Travel to A Viking Adventure

We, in the North East of England, are no strangers to Viking history, but it's not all about raids and violence. This tour will take us to the far North of Scotland, with an overnight stay on Orkney, to lands that the Vikings made their homes, as well as being their base for skirmishes to the East and West coasts of Britain. We will also learn of the history of this fascinating part of the world before and since the Viking era. While this tour has been designed to be a leisurely experience, there will be new hotels every night which means a bit more unpacking and packing, but it will be worth it. Every stage of our adventure will cover new ground, offering more time to be spent at interesting attractions. No other coach tour company in the UK offers such an exciting itinerary for the far North of Scotland as that shown below. This beautiful area is home to some of the oldest natural landscapes in the World, the most fabulous scenery, and wildlife unparalleled anywhere in the UK. Join us for our flagship tour of the year as we set off on a seven day "Viking Adventure" to explore the magical land of "Mountain and Flood".

---

Day 1: Monday

Monday morning sees us heading North with a coffee stop in Melrose, which has a Viking link!!, Then it's Bankfoot Visitor Centre near Perth for a lunch and visit break, and then, on to our Hotel in Inverness (tba).

Day 2: Tuesday

The Royal Burgh of Thurso beckons. Hugging the dramatic coastline, our luxury coach takes us to Helmsdale for coffee and then, having travelled alongside the largest and oldest peat bog in the World, the 'Flow Country', we arrive at 'John 'O Groats' for a lunch stop. After a short journey across the North coast of Scotland, we visit the UK's most northerly castle, and favourite home of the late Queen Mother, the 'Castle of Mey'. Then we head for our hotel in Thurso (tba) for a well deserved night's rest.

Day 3: Wednesday

Wednesday heralds the highlight of this tour. The crossing from Scrabster to Stromness in Orkney is quite breathtaking with stunning views of the 'Old Man of Hoy' and some of UK's highest Cliffs at 'St John's Head'. In addition to the hundred's of thousands of sea birds that inhabit these cliffs, there are real possibilities of sighting seals, porpoises, dolphins, and some of the many species of whale that cruise these waters, including Killer Whales (Orcas). On landing, we head for 'Maeshowe', the finest example of a Neolithic burial mound in Europe. Then, having seen the magnificent 'Standing Stones of Stennes', we take a step back to a time nearly 1000 years before the building of Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids when we visit the Neolithic village of 'Skara Brae'. After lunch, we head to the eastern side of the island to visit sites known for their importance in the two World Wars. We will visit Scapa Flow and the Churchill Barriers. The lovely Italian Chapel, built by prisoners of war, is a must to see. Then it's off to Kirkwall, capital of the Orkneys, where we visit Highland Park, the World's most northerly distillery. Our day comes to an end as we head down to Kirkwall harbour for our overnight stop at the Ayre Hotel where we are assured of a warm welcome.

Day 4: Thursday

Thursday morning sees us heading to Stromness for our return to Scrabster. After a short journey across the North coast, we visit the Bettyhill Museum where we hear about the infamous 'Highland Clearances' which had such a devastating affect on the crofting communities of this area. After tea and scones, we head for the Tongue Hotel in time for an excellent dinner and, perhaps, a few drams before retiring.

Day 5: Friday

The next few days offer us the chance of seeing wildlife not uncommon to this part of the world such as Otters, Golden Eagles, Red Deer, the very rare Sea Eagle, and much more. After a long coffee stop in Durness on Friday morning where you can visit and shop at the many craft outlets, we head down the North West coast through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Britain. After lunch in Ullapool, you'll have time to explore the Corrieshalloch Gorge before making the short journey to an old favourite of ours, the Dundonnell Hotel. This will be our third visit here and we are assured of another enjoyable stay.

Day 6: Saturday

Saturday sees us travelling through the wonderful and ancient mountain scenery of Wester Ross. Our first stop is at the 'Tropical Gardens of Inverewe' with lots of time to explore this fantastic attraction. Then it's on to Kishorn where we can relax and enjoy lunch, on us, at the famous Seafood Bar (they also cater for non-seafood eaters). Back on board our luxury coach, we head for our hotel in Fort William (tba), but only after a brief stop in Spean Bridge where we pay our respects at the Commando Memorial.

Day 7: Sunday

Our last day, sees us back on the road and on our way to Glencoe. Here, we pay a visit to the Visitor Centre where there will be time for coffee as well as taking in the award winning exhibitions on display. Weather permitting, you will also be witness to one on the most spectacular mountain views in Scotland. Catching our breaths, we head for Killin where there will be time for lunch and a wander. Then we turn South for home, stopping en route in Moffat for a cup of tea and a last chance to buy some shortbread!! We then dream our way back to Tynedale where be expect to arrive at about 6.30pm.

---

The cost of this fabulous adventure includes six nights 3 star Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, Luxury Coach Travel, £10.00 voucher towards lunch at Kishorn Seafood Bar, ferry crossings, and entrance to all listed attractions.

At £610.00 per person, based on two people sharing a room, or with a total single supplement of only £110.00pp, this unique tour has to be great value. For a deposit of only £120.00pp, the balance is not due until 20th June 2010.

^ return to top

---

Coach tours