Highlights of the Scottish Highlands – Exclusively Solos
Highlights of the Scottish Highlands – Exclusively Solos
5 Days
Visiting: Carrbridge, Aviemore, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, Nairn, Inverness
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98514
From:
$1517
$1390 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Barrhead discount: -$127
NB: Prices correct on 19-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
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, Cawdor 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Travel To The Carrbridge Hotel, With Welcome Drinks Upon Arrival And Dinner
Location: Carrbridge
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 Two – Included Visit To Aviemore, Funicular Ride Up Cairngorm Mountain And Lunch
Location: Aviemore
Wake up in the Highlands, have breakfast, and set off on today’s excursion. Your tour manager will first take you around pretty resort town of Aviemore, ringed by the spectacular Cairngorm National Park. The group will then ascend to the top of Cairngorm Mountain in a funicular, observing the surrounding landscapes as you go. Once you’ve reached the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the park from the UK's highest restaurant, the Ptarmigan Restaurant, where lunch will be enjoyed.
There’ll then be time to survey the viewing platform and peruse the gin shop for a gift or two. Your next stop will be the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd Centre, home to around 150 reindeer, which you can see up close with their handlers, as you learn about their importance in Scotland’s history.
Later in the afternoon, the group will return to hotel, and you’ll have the rest of the evening free to perhaps reminisce on the day and nurse a whiskey with your fellow travellers by the open fire in the bar.
Day Three – Included Boat Tour Of Loch Ness, With A Visit To The Town Of Fort Augustus
Location: Loch Ness, Fort Augustus
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 Four – Included Visit To Nairn, Culloden Battlefield And Cawdor Castle, And A Gin Distillery Visit With A Tasting
Location: Nairn
Once the group have 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 guide. 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 fairy-tale-like Cawdor Castle, a mediaeval fortress steeped in history and legend. Gaze at the building’s regal architecture and manicured grounds while your tour manager regals stories of its famous inhabitants and literary link to William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth.
Towards the end of the day, you’ll call at a local gin distillery. Here, you’ll have a chance to sample a few delicious varieties and discover the history of the craftsmanship of Scottish gin-making.
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 Five – Return To Inverness And Travel Home
Location: Inverness
Bid farewell to the Highlands and your newfound friends, and travel home.
What's Included
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Four nights' bed and Scottish breakfast accommodation at the three-star Carrbridge Hotel
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Four breakfasts
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A welcome dinner and drinks, and a farewell dinner
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Lunch at the UK’s highest restaurant
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A visit to Aviemore
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A funicular ride up Cairngorm Mountain
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A visit to a reindeer sanctuary in Aviemore
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A cruise across Loch Ness
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A visit to Fort Augustus
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A tour of Nairn
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 45 minutes.
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.
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.
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) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, 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.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 45 minutes.
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.
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.
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) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, 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.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
Reviews of this operator
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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Terms and Conditions
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