Shetland & Deeside Discovery
£5996 Days • 22-27 September
We are pleased to introduce this new tour which incorporates the highlights of the east of Scotland sampling a variety of the produce typically associated with its Celtic roots. Our first base is the Granite City of Aberdeen from where we visit picturesque Royal Deeside. We also include an exciting visit to the beautiful Island of Shetland a unique place of peace, pure air and wide-open spaces. This beautiful Island has a rich history and is easily accessible thanks to the excellent service provided by Northlink Ferrries. Our itinerary takes advantage of the comfortable overnight sailings and expert knowledge of the local guide. To complement our tour we include a day of taste and discovery including shortbread and whisky as we skirt the Grampian Mountains & Moray Firth.
Book early for a holiday to remember.
Saturday, 22 September
We travel north via the main roads and motorways to the Granite City of Aberdeen for 2 nights half-board accommodation at the superb 4 star Mercure Ardoe House Hotel & Spa.
Sunday, 23 September
A leisurely day today as we visit picturesque Royal Deeside with its autumn colours. We call at the pretty towns of Banchory, Braemar (including Crathie Church) and Ballater located on the banks of the river Dee one of Scotland’s most famous Salmon Rivers.
Monday, 24 September
Today we meet our guide for an interesting and informative tour of Aberdeen and its local coast. The afternoon is free to explore the city now famous as the winner of a record breaking ten Britain in Bloom titles. Described as one of Britain’s most vibrant cities Aberdeen has thrived due to the wealth provided by the oil industry and busy seaport. During the early evening we join the 19:00hrs Northlink ferry for our overnight sailing to Shetland with dinner and cabins included.
Tuesday, 25 September
We arrive in Lerwick at 07:30hrs and enjoy breakfast on board before meeting our guide for a day tour of Shetland. We visit Jarlshof, showcasing over 5000 years of civilisation including Stone Age, Iron Age and Viking dwellings. We also include Scalloway Castle and museum originally built in 1600. Enjoy free time in Lerwick for lunch at leisure. Finally, no visit to Shetland would be complete without meeting the island’s ponies at one of the island’s sanctuaries. We re-board the ferry for dinner and our overnight return sailing to Aberdeen.
Wednesday, 26 September
After breakfast on board we disembark and travel via Inverurie to Huntly where we visit the Deans shortbread factory and witness the famous shortbread being created. We continue northwest to Dufftown, capital of the ‘whisky trail’ where we have an included visit to the famous Glenfiddich Distillery. Later in the day we continue to the coastal resort of Nairn overlooking the beautiful Moray Firth for our overnight stay at the Best Western Windsor Hotel.
Thursday, 27 September
We depart after breakfast and travel south via the Spey Valley calling at picturesque Pitlochry before continuing onwards via the Scottish Borders. We arrive into our local area early evening.
YOUR HOTELS ****
The 4 star MERCURE ARDOE HOTEL & SPA is located 3 miles from Aberdeen set within 30 acres of peaceful countryside. The magnificent public areas and lovely wood panelled reception extend to a modern bedroom block. All of the 107 bedrooms offer en suite facilities with TV, telephone and coffee/tea making facilities. There is an indoor heated pool and fitness room. There is a lift.
The 3 star BEST WESTERN WINDSOR HOTEL is located close to the centre of Nairn and is a 5 minute stroll to the seafront. All bedrooms offer the usual Best Western standard of accommodation and include en suite facilities, tea/coffee making tray, TV and direct dial telephone. There is a lift to most rooms.
FERRY TRAVEL
NORTHLINK FERRIES are purpose built for the northern waters and provide a high standard of safety and comfort. Cabins are outside with side-by-side beds and en suite facilities. You can view the ever-changing scenes and impressive coastline from the decks. Onboard facilities include comfortable lounges, self service and a la carte restaurants, shop selling snacks, gift items, and practical travel products, cinema lounge showing all the latest film releases, bars, sun decks, games room, internal telephones, well-appointed cabins all en-suite with hairdryers, shaver points and air conditioning. There is a lift.
Please note: Northlink Reserve the right to change any passengers to inside cabins for operational reasons.
PRICE INCLUDES – 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in hotels stated; 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast on Northlink Ferry; Service of experienced tour driver; Luxury coach with onboard toilet & facilities; Services of 2 local guides
EXCURSIONS – including guided tour of Aberdeen, local guide on Shetland, entrance to Jarlshof & Scalloway Castle and admission to Dean’s Shortbread and Glenfiddich Distillery.
DEPOSIT – £60.00 per person
EXTRAS – Single supplement – £138.00