Scottish Highlands and Skye
Holiday Highlights
- Experience one of the world’s greatest trains with its stunning scenery on a journey from Fort William to Mallaig
- Discover the Magical Island of Skye, and visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens
- Enjoy the views around Loch Ness on a scenic cruise, and look for Nessie
- Explore the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park and journey on the Strathspey heritage railway
- See the iconic Urquhart Castle
- Learn about whisky on a visit to a distillery for a tour and tasting
- Five nights in three-star accommodation with breakfast
What's Included
- The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Five nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- All local accommodation taxes
- The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
- All tours and excursions as mentioned
Itinerary
Day 1
Make your way to the breathtakingly beautiful Scottish Highlands and be welcomed to your hotel in Inverness, overlooking the River Ness. Our hand-picked hotels are always thoughtfully chosen for their location. After settling into your hotel, why not make yourself acquainted with the local area with a riverside stroll? You’re just a moment’s walk from some of the main highlights of Inverness, with plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars to unwind in on your first evening. Or after travelling, perhaps relax in the spa, where guests have free access to the indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. You could even round off your evening by the fireplace with a tipple of Scotch whisky on ice in the hotel lounge.
Day 2
This morning after breakfast, we head to the Cairngorms National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s a haven for wildlife lovers, as a spot that many rare and endangered species call their home. Think pine martens, red squirrels, mountain hares and golden eagles, as well as the most endangered species – Scottish wildcats. As we drive towards Broomhill you might see red Lock Leven Rose deer or Highland cows on the mountaintops. There are more opportunities to gaze at the stunning scenery, as we board the Strathspey heritage railway, with its spectacular views through forests and heather-clad moorland. Our destination is Aviemore, where the endless panoramic views, forests and tranquil lochs continue. As we leave behind our majestic train, we continue onward through the beautiful Spey Valley to Historic Blair Castle. The Castle is the ancestral home of the Clan Murray, dating back to the 13th Century, over 19 generations have made it their home. The Castle houses a wealth of family portraits, furniture and china and gives the visitor an insight into the Atholl family. During your visit you may wish to learn a little more about the castle’s history by visiting the Jacobite Exhibition which reflects the trials and tribulations the Athol family and Blair Castle endured during the Jacobite rebellion. The extensive grounds include the 9-acre walled 'Hercules' garden, which has been restored to its Georgian glory where peacocks roam freely against the back drop of the renowned summer 275 metre herbaceous borders.