Railtrail Main Brochure 2023 FULL PROOF

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

N E W TO U R

A wonderful new 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 Pentland Hotel located in the heart of Thurso . (B,D) DAY 3 Today we board our private coach and visit the former royal residence of 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 nor therly point of the mainland, John O’ Groats , a famous star t 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 a leisurely breakfast we journey to Scrabster by private coach and board the lunchtime ferry to Orkney. On arrival, we meet our local guide who will be with us throughout our step-on 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 Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ Hotel Por terage TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Take the fabulous Highland Line climbing through the Cairngorms ★ Explore the Castle of Mey, the former royal residence of the Queen Mother ★ Visit the Italian Chapel, Churchill Barriers, Skaill House and Skara Brae ★ Tour idyllic Shetland Isle and discover its Viking past at Jarlshof ★ See beautiful Shetland Ponies ★ 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 ★ Discover rich archaeology and history ★ Enjoy a photo-stop at John O’Groats

Fares From £1309

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 duringWWII.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 step-on 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 fer tile 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 J arlshof, one of Europe’s biggest and most complex archaeological sites, ranging from the Neolithic Age up to the 1600s. Later this afternoon, we join our Nor thlink 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 Nor th Sea coast. (B)

Wednesday 3 May 2023 Wednesday 17 May 2023

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST* £1569 £1579 £1665 £1639 £1719 £1615 £1595 £1535 £1489 £1565 £1675 £1605 £1429

STANDARD

London: Kings Cross Greater London South of England East Anglia SouthWest Midlands Yorkshire Nor th East Nor thWest SouthWales Nor thWales Hear t of England

£1455 £1459 £1499 £1489 £1529 £1465 £1465 £1435 £1409 £1439 £1509 £1465 £1375

Scotland

Join & Leave at hotel £1319 £10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Single Room Supplement £240 *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 of their journey. 5 nights’ bed, breakfast &Table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel por terage

HOTELS

The Royal George Hotel, Perth A traditional 3-star hotel dating back to 1773, situated in the hear t of the historic City of Per th, with stunning views overlooking the River Tay. The comfor table bedrooms offer free Wi-Fi, TV and tea /coffee making facilities. The hotel restaurant serves quality Scottish produce and the bar has outdoor terrace has views of Smeatons Bridge.The hotel has a gym and games room. Please note there is no lift at the hotel. Pentland Hotel,Thurso Centrally located in the hear t of Thurso, this popular 3-star hotel is ideal as a base for trips to Orkney. The hotel offers comfor table accommodation with traditionally decorated bedrooms, equipped with aTV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.There is a large, elegant dining room and an airy bar with plenty of seating.The reception area features an attractive fireplace with a carved wooden mantel and Caithness stone hear th, traditional décor and comfor table seating, perfect for relaxing. Please note there is no lift at the hotel. Northlink Ferries Modern, fully equipped cabins 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