Caithness holds onto many legends from its past, and you will see many of them on our holiday based in the Viking town of Thurso. The Far North is strewn with brochs and cairns from times gone by, unspoilt white sandy beaches, stunning seascapes and wild heather-filled landscapes full of history and stories. We take you on a journey to visit The Castle of Mey, former home of The Queen Mother, a tour along the North Coast 500 route to John O'Groats for a Wildlife Cruise, along with visits to see some of the areas archeological sites such as Camster Cairns, Whaligoe Steps, Sinclair Castle & Smoo Cave. There is also time in Thurso to explore the most northerly town on the British Mainland. We welcome you to join us for this 5 day holiday to see Caithness and discover its hidden secrets from the past.
HOLIDAY INCLUDES
- 4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
- Luxury Coach Travel
- Excursions as Stated
- Porterage
- Evening Entertainment
- Single Room Supplements £40
THURSO, DURNESS & SMOO CAVE
This morning we set out on our journey along part of the beautiful NC500 route, to our first visit at the Strathnaver Museum, Bettyhill. This museum takes you on a journey from the mystical past of pre-history to the vibrant culture of today. For those who wish to, there is time to take the short walk to Farr Beach, one of the most beautiful and remote Scottish beaches. 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.
CASTLE OF MEY & JOHN O'GROATS CRUISE
A full day excursion today as we first visit the Queen Mother’s former home in Caithness. Explore the interior of the castle and its beautiful gardens then enjoy time for some lunch in the tearoom before we travel further east along the northern coastline with views over to the islands of Orkney then arriving in John O'Groats where you can explore the gift shops here before enjoying a wonderful 90 minute wildlife cruise around the island of Stroma. Keep an eye out for puffins, grey seals and maybe even some dolphins on your informative journey around the uninhabited island. After this scenic journey we travel back to the hotel in time for dinner.
CASTLE SINCLAIR, WHALIGOE STEPS & CAMSTER CAIRNS
After breakfast we journey out to continue our exploration through Caithness 'Flow Country' to the Grey Cairns of Camster, two of the oldest Neolothic tombs found in Scotland dating back more than 5000 years. Accessed along a man-made walkway, you have time to explore the cairns at your leisure. Re-join the coach as we travel to Ulbster where you have the option to takle the Whaligoe Steps, 330 to be exact carved out of the cliffside which decend to a traditional harbour. Take your time on the way back up! There is a cafe at the top for refreshments before we travel along the scenic coastal route to Nysbter and we visit the Caithness Broch Centre to learn about the amazing archeological finds in the area. For those who want to, there will be time for you to visit the Nybster Broch. 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.
THE ROYAL HOTEL - THURSO
The Royal Hotel is a 3-star hotel situated near the charming little town centre of Thurso, easily within walking distance of many exciting shops, bars and restaurants. This quaint hotel is an excellent base from which to explore the North Coast. Centralized for both leisure and business, close to the bus and train stations, the friendly atmosphere of Royal Hotel is unmatched.
With the friendly public bar and relaxing ambiance of the Orkney Restaurant, Royal Hotel caters the needs of all types of guests. The beautiful North Coast of Scotland is a practically untouched paradise of fine, white sandy beaches, while contrasting with the dramatic cliffs and craggy headlands that one would expect.