NC500 And Orkney

Itinerary:

Thursday
Depart Leyland at 09.30hrs for our journey to our overnight hotel in Perth with a suitable lunch stop en-route. Arrive at the Mercure Perth Hotel to a warm Scottish welcome while your case is taken to your room.

Friday
Check out of our overnight hotel following an early breakfast to continue our Scottish adventure, travel through the Cairngorms National Park to Inverness, the start of our Scenic NC500 journey through the romantic area known as Easter Ross, an area blessed with a fabulous Pictish past, continue across the Dornoch Firth to enjoy commanding views before continuing to Dunrobin Castle and Gardens on the east coast of the Northern Highlands overlooking the Moray Firth. Here we make a stop to enjoy a visit to the Jewel in the Crown of the Highlands, The Castle, which resembles a French chateâu with its towering conical spires, has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry, who designed London's Houses of Parliament, and Scotland's own Sir Robert Lorimer, this is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland. The gardens at Dunrobin are beautiful with inspiration taken from the gardens at the Palace of Versailles. From here journey the highly scenic, rugged and quiet A839 via Lairg to the Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool, our home for the next two night. Arrive to a warm welcome while your case is taken to your room.

Saturday
Today is our driver day off. Passengers can enjoy a day of leisure exploring the picturesque Highland fishing village of Ullapool, perhaps feast on fresh seafood at the harbourfront, if you like wildlife spotting there are boat trips to the Summer Isles from the pier (pre-booking advised), if live music is your thing call in at the iconic Ullapool institution the Ceilidh Place, they also have an excellent bookshop. If you're feeling energetic and want to enjoy the views why not walk Ullapool Hill (Meall Mhor), this short but steep 5-mile loop starts from the village and takes you 270m above the town for panoramic views of Loch Broom.

Sunday
Check out of our hotel following breakfast for the next part of our Scottish adventure. Journey along the coast on the NC500 (A835, onto A837, onto A894 joining the A838) this route takes you through the historic county of Sutherland via Durness and Tongue before following the A836 along the north coast via Bettyhill to Thurso. These exceptionally scenic roads allow us to enjoy magnificent wilderness scenery of heather-covered moorland, lochs, dramatic mountains, pristine white sand beaches and wild, rugged coastline with breath-taking stops at viewpoints along the way before arriving at the Pentland Hotel in Thurso our home for the next three nights.

Monday
Today following an early breakfast, we head the short distance to Scrabster to board the 08.45hrs scenic ferry from the Scottish mainland to Stromness on Orkney. Arrive on Orkey at 10.15hrs where we join our local guide who will board the coach for a day excursion on Orkney Mainland. Today begins with a visit to one of Orkneys most loved attractions, The Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, constructed by Italian Prisoners of War who were transported to Orkney to build the Churchill Barriers (which we will see), amongst the prisoners in camp 60 was an artist Domenico Chiocchetti, he was given the task of transforming two Nissen huts, with the help of other prisoners, into a chapel, their work can be seen here today as a lasting reminder of peace and hope. The Orkney's are rich with Neolithic sites across the islands, continue our journey to the highlight, Skara Brae. Built over 5000 years ago, this pre-historic village pre-dates Stonehenge and even the Egyptian Pyramids. The site the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe and was uncovered by a storm in 1850, today follow the path that overlooks the ancient buildings, imagining what life was like for the farmers, hunters and fishermen who lived here. Explore the nine surviving Neolithic houses, all but one of which can be viewed from the path. View original 'fitted' furniture made 5,000 years ago, see artefacts including gaming dice, tools and jewellery on display in the visitor centre and take in the stunning variety of local birdlife and wildflowers, a truly remarkable place. Visit Skaill House overlooking the spectacular Bay of Skaill. Bid farewell to our guide before boarding the 16.45hrs ferry back to the Scottish mainland.

Tuesday

Today enjoy time at leisure in Thurso, perhaps visit the North Coast Visitor Centre in the former Thurso Town Hall, discover centuries of Caithness history, wander the art gallery or sit and relax in the café with time to explore and obtain lunch. Thurso is the northernmost town on the British mainland, its packed with rugged coastal beauty and deep Viking heritage. Perhaps take a bracing walk along Thurso Beach, explore medieval ruins at Old St Peter's Church or visit the restored Wolfburn Distillery for a tasting. Frequent public transport links will allow you to explore further afield if you wish. This afternoon join the coach at 14.00hrs for a visit to John O'Groates, explore the village, watch out for wildlife and enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery at this iconic location.

Wednesday
Check out of our hotel following breakfast to continue our NC500 journey as we head inland from Thurso and the coast road passing the vast wind farms of the A9 with a photo opportunity along the way. From Latheron we continue our NC500 journey along the coast, pass through historical sites like Helmsdale and Brora to where we started in Inverness. Take a lunch stop in Inverness before we head into the Cairngorms National Park via Aviemore and Dalwhinnie, skirting the Tay Forest Park before arriving at our overnight hotel in the historic market town of Blairgowrie.

Thursday
Check out of the Angus Hotel following breakfast to continue our journey home with a suitable lunch stop en-route.