Highlights of the Scottish Highlands – Exclusively Solos

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To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA

Highlights of the Scottish Highlands – Exclusively Solos

Legends and breath-taking landscapes

From rugged mountains and serene lochs to historic castles and picturesque towns, this is Scotland at its most spellbinding and solo-friendly. Journey on an easy-going getaway encompassing Scotland’s most exceptional sights, dropping in at recognisable spots as well as some lesser-known, but equally as delightful highlights. Over five days, you’ll visit several natural spectacles, taking in each one at your own pace within the comfort and safety of a like-minded group of nature, culture and history enthusiasts.  From your base at the charming Carrbridge Hotel, located in the heart of the Highlands, your group of well-matched travellers will be guided around Aviemore, Cairngorm Mountain, Fort Augustus, Nairn, Culloden Battlefield, Brodie Castle, and a gin distillery. Along the way, prepare to also be captivated by the dramatic panoramas while learning about the legends that go with each area and sampling Scotland’s finest spirits with a local expert.

Holiday Highlights

Stay in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner
Take in the breathtaking vista of the Cairngorms National Park
Embark on a two-hour cruise across the mystical waters of Loch Ness
Wander around Fort Augustus, a picturesque town nestled on the banks of the Caledonian Canal
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Scotland with a full-day tour of Nairn and Brodie Castle
Learn about the Scottish clans and their battles with a trip to Culloden Battlefield
Discover the secrets of Scotland's world-renowned spirits industry with a tasting at a gin distillery
Witness herds of local Alpaca up close at Lochbuie Croft in Aviemore

What's Included

Four nights' dinner, bed and Scottish breakfast at the three-star Carrbridge Hotel
A welcome dinner and drinks, and a farewell dinner
Four breakfasts
A visit to Aviemore
A cruise across Loch Ness
A visit to Fort Augustus
A tour of Nairn
A tour of Culloden Battlefield
A visit to a renowned gin distillery
Return flights to Inverness, with coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
A visit to Brodie Castle
A scenic ride aboard the Strathspey Steam Train

Itinerary

Day 1

Your first day will be dedicated to travel, relaxation and a little bit of settling in. After arriving in Inverness, you’ll be transferred to the charming Carrbridge Hotel. This beautiful property, situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, is backed by forests and the sparkling River Dulnain. Welcome drinks and dinner will be served, providing the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers before the tour kicks off.

Day 2

Prepare for the day ahead with breakfast at the hotel, before heading to Aviemore for a shorter, but no-less-special, rail journey. Join your tour manager and fellow guests as you board the Strathspey Steam Railway, a thrilling reminder of the golden age of steam. You'll encounter delightful unspoilt Highland scenery as you glide past great sweeps of the River Spey, through moorland and forest. Returning to Aviemore, you'll have the chance to explore the famous resort town, which is one of Britain’s most famous outward-bound centres. Continue to visit the Cairngorm Alpacas - at Lochbuie Croft - to gain first-hand insight into the lives of Alpacas and their handlers. After your visit, drive through twisting mountain roads to the Cairngorm Mountain visitor centre, which offers glorious unspoilt views of the surrounding region and its expansive vistas. Towards the end of the day, you’ll call at a local gin distillery where you’ll have a chance to sample a few delicious varieties and discover the history of the craftsmanship of Scottish gin-making. Having returned to the hotel, you’ll have the rest of the evening free to perhaps reminisce on the day and nurse a drink with your fellow travellers by the open fire in the bar.

Day 3

Following breakfast this morning, you’ll board on a two-hour Loch Ness cruise, which will be narrated by your tour manager as you take in views of the banks. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of Nessie, the legendary creature said to inhabit the loch. Back on land, the tour will call at the town of Fort Augustus, known for the impressive Fort Augustus Abbey that was founded in the 18th century. Now home to a museum, the fort will be explored on a guided tour, and you’ll learn about its role in the local community while marvelling at the architecture and the stained-glass windows. Those eager to venture on a stroll, can join an optional hike along the towpath of the Caledonian Canal. Alternatively, you can potter around at your own pace, perhaps taking a saunter with some other travellers. In the evening, unwind at your leisure or amongst your fellow travellers.

Day 4

Once you've had breakfast, it’s time to make the most of your penultimate day. The small market town of Nairn is up first, and you’ll get to meander around this ancient fishing port known for its unspoilt beaches and wealth of wildlife – keep an eye out for seals, whales, and dolphins. You’ll then head to the Culloden Battlefield, where you'll be transported back in time to one of the most significant battles in Scottish history. Learn about the Jacobite rising of 1745 and the fateful battle that took place here with your dedicated tour manager. During your visit, you’ll be led through the eerie moorland and stand where the brave Jacobite soldiers once stood, fighting for their beliefs. The group will continue to the rose-coloured, turreted Brodie Castle, the ancestral home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years and a treasure trove of priceless antiques and artefacts. The castle building reflects the changing needs of the residents over the centuries – from the impenetrable 16th-century guard chamber to a sprawling Victorian extension with some magnificent rooms. A guided tour will help you make the very most of your visit with the castle's beautiful grounds, which boast a dazzling display of daffodils in the spring, promising truly rewarding exploration. As it’s the final evening, you can join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at the hotel – an ideal chance to reflect and discuss highlights amongst each other.

Day 5

Bid farewell to the Highlands and your newfound friends, and travel home.

Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge

Set on the banks of the Dulnain River and boasting spectacular views of the Cairngorm Mountains, this charming, family-run hotel was originally established in 1803 as an inn for travellers. It has...

The Coylumbridge Hotel, Aviemore

Enclosed by Cairngorms National Park, this resort, backed by beautiful scenery, is an ideal base for exploring the Scottish Highlands....

2025 departures

The itinerary for 2025 will now include a visit to Brodie castle, Nairn and the Culloden Battlefield with an afternoon wildlife cruise. Also, new for next year, will be a visit to Balmoral Castle & Estate, Crathie Kirk and Ballater. This replaces the visit to the Cairngorm Mountain and the Strathspey Railway.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Reindeer Centre closure

Please note that the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre has closed for building renovations; reopening should commence Autumn 2024. A visit to the Cairngorm Alpacas has been arranged as an alternative.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour from Inverness airport.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

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