SCOTLAND’S FAR NORTH & THE ORKNEY ISLANDS

Day 1 – Saturday 18 July 2026: Travel to Scotland

Depart North Wales and travel to Scotland and the east-coast city of Dundee for your overnight stay at the 3-star Invercarse Hotel. As we travel north suitable stops will be made enroute.

Day 2 – Sunday 19 July 2026: Scenic drive to Thurso including stop in Braemar

An early morning start as we proceed north via Blairgowrie and the spectacular Cairnwell Pass to Braemar. There will be a short stop in Braemar, location of the Highland Games regularly attended by members of the Royal Family when they are in residence at nearby Balmoral Castle. A wonderfully scenic route continues via Tomintoul and Grantown on Spey, where there will be another brief stop, before passing Inverness and continuing to Thurso for a 4-night stay at the Castletown Hotel.

Day 3 – Monday 20 July 2026: Castle of Mey and John O’Groats

This morning, enjoy admission to Her Majesty The Queen Mother's beloved Castle of Mey which has been kept just as it was when she was alive. Explore the gardens and enjoy the views over the Pentland Firth. Afterwards, we journey to John O’Groats, popular with tourists as the most distant point on the mainland from Land’s End. Although there's not actually a great deal at John O'Groats it's a great chance to have your photo taken at that famous signpost!

Day 4 – Tuesday 21 July 2026: Dunrobin Castle and Old Pulteney Distillery

Our first stop today is Dunrobin Castle, the Jewel in the Crown of the Highlands. The most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and dating back to the early 1300s, visitors will be enthralled by its towering spires and stunning location overlooking the Moray Firth. This afternoon is a tour and tasting at Old Pulteney Distillery in Wick.

Day 5 – Wednesday 22 July 2026: The Orkney Islands

A full day excursion to Orkney. We take the scenic ferry crossing from Gill’s Bay to the Orkney Islands, cruising past the many outlying islands of the archipelago to arrive at St Margaret’s Hope. On arrival, we will be met by a local guide who will ensure the highlights of this wonderful island are not missed. These will include The Churchill Barriers and Scapa Flow. Admission to Skara Brae has been included, built over 5000 years ago, this prehistoric village pre-dates Stonehenge. Rich with Neolithic sites across the islands, a stop is made at the impressive Ring of Brodgar. Entrance to the Italian Chapel, built during WWII by Italian prisoners has also been included.

Day 6 – Thursday 23 July 2026: Return journey through Scotland to Drymen

Depart Thurso after breakfast and travel south through Scotland for our overnight stop at The Buchanan Arms Hotel in Drymen.

Day 7 – Friday 24 July 2026: Home to North Wales

We depart Scotland and return to North Wales after a memorable holiday; there will be comfort stops en-route.

The Invercarse Hotel is a former Mansion House sitting in an elevated position at the West End of Dundee, overlooking the River Tay estuary.

Featuring 68 modernised, comfortable rooms over two floors, which are all spacious doubles or twins with 62 of the 68 bedrooms having refurbished bathrooms with walk in showers. There is no lift but there are 30 ground floor rooms. However, guests will find batches of three steps along the ground floor corridor.

The brasserie style The Redwood restaurant takes advantage of the lovely views down to the river. Three course, choice dinner with tea and coffee and full Scottish buffet breakfast are served here. There is an adjoining comfortable bar lounge where guests can relax and unwind. For the better weather there is a well-kept garden to the front with seating.

The Castletown Hotel is the sister hotel of the Norseman, Wick and Pentland, Thurso. It won its 3rd star in late 2018 and is peacefully located only a few minutes’ drive from Thurso. The hotel has 24 guest bedrooms, the majority of which have showers with a step up and into. There is level access into the reception area, and the hotel also has a bar, restaurant and lounge area. There is no lift at this hotel, but there are 11 ground floor rooms.

Located between the vibrant city of Glasgow, historic Stirling, well located for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The original part of the hotel dates to the early 1800's when it was the home farm for Buchanan Castle and retains a country house style with a blend of character, contemporary and modern leisure facilities, including swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and gymnasium. The lounge and sun lounge provide relaxed seating and there's a characterful Baronial style bar.

Offering 48 bedrooms including three doubles with level easy access. The remaining rooms on the ground floor are accessed with occasional steps along the corridor, lower ground floor or first floor via12 stairs. There is no lift.

• 1 Night Dinner Bed & Breakfast at the The Invercase Hotel, Dundee (3-star)
• 4 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast at The Castletown Hotel, Thurso (3 star)
• 1 Night Dinner Bed & Breakfast at The Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen (3 star)
• 1 x glass of wine with dinner - 1st night at Castletown Hotel
• Admission to the Castle and Gardens of Mey, Thurso
• Admission to Dunrobin Castle, Golspie
• Tour and tasting at Old Pulteney Distillery, Wick
• Return crossings to Orkney with Pentland Ferries
• Guide for full day Orkney excursion with following admissions: The Italian Chapel & Skara Brae Prehistoric Village