Railtrail Main Brochure 2024

S cotland ’ s F ar N orth , S hetland & O rkney

A wonderful tour that combines Scotland’s Far North and the beauty of the Shetland and Orkney Isles. From the dramatic rugged coastlines and fascinating wildlife to the ancient history and unique blend of Scottish and Scandinavian culture.

DAY 1 We arrive in Perth and transfer to our nearby hotel for one night, the Royal George Hotel. Tonight, we enjoy our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 This morning we travel on the wonderfully picturesque Highland Line that takes us through Pitlochry and over the Cairngorm Mountains to Inverness . At Inverness we continue our journey to Scotland’s Far North by rail and arrive to our hotel for the next two nights, the Norseman Hotel Wick . (B,D) DAY 3 Today we board our private coach and visit the former royal residence of Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother, the Castle & Gardens of Mey , where we get an insight into Her Majesty’s life in Caithness and spend time enjoying the peaceful gardens and grounds. After, we head to the most northerly point of the mainland, John O’ Groats , a famous start or finish point for cyclists and walkers making the great journey to or from Land’s End. We can explore the village and admire the beautiful scenery, surrounding coast, and wildlife before returning to our hotel. (B,D) DAY 4 After an early breakfast we journey to Scrabster by private coach and board the morning ferry to Orkney. On arrival, we meet our local guide who will be with us throughout our tour of the island. No trip to Orkney would be complete without a visit to the mystical ancient settlement of Skara Brae , uncovered by a storm in 1850. This ancient settlement is older than Stonehenge and the amazingly preserved rooms provide us with a unique insight into prehistoric human living. We then visit Skaill House , one of Orkney’s top tourist attractions and the finest mansion on the island, before heading to the mystical Ring of Brodgar to view the standing stones, reminiscent of those at Stonehenge and Avebury and constructed around 2500 - 2000 BC. After, we travel past the Churchill Barriers , the construction of which was ordered by TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Take the fabulous Highland Line climbing through the Cairngorms ★ Explore the Castle of Mey, the former royal residence of Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother ★ Visit the Italian Chapel, Churchill Barriers, Skaill House, and Skara Brae ★ Tour the idyllic Shetland Isle and discover its Viking past at Jarlshof ★ See beautiful Shetland Ponies ★ Discover rich archaeology and history ★ Enjoy a photo-stop at John O’Groats ★ Fantastic seascape coastline of the Far North ★ Two night’s relaxing cruising with modern, en suite cabins Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ Hotel Porterage

Fares From £1399

6 DAYS

Shetland Islands

© Shutterstock

DEPARTS

Winston Churchill after the tragic torpedoing of the battleship Royal Oak in Scapa Flow during 1939, then visit the Italian Chapel , ‘the miracle of camp 60’, which was built by Italian prisoners during WWII.We finish in Kirkwall , where we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, before boarding our overnight ferry to the Shetland Islands. (B,D) DAY 5 After breakfast on board, we arrive in Lerwick and meet our guide for the day. We visit a local jewellery workshop and then see some Shetland Ponies before heading back to Lerwick to visit the Shetland Museum & Archives . After spending lunchtime at leisure, we head to the fertile limestone community of Fladdabister, and the world’s best preserved 2,000-year-old Iron Age Broch, on the Island of Mousa. Finally, we travel through 5,000 years of Shetland history at Jarlshof , one of Europe’s biggest and most complex archaeological sites, ranging from the Neolithic Age up to the 1600’s. Later this afternoon, we join our Northlink ship and enjoy dinner on board before retiring to our en-suite cabins. (B,D) DAY 6 On arrival in Aberdeen , breakfast is served before we disembark and begin our way homeward with a scenic rail journey along the North Sea coast. (B)

Wednesday 17 April 2024 Wednesday 25 September 2024 FARES FARE REGION FIRST*

STANDARD

London: Kings Cross Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

£1709 £1725 £1785 £1795 £1875 £1765 £1739 £1675 £1629 £1705 £1835 £1755 £1539

£1575 £1579 £1609 £1615 £1655 £1589 £1579 £1555 £1529 £1559 £1639 £1579

Scotland £1479 £10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotel £1409 SEPTEMBER Departure Supplement £70 Single Room Supplement £275 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections 5 nights’ bed, breakfast & table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

HOTELS

The Royal George Hotel, Perth The well-appointed Royal George is idyllically located on the banks of the River Tay and has been welcoming guests since 1773. It offers guests one of 45 charmingly decorated en-suite bedrooms which feature all mod cons including complimentary fibre optic broadband.This home-from-home offers guests’ relaxation and the best of service at its core. Enjoy relaxing by the log fire in The Helen MacGregor lounge with unspoilt views of the Perth Bridge and the River Tay! Norseman Hotel,Wick Located in the centre of the former Viking town of Wick,The Norseman Hotel offers the chance to relax and dine with ease while exploring the picturesque Scottish Highlands.The Norseman Hotel offers 48 en-suite bedrooms, each containing everything you’ll need to make your stay comfortable. Whether you are staying in a room at the front or the rear of the hotel you will be treated to a lovely view.The front of the hotel offers a picturesque view of River Wick, a popular place for taking a walk in the good weather, whereas the rear of the hotel treats you to a beautiful view of the Norseman gardens where guests have full access to walk around and relax. As standard all rooms contain an en-suite bathroom, tea/coffee facilities, Freeview TV, hairdryer and luxury towels, Cole & Lewis toiletries, direct dial telephone, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Northlink Ferries Northlink’s modern vessels boast comfortable bars, lounges, and restaurants, as well as well-stocked shops. Cabins have two comfortable fixed beds, positioned side by side. Built with your comfort in mind they are modern, clean, and fully equipped with en-suite washbasin, toilet, and shower facilities plus individual temperature control and tea/coffee making facilities.

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Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323