful seafront.

But don’t just take our word for it — on our Grand Tour, you can see it all for yourself: from the natural splendour of Fingal’s Cave to the sacred tranquillity of Iona.

See wonderful wildlife, including otters, seals, puffins and guillemots; take a guided tour of Bowmore Distillery; delve into the depths of Duart Castle, and much much more...

What’s Included Six nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: three nights at the Isle of Mull Hotel, Craignure and three nights at the Port Askaig Hotel

All coaching and ferry transfers Services of a professional tour manager

One packed lunch All visits as outlined in the itinerary

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Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our designated

pick-up points and head for the Western Highlands, stopping en route for refreshments. On arrival in Oban we take a ferry to Craignure on the island of Mull. Our base is the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, conveniently located close to the ferry terminal with superb views of the Morvern Hills and Duart Castle. The hotel offers excellent spa and leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool and steam room. We have dinner here tonight.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 After breakfast, we depart

Isle of Iona

for Tobermory, the island’s ‘capital’ whose colourful buildings lining the waterfront will be familiar from a hundred calendars. This is the starting point for our cruise to the little island of Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, during which we hope to see whales, dolphins, basking sharks, various seabirds and sea eagles. We sail first to Staffa, where we hope to have time ashore to explore Fingal’s Cave, one of the wonders of the west coast.

We continue to the Treshnish Isles and observe the wildlife, which in July includes puffins.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3 Today we drive along the Ross

of Mull to Fionnphort, where we cross as foot passengers to the Isle of Iona.

Here, we have the opportunity to visit the Abbey and wander over the island, taking in the atmosphere of calm and contemplation which attracts visitors from all over the world. Dinner is served at our hotel this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 Following breakfast, we visit

Departures 21 July | 18 August | 15 September & 29 September 2019

Price

£1545

7 days from per person Single room supplement £240 July and August supplement £50pp

Duart Castle, the 13th century home of the Chief of Clan MacLean. We explore the dungeons, the state rooms and appreciate the strategic position of the castle from the top of the keep. Following our visit we catch the lunchtime ferry back to Oban, where there will be time for a quick stroll before we board the afternoon ferry to Islay. The wonderfully scenic passage takes us south along the Firth of Lorn, stopping briefly at the island of Colonsay before continuing to Port Askaig. Our hotel is conveniently located next to the harbour and dinner will be served here this evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

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Day 5 This morning, following

breakfast, our first visit will be to Loch Finlaggan which was once the centre of the ‘Lordship of the Isles’. We then continue to Bowmore Distillery. This is the oldest distillery on the island and has stood on the shores of Loch Indaal since 1779. Here we will see how this unique whisky is produced by hand, before maturing in Spanish and American oak casks. Later, we transfer to Port Charlotte on the other side of Loch Indaal for a visit to the Museum of Islay Life. The museum was established in 1976 and is housed in the former Free Church in Port Charlotte. Since then, it has built up a main collection of over 2,700 objects, including stone implements used in the Mesolithic era.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 This morning, we travel to the

neighbouring island of Jura, an island which has a record of habitation stretching back over 5,000 years.

The island, with approximately 200 inhabitants, is 30 miles long and 7 miles wide and it is a naturalist’s paradise. It is dominated by the three mountains known as the “Paps of Jura”, the highest being 2576ft. The northern end of the island was home to George Orwell, who wrote his masterpiece 1984 while living here at Barnhill. We enjoy a scenic tour before having some free time in Craighouse, a lovely little village and the main settlement on the island with a shop and tearoom.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 7 After breakfast, we check out

of the hotel and take the morning ferry to Kennacraig on the mainland.

We continue our homeward journey, stopping for refreshments in Inveraray, arriving back at our original pick-up points during the evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Fingal’s Cave

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New for 2019

Flying Scotsman in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland I

n what is set to be one of the railway events of the year, the nation’s favourite steam locomotive Flying Scotsman is returning to some of the most scenic lines in Scotland for the first time since its refurbishment.

The nine-day Highlands & Islands Explorer promises to be a magical tour, taking in some truly spectacular Highland scenery, with long daylight hours, lochs, mountains, sea and islands. With a range of travel, dining and hotel options available, including some of the most luxurious hotels in the Highlands, there are options to suit all budgets. What they all have in common is an ever-changing backdrop of stunning vistas, all seen from the unique perspective of an impressive train of maroon coaches, hauled by a variety of locomotives.

Flying Scotsman steals the show of course, 70 feet and 100 tons of lean, green machine which will be in

its element as it powers north over the Royal Border Bridge into Scotland and on into the Highlands. But there are other stars, from the vintage electric train that takes on the run from London to York to the B1 steam locomotive Mayflower that joins us in Scotland, as well as various Black 5s and other types, backed up by trusty diesels.

The marquee day of the tour is an epic and highly scenic rail journey from Inverness south to Stirling, then west to Helensburgh before going north to Crianlarich and Fort William. On the return journey we explore the gentler hills of the Lake District.

What’s Included

Catering Options

All hotels on a bed and breakfast basis

We offer two dining options:

All transfers to and from the train

1: Pullman Style & Premier Dining — Passengers will have dinner plus either morning coffee and cake or a light lunch while on the train and dinner in the hotels.

2: Non Dining — Passengers will be served complimentary tea and coffee, with the opportunity to purchase snacks on board the train.

Train travel on days 1, 2, 5, 7 & 9

See our website for full details.

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Itinerary Day 1 We leave London Kings Cross

behind a vintage electric locomotive for a quick run to York, where we will be joined by the Flying Scotsman.

As dining passengers enjoy dinner we steam along the East Coast Mainline, heading over the Royal Bridge at Berwick. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, we transfer to our hotels.

See the Catering Options for information on what meals are included.

Day 2 After breakfast in our hotels

we re-join our train, hauled once again by the Flying Scotsman. We travel to Perth, via the iconic Forth Bridge, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then take the old Highland Railway route north over the summits at Drumochter and Slochd to the Highland capital, Inverness. On arrival we transfer to our hotels.

See the Catering Options for information on what meals are included.

Day 3 We are joined by a new steam The Flying Scotsman

locomotive for today, B1 class 61036 ‘Mayflower’, which will take our optional day trip north from Inverness through gorgeous scenery to the famous castle of Dunrobin, with time to explore the castle and grounds.

Passengers who opt to remain in Inverness will be offered a choice of local excursions such as Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness.

See the Catering Options for information on what meals are included.

Day 4 We have the option of a free

day in Inverness, or alternatively, join the train and enjoy one of the great railway journeys in the world, from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. We have time to stretch our legs and enjoy the views across Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye. We then return by train to Inverness.

Pullman-style dining

Departures 9 May 2019

Price

£1995

9 days from per person Single room supplement from £350

See the Catering Options for information on what meals are included.

Day 5 After breakfast, we have

the option of enjoying a feast of unbeatable scenery as our train embarks on an epic journey from Inverness to Fort William, first travelling back over the Highland main line via Perth and Stirling as far as Glasgow then taking the West Highland line via Helensburgh and Crianlarich to Fort William. Passengers

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who wish for a more leisurely day can transfer by coach between Fort William and Inverness along the shores of Loch Ness.

See the Catering Options for information on what meals are included.

Day 6 Today is at leisure in Fort

William or you may choose to join one of our optional excursions: Travel on the Jacobite, cruise on Loch Linnhe, visit Glencoe House, see the Neptune’s staircase and the Glenfinnan viaduct, or enjoy a day trip to either Iona or Mull. Dining passengers will enjoy dinner at their hotels.

See the Catering Options for information on what meals are included.

Day 7 All passengers are back

together again and after breakfast in your hotel, we leave Fort William, steam double-headed with Mayflower and a Black 5, and take the West Highland Line south to the Firth of Clyde. The Black 5 leaves us and Mayflower takes our train unassisted south from Glasgow and over Beattock summit and the fells and on to Penrith, where we disembark and spend two nights in the Northern Lakes. Dining passengers will have light lunch and dinner served on the train.

See the Catering Options for information on what meals are included.

Day 8 A day at leisure or you may

choose to join one of our optional excursions, likely to include Dalemain House, a Grade 1 listed stately home near Penrith; a cruise by paddle steamer on Ullswater as well as the narrow-gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale railway and the standard gauge Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway.

See the Catering Options for information on what meals are included.

Day 9 After a leisurely breakfast we

return steam-hauled from Penrith to London with Mayflower. Our route will take us over Shap and down the West Coast Main Line with a stop at Crewe for coal and water. We will arrive at London Euston for mid evening. Dining passengers will have a light lunch and dinner served on the train.

See the Catering Options for information on what meals are included.

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Lord of the Glens – Highlands and Islands T

he Highlands and Islands cruise combines both fresh and saltwater cruising as we sail between Inverness and Oban, through the Caledonian Canal. These are wonderful times of year to make this classic Scottish journey, with the first fresh greens of spring and golden autumn colours reflected in the calm waters of the tranquil lochs.

We begin at Inverness at the northern end of the canal and cruise Loch Ness to Fort Augustus. The vessel is then lifted by a series of six inter-connected locks that leads to peaceful Loch Oich and onwards to Banavie. Here we see Thomas Telford’s engineering masterpiece and Neptune’s Staircase. We then sail out into the sea and cruise south on Loch Linnhe, the long fjord-like loch that leads down towards Mull and Oban, where the voyage concludes.

to the Glenfinnan Monument and visits to Duart Castle and Tobermory.

The MV Lord of the Glens has 27 beautifully appointed and well-equipped state cabins, all with windows and en-suite facilities. With all meals and excursions included this cruise offers excellent value for money, a spring or autumn treat to be truly savoured.

In between our cruising, there is also a full programme of shore excursions including a train journey and visit

What’s Included Five night’s accommodation in a lower deck twin cabin on a full board basis. All cabins have en-suite facilities and can be upgraded at a supplement

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Shore excursions to the Glenfinnan Monument, Duart Castle, Tobermory, Oban whisky distillery and McCaig’s Folly Return coach transfers from Inverness

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Itinerary Day 1 Travel to Inverness under your

own arrangements. A coach transfer is provided from Inverness Airport or Inverness Bus Station to Muirtown Basin at the start of the first section of the Caledonian Canal where we embark the MV Lord of the Glens.

This evening we join the Captain for a welcome reception before dinner.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

visit to the Glenfinnan Monument. In a dramatic setting at the head of Loch Shiel, the monument was built in 1815 to commemorate the Jacobites who found and fell during the 1745 uprising.

We moor in Banavie for the night, with dinner served on board.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 4 We negotiate Neptune’s

Staircase this morning, an impressive series of eight inter-connected locks that lowers vessels step-by-step to sea level at Corpach, close to Fort William.

Here we leave the Caledonian Canal and enter Loch Linnhe. We have the afternoon at leisure to explore Tobermory, the principal town on Mull whose multi-coloured buildings will be familiar to many. There are a number of interesting craft shops and a famous pub. We moor here overnight.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 5 Enjoy your breakfast as we Duart Castle

The colourful town of Tobermory

Day 2 This morning we depart on a

cruise that takes us the length of Loch Ness. This most famous of Scottish lochs is 23 miles long, a mile wide and up to 600ft deep. Whether ‘Nessie’ is a relic from the age of dinosaurs or just a carefully cultivated myth remains to be seen, but be sure to keep an eye out just in case! On the way we pass by the ruins of Castle Urquhart, which provides the perfect photo opportunity. This afternoon is free to explore Fort Augustus before dinner is served on this ship this evening. We moor overnight in Fort Augustus.

Lord of the Glens

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3 After breakfast we ascend the

Departures Inverness to Oban 18 April & 9 October 2019 Oban to Inverness 4 October & 14 October 2019

Price

£1185

6 days from per person Single cabin supplement from £690

series of six inter-connected locks that runs through the centre of Fort Augustus and sail through various man-made sections of the Caledonian Canal, which was started in 1803 to plans produced by Thomas Telford.

By the time the canal finally opened in 1822, it had taken 17 years and cost £840,000. We continue through peaceful Loch Oich and Loch Lochy to Banavie. This afternoon we board a scheduled diesel train which takes us along the shores of Loch Eil and across the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct for a

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sail to Craignure. Upon arrival we visit Duart Castle, the 13th century home of the Chief of Clan MacLean. Here we can explore the dungeons, the state rooms and appreciate the strategic position of the castle from the top of the keep. After lunch on board, we sail down the Sound of Mull and across the Firth of Lorne to the bustling port of Oban, whose distinctive skyline is dominated by the Coliseum-like McCaig’s Folly. This afternoon there will be a walking tour including the whisky distillery and McCaig’s Folly.

Tonight, we join the Captain for our farewell reception and dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 6 We disembark this morning.

A coach transfer is provided back to Inverness Bus Station and Inverness Airport. Alternatively you may return home independently.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

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Lord of the Glens – Heart of the Highlands T

his seven-night cruise also combines both fresh and saltwater cruising. The Lord of the Glens sails from Kyle of Lochalsh to the islands of Skye and Mull to Oban, featuring some of the remote and breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Scotland’s west coast.

Highlights include Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy and Thomas Telford’s engineering masterpiece Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight interconnected locks that takes vessels back to sea-level near Fort William. In between our cruising, there is also a full programme of shore excursions including visits to Armadale on the Isle of Skye, the little islands of Eigg and Iona, colourful Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, romantic Eilean Donan Castle, the Glenfinnan Monument, Culloden Battlefield and prehistoric Clava Cairns.

The MV Lord of the Glens has 27 beautifully appointed and well-equipped state cabins, all with windows and en-suite facilities. The ‘Robert Louis Stevenson’ restaurant presents cuisine using local and freshly sourced produce whilst the ‘Sir Walter Scott’ bar and lounge provides magnificent all-around panoramic views of the Highland scene. With all meals and excursions included this cruise offers excellent value for money.

What’s Included Seven nights’ accommodation in a lower deck twin cabin on full board basis. All cabins have en-suite facilities and can be upgraded at a supplement

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Shore excursions to Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton, Iona, Glenfinnan Monument, Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns Return coach transfers from Inverness

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Itinerary Day 1 Travel under own arrangements to Inverness. A coach transfer is provided from Inverness Airport or Inverness Bus Station to Muirtown Basin at the start of the first section of the Caledonian Canal where we embark the MV Lord of the Glens.

This evening we join the Captain for a welcome reception before dinner.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 After breakfast we depart

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

by coach on an excursion to Eilean Donan Castle. This must be one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, with its impossibly romantic setting on Loch Duich. We will also visit the picturesque village of Plockton, a National Trust for Scotland conservation village with an incomparable location on a sheltered bay of Loch Carron, surrounded by a ring of hills. Returning to the ship in the afternoon, we sail via the narrows at Kyle Rhea and the Sound of Sleat to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. Here we will see the Clan Donald Centre and Gardens before sailing to Inverie in Loch Nevis, one of the most remote locations in Scotland with a famous pub which can only be accessed by boat. We moor at Inverie overnight.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3 This morning we sail to the tiny

The village of Plockton

Departures Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

28 April | 12 May & 15 September 2019 Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness

16 June 2019

Price

£2095

8 days from per person Single cabin supplement from £1200

island of Eigg, where you get a sense of what life is like for the 90 or so people who live on this island, which came into community ownership in 1998. After exploring the island, later we sail around Ardnamurchan Point, eventually arriving in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Tobermory’s most famous and striking feature is the row of brightly painted houses that lines the waterfront, originally built by the British Fisheries Company for £20 pound each to house its workers. We moor in Tobermory overnight.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

the 13th century home of the Chief of Clan MacLean. We continue to Oban, where we moor overnight.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 5 We sail north into Loch Linnhe,

a long fjord carved out by the last ice age, to Corpach. In the afternoon we depart by train on the West Highland railway, travelling over the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, to visit the Glenfinnan Monument. In a dramatic setting at the head of Loch Shiel, the monument was built in 1815 to commemorate the Jacobites who fought and fell during the 1745 uprising.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 6 After breakfast we ascend

Neptune’s Staircase, an impressive flight of eight inter-connected locks that lifts the vessel 103 feet above sea level to Banavie. We then sail through Loch Lochy and Loch Oich and various man-made sections of the Caledonian Canal.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 7 We negotiate the series of

six inter-connected locks that runs through the centre of Fort Augustus.

We continue on a cruise that takes us the length of Loch Ness. En route we pass the ruins of Castle Urquhart, providing the perfect photo opportunity. In the afternoon we visit the National Trust for Scotland’s Visitor Centre at Culloden, the scene of the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. We also explore the Clava Cairns, a group of exceptionally well-preserved burial cairns.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 8 This morning we leave the

ship. A coach transfer is provided to Inverness Bus Station and Inverness Airport. Alternatively you may return home independently.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 4 We sail down the Sound of Mull

to Craignure, the main ferry port of Mull, and depart by coach for a visit to the Isle of Iona, the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings. The tiny island has a unique sense of peace and tranquillity. Later we return by coach to the vessel at Craignure, and sail across the Firth of Lorn, pausing for photographs in front of Duart Castle,

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Caledonian Canal

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New for 2019

Hebridean Princess O

ur featured cruise, Exploring the Outer Isles, includes many ports of call that are off the beaten track, whether on the mainland or one of the many islands. Cruising in the waters for which she was built, the Hebridean Princess will take you to discover these hidden gems as we visit remote west coast locations.

The luxurious Hebridean Princess cruise ship started life over 50 years ago as a humble MacBrayne car ferry, through you would never know it now.

Relaxing with an apéritif in the Tiree Lounge, enjoying a dinner of lobster or salmon in the Columba Restaurant or slipping between the sheets in your sumptuously furnished and individually designed cabin, you would be forgiven for thinking that you were in a 5-star country house hotel – except that in this hotel you wake up to a different view every morning. Lavish furnishings and fittings speak of quality, refinement

and style reminiscent of another era entirely and with a crew to passenger ratio of almost one to one you will enjoy a standard of service that is second to none. All meals and drinks are included and the gourmet dining is a joy in itself, matched only by the splendour of the ever-changing scenic backdrop.

What’s Included Seven nights’ accommodation on a full board basis including all drinks (other than premium spirits). All cabins have en-suite facilities

Use of ship’s bicycles to explore ashore Gratuities (there is a strict ‘no tipping’ policy) Free Wi-Fi

Full programme of cruising with trips ashore including the services of a qualified guide on board

All pier and harbour dues Extra activities such as fishing trips can be arranged on request at no extra charge

Shore transfers by speedboat and tender as required

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Itinerary Day 1 Travel independently to Oban

other is a circular walk along the top of the reserve offering stunning views along Strath Broom. Returning to the ship we sail across The Minch to Stornoway on the island of Lewis.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 2 This morning we cruise out of

Day 5 We go ashore at Stornoway and

for embarkation in the afternoon.

Dinner will be served in the evening and the ship will moor overnight in Oban.

Oban and along the Sound of Mull, with the colourful waterfront of Tobermory glimpsed to port and the mountains of Morvern and Ardnamurchan to starboard. We cruise on through the narrows between Skye and the mainland at Kyle Rhea to Plockton, a particularly attractive little port with the option of walk ashore.

This evening we will be welcomed with a gala dinner, hosted by the Captain.

Overnight anchorage.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

tour Lewis, visiting two outstanding archaeological sites. The 5,000 year old Standing Stones of Callanish are undoubtedly the most remarkable antiquity in the Western Isles, while the imposing Dun Carloway Broch, is an exceptionally well-preserved example of its type. Returning to Stornoway we visit Lews Castle and Museum, where we meet the famous Lewis Chessmen and view the Outer Hebrides as never before in a wrap-around audio-visual presentation.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 6 We sail to Lochmaddy. Here we leave the ship and drive to Grimsay and Benbecula, the island ‘stepping stones’ between the Uists. We continue to Lochboisdale in South Uist, where we re-join the ship.

Ullapool and Loch Broom

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 7 A relaxing morning cruise takes

Lews Castle

Day 3 Today we continue up the

Callanish

Departures 17 September 2019

A wide range of other cruises between March and November is available - please contact us for details

Price

£4310

8 days from per person Single cabin and cabin upgrade prices on request

rugged and sparsely populated west coast to Shieldaig, where there is another chance to go ashore and stretch your legs here on the shores of Loch Torridon. We then cruise on to Ullapool, originally built as a planned fishing village and now the terminal for the ferry to Stornoway. Overnight anchorage.

us across the Sea of the Hebrides, where it is usually possible to spot porpoises, dolphins and the odd minke whale, to the little island of Muck, the smallest of the four Small Isles.

Here we have the option of walks ashore on this totally unspoilt island, a chance to sharpen the appetite before this evening’s farewell gala dinner.

Overnight anchorage.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 8 From Muck, we sail back down

the Sound of Mull and across the Firth of Lorne to Oban for disembarkation.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 4 This morning we go ashore

at Ullapool and drive to the Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach. The breath-taking mile-long gorge where the River Droma plunges 150ft over the falls is quite spectacular. There are two footpaths, one which takes a gradual climb down to the suspension bridge and over to the viewing platform. The

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The Hebridean Princess

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Month by Month June

January Up Helly Aa - 7 day

26 Jan

Historic Houses of Scotland

2 Jun

Up Helly Aa - 6 day

28 Jan

Scotland’s Northern Edge

2 Jun

Highlights of Orkney & Shetland the ‘Islands of the Simmer Dim’

3 Jun

Islay and Jura

3 Jun

The V&A Museum in Dundee

6 Jun

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 day 27 Mar

Arran, Scotland in Miniature

7 Jun

The V&A Museum in Dundee

Gardens and Architecture of the Firth of Clyde

9 Jun

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides (S-B)

9 Jun

Outlander

13 Jun

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway

14 Jun

Mull, Staffa & Iona

14 Jun

March 31 Mar

April Islay and Jura

8 Apr

Lord of the Glens - Highland and Islands

18 Apr

An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney and Shetland

Shetland and its Outer Isles

15 Jun

22 Apr

Lord of the Glens - Heart of the Highlands

16 Jun

Arran, Scotland in Miniature

26 Apr

Royal Deeside and Victorian Scotland

17 Jun

Lord of the Glens - Heart of the Highlands

28 Apr

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides (B-S)

18 Jun

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

25 Jun

Coll & Tiree

25 Jun

Undiscovered Orkney

29 Jun

May Skye and the Summer Isles

3 May

Flying Scotsman in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland

9 May

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides (S-B)

12 May

Historic Houses of Scottish Borders

7 Jul

Lord of the Glens - Heart of the Highlands

12 May

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides (B-S)

9 Jul

Mull, Staffa & Iona

17 May

Shetland and its Outer Isles

10 Jul

Highlights of Orkney & Shetland the ‘Islands of the Simmer Dim’

20 May

Gardens of the Far North

14 Jul

Islay and Jura

15 Jul

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides (B-S)

21 May

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

18 Jul

An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney and Shetland

27 May

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

21 Jul

Mull Wildlife Experience

30 May

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides (B-S)

23 Jul

Undiscovered Orkney

24 Jul

Highlights of Orkney & Shetland the ‘Islands of the Simmer Dim’

29 Jul

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July

54

August A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides (S-B)

11 Aug

Mull, Staffa & Iona

15 Aug

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway

18 Aug

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

18 Aug

Highlights of Orkney & Shetland the ‘Islands of the Simmer Dim’

19 Aug

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides (B-S)

20 Aug

Arran, Scotland in Miniature

26 Aug

Coll & Tiree

27 Aug

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

29 Aug

In the Footsteps of the Picts

30 Aug

September Outlander

1 Sep

Scotland’s Northern Edge

2 Sep

Skye and the Summer Isles

2 Sep

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides (S-B)

8 Sep

Islay and Jura

9 Sep

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway

11 Sep

Mull, Staffa & Iona

13 Sep

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

15 Sep

Lord of the Glens - Heart of the Highlands

15 Sep

Gardens and Architecture of the Firth of Clyde

16 Sep

An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney and Shetland

16 Sep

Hebridean Princess

17 Sep

Knitting in Shetland

22 Sep

Historic Houses of Scottish Borders

26 Sep

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

29 Sep

October

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Lord of the Glens - Highland and Islands

4 Oct

The V&A Museum in Dundee

6 Oct

Lord of the Glens - Highland and Islands

9 Oct

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

11 Oct

Lord of the Glens - Highland and Islands

14 Oct

Autumn Tints of Arran

21 Oct

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Booking Conditions Please note that bookings with Brightwater Holidays are accepted only in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in our full booking conditions, which can be found on our website or are available on request.

Your holiday contract

Insurance

When you make a booking you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions. A contract will exist as soon as we issue our confirmation invoice. Once you have received your confirmation invoice, it is your responsibility to check that the information and booking details, including the spelling of all passenger names, as stated on your invoice are correct and match the passport details. If any of the details on the confirmation invoice are incorrect, you must notify us immediately. We will pass on any additional charges incurred as a result of these details not being correct, We reserve the right to refuse to accept and/or not proceed with any booking at any time at our sole discretion.

We strongly recommend insurance cover for all other holidays and you do not travel against medical advise. You should organise your insurance when you book, to ensure you have cover against possible cancellation charges, medical treatment and repatriation. Should you have your travel insurance in place we will need to know the details of your policy 4 weeks before departure at the latest, this is an essential requirement for all overseas holiday bookings. It is a requirement of booking that you provide us with an emergency contact number while you are on holiday stating your relationship (e.g. family member, neighbour, workplace). This is purely for your benefit in the unlikely event of you becoming ill or incapacitated on tour.

Book by phone, by email or online For bookings made by telephone or email, payment can be made by card or cheque (payable to Brightwater Holidays Ltd). You can pay securely via our website, in either sterling or dollars. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Visa Debit cards. There is no credit card fee for guests.

WE do not accept post-dated cheques, nor do we keep your card details.

Our price promise It is our principle that the earlier you book, the lower the price you pay.

When we launch our new holidays our lowest prices are made available to give you the very best value for money. It pays to book early as prices can increase as the departure date approaches.

Deposits & Balance payments The following deposits are required at the point of booking in order to secure your place on a tour: For coach and rail tours in the UK, ÂŁ100 per person For tours with flights in UK/Europe, ÂŁ200 per person For long-haul tours 10% of basic tour cost is required.

For cruises deposits start from 20% You are welcome to pay the full balance at the time of booking. Balance payments will be requested 12 weeks before you depart (for cruise: balance is due 17 weeks before) for all tours and closer to departure we will then send you practical information regarding the tour, flights, hotel and joining instructions.

Programme changes For the vast majority of our tours, the program will be exactly as described in the brochure. Occasionally we do make changes to the order or number of visits. This is usually due to opening hours, or in order to include a reopened site or museum. We always tell guests in advance of any changes.

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Cancellation by you Cancellation charges payable to Brightwater Holidays are calculated on time prior to departure as follows:

ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made outside the EU are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Brightwater Holidays Ltd. In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.

Up to 70 days: Deposit* 69 - 41 days: 35% of tour cost 40 - 29 days: 55% of tour cost 28 - 8 days: 75% of tour cost 7 days to date of departure: 100% of tour cost.

You can access the The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/contents

If you are on a cruise, different cancellation terms apply:

AITO quality charter

Lord of the Glens From date of booking until 84 days before sailing: loss of deposit.* Within 83 days of sailing – 100% of tour cost Hebridean Princess After payment of deposit – Loss of deposit* 112 to 60 days before departure - 60% of invoiced charge 59 to 29 days before departure - 90% of invoiced charge 28 days before departure up to the departure date - 100% of invoiced charge

Brightwater Holidays is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service.

Brightwater Holidays abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito. com. Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.

*plus any invoiced flight costs

What’s included

Cancellation by us

• Tour Manager (subject to a minimum of 20 guests)

If we have to cancel your holiday before the date of departure, you will have the choice of taking an alternative holiday (and paying or receiving a refund/credit in respect of any price difference) or accepting a full refund of all monies paid.

If you change your holiday

• Coach Travel • Accommodation • Meals as outlined • Entrance to all featured visits • Porterage (where available)

If, after we have accepted your booking, you wish to change details of that booking, we will make every effort to satisfy your requirements, although this cannot be guaranteed. When a request has been met, an amendment fee of £50 per person will be charged and a revised invoice will then be issued.

Financial protection

Data Protection / Privacy Any personal data that you provide will be held securely and for the purpose you have provided it, in accordance with both the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679.

Flight inclusive tours: we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence issued by the CAA (ATOL No. 4498) which the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.

We may need to disclose personal data to a third party including countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) for the purpose of providing your holiday. In addition, your data may be disclosed to regulatory bodies or public authorities such as customs or immigration for the purposes of monitoring and/or enforcing compliance with any regulatory rules/codes; and it may be used for marketing, offering renewals, research and statistical purposes and crime prevention.

Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme as explained below.

For full details of how we may use your personal information and your rights in relation to your personal information, please see our see our Privacy Policy. www.brightwaterholidays.com/cookies-privacy-policy

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Brightwater Holidays Ltd, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. non-flight packages and 2. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the EU, which are sold to customers outside of the EU.

By booking online, or over the phone, you are stating that you have read and agreed to our Privacy Policy. A copy of which can be found here: www.brightwaterholidays.com/cookies-privacy-policy A copy can also be requested and supplied via email during the booking process.

We are Brightwater Holidays Ltd, registered limited company no.

SC137295. Registered offices: Eden Park House, Cupar, Fife KY15 4HS.

A full set of Brightwater Holidays booking conditions is available on request or on our website.

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www.brightwaterholidays.com

SPECIALIST Journeys Quality, Specialist Group Travel

Quality Specialist Group Travel A collection of some of the world's finest niche tour operators, Specialist Journeys often feels more like a family than a business – but then, when you do something you love, it never feels like work. As people who are passionate about travel, our staff works together to make guests' dreams come true on a daily basis. Our dedicated team includes wine experts, archaeologists and – of course – individuals who truly understand the importance of adventure.

So, whether you'd like to experience a wine tour in the company of a Master or Wine or television personality, travel to a little-visited site and explore it alongside an archaeologist who excavated there, or wander the grounds of a stately home and its glorious gardens – we can make it a reality for you.

Contact us today 01722 713800 www.specialistjourneys.com

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58

ARCHAEOLOGY | HISTORY | WINE | SCENIC GARDENS | CHARITY CHALLENGES | PRIVATE GROUP TOURS

What style of travel are you interested in?

• A journey back in time to sites of historic significance with renowned experts • An extended archaeological adventure to a far-flung destination • Tours that explore archaeology, culture and history in places around the world • A charming coach-based garden tour or scenic Scottish break • Charity fundraising challenges or bespoke activity trips with an authentic twist archaeological tours

Request one of our many brochures today

Operated by Andante Travels

Contact us today 01722 569795 www.andantetravels.com

Operated by Archaeological Tours

Arblaster & Clarke

Contact us today 1 833 670 9275 (toll free) www.archaeoloigcal-tours.com

Wine Tours

Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours 2019

Operated by Arblaster & Clarke

Contact us today 01730 887259 www.arblasterandclarke.com

Operated by Historical Trips

Contact us today 01722 569580 www.historicaltrips.com

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Looking for more inspiration?

Why not try a Garden or Archaeology tour...

• No-one knows gardens like Brightwater Holidays. Ever since our first venture to Monet’s garden over 25 years ago, we have visited the best gardens the world has to offer, from right here on our doorstep to the ends of the earth • Our tour managers know what they’re talking about. Most of our tour managers are horticulturalists with years of experience, having worked at some of the great gardens in Britain and beyond • We do archaeology too. From Orkney & Shetland to the Balkans and beyond, our archaeological tours lift the lid on antiquity in an informative yet relaxed way

Call our friendly sales team today: 01334 898575 After you have enjoyed browsing these pages at your leisure and you’re ready to treat yourself with a place on one of our tours, just get in touch and we will do the rest.

For further details on any of our holidays, including full day-by-day itineraries, what’s included as well as any extras, please just head to our website www.brightwaterholidays.com

Here to create your dream holiday...

Tel: 01334 898575 | Email: info@brightwaterholidays.com www.brightwaterholidays.com | Brightwater Holidays Ltd, Eden Park House, Cupar, Fife KY15 4HS

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