Caithness holds onto many legends from its past, and you will see many of them on our 7 day break based in the Viking town of Thurso. Explore the far north including a fabulous full day excursion to The Orkney Islands where you will pass over the Churchill Barriers built for WWII, see the Italian Chapel, discover the hidden mysteries of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar and also have some time in Kirkwall. The holiday also includes the opportunity to visit John O'Groats, Sinclair Castle, Smoo Cave & Durness. Join us on this wonderful trip to the far north of Scotland and be amazed by the history and culture of the area called Caithness.
HOLIDAY INCLUDES
- 6 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
- 2 Overnight Stops
- Return Coach Travel
- All Ferry Crossings
- Excursions
- Single Room Supplements £40
* Excursions subject to change at short notice
DAY 1: Enjoy the journey north today with stops on the way and an overnight stay in the Highlands.
Day 2: After a hearty breakfast in the hotel, join your fellow passengers for the journey to Caithness today. The spectacular scenery on the journey is stunning with seascapes and mountains all the way. We enjoy a stop in Dornoch for time to rest, and also a stop in the stunning Dunrobin Castle which overlooks the North Sea. Explore the castle and enjoy the falconry display before we travel the last part of our journey to Thurso, and check into the Royal Hotel for the first of your 4 nights stay in the Norse town.
Day 3: A full day excursion to the Orkney Islands; whose shores are shrouded in culture and legend. We visit the Italian Chapel which was built by Italian WWII prisoners and is beautifully painted by hand. After crossing the Churchill Barriers, travel along the main island through wonderful scenery to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae; 5000 years old and still standing to this day. Explore the village here before we travel back to the mystical Ring of Brodgar - one of the many standing stone circles dotted throughout Caithness. Some time in Kirkwall before returning to the mainland on the afternoon ferry. The Orkney’s have many hidden treasures, most of which still remain a mystery.
Day 4: This morning we set out on our journey along part of the beautiful NC500 route, along by some of the most beautiful and remote Scottish beaches and sea lochs. We travel around Loch Eriboll before arriving in Durness where you can have time to explore the white sandy beach of Sango Bay, and for the more adverturous, a short stroll down the walkway takes you to the mouth of Smoo Cave, an amazing spectacle to behold.
Day 5: Firstly, enjoy a morning of rest in Thurso before we set out on our journey along part of the beautiful NC500 route. We travel along the north coast to John O'Groats. There are shops and places to eat here and of course get your picture taken at the famous signpost. We then tour further with stunning views of Sinclair Bay for a short stop in Wick before visiting Castle Sinclair Girngoe. There is an short and easy walk to the castle ruins along the cliffs which are teaming with birdlife, and it is well worth a visit.
Day 6: After breakfast this morning we depart Thurso for beginning of our journey back to England. With stops in the Highland Capital Inverness for lunch, and another stop in pretty Pitlochry we then arrive into the fair city of Perth and enjoy an overnight stay.
Day 7: We depart the hotel this morning and enjoy the final leg of our holiday with a stop in Edinburgh for some sightseeing.
ROYAL HOTEL - THURSO
Part of the very fabric of Thurso since the early 1800's, the Royal Hotel in Traill Street Thurso is the beating heart and soul of the Viking town and has been recently re-awakened by the new owners. Now part of the Melville Hotel Group, and with refurbishments ongoing throughout 2023, the hotel boasts 103 ensuite bedrooms, with comfortable and modern interiors, bar lounge and restaurant.
The central location offers its guests direct access to the shops and a short stroll away in the famous Thurso beach which is world renowned for its surfing. The hotel is a great base for guests wishing to explore Caithness and Orkney and being on the North Coast 500 route, is an ideal choice for visitors to this beautiful area of Scotland.