Groups Packages Brochure - 2014/15 by Classic Britain

Inspirational Group Packages

2014-15

Holidays and Short Breaks in England, Scotland and Wales Including Rail Holidays, Touring Programmes, Island Escapes and Themed Breaks

Featuring 135 Member Hotels January 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 2015

70 tour ideas and themed breaks exclusively for groups

Showcasing

23 brand new ideas, as well as enhancing many of our most popular tours. Classic brings you a superb collection of group holidays and 135 partner hotels (24 being new) for your 2014 programme. Whether you are looking for a package or an hotel, you can be assured of 1st class service every step of the way.

Inspirational Ideas

Classic has raised the bar by increasing the number of packages and hotels on offer in 2014. There are some fantastic new ideas from Event Breaks on page 6, 5 day stays visiting Puffin Island on page 12, to a brand new 8 day Edinburgh & Highland Adventure on page 41. Whichever tours or hotels you choose, you have the assurance that you and your passengers will be well looked after by our very dedicated and experienced team.

“

Hotels you can trust to deliver

”

Planning your

“

ticks all the

Great value & 1st class service

The 3* Crianlarich Hotel is located in the very epicentre of the Scottish Highlands .

”

Left to Right: Bev, Mark, Anne-Marie, Sibyline, Nathalie, Richard, Susan, Claire, Liam and Pamela

Member Hotels

Packages

Classic is a hotel marketing consortium – we work differently from a Wholesaler. Each invited hotel must be fully aware of group needs. To this end, all Classic’s group friendly hotels are inspected and graded for quality and group suitability before we represent them.

We like to think that the holidays and breaks we offer are a little different. To provide you with exciting & carefully balanced itineraries, which you know have been carefully researched staying in hotels, we would be quite happy to stay in ourselves, and in fact probably have. Going that “extra mile” certainly seems to have paid off. A Classic packaged holiday is 34.6% more likely to operate than a tour where just the hotel has been booked with Classic.

Gradings & Inspections It’s essential for our business relationship to thrive for you to be happy with our hotels. That is why we make a point of visiting our hotels and grading them accordingly. Approved – Hotels which meet Classic’s minimum level of expectation. Commended – Considered to be average or slightly above average 1st Class – Top end hotels. All areas well above average.

In hotel services All Classic’s member hotels offer porterage, full breakfasts and choice 3 course dinners plus coffee. (max. table size 6). Most main stay hotels provide a welcoming refreshment on check in, and provide a weekly entertainment programme.

Reviews Classic has collected thousands of live reviews from real guests which can be read on classicbritain.com.

Price Pledge Because Classic is funded by it’s hotel members, there is no need for Agent mark ups. Furthermore, due to the close working relationships we have with our members and the volume of business placed, we negotiate extremely good prices guaranteeing you best rates at all times.

Payments, Cancellations & Late Bookings Classic does not ask for any deposits, requiring payment before arrival, unless credit facilities have been agreed. In most cases we will contract 3 further twins/doubles on allocation for you to sell to any late bookers, between 30 - 14 days prior to arrival.

Online “Specials” & Imagery By registering online you can view our up to date package availability, prices & brochure. As well as our monthly “Special Offer Package”. Finally, in case you’re looking for some pictures - we have an image bank, which can be used free of charge.

Hotel descriptions, review ratings & guideline group rates on pages 43–51

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Tours with Classic

right boxes 39 28 39 28 29

24 25 23 39 24

Shetlands

41 29 40 38 36 37 36 42 31 36 25 27 35 22 34 26 41 32 25 28 29 30 41 18 19 26 32 21 33 17 3 23

18 16 19 4

21 20

15 8 13 4

12 5

5 8

11 7 7 10

Themed Breaks Page Murder Mysteries, Medieval Banquets, Highland Flings................ 4 Drinks Inclusives, Festive Parties, Houseparties............................. 5 Turkey Tinsels, Christmas & New Year.......................................... 6 England & Wales Farnborough Air Show, Hampton Court Flower Show, Downton Abbey - The Battle of the Proms.................................... 7 Scenic Shropshire & Severn Valley Charms of Cheshire & Historic Merseyside.................................... 8 Pembrokeshire Coast & Islands, Canterbury & Splendours of Kent................................................. 9 Bournemouth & The New Forest, Scarborough & the Yorkshire Coast............................................ 10 Cotswolds, Stratford & Blenheim Palace..................................... 11 Welsh Highlands & Puffin Island................................................ 12 Boats & Trains of the Welsh Borders & Chester.......................... 13 High Peaks & Lincolnshire Wolds............................................... 14 Yorkshire’s Treats & Treasures.................................................... 15 England’s Lakeland Glory.......................................................... 16 Northumbria’s Heritage & Coastal Highlights.............................. 17 North Country Delights............................................................... 18 Scottish Borders Lakes & Dales.................................................. 19 Island Escapes Ancient Kingdom of Man............................................................ 20 Ayrshire & the Irish Jaunt........................................................... 21 Oban & the Isles of Mull and Iona............................................. 22 Scottish Marine Wildlife Cruises................................................. 23 Hebridean Odyssey.................................................................. 24 Hebridean Island Hopper........................................................... 25 Royal Highland Safari, Luxury Singles Holiday in the Borders...... 26 Castles & Palaces of Regal Scotland.......................................... 27 Glorious Orkneys & Scenic Scotland.......................................... 28 Spectacular Orkney & Shetland Cruise....................................... 29 Dunoon, Argyll & Isle of Bute..................................................... 30 Fort William & Voyage to the Small Isles.................................... 31 Isles of Arran & Gigha & Gardens of Argyll................................ 32 Scotland Castles Parties in the Scottish Borders........................................ 33 Waterways of Scotland............................................................. 34 Perthshire & West Highland Circuit............................................. 35 Romantic Highland Railways...................................................... 36 Rail & Scotland’s Natural Wonders............................................. 37 The Ultimate Castles & Whisky Trail........................................... 38 Scotland’s North West Passage................................................. 39 Boats & Trains of the Highlands & Islands.................................. 40 Edinburgh & The Highland Adventure......................................... 41 Scotland’s Autumn Gold............................................................. 42 Member Hotels & Guideline Group Rates England & Wales...................................................................... 43 Northern England & Scottish Borders.......................................... 44 Glasgow & Southern Scotland................................................... 45 Edinburgh & Central Scotland..................................................... 46 Perthshire & Fife........................................................................ 47 Fort William, Dunoon & Argyll.................................................... 48 West Highlands, Spey Valley & Royal Deeside.......................... 49 Inverness, Moray Coast & Northern Highlands............................ 50 Island Hotels & Late additions................................................... 51 Mystery Tours............................................................................ 52

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Themed Ideas

Outstanding ...

ideas to help keep your coaches busy over the quieter months. Take a look at the 14 out of season ideas Classic has put together with their hotel members. You will see we have only included hotels which lay on exciting packages with lots of entertainment, and to hotels which realise that in the out of season months a low price is an absolute fundamental necessity.

Great Party

Scottish Drams & Flings A popular 5 day break, based in Pitlochry and exploring the “Big County” of Perthshire.

Price Includes P P P P

Between October and April

4 nights entertainment Wine with dinner on one evening Tea and shortbread on return to the hotel each day Guided tour and tasting at World of Dewars whisky distillery

Arrive: 17/03/14 , 24/03/14, 20/10/14, 03/11/14, 10/11/14

5 Days £146pp Single suppl. £40 3*Acarsaid Hotel, Pitlochry Page 47

Lakeland House Party

Price Includes P Welcome refreshment on check in P Full Breakfast each morning P Choice 3 course dinner plus coffee each

evening

P Entertainment as shown P Drinks or drinks vouchers as shown P Porterage P Free overnight coach parking P Free place for your driver over 20 paying

passengers (A free place is often provided if numbers fall short of 20)

Welsh Medieval Banquet The highlight of this tour is by far the Medieval banquet in the 13th century Ruthin Castle.

A relaxing break in Cumbria’s most popular destination. Set on the edge of Lake Windermere.

Price Includes P 3 nights entertainment P Free use of leisure facilities

Price Includes

Arrive:

P Tea, coffee & Bara Brith on Check in P 2 nights entertainment P 4 Course Medieval Banquet in Ruthin Castle

28/10/13 , 04/11/13, 11/11/13, 17/03/14, 31/03/13, 03/11/14 , 10/11/14

Murder Mystery in Wales

Arrive:

3*Windermere Hydro Hotel, Bowness in Windermere Page 44

Fancy being a Sherlock Holmes or a Miss Marple then come and test your detective skills on our popular Murder Mystery break. This three day break based in North Wales includes a Murder Mystery gala evening where you are challenged to find clues surrounding the evening’s sinister events. On the second evening entertainment is provided.

14/03/14, 21/03/14, 28/03/14, 04/04/14, 11/04/14, 18/04/14, 25/04/14, 13/10/14, 24/10/14

Many hotels do not charge a Single room supplement over this period.

Price Includes P Tea, coffee and bara

brith on arrival P Murder Mystery gala evening P Entertainment on second night

Arrive Fridays x 2nts: £99

Single suppl. £nil 3*Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold Page 43

One of Classic’s most popular out of season breaks. There’s a lot going on , based in a wonderful part of the world.

Price Includes P P P P P

3* hotel, with leisure and 3 nights entertainment in the centre of Carlisle, for under £100. A great destination for out of season touring.

Scottish banquet evening Glass of wine with dinner each night 3 drinks vouchers per day 4 nights entertainment Drinks reception on the first evening

Price Includes

Arrive:

Sat x 1nt: £44pp Fri x 2nts £69pp

11/11/13, 18/11/13, 16/03/14, 23/03/14, 14/04/14 03/11/13, 10/11/13

3* Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold Page 43

E: groups@classicbritain.com

English House Party

Deluxe Highland Fling

Arrive: 26/10/13, 02/11/13, 09/11/13, 16/11/14, 15/03/14, 29/03/14, 05/04/14, 12/04/14, 19/04/14, 26/04/14, 04/10/14, 18/10/14, 25/10/14, 01/11/14

5 Days £129 - £149pp Single suppl. £60

P 3 nights entertainment P Free coach parking at hotel

5 Days from £119pp Single Suppl. £48

Any Monday arrival from Oct ‘13 – Apr ’14; Oct ’14 – Apr ‘15

3*Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish Page 48

5 Days £99pp Single suppl. £nil

3*Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Glencoe Page 48

3*Crown & Mitre Hotel, Carlisle Page 44

Looking for hotels during the

Drinks Inclusives

Value Breaks

3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie A 5 day Christmas, New Year and Hogmanay themed break in the heart of Perthshire brings the festive season to you.

Price Includes

5 days from £94

Highland House Party

Festive Parties

P P P P P P

3* Cliff Hotel, Gwbert An entertaining 5 day break overlooking beautiful Cardigan Bay in South West Wales.

Tea, coffee and mince pies on arrival Pre dinner drinks reception & presentation of the local area 4 nights entertainment Christmas and New Year themed days Afternoon tea and mince pies Visit from Santa

Arrive: 11/11/13, 18/11/13, 03/11/14, 10/11/14

5 Days £130pp Single suppl. £nil See Page 47 for hotel information

Price Includes P P P P

Tea, Coffee and Bara Brith on arrival 3 nights entertainment Free bar between 6pm & 9pm on house brands Full use of leisure facilities (no pool)

Arrive: 05/11/13 , 11/11/13, 20/01/14, 20/10/14, 10/11/14

5 Days from £114 - £140pp This new programme is packed full of entertainment, with Oban, Fort William, West Highland Line and Loch Lomond nearby.

Price Includes P 2 nights entertainment P Scottish night with Highland banquet

Arrive: 28/10/13, 04/11/13, 11/11/13, 10/03/14, 24/03/14, 31/03/14, 20/10/14, 10/11/14

5 Days £109pp Single suppl. £40 3*Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich Page 49

Single suppl. £40 See Page 51 for hotel information

Breadalbane Hotel, Aberfeldy The Breadalbane’s outstanding location means you can easily access many different areas of Scotland.

Price Includes

3* Winnock Hotel, Drymen Christmas trees lit and decorations hung, festive spirit comes early this year at the Winnock.

Price Includes P P P P P P

Welcome drinks reception 4 nights entertainment including Scottish evening Free bar on house brands between 7.30pm and 10.30pm Glass of wine with dinner each evening Afternoon tea on one day Themed Christmas and New Year Days

Arrive: 11/11/13 , 09/12/13, 03/11/14, 10/11/14, 01/12/14

5 Days £165 - £185pp Single suppl. First 3 nil; £60 thereafter See Page 46 for hotel information

P 2 nights entertainment P 4 drinks vouchers per day

Arrive:

Welsh House Party

20/10/13, 27/10/13, 04/11/13, 11/11/13, 24/13/14, 31/03/14, 07/04/14, 13/10/14, 20/10/14, 10/11/14

5 Days from £129 - £139pp Single suppl. £nil See Page 47 for hotel information

3* Abington Hotel, nr Lanark Set in the heart of the Welsh Highlands, this 5 day break is in the perfect location for exploring North Wales.

Price Includes

Easy to get to Scottish break, just off M74. J13, with Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayrshire and Borders within easy reach.

Price Includes 3 nts entertainment in total £15 drinks vouchers per night Wine with dinner each night Full Scottish Show

3* Esplanade Hotel, Dunoon This entertaining break has plenty to offer situated on the coast with dramatic views across the Firth of Clyde.

Price Includes

P Tea, coffee & bara brith on arrival P 2 nights entertainment P Free over night coach parking

P P P P

Arrive

Arrive Mondays x 4nts:

14/10/13, 28/10/13, 04/11/13, 24/02/14, 10/03/14, 27/10/14, 10/11/14, 16/11/14

06/10/13, 16/03/14, 13/04/14, 20/10/14, 03/11/14

Arrive:

5 days £160pp Single suppl. £nil

18/11/13, 23/11/13, 02/12/13, 17/11/14, 24/11/14

5 Days £99pp Single suppl. £nil

See Page 46 for hotel information

5 Days £109pp Single suppl. £nil

3*Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis Page 43

3Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Glencoe Page 48

See Page 48 for hotel information

Edinburgh Tattoo? See pages 45 & 46

P P P P

Welcome Tea, coffee and shortbread 3 nights entertainment Themed Christmas and New Year days Free drivers room regardless of numbers

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Highlights P Entertainment P Traditional Xmas day Lunch P Carol Singers & Santa

4 or 5 days from

£189

Highlights P Hogmany Ceilidh banquet P Christmas day dinner P 2 other nts ent.

Christmas Crackers

5 days from

£79

Highlights P Welcome drinks reception P New Years Eve Gala Dinner P Entertainment

Turkey n’ Tinsels

3 or 4 days from

£120

Happy New Years

Celebrate ...

Exciting ...

Bring in the bells ...

Price Includes

Christmas in one of Classic’s 30 plus hotels offering full and varied programmes staying for 3 or 4 nights. Special reduced group rates are available, and we provide 2 free places regardless of numbers. Full programmes available.

P 2, 3 or 4 nts DBB P Evening

entertainment

P Afternoon tea P Christmas day

lunch & Novelties

P Visit from Santa P Porterage P 2 Free places Inclusions may slightly vary per hotel

festive themed breaks in hotels across the UK. Decorations up, tree lit up and entertainment laid on. Great food, lots of fun for a small price. Still as popular as ever, running most weeks between 17th Nov – 8th Dec.

P 4nts DBB

P Welcome reception

P 2 nts in house

P Porterage

entertainment

P 1 music night

P 1 free place over

20 pax.

entertainment

in Classic style! All our programmes are designed so everyone has a great time. There are a vast array of hotels from a “Highland Hogmanay Fling” to a New Year Party in the Welsh Valleys or take in the air on a Classic English Seaside New Year break.

P P

2 or 3 nts DBB New year Gala Dinner with Regional live entertainment P Welcome drinks reception P Drink to toast the New Year

One other nts entertainment P 1 free place over 20 paying pax. P Free overnight coach parking

Sample Itinerary

Gleddoch House Hotel, Langbank – Page 46

Rob Roy Hotel, Aberfoyle – Page 46 – 4nts £85

Priory Hotel, Beauly – Page 50

23 Dec Welcoming afternoon tea on arrival followed by dinner and live pianist.

Christmas Eve A warm welcome awaits you at the hotel. On arrival Tea/Coffee will be served whilst the porters take care of your luggage. Join your fellow passengers for a Bucks Fizz reception in the lounge. Our Christmas Eve menu is served followed by tea/coffee.

30 Dec Arrive at the Priory Hotel and whilst your

Christmas Day Start the day with a cooked breakfast afterwards why not enjoy a day out in Edinburgh and visit the Christmas Markets. Santa is sure to make an appearance tonight with a gift for all during your Traditional Christmas Day dinner. Join us for a game of festive bingo.

surrounding area returning in time for a late afternoon

Christmas Eve After a full cooked breakfast depart for a morning excursion returning in time for a light lunch. In the afternoon take a leisurely dip in the swimming pool and explore the hotel grounds before dinner and entertainment. Mince pies and mulled wine are available for those returning from the midnight service. Christmas Day A Merry Christmas awaits with a Bucks Fizz Breakfast, 4-course traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, novelties and hats. Afternoon tea and biscuits whilst watching the Queen’s speech. Later on a hot and cold buffet for those who are still peckish, followed by light entertainment. Boxing Day Relaxing Breakfast followed by a short tour of the area before returning for a soup and sandwich lunch. Put your feet up in the lounge or enjoy the extensive leisure facilities before this evening’s Gala Dinner with Scottish entertainment.

Boxing Day Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading off on another day touring Scotland why not tour Perthshire or pop up to Glasgow for some Christmas shopping. Enjoy a mouth watering 3 course evening meal. Afterwards join our in house team for a quiz night.

luggage is taken care of, enjoy a welcome drinks reception before dinner. Hogmanay After a leisurely breakfast explore the soup and sandwich lunch. After your gala 4 course dinner, dance the night away to our live band and see in the bells with our Scottish piper and highland dancers, with a complimentary large dram. New Years Day Enjoy a full Scottish breakfast before taking a morning stroll, returning in time for soup and sandwiches. After New Years dinner relax and enjoy this evening’s entertainment.

New Years Eve Breakfast is served On return to the hotel get the glad rags on and celebrate Hogmanay! We start he evening with a Whisky reception in the lounge bar followed by our Hogmanay Banquet. Our ceilidh evening will take you through to Auld Lang Syne.

2 Jan A scrumptious Scottish breakfast before we bid

Hotels

3* Shap Wells Hotel, Shap Page 44

recommended for their Pre Festive Spirit are:

2* Rob Roy Hotel, Aberfoyle Page 46

4* Kingston Lodge, Surrey

3* Abington Hotel, Abington Page 45

3* Golden Lion Hotel, Stirling Page 46

3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie Page 47

2* Breadalbane Hotel, Aberfeldy Page 47

3* Royal Hotel, Bridge of Allan Page 46

3* Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachilish Page 48

3* Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore Page 49

3* Shap Wells Hotel, Shap Page 44

27 Dec After Breakfast time to head for home. Arrivals: 23/12 x 4nts £250 or 24/12 x 3nts £189pp

Arr. 23 Dec x 4nts, 24 Dec x 3nts See attached for full hotel list, dates and rates

E: groups@classicbritain.com

3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie Page 47 See attached for full hotel list, dates and rates

you a fond farewell. Arrivals: 30/12 x 3nts $260pp

Arr. 30 Dec x 3nts, 31 Dec x 2nts See attached for full hotel list, dates and rates

See attached for full list of hotels with rates & outline itineraries.

3 days

Highlights P Kew Gardens P Hampton Court Palace

£119

3 days

Highlights P Duxford War Museum P Farnborough Air Show

£125

?? Highlights P Spitfire Air Display P Concert Orchestra P Highclere Castle

2 days

£69

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show & Kew Gardens

Farnborough International Air Show

Battle of the Proms at Downton Abbey

8th - 13th July 2014

14th - 20th July 2014

2nd August 2014

Dazzling ...

displays and magnificent gardens await you at the world’s largest annual flower show, set in the grounds of the spectacular Hampton Court Palace. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, this is a ‘must-see’ for gardeners of all ages and anyone interested in the great outdoors.

Price Includes P

P P P

Tea and biscuits on check in 2 nts DBB Full English Breakfasts Choice three course dinners plus coffee

P P

Entry to Kew Gardens Full day entry to Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Driver free if over 25 paying pax.

Spectacular ...

Wonderful ...

have seen the exciting Breitling Jet Team and the Breitling Wingwalkers enthralling the crowds from start to finish.

Highclere Castle, near Newbury, of Downton Abbey fame is the setting for this quintessentially English event. Stroll round the grounds, have a hamper and champers on the lawns and enjoy Classical music, performed by the New English Orchestra. There are displays, gun salute, traditional English sing-along, finishing with a Spitfire fly past and dazzling firework display.

Price Includes

displays and variety is what Farnborough Airshow is all about. A jam-packed 41/2 flying display with favourites such as the Lancaster, Spitfire, Vulcan, Typhoon and the Red Arrows to name just a few. Previous shows

P P

2 nts DBB

Choice three course dinner plus coffee

Full English breakfasts

Tea & biscuits on check in

Entry to Duxford Imperial War Museum

Early check in at your chosen hotel

Soup & sandwiches on return to the hotel

Entry to Farnborough Air Show

P P P

1nt Bed & breakfast

Driver free if over 25 paying pax

Lunch on day one

Entry to Battle of the Proms

Day 1 Kew Gardens Arrive early afternoon at the

Day 1 Arrive at your chosen hotel for welcoming tea

Day 1 Early Check in is followed by a three course

world famous Kew Gardens. Here there is a multitude

and biscuits. With plenty time to explore the hotel and

lunch, with time to relax before travelling the short

to explore, from iconic buildings and glasshouses to

area before dinner.

journey to Highclere Castle. Gates open at 4.30pm.

formal gardens. Visit the remarkable Princess of Wales Conservatory, which recreates ten climatic zones or discover the substantial rock garden - there really is something here for everyone to enjoy. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon for welcoming tea and biscuits. Relax in the hotel before enjoying a sumptuous threecourse meal.

Day 2 Farnborough International Air Show is only a short drive away. The flying display starts at 12.30 and runs until 5pm, giving 4 ½ hours of exhilarating firstclass entertainment. There are flying displays, as well as a wide range of civil airliners, military jets, historic aircraft and aerobatics performing breathtaking stunts. Return to your hotel in time for dinner.

Day 2 Hampton Court Palace Enjoy a leisurely

Enjoy a stroll around the fairground stalls, visit the Napoleonic re-enactors or watch the world-renowned Blades aerobatic flight display. The evening closes with Beethoven’s Wellington Victory, performed with a staggering 193 cannons, musket fire and fireworks followed by the traditional sing-along, flag-waving proms finale, including favourites Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and God Save the Queen. Return to your hotel

Day 3 Duxford Imperial War Museum After a

for a late snack.

leisurely breakfast, depart hotel & take the short

Day 2 After a leisurely breakfast Depart your hotel

journey to Duxford to experience the history of aviation

after a full English breakfast. Depending which way

– particularly during wartimes over the last hundred

you’re heading, there are many places to stop off; from

years. Lose yourself for a whole day wandering under

the famous Bath Abbey and Jane Austin centre or,

and around some of the most iconic aircraft in the world

Oxford, the “city of dreaming spires” for shopping and

and get hands-on with the award-winning interactive

sightseeing or the world heritage site Stonehenge.

exhibitions. IWM Duxford is home to an impressive

We recommend taking sensible clothing, footwear and if desired

collection of over two hundred aircraft as well as tanks,

a picnic, rug and a bottle of wine. Although, there will be a

Day 3 Start your morning with a full English breakfast

military vehicles and boats. Arriving home late afternoon

selection food and drinks available to purchase onsite. Picnic

before boarding your coach for your journey home.

/ early evening.

food boxes can be purchased at hotels for an additional charge.

breakfast before boarding your coach for the short journey to the world’s largest annual show set at Hampton Court Palace. We spend the day here viewing the 34 acres of stunning landscaped gardens, with numerous large marquees and floral displays. The show offers the chance to see beautiful arrangements from some of the worlds most innovative and creative horticulturalists. Return to your hotel in time for dinner.

Hotels

2nts

Hotels

4* Waterloo Hotel, Bracknell

£139 £119 £150 £194 £159

Page 51

3* Chequers Hotel, Newbury 4* Waterloo Hotel, Bracknell 4* Menzies Hotel, Swindon 4* Manor Hotel, Windsor 3* Frensham Pond, Farnham 4* Kingston Lodge Hotel, Kingston Page 51

Available: 8 – 13 July

Available: 14 – 20 July

4* Menzies Hotel, Horley 4* Manor Hotel, Windsor 4* Kingston Lodge Hotel, Kingston 3* Royal Oak, Seven Oaks

Edinburgh Tattoo Hotels Available

2nts

£125 £145 £125 £159 £165 £199

Hotels

1nt

3* Chequers Hotel, Newbury

£69

4* Waterloo Hotel, Bracknell

£69

3* Marsh Farm, Wooten Bassett

£69

3* Frensham Pond, Farnham

£79

Page 51 Available: 2nd Aug x 1nt

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

s nd le e k b ee aila W v A

w Ne

England

Severn Valley Steam Train Highlights P Ironbridge Gorge P Shrewsbury

Severn Valley Railway P Ludlow & Worcester

5 days

£189pp

Delightful ...

Shropshire must surely be one of England’s hidden gems. Unspoilt countryside, lovely medieval towns, lakes and wooded hillsides are all there to be enjoyed, plus a steam train journey and a visit to historical Ironbridge, tops off this wonderful 5 day break.

River Explorer Highlights P Chester P Liverpool & Mersey Cruise P Port Sunlight P Tatton Park

P Welcome “cuppa”

on check in

P Glass of wine with

dinner on 1 night

P 2 or 4 nights DBB P Min 1 nights entertainment P Entry into Ironbridge Gorge P Single steam rail journey P Free Place over 25pax Fri x 2nts £99pp Shrewsbury Telford

Iron Bridge

Ludlow Worcester Severn Valley Railway

Hotel 3* Buckatree Hotel, near Wellington Page 43 Available: May – October Rates & Dates attached.

Full Day Shrewsbury & Ludlow Firstly to Shrewsbury, one of England’s finest Tudor towns, with time free before the scenic drive through rolling borderlands and meadows to Ludlow - probably one of the most picturesque medieval towns in England, with its river and castle. Back in time for dinner and glass of wine. Full Day* Ironbridgethe birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and the site of the world’s first Iron Bridge built in the 1700’s. Your ticket gives you access to all 10 attractions, including Blists Hill Victorian town, where costumed staff provide a fascinating insight into how life was lived in Victorian times, and of course, you have the opportunity to cross the bridge itself. Tickets are valid for 1 year, so you can return at a later date as well. Full Day Steam Railway & Worcester To Bridgnorth, a pretty town 17th century riverport of 2 halves, the lower half is beside the River Severn, and the castled upper town is connected by the steepest funicular railway in the UK. There are many shops and attractions including a leaning castle where Charles 1 lost his head in 1645. Catch the steam train on the 45 minute scenic journey along the Severn Valley to Kidderminster. We spend the afternoon in vibrant Worcester before returning to the hotel.

E: groups@classicbritain.com

£199pp

A tale ...

of 2 cities, the historic Cathedral city of Chester and the cosmopolitan & vibrant city of Liverpool. We explore them both, including a cruise on the Mersey and from Chester a visit to Port Sunlight. Finishing with a day out in glorious Cheshire countryside at the award winning Tatton Park & Gardens.

Scenic Shropshire & the Severn Valley Price Includes

5 days

Charms of Cheshire & Merseyside Magic Full Day Liverpool & Mersey Cruise Time free at Liverpool’s Waterfront, one of the P Welcoming tea/coffee & most recognisable waterfronts in the world. biscuits on arrival The famous Liver Building; world-class art 4 nts DBB P at Tate Liverpool; the Albert Dock complex P Entry and guided tour of Port and interactive Museum of Liverpool are Sunlight P Cruise on the River Explorer all within an easy walking distance of one P Entrance into Tatton Park & another. In the afternoon we travel through the Gardens Mersey tunnel to join a cruise on the iconic P Free use of leisure facilities Mersey Ferry with commentary explaining the P Minimum 2 nights Mersey’s rich past... and present of this once entertainment P Driver free if over 25 paying pax. bustling maritime city. Full Day Chester & Port Sunlight After breakfast we cross the Wirral to Port Sunlight, 4 days from £154pp built by Viscount Leverhulme to house his soap factory workers at Lever Bros, now the global giant Unilever. Here our local guide will Liverpool show us round this 130 acre grade 11 listed Port Sunlight village enhanced with its parkland setting providing tranquil scenes of natural beauty. Chester Afterwards, we head to the beautiful walled city of Chester, to explore the interesting Tatton Park shops & museums. Boat cruises are available, on the River Dee.

Price Includes

Hotel 4* Mollington Banestre, Chester, 2 miles from Chester Page43 Rates & Dates attached.

Full Day Tatton Park Across the Wirral and Cheshire countryside to the award winning Tatton Park, one of the UK’s most complete historic estates, home to a Tudor Old Hall, 1,000 acres of deer park and 50 acres of landscaped gardens reflecting over 250 years of garden design. The gardens are renowned for their remarkable glasshouses, the Japanese Garden is considered to be the finest in Europe.

Shropshire Arrive Friday x 2nts* - £99pp

w Ne

Wales

England

Tenby Highlights P Tenby P Island Cruise

P National Botanical Gardens P

St David’s

5 days from

£209pp

Designated ...

as a National Park, the Pembroke Coastline is a land with wonderful beaches, backed by spectacular cliffs and rich in birdlife. This diverse Welsh holiday visits Wales’ smallest city St David’s, embarks on a wonderful wildlife cruise of the Ramsey Islands, visits the award winning National Botanical Gardens, and stays in the thriving market town of Carmarthen in the heart of Dylan Thomas Country. This programme is also available as a Singles Holiday.

The White Cliff’s of Dover Highlights P Leeds Castle P Ramsgate

P White Cliffs of Dover P Steam railway journey

P Welcome tea and Welsh

cakes on check in

P 4 nts DBB P Entry in to the National

Botanical Gardens

P Wildlife Boat cruise P Porterage P Driver free if over 25 paying

passengers.

Singles Holidays Available St. David’s Ramsey Islands

Carmarthen

Fishguard

Botanical Gardens Swansea

Pembroke Tenby

Rhossili The Mumbles

Saundersfoot

Hotel 3* Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen Page 43 Singles Holidays available Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov. Available: March – October Rates & Dates attached.

Half Day National Botanical Gardens After breakfast time to browse Carmarthen before travelling the short distance to the National Botanical Gardens of Wales, voted Number 1 Visitor Centre of Wales. Entry included into all the areas of the gardens including the Great Glass House and Double Walled Garden. Full Day Pembrokeshire Coast An unspoilt and dramatic area, almost its entire coastal strip is a designated National Park. We head to the north of the Park and Fishguard, standing on an imposing headland with fine views of the cliffs and bay. We continue along the coast to Wales’ smallest city St David’s, a beautiful and unique place surrounded by the finest of scenery, dominated by it’s impressive 12th century cathedral. At 2pm we board “The Gower Ranger” for an amazing 1 ½ hour cruise, with a Wildlife Guide to RSPB Ramsey Island, weaving in and out of bays and gorges, passing the highest cliffs in Wales with Atlantic seals all around you. See spectacular breeding colonies of thousands of nesting seabirds. There is also a good chance of seeing Ramsey’s resident harbour porpoise. (Singles Holiday dates include a tour of Dylan Thomas Country, located on a 5 mile sweep of Swansea Bay, visiting the Victorian seaside resort of The Mumbles with its long promenade, then a scenic drive along the Gower Coast famed for its golden beaches and cliff scenery to picturesque Rhossilli Bay). Full Day Tenby A tour along the southern coastline of Pembrokeshire National Park. Most of the day is spent in the two most popular and picturesque seaside resorts of Saundersfoot and Tenby. On return we continue along the coastal trail to Pembroke.

£199pp

Boasting ...

beautiful countryside, imposing castles, fine gardens, a glorious coastline and attractive towns, its little wonder that Kent is known as the “Garden of England”. Discover all this and more on what could be England’s finest break. Experience a vintage steam journey and absorb the beauty of the world’s loveliest castle. Take in the scenery as the tour explores Kent’s wonderful coastline culminating with a visit to Britain’s most iconic natural wonder.

Pembrokeshire Coast & Islands Price Includes

5 days from

Canterbury & the Splendours of Kent Price Includes P 4 nights DBB P Tea & Biscuits on check in P Guided walk round

Canterbury

P Entry to Leeds Castle &

Gardens

P Single Journey on nostalgic

steam railway

P Entry to White Cliffs of Dover No single supplement in Folkstone Ramsgate Canterbury Deal

Tenterden Leeds Castle Bodian

Dover Folkstone

Hotel 3* Abbots Barton Hotel, Canterbury 3* Burlington Hotel, Folkestone Page 43

Available: May – September Rates & Dates attached.

Singles Dates available in Pembroke - 5 days from £155

Half Day Guided Walking Tour This morning discover Canterbury’s rich history with a relaxing 1 hour guided walking tour, visiting places such as the monastery ruins, and the famous Kings School. The centre is remarkably well preserved with half timbered buildings and the remains of its 14th century city wall. The afternoon is free to explore the city, including the Cathedral, the city’s main landmark, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Full Day Castle, Garden & Railway Firstly to Bodiam, to catch the “Jewel of the Weald” steam train which gently winds through 11 miles of picturesque Rother Valley countryside, catching fine views of Bodiam Castle and Great Dixter. This Heritage line & stations have been restored to their former 1900 glory, adding to the charm of the appealing scenery. Then heading to Leeds Castle & Gardens, regarded as the “loveliest castle in the world.” We spend most of the afternoon exploring the castle’s 900 year old history, built on two islands in the middle of a natural lake. There is 500 acres of gardens and parkland to roam and enjoy, with jousters and falconry displays at hand. Full Day Kent Coastline and the White Cliffs Today we head to the seaside. Firstly, Ramsgate, a wonderful blend of maritime heritage, architectural finery and cosmopolitan pizzazz, with the county’s only Royal harbour. Along the coastline to Deal, with its long pier, sandy beach winding streets & historic beachfront. After lunch, the coastal tour continues, with entry to the White Cliffs of Dover, without doubt one of the country’s most spectacular natural features, an icon of Britain and a sign of hope and freedom for centuries. (5 days only)

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Scarborough

Highlights P Scarborough P Robin Hoods Bay

Whitby P Steam train on North Yorks Moors

5 days from

£119pp

Stunning ...

Scarborough is one of the world’s first seaside resorts, and still one of the most popular resorts in the North of England, with it’s harbour, two bays, golden beaches, dominating castle, cliff top views and gardens. This centred holiday is planned so you can relax and enjoy Scarborough with one Yorkshire coast day out, or you can add in the optional tours to suit.

Highlights P New Forest P Beaulieu

Weymouth

P Welcoming tea & biscuits

on arrival

(Brooklands)

Goathland

P Min 4 nts DBB P Full English Breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinners P Entertainment 6nts a week P Single steam train to P Free place for driver over 25 pax Optional Entry into Castle Howard £xx pp

No Single Room Supplement

Whitby Goathland

Robin Hood’s Bay

Scarbrough

Filey

Bridlington

York

Castle Howard

Hotels 3* Redlea Hotel, Scarborough 3* Brooklands Hotel, Scarborough Page 44

Available: All Year Round Rates & Dates attached. Themed Breaks available

£119pp

for it’s seven miles of golden beaches, Bournemouth is without doubt one of Britain’s best loved seaside resorts, whatever the season. It’s acres of parks and gardens, traffic free promenades and outstanding coastline are reasons why visitors return time and time again. This holiday is planned, so you can either relax and enjoy the joys of this resort, with one tour included to the New Forest. Or, you can select other optional day tours and add them to your programme.

Bournemouth & The New Forest

Included Full day Tour Whitby & Heartbeat Country Depart for Whitby hugging the coastline for most of the way. We stop off at historical Smugglers Cove at Robin Hoods Bay, surrounded by high cliff tops. Onwards to Whitby, with time free to roam the winding lanes by the waterfront, sample the Fish and Chips, reputedly the best and freshest in the UK. Afterwards on to the North Yorkshire Moors steam train arriving in Goathland, home of the popular TV series “Heartbeat”, with time to explore the fictional village of Aidensfield. Returning through marvellous Yorkshire Moors scenery and the picture postcard village of Thornton-le-dale. Optional Day Tour Yorkshire Coast If you fancy another sightseeing day out then recommend a tour of the traditional seaside resorts of Filey, with it’s 5 mile stretch of award winning golden beach and protected by the sheer drop cliffs of Flamborough Head, and Bridlington, again with its sandy beach, whitewashed buildings and fishing harbour. Optional Day Tour Castle Howard Voted by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s Top Ten greatest Mansions. It’s certainly very stunning, an 18th century residence set in 1000 acres of breathtaking gardens and landscapes. An area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s not only a thriving rural estate, but also a place to enjoy world-renowned collections, stunning architecture and inspiring family stories. Relax amid idyllic gardens, enjoy woodland and lakeside walks. Castle Howard is a true Yorkshire gem, not far from York. (Add on cost £12 pp for Gardens and House).

E: groups@classicbritain.com

5 days from

Renowned ...

Scarborough & the Yorkshire Coast Price Includes

Seaside

Bournemouth Beach

Included Full Day Tour New Forest & Beaulieu Pass Christchurch entering the New Forest, calling at Lymington, with it’s narrow streets lined with P Min. 4 nts DBB pretty period cottages and busy quay and marina. P Full English Breakfasts Afterwards to Beaulieu, with entry into this world Choice 3 course dinners plus P famous attraction - Home to the National Motor coffee Museum, a stunning collection of cars telling the 2 nights entertainment P history of motoring from F1 Grand Prix Machines P Entrance into all sites at to the world’s largest collection of original James Beaulieu Bond vehicles. The World of Top Gear features cars from some of the most ambitious challenges. But P Porterage P Driver free if over 25 paying Beaulieu offers so much more than just motoring. There are wonderful gardens to roam, an abbey to pax explore and the 16th Palace is open to visitors. Most of the afternoon is spent here before returning to No Single Supplement your hotel stopping off at the village of Lyndhurst.

Price Includes

in Riviera

Beaulieu Bournemouth Weymouth

Hotels 4* Menzies East Cliff Court Hotel, Bournemouth 3* Riviera Hotel, Bournemouth 3* Belvedere Hotel, Bournemouth

Page 43 & 51

Available: All Year Round Rates & Dates attached. Themed Breaks available

Optional Day Tour Poole & cruise to Swanage Poole has the 2nd largest natural harbour in the world, and central point for the D-Day landings. From here we catch the cruise (1030hrs) taking you to the Jurassic Heritage Coast passing Old Harry Rocks, while the skipper provides commentary about the 200 million years of coastal geology – being England’s only natural UNESCO site. Approx 1 ½ hours later the boat docks at the quaint fishing village of Swanage, with it’s lovely beach and cafes. The remainder of the afternoon is spent enjoying this popular seaside resort, before returning via Corfe Castle and Wareham (Ferry costs £9.50pp one way). Optional Day Tour Weymouth & Isle of Portland We take the short journey to the seaside resort of Weymouth, with its safe sandy beach, varied shops. Later, we head over the bridge to the Isle of Portland, part of the World Heritage Coast. A stark yet striking tilted table of limestone some 500 ft high, 4 miles long and ¾ mile wide.

Minimum 4 nights stay with one full day excursion included. Add on extra tours or stay extra nights to suit!

W E N

England

Enchanting ...

4 or 5 day break visiting many of this quintessential English Region. An area made famous for its fascinating cultural heritage, Stately homes, historical cities, ancient mellow “honey” coloured limestone villages and rolling Cotswolds countryside. On this break there will be a visit to probably England’s finest Palace, as well as exploring Oxford, Stratford upon Avon , with an informative river cruise, culminating in a wonderful day out in the Cotswolds.

Cotswold Cottage

Highlights P Oxford P Blenheim Palace P Cotswolds market day* P Stratford and River Cruise

Price Includes

Cotswolds, Stratford & Blenheim Palace

P 3 or 4 nights DBB P Welcome tea/coffee & biscuits P Entry into Blenheim Palace &

Gardens

P Boat Cruise on River Avon P 1 or 2 nts entertainment depending on length of stay P 1 free place if over 25 paying pax P Porterage No single supplement in Honiley

Stratford Kenilworth

Shottery

Banbury

Evesham Morton-in-Marsh Stow-in-Wold Chipping Norton

£174 £129

Mon x 4nts from Fri x 3nts

Oxford Blenheim Palace

Hotels 3* Honiley Court Hotel, near Kenilworth Page 43 3* Salford Hall Hotel , near Evesham Page 51

Available: April – September Rates and dates attached.

Friday or Monday Arrive at your hotel in time for welcoming tea/coffee and biscuits whilst your luggage is taken care of. Tuesday The Cotswolds Firstly, Moreton-inMarsh, a pretty historic town. On Tuesdays, Gloucestershire’s largest open air street market takes place with over 250 stalls to browse and shop. Onwards, to the Cotswolds most famous town, Stow-in-the- Wold, a delightful market town with an array of elegant Cotswolds town houses, with many antique shops and Art Galleries clustered round the medieval town square. Then to Chipping Norton the highest town in Oxfordshire and finally Banbury of “ride a cock horse” fame - a thriving medieval town with lots of pubs and shops to see. Saturday or Wednesday Oxford & Blenheim Palace A fabulous day awaits. Firstly, the one hour drive to Oxford, the city of “dreaming spires”, and the long established centre of learning, with its associations to many TV and Film productions the most famous being Inspector Morse and Lewis. Morning free to sightsee, before travelling the eight miles to Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The remainder of the day will be spent here exploring the 2000 acres of “Capability Brown” landscaped parklands, lake and gardens, as well as the Palace itself, with its lavish interiors, rich furnishings and over 300 years of stories to tell.

Midweek or weekend dates available

Sunday or Thursday Stratford & River Cruise Leisurely breakfast before boarding the coach for the short journey through “Shakespeare Country” to Stratford-upon-Avon, one of the most important Tourist locations in the UK. Not only is it Shakespeare’s birthplace, but also the town has 800 years of history to see, many buildings which survive today would have been familiar to Shakespeare and his 16th century timber framed house is there to see. Later, we board the River Cruiser for a 45 minute guided sightseeing cruise. Relax and experience the charm and beauty of Stratford and surrounding countryside. On return we stop off for photos at the delightful thatched Anne Hathaways Cottage, in Shottery, the home of William Shakespeare’s wife. Sunday or Thursday Travel Home With both hotels having such a central England location, there will be many places worth stopping which can be included in your programme.

Blenheim Palace

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Wales

Wonderful ... holiday based in the mountainous region of Snowdonia. A five day break visiting Anglesey & Puffin Island, entrance to a garden and stately home; optional rail journey to the top of Snowdon, and a visit to the “Italianate Village” of Portmeirion. Hotel entertainment included every night.

Portmeirion

Highlights P Anglesey P Portmeirion P Puffin Island cruise P Caernarfon P Plas Newydd

Price Includes

5 days from

£194

Welsh Highlands & Puffin Island

P Welcoming tea & Bara Brith on

check in

P 4 nights DBB plus coffee P Entrance into Plas Newydd

Monday: Arrive at hotel to a welcoming Tea and Bara Brith whilst your luggage is taken care of. Dinner followed by entertainment.

P Entrance & Guided Tour of the Italianate Village of Portmeirion

Tuesday: Portmeirion Leisurely breakfast, before boarding your coach for the short journey through mountainous scenery to the coast and entrance into Portmeirion – the “Italianate Village”. A short background guided tour is included pointing out all the important landmarks of the village, with time free to roam round this unique setting. Portmeiron is made up of about 50 buildings, surrounded by 70 acres of woodland gardens. There are shops and cafes available. Portmeirion has over the years been a location for many films such as the Prisoner and Dr. Who. Back in time for dinner and entertainment.

Stately Home & Gardens

P 4nts entertainment (Welsh Choir, Magician, Racconteur & Vocalist) P Cruise to Puffin Island P Porterage & Free on site coach

park

P 1 free if over 25 paying pax. No single supplement

Puffin Island Plas Newydd Caernarfon Llanberis Portmeirion

Hotel 3* Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis Page 43

Available: May to September Rates and dates attached.

Wednesday: Free day to either relax in the surroundings of your hotel or take a stroll into the village of Llanberis. Within walking distance there are many worthwhile things to see & do: Llanberis Lake Railway, Welsh Slate Museum, Electric Mountain Visitor Centre and Power Station tour and adjacent to the hotel is the world famous Snowdon Mountain Railway (prebook costs approx £20pp). After dinner there is entertainment.

residence of the Marquess of Anglesey. This elegant 18th century Stately Home contains many fine paintings and a military museum. Many relics from the 1st Marquess are on show, who commanded the cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo. There is a fine garden overlooking the Menai Straights, with an Arboretum, terraces and woodland coastal walk. Continuing to Beaumaris to join a cruise out to Puffin Island – home to an abundance of wildlife. The puffin being just one of the many species of birds you may see on Puffin Island. The 1½ hour cruise takes you right round the island with a chance to see the grey seal colony and spot bottle nose dolphins. Back to the hotel for dinner and entertainment Friday: After a hearty Welsh Breakfast its time to say “hwyl fawr” to Wales and head for home. Puffin Island

Thursday: Puffin Island Firstly to the seaside town of Caernarfon, with time free to stroll round this historical town with its famous castle. Onwards over the Menai Straights and on to Isle of Anglesey. Entrance into the home and gardens of Plas Newydd, the

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Out of Season

st r e B lle Se

Wales

Bursting ... with variety from a jaw dropping train ride up into the clouds, to a cruise on the longest water aqueduct in the world. You’ll be visiting Wales’ most famous castle, as well as exploring the Roman walled city of Chester. North Wales & its coastline is an area of such outstanding beauty making this holiday particularly spectacular.

Caernarfon Castle

Highlights P Snowdon Mountain Railway P Caernarfon Castle P Canal boat cruise P Chester with boat cruise

Price Includes P 4nts DBB P Welcome tea & Barra Brith P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P Full Welsh Breakfasts

Mountain Railway

P Entrance into Snowdon’s summit

Visitor Centre

P Cruise on Aqueduct canal boat P Entry into Caernarfon Castle P Boat Cruise on the River Dee P 2 nights entertainment including

a Welsh themed dinner

No single supplement

Prestatyn Caernarfon

Llanberis

Chester Mold

Llangollen Snowden Cruise Railway

Hotels 3* Beaufort Park, Mold Nr Chester 3* Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn Page 43 Available: April to October Rates and dates attached.

£189

Boats & Trains of the Welsh Borderlands & Chester Day 1: Arrive at the Beaufort Park to welcoming tea or coffee & Barra Brith.

P Journey on Snowdon’s

5 days from

Day 2: Caernarfon Castle & Snowdon Railway Taking the coastal route past the seaside towns of Colwyn Bay & Llandudno to the historic town of Caernarfon, which is dominated by its castle giving the town a distinct medieval atmosphere, with entrance included. After lunchtime the tour continues for the short journey to Llanberis, where the train will be waiting to transport you to the roof top of Wales. At 3,560ft Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, dominating the aweinspiring views of Snowdonia National Park. Included is entrance into the summits Visitor Centre. Day 3: Llangollen Wharf Aqueduct Cruise Today we head south via the Horseshoe Pass to Llangollen. Board the canal boat taking the peaceful two-hour cruise along the Dee Valley, with a live commentary from your skipper explaining the history and local knowledge along the way. The journey will come to an end after you pass over the famous and thrilling Pontcysyllte aqueduct built by Thomas Telford in 1805 towering 128ft above the River Dee. The coach will meet you at Froncysyllte returning through Llantyslio Mountain range with time free in the charming market town of Ruthin, back in time for dinner and entertainment.

Medieval Banquets, see page 4

Day 4: Chester & Boat Cruise Short journey across the border to the Roman walled city of Chester, with time to explore the many boutique and vintage shops of Rufus Court. Or, the beautiful 1000 year old Chester Cathedral. One of the best ways to take in this walled city is by boat. We have arranged a ½ hour guided boat cruise on the River Dee, which runs through the centre of the city past Grosvenor Park & the Earls Eye, taking in the delightful views of riverside properties and gardens. Aqueduct Canal Boat

Snowdon Railway

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

w e N

England

Discovery ... break visiting two of England’s most treasured destinations. The Peak District, home of Britain’s first National Park with high limestone peaks to snake like gorges with Stately Homes and picturesque villages. Lincolnshire, the home of the “Dambusters”, a fertile land, full of ever changing colours, criss crossed by waterways, an area full of a proud and long history. This relaxing tour visits all the main sites and places of interest, staying in one of the areas nicest hotels.

Chatsworth House

Sunday x 5 days Friday x 3 days

Highlights P Lincoln P Chatsworth House P Peak District P RAF Scampton & Bomber Country

Price Includes P 2, 3 or 4 nights DBB P Welcome tea & biscuits on check in

P Entry into Chatsworth House & Gardens P Entry into RAF Scampton

(Optional donation: Guideline £4 pp)

P Driver free over 25 paying pax P Porterage Fri x 2nts £89pp Chatsworth Matlock Buxton RAF Scampton Lincoln Woodhall Spa

Bakewell Ashbourne

Derby

Boston

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Hotels 4* Menzies Mickleover Hotel, Derby Page 43

Available: May – September Rates and dates attached.

£174pp £89pp

High Peaks & Lincolnshire Wolds Sunday or Friday To Derby We have selected the 4* Menzies Mickleover Hotel, near Derby, for its great value and high quality. It is well located to take advantage of the exciting few days ahead. Complimentary tea and biscuits on check in. Monday or Saturday Peak District & Chatsworth House After enjoying a full English breakfast, the tour enters the Peak District town of Matlock, before continuing to Bakewell famous for it’s “tart”. We stop at the original Bakewell Pudding Shop, with time to browse and see a demonstration how this famous tart is made. Around lunchtime, we arrive at Chatsworth House and Gardens. Entry is included to one of the finest stately homes in Britain, with it’s fabulous gardens and unique treasures set in 105 acres of Peak District countryside. We return through the Peak District National Park via Ashbourne, in plenty time for dinner.

magnificent cathedral (over 900 years old). A city definitely worth exploring. See one of only four copies of the Magna Carta sealed by King John in the 12th century, go through Newport Arch the only Roman Arch still used by traffic, Bishops Palace, or, stroll round the narrow cobbled streets browsing the many unique boutique shops. Alternatively, you can view the spectacular city skyline from one of the boat trips available. Wednesday Lincolnshire Wolds For those staying 3 nights its time to head for home. If you are staying for 4 nights then today we visit Boston, Coningsby and Woodhall Spa. Firstly, Boston with its famous “Stump” tower, with its excellent market, which is open on a Wednesday. The day continues to Coningsby, home of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and then on to the delightful village of Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire’s “antique belt”.

Thursday or Sunday Depart after breakfast, returning home. Tuesday Lincoln & RAF Scampton Only a short drive away is “Dambusters Country”, where bombers from 617 squadron became legendary during WW2. The area is stacked with aviation history and we stop off for a visit at RAF Scampton, the home of the Dambusters and now the Red Arrows, with entry into the working squadron base and museums (Photo ID required). Allow 90 minutes. In the afternoon, with history still in mind, time is spent in the beautiful city of Lincoln, with it’s Boston Stump

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Arrive Fri x 2nts. All dates £89pp

W E N

England

Unspoilt ... and diverse, Yorkshire is home to the largest National Park in the UK providing outstanding scenery, a rich cultural heritage, and a breathtakingly peaceful atmosphere. On this 4 or 5 day break we explore the diversity of the UK’s largest county from an informative canal cruise to a guided tour & tasting at the World famous Black Sheep Brewery.

Kettlewell in the Yorkshre Dales

Highlights P Steam Railway Ride P Canal Cruise P Wensleydale Cheese P Brewery Tour

Price Includes

£169 £79

Yorkshire’s Treats & Treasures

P 2, 3 or 4 nts DBB P Entrance and guided tour of Black Sheep Brewery with tasting P Canal Cruise P Single on Embsay – Bolton Priory steam Railway P Wensleydale Cheese Factory

tour

Fri x 2nts £79pp

Wensleydale Ripon

Settle

Monday x 5 days Friday x 3 days

Skipton Ilkley

Harrogate Leeds

Hotel 3* Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley Page 44 3* Holiday Inn Garforth, Leeds Page 44

Available: June to September Rates and dates attached.

Monday or Friday Travel to Yorkshire’s Craiglands Hotel on “Ilkely Moor bar t’tat”, a fine 3* hotel set in it’s own grounds, and within easy walking distance of Ilkley centre. Welcome refreshments. On Friday, arrive Holiday Inn, Leeds. Tuesday or Saturday Harrogate & Herriot A grand day out mixing history & pleasure, with scenery all along the way. Firstly, a stop off in Harrogate, where you can stroll through the beautiful Valley Gardens or, explore the delightful Victorian arcades. Afterwards, proceed north into East Ridings and Ripon before descending on the Black Sheep Brewery with a 1 hour “shepherded” tour finishing with a glass of your favourite award winning beer. (There is a pub attached to the brewery to sample “ewe-nique” Yorkshire Hospitality, serving good pub grub). After some beverage and hospitality, we visit the attractive market town of Pateley Bridge, with it’s colourful floral displays and ancient market square.

with a 15 minute steam hauled journey on the Embsay – Bolton Priory Railway. Thursday* The Dales We follow the popular BBC series “The Dales” presented by Adrian Edmonson on a wonderful day out covering much of the treasures of the Yorkshire Dales. Time free in Settle, a small market town, before heading north over moor lands and past fells visiting villages like Horton in Ribblesdale. We stop in Hawes for a guided tour of Yorkshire favourite cheese factory – Wensleydale. Returning through spectacular Dales scenery via Kettlewell and Grassington, with stops along the way. Friday or Sunday Head for home. Embsay Steam Train

Wednesday Skipton, Canals & Railways After a leisurely breakfast we travel the short distance to Skipton – “The Gateway to the Dales”. Market day is Wednesday, first founded 800 years ago, held beneath the impressive medieval castle. After lunch, we take a canal cruise on an original barge along the Leeds – Liverpool canal (Includes tea/coffee, biscuits and commentary). We finish off a fabulous day

Fri x 2nts at Holiday Inn, Leeds. All dates £79 Arrive

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

England Charming ...

Lakeland towns, cascading waterfalls, inspiring mountains and sixteen sparkling lakes has made the Lakes one of the most beautiful and best loved regions in the UK. The area has inspired poets and artists for centuries, and now regarded, quite rightly, as England’s most scenic National Park. There’s plenty to discover on this carefully balanced tour.

Lake Windermere

Highlights P Ullswater cruise P Lake Windermere P Steam railway P Kirkstone Pass P Holker Hall & Gardens, P Brewery Tour

Price Includes

£189

England’s Lakeland Glory

P Welcoming tea/coffee and biscuits on

5 days from

check in

P 4 nights DBB P Steam Train Haverthwaite to Lakeside P Entrance to Holker Hall and Gardens P Cruise on Ullswater Steamer P Brewery Tour and Tasting P 2 nts entertainment P Free use of leisure facilities P Free place for your driver over 25 pax

No Single room supplement in Bowness

Carlisle Keswick Ullswater Lake Grasmere Kendal Bowness Holker Hall

Haverth Waite Railway

Hotels 3* Windermere Hydro Hotel, Bowness on Windermere 4* Daffodil Hotel, Grasmere Page 44

Available: March – November Rates and dates attached.

Day 1 Arrive at your hotel for a welcoming refreshment and take in the glorious lakeland scenery from the hotel entrance. Day 2 Lake Windermere & Southern Lakes Firstly, we stop off at Haverthwaite for the 20 minute journey on the scenic Steam train through picturesque Leven Valley to Lake Windermere. Afterwards, we proceed through Lakeland scenery to the famous Holker Hall & Gardens - regarded as one of the best stately homes in Britain. We spend most of the afternoon at Holker, where you can explore the house and stroll the gardens that merge into parkland framed by Lakeland mountains. Return to the hotel via Lake Coniston (of Bluebird fame) and Ambleside in time for dinner.

Day 4 Free time & Lakeland Brewery Tour Morning free to explore Bowness or Grasmere. Cumbria’s most popular destinations. People come to enjoy the lakes for sailing and watersports, or just to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the area. Around about lunchtime we take the short journey to Hawkeshead Brewery, an award winning family business, brewing traditional real ales with a modern twist. A guided tour is arranged which takes about 1 hour followed by a pint or 2 half pints in the Brewery Tap room. (The Brewery Tour has some steep stairs and is unsuitable for wheelchair users). Day 5 Lakeland Breakfast Take in the views for the last time before you leave the Lakes and head for home.

Day 3 Ullswater & Northern Lakes Over the Fells and Kirkstone Pass, which is the highest road in the Lakes and to Glenridding where you board the Ullswater steamer for a one hour cruise on beautiful Lake Ullswater the second largest lake in the Lake District, with time for coffee at Pooley Bridge. Marvel at the dramatic beauty of the fells as the tour continues to Keswick, stunningly located at the head of Derwentwater. Time free to explore this popular town before returning through Grasmere and past Dove Cottage (William Wordsworth’s home) and to Windermere in plenty of time for Ullswater Steamer dinner.

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Extra nights available from £40pppn

w e N

England

Tranquil ... Northumberland, a rich and diverse region with an illustrious heritage. A tour of superb contrasts. It’s not only a land of outstanding natural beauty, with unspoilt coastlines, sweeping sandy beaches, soaring cliffs, rolling hills and lush forests. But also, a land of mighty castles & fortifications, pretty fishing villages, historic market towns & a bustling city. No wonder people return time after time – one visit is just never enough.

Alnwick Castle & Gardens

Highlights P Holy Island P Cruise to Farne Islands, P Bamburgh P City Tour P Alnwick Castle & Gardens P Hadrians Wall P Colliery Museum

Price Includes P Welcome tea/coffee & biscuits on arrival P 4nts DBB P Entry to Alnwick Castle & Gardens P Wildlife cruise to Farne Islands P Entry & Guided tour of Chester Fort P 2 nights entertainment P Guided city Tour of Newcastle P Entry into Woodhorn Colliery Museum

Driver free if over 25 paying passengers

Berwick Holy Island Belford Hadrians Wall

Farne Islands Bamburgh Woodhorn Colliery

Alnwick Newcastle Carlisle Durham

Hotel 3* Caledonian Hotel, Newcastle 3* Blue Bell Hotel, Belford Page 44

Available: May – September Rates and dates attached.

5 days from

£179

Northumbria’s Heritage & Coastal Highlights Day 1 Durham & Angel of the North are two landmarks on your way to your hotel for welcoming refreshments whilst you check in. Day 2 Northumbria’s Coast and Cruise After a leisurely breakfast a wonderful day awaits. At Seahouses we board our chartered boat (31 steps to the boat) for a 1 ½ hour cruise passing the imposing Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne before heading out to the 16 islands which make up Farne. The cruise sails right round the islands giving good views of many species of birds including the puffin. There is a 3000 strong seal colony & large numbers can be seen basking on the rocks. Back on land we drive past Bamburgh Castle, echoing the area’s turbulent history, before arriving at Holy Island (or Lindisfarne), famous for its medieval religious heritage, becoming the cradle of Christianity. We cross the causeway (tide permitting) and visit the 16th century Priory. If access is not possible the tour will visit the Border Town of Berwick-on-Tweed. Day 3 Newcastle City Tour and Hadrians Wall Your guide will meet you at the hotel for a wonderful 2 hour city tour seeing many of Newcastle’s famous landmarks eg– Millennium Bridge, Quayside and The Keep, with commentary along the way. In the afternoon, for those not wishing to explore Newcastle further, we take the short journey to Hadrians

City Break: Fridays x 2nts DBB from £75pp

Wall with a guided tour of Chester Fort. This World Heritage site is the finest example of a Roman cavalry Fort in the UK. Appreciate what life would have been like exploring the officers’ quarters and well preserved baths and steam room. There is an amazing collection of Roman artefacts in the museum. Returning, the tour stops off in nearby Hexham, voted the best market town in Britain. Day 4 Woodhorn Colliery & Alnwick Castle & Gardens Begin with a stop at Woodhorn, a working coalmine for 80 years which closed in 1981, and now reopened in 2006 as a living museum showing what life was like for the 2000+ men who worked at the mine. It is the best surviving example of late 19th century colliery in the UK. Afterwards, we take the coastal road through Amble, Warkworth and Almouth to Alnwick Castle & Gardens – one of the largest inhabited castles in Europe. Discover the beautiful stately rooms of the castle, hear about the tragedies, dramas, romance and intrigue surrounding it’s 700 year old history. Explore the beautiful gardens and unique features including the Poison Garden, all brought to life with water. Day 5 Journey home This fabulous tour draws to an end.

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

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England

Discover ... A rich and diverse region with a long and illustrious past on this unique two centre holiday. Unspoilt coastlines with hidden coves and beaches, picturesque villages and contrasting scenery, studded with mighty castles & stately homes. A visit to two of Britain’s most historic cities Durham and Edinburgh completes this truly fascinating tour, with oodles of interest for everyone.

Beamish Living History Museum

Highlights P Beamish P Durham P Weardale P Northumbria’s coast P Alnwick Castle & Gardens P Edinburgh P Hadrians Wall

Price Includes P Welcoming refreshments in both hotels P Entrance into Beamish P Entrance into Alnwick Castle & Gardens P Min. one nights entertainment P Free use of leisure at Derwent Manor P Porterage P One free place if over 25 pax P Free overnight coach parking Twin centred Tour staying in character hotels

Dunbar Berwick Holy Island

Edinburgh Kelso

Bamburgh Alnwick Castle

Belford er

Newcastle Allensford

Beamish

Weardale

Durham

Stanhope

Hotels 3 Nights: 3* Derwent Manor Hotel, Allensford. Or, 3* Three Tuns Hotel, Durham 3 Nights: 3* Bluebell Hotel, Belford Page 44 Available: May – September Rates and dates attached.

£279

North Country Delights

P 6 nts DBB

Chester Fort

7 days from

Day 1 County Durham Travel to your selected hotel. Welcoming tea & biscuits awaits. Day 2 Beamish After breakfast, step back in time at the world famous Beamish Open Air Museum, telling the story of how life has changed in the North East over 100 years from Georgian Agricultural lifestyle to the Industrial Revolution. The full day is spent at this 300 acre site, set in attractive County Durham countryside. There are so many things to see, explore or try out. It’s a living history museum, where life down a drift mine can be experienced, or jump on a vintage tram. See Pockery Old Hall, the Town, Rowley Station, The Colliery, Home Farm, the Pit Village and a whole lot more. Most of the houses have been brought to Beamish and rebuilt and in some cases were already there, so it really does show life how it was. Day 3 Durham, Hadrians Wall & Weardale Firstly, to Chester Fort on Hadrians Wall, continuing along the Military road, stopping off close to the wall to take in spectacular views. Continuing into Weardale, (The Durham Dales) an Area of Outstanding Beauty, visiting the pretty villages of Allensford, Wearhead and Stanhope before arriving in the 2000 year old medieval city of Durham. The afternoon is free to explore, what is regarded as, “one of Europe’s great architectural experiences”. The skyline is dominated by it’s Cathedral and Castle. There is alot to see including the more vibrant centre with modern shops and restaurants. Day 4 Alnwick & Northumberland Depart Co. Durham heading north by-passing Newcastle and into the more rugged Northumbrian countryside. Entry is included into Alnwick Castle and gardens, the 2nd largest inhabited castle in England, and

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home to the Percy’s for more than 700 years. Discover a magnificent collection of art, delve into the darkness of the Lost cellars dwelling beneath the Castle Walls and its rich history which transformed the area. The Gardens are magnificently laid out, with gentle walks through an eye catching landscape. Check into the Bluebell Hotel, with a welcoming refreshment. Day 5 Northumbria’s Coast & Castle Trail The area surrounding the Bluebell is dotted with many fine castles & breathtaking coastal scenery. Today is the day to experience and see for yourself the “The Best Kept Secret” in England. The 100 miles of coastline is a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty, with miles of sandy beaches & quiet country lanes. We pass through traditional seaside towns, charming villages and hamlets seeing at close quarters dramatic castles, such as Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle and Dunstanburgh Castle. Day 6 Edinburgh & the Borders Today’s tour weaves the history, culture and the stunning landscapes of the Borders and Tweed Valley as we journey the 72 miles to Edinburgh. Along the way, we pass Berwick on Tweed and Dunbar. Edinburgh is regarded as one of the top ten city destinations to visit in the World. Apart from its famous Castle & Palace, there is top class shopping on Princes Street and plenty parks to relax and watch the world go by. We return to Northumbria passing Floors Castle stopping in the Border Town of Kelso, where Scotland’s oldest Abbey is clearly visible, dating back to 1128. Day 7 Farewell to Northumberland On your journey south there are many scenic routes to take either via Carlisle or through the Yorkshire Dales.

Arrangements can be made to incorporate Edinburgh Tattoo in August

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England & Scotland

Beautiful ... British countryside has inspired the works of many poets and authors including William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter & Robert Burns. This dramatic area has so much to offer with idyllic lakes, majestic mountain peaks, historical sites and inviting towns & villages. A tour providing a fascinating mixture of British folklore, history & scenery with some hidden gems to explore along the way.

Melrose Abbey built in 1136

Highlights P Floors Castle P Robert Burns Museum P Hadrians Wall P Lake Cruise P Wensleydale Cheese centre

Price Includes P 3 nts DBB in New Lanark Mill P 3 nts entertainment in Shap P Entry into Floors Castle & gardens P Entry into Robert Burns Museum P Entry & guided tour of Chester Fort P Cruise on Lake Ullswater P Entry into Wensleydale Cheese Centre

& Museum

Unique Twin Centre Holiday

New Lanark Ayr

Melrose

Gretna Shap Ullswater Lake Grasmere Kendal

Floors Castle Chester Fort Alston Wensleydale

Hotels 3 nts 3* New Lanark Mill Hotel, New Lanark Page 45 3 nts 3* Shap Wells Hotel, Shap Page 44

Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

£299

Scottish Borders, Lakes & Dales

P Welcoming tea & shortbread in Scotland P 3 nts DBB in Shap Wells Hotel

7 days from

Day 2 Elope to Gretna Green a destination where couples run away to be wed in the days when Scotland had less strict wedding laws! To this day couples from all over the world get married at the famous “anvil” in the Blacksmiths shop. Continue north to the 1st class New Lanark Mill Hotel, located within a World Heritage site, with a welcoming refreshment awaiting you on arrival. Day 2 Floors Castle & the Border Towns Today’s tour weaves the history, culture & the stunning lanscapes of the Tweed Valley and its Border Towns such as Melrose & the imposing ruins of its Abbey containing the heart of Robert the Bruce. Take in the dramatic views of medieval Dryburgh Abbey where Earl Haig and Sir Walter Scott are buried. Witness Scott’s View, loved by Scotland’s most famous novelist Sir Walter Scott, before visiting and exploring 18th century Floors Castle & Gardens near Kelso, entry included into the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. It is a unique Scottish attraction with stunning interiors and magnificent gardens. Returning to your hotel via the popular Border town of Peebles. Day 3 Ayrshire & Robert Burns Our first stop is the seaside town & resort of Ayr, with time free. Then to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offering a truly unique encounter with Scotland’s favourite poet. The museum comprises the famous Burns Cottage where the poet was born, the historic landmarks where he set his greatest work, the elegant monument and gardens created in his honour and a modern museum housing the world’s most important collection of his life and works. Afterwards, we continue onwards, passing Dumfries House, regarded as one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes, purchased by HRH the Prince of Wales in 2007 together with charities and heritage bodies. The whole property and gardens has been restored in order to keep this historic jewel intact

New and Exclusive Holiday

and accessible to the public. Tonight a Scottish Dinner is served complete with haggis. DAY 4 Northumberland & Hadrians Wall We depart Scotland but not before passing Moffat, Selkirk and Hawick, crossing the Border into Northumbria’s National Park. The tour reaches Hadrians Wall and a stop off at the World Heritage site for a guided tour of Chester Fort. The finest example of a Roman cavalry Fort in the UK. Then head into the North Pennines on a drive chosen by the AA as one of the top ten great drives, stopping off in the cobbled streets of Alston at over 1000 feet above sea level, it’s the highest market settlement in England. Afterwards we continue via Penrith and our hotel for the next 3 nights. Day 5 Lake District & Cruise A more leisurely day today, over the Kirkstone Pass to pick up the 1 hour cruise on Lake Ullswater between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. Heading west into the heart of the Lakes we spend time in Keswick, passing Dove Cottage, the home of William Wordsworth & Grasmere before returning to Shap in time for dinner and entertainment. Day 6 Yorkshire Dales & Wensleydale We head to the southern end of the Lakes with time free in Kendal before crossing over into glorious Yorkshire Dales countryside. Firstly, Wensleydale Cheese Centre, for a tour, demonstration and tasting. See how this world famous cheese is made, by hand, having won many awards and the favourite cheese of Wallace and Grommit! Afterwards we take the short journey to Aysgarth Falls, one of the main beauty spots in the region and featured in “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves” film with Kevin Costner. We return to Shap over the scenic Buttertub Pass. Day 7 Home After breakfast this memorable holiday comes to an end.

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Island Escapes Magic ... Manx – the pearl in the Irish Sea & a unique crown dependency for over 1000 years, with the oldest parliament in the World! An island rich in tradition, and steeped in myths and legends. Seek out hidden coves, sandy beaches and quaint seaside towns & villages. This holiday explores all the most popular places at a nice relaxing pace.

Peel Castle, Isle of Man’

Highlights P Mountain Railway P Castle Rushen P Laxey Wheel P Port Erin P Peel & Douglas

Price Includes P Ferry to and from the Isle of Man P Train to Snaefell Peak P Free coach parking at hotel P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P Full Manx breakfasts P Driver free over 25 paying passengers

Driver day off option

Isle of Man Ramsey

Snaefell Railway Peel

Laxey Douglas Hey

sha

Castletown

Hotel 3* Chesterhouse Hotel, Douglas Page 51

Available: March – October Rates and dates attached.

£199

Ancient Kingdom of Man

P 4nts DBB

Port Erin

5 days from

Day 1: Cruise to Manx Board the Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry from Heysham for the 3 ¾ hrs sailing to Douglas with just a short transfer to your hotel in time for dinner. Day 2: ‘Laxey & Snaefell Mountain Railway’ Head north to the historic mining village of Laxey, home to the worlds largest working waterwheel called “Isabella”. From here board the mountain railway at the “cottage” continuing up to Snaefell Peak, the highest point on the island, with time to take in the magnificent “birds eye” views of the Island. Later, continue north to Ramsey, the island’s 2nd largest town, with time free before returning to Douglas following part of the famous TT course passing the landmarks of Kates Cottage, Keppel Gate and Windy Corner.

considered to be the most “Manx”of all towns. Time to explore the tiny lanes, shops, harbour and museum. Interestingly, Peel is one of the best places in the world to see Basking Sharks from shore. Returning along the TT circuit over Tynwald Hill to the Manx parliament. Day 5: The ferry leaves Douglas shortly after breakfast arriving in Heysham around lunchtime for your journey home. Douglas Marina, Isle of Man

Day 3: ‘Day to relax in Douglas’ Enjoy the islands capital with its Victorian Pier & sandy beach. Or, take a ride on the horse and cart along the seafront. The hotel is within easy walking distance of all the local attractions and shops. Day 4: ‘Castle Rushen, Port Erin & Peel’ To the south lies Castletown - once the capital of the Isle of Man and is dominated by the magnificent fortress of Castle Rushen. It is one of Europe’s most finely preserved medieval castles, and well worth a visit. Onwards for the short journey through Port St. Mary with its busy harbour to Port Erin with its sweep of sheltered sandy beach. After a short stop proceed north to the fishing port of Peel,

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Snaefells Steam Railway

Stay an extra night from £33 pp DBB

edry s i v ra Re ine It

Island Escapes

Stunning ... tour mixing the proud history of the Celts with some beautiful scenic drives. Marvel at the magnificence of Drumlanrig Castle, explore the beautiful Ayrshire coast. Be traumatised by the story and tragedy of the Titanic, and afterwards find out more about Belfast. A holiday filled with hidden intrigue.

Drumlanrig Castle

Highlights P Northern Ireland P Titanic centre P Ayrshire P Drumlanrig Castle P Evening entertainment

Price Includes P Welcome tea & shortbread on check in P 4 nts DBB P Return High speed ferry Larne – Troon P Entry into Belfast’s Titanic Centre P Entry into Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens P Full Scottish breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinner plus coffee P A Scottish themed night P 2 other nts entertainment P Free coach parking P 1 free place if over 25 paying passengers

Extra night from £46pp

Irvine Ayr Larne Belfast Titanic Centre

Drumlanrig Castle Turnberry

Hotel 4* Menzies Hotel, Irvine Page 45

Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

5 days from

£229

Ayrshire & The Irish Jaunt Day 1: Ayrshire Arrive at the hotel to be greeted by the hotel management over tea and shortbread. Day 2: Robert Burns Country After a leisurely breakfast morning free to relax, before the short drive to Ayr, the region’s capital. Stroll around the bustling centre with plenty shops, bars and cafés or take a visit to the large sandy beach. Afterwards the coach takes you to the pretty village of Alloway, with its associations with Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns. Day 3: Belfast and RMS Titanic Dept Troon on the 1005 High Speed Ferry to Larne, taking just 2 hours. Firstly, the short journey to Titanic Belfast. This new exhibition extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story; from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking and the discovery of the wreck. Afterwards, a tour of Belfast seeing many of the cities iconic buildings. Back to your hotel by 8pm for dinner.

of Queensberry & brimming with centuries-old heritage and culture. Set in an 80,000 acre estate with Country Park and landscaped Victorian gardens. Lunch own arrangements at Drumlanrig. Afterwards we continue through the woodland uplands of the Galloway Hills past Loch Doon to Maybole with time free to stroll round Turnberry with its world famous golf course. Continuing back to the hotel with fine sea views all the way - the arch shaped Ailsa Craig & Firth of Clyde with the mountains of the Isle of Arran in the distance.

Turnberry Lighthouse and Ailsa Craig Titanic Centre

Day 4: Drumlanrig Castle, Turnberry & the Ayrshire coast A full day tour into the Southern Uplands and East Ayrshire. First stop is at the Renaissance styled Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens. Built in 1691 by the Duke

Now includes the Titanic Exhibition

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

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Island Escapes

Picturesque ... Oban, “Gateway to the Isles” with its harbour, surrounded by sweeping mountains is the perfect setting to explore the West Highlands & Islands. On this tour you will step back in history on the sacred Isle of Iona, enjoy a most magical sea crossing to the Isle of Mull, as well as sampling the enchantment & true beauty of Seil Island.

Oban

Highlights P Mull P Iona P Seil Island P Fort William P Commando Monument

Price Includes P Welcoming tea & shortbread on arrival P Return Ferry to Mull P Return Ferry to Iona P Entry into Iona Abbey P 2nts entertainment at Regent P 3 course evening meals P Full hot Scottish breakfasts P No single supplement in the Regent Hotel

Stay an extra night from £32 pp DBB

Commando Monument

Day 1 Oban Travel past Stirling and into the glorious Highland countryside along Loch Awe before reaching your waterfront hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 “Bridge over the Atlantic” After a leisurely breakfast, morning free to explore Oban. After lunch, a half day tour to Seil Island, made famous by the film “Ring of Bright Water.” Cross the bridge over the Atlantic opening up magnificent coastal scenery of the islands. We stop off at the quaint village of Easdale with its whitewashed fishermans cottages, there is a micro brewery for those wishing to sample the local brew, quaint shops and an interesting souvenir shop and café.

Page 48

Day 3 Mull and Iona Today we take the ferry to Mull together with your coach. Depts approx 1000hrs. Once on the island we journey south taking in the imposing Duart Castle, before reaching Fionnphort - the most westerly point of the island. Here you board the short ferry crossing on foot to the small island of Iona to visit the abbey, the resting place of over 100 Scottish kings and the birthplace of Christianity within Britain (entry included). An island of peace and contemplation attracting visitors from all over the world. Plenty of time to enjoy the island & its beach before heading back to catch your ferry arriving in Oban around 1800hrs.

Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

Driver Day off option Passengers can cruise to Mull & Iona without your coach. Hotels are no more than 300 yards from the ferry point.

Neptunes Staircase Mull Iona

Fort William & Nevis Range

Oban

Seil Island Glasgow

Hotels 3* Caledonian Hotel, Oban 3* Columba Hotel, Oban 2* Regent Hotel, Oban

£169

Oban & the Isles of Mull and Iona

P 4 nts DBB

5 days from

Stirling

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On Mull a private coach and driver will be waiting at the ferry terminal to conduct the island tour. Extra cost approx £21pp. Day 4 Fort William A scenic coastal drive along the shoreline of the loch takes you to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Time free to explore the main town of the West Highlands. A short drive to Neptunes Staircase, and see the boats navigating the 8 locks of the Caledonian Canal. We then continue the journey along the side of the canal to Gairlochy before stopping off at the Commando Monument in Spean Bridge . It is in this area that thousands of Commandos trained rigourously during WW2. Day 5 After breakfast it is time to head home.

Iona Abbey

Drivers Day off option on Day 3

w ry Ne era n Iti

Island Escapes

Unforgettable ...

two centre holiday based on the Atlantic coastline. A unique tour, now in it’s 4th year, has become one of Classic’s most popular holidays. It’s certainly different, and it’s affordable. Included are 2 cruises – one to the mystical Isles of Eigg and Rum and the second a Summer Isles cruise with every opportunity of seeing abundant wildlife including whales, eagles, dolphins, basking sharks, seals and more. Ending the tour at the Osprey Centre.

Dolphins off the coast of Eigg and Rum

Highlights P Small Isles cruise P Wildlife cruise P Isle of Skye P Osprey Centre P Ullapool

Price Includes P Welcoming tea & shortbread on day 1 arrival

P Full hot breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P Cruise to Eigg & Rum P Tea & Biscuits at the Caledonian Hotel P 1 night entertainment staying in

Caledonian Hotel

P Summer Isles & Marine Wildlife cruise P Ferry from Mallaig to Isle of Skye

Wednesday Drivers Day off

Ullapool Gairloch Inverness Plockton Skye

Boat of Garten Mallaig

Rhum Fort William

Pitlochry

Hotel 3nts 3* Morar Hotel, Morar 2nts 3* Dundonnell Hotel, near Ullapool

£367

Scottish Marine Wildlife & Small Isles Cruise

P 6 nights DBB

7 days from

or 2* Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool

1nt 3* Southbound Hotel Pages 45, 46, 47 and 50 Available: May – September Rates and dates attached.

Monday: The West Highlands Through Glencoe, past Fort William to your beach and island view hotel for the next 3 nights. Tuesday: Eigg & Rum Cruise After a leisurely breakfast dept nearby Arisaig at 1100hrs on the MV Shearwater cruising to the Hebridean Isles of Eigg and Rum. With a short stop at Eigg, where passengers can, if they so wish, disemabark and explore the island and walk the Scurr of Eigg, and be collected 5hrs later. Or, continue to Rum for 2hrs and walk to see the castle, 20 minute walk away, or the small village where there is a café for hot drinks and snacks. (walking shoes recommended). Returning to Arisaig c1800hrs. A wide array of sea and bird life can be spotted on and around the islands and it is not unusual for sailings to be slightly late due to a detour to watch Minke Whales, Basking Sharks or Dolphins. Wednesday: Free Day There are some lovely beach walks from Morar and loch cruises from Mallaig. Recommend the famous West Highland Line train journey to Fort William. The train station is right next to the hotel. Thursday: Isle of Skye & Atlantic coastline Over the sea to “bonnie” Skye, and to Broadford. Then the bridge to Kyle travelling through magnificent Highland glen scenery & coastal views passing Loch Maree and Loch Carron and to the loch side Dundonnell Hotel, or town centre Caledonian Hotel for the next 2 nights. Friday: Marine Wildlife & Summer Isles Cruise After breakfast we head to Ullapool, (if staying in the Caledonian Hotel, the cruise is about

Suitable for all ages, without walking difficulties

200yds walk away), to catch the MV Summer Queen 1000 hrs sailing for a truly captivating day. Firstly, Mussel Bay, and the colony of Atlantic seals, past Annat Bay and the huge bird colony before heading to the Summer Isles. It is here that there will be the most likely sightings of dolphins, minke and killer whales and other marine wildlife. We stop at Cathedral Cave – for a wonderful photo opportunity. Onwards through the narrow channels to land on Tanera Mhor, the last inhabited Summer Isle and the last place in Britain to print its own stamps. We go ashore, explore the island, visit the Post Office or café. On return we pass other seal colonies at Horse & Goat Islands concluding an unforgettable cruise with an abundance of wildlife and scenery which only the Summer Isles can offer. Back on land we head to the Caledonian Hotel for a welcoming hot refreshment (if staying in Dundonnell Hotel). Caledonian guests have an option of an afternoon tour of the local area. Saturday: Highland Capital & Osprey Centre Depart your hotel. The road hugs the coastline before the journey sweeps inland past lochs and mountains descending into the Highland Capital with time free. Continuing south we stop to see the Ospreys at the Osprey Centre near Boat of Garten (May- Aug.) Afterwards through delightful Speyside to your 3* hotel. You can book your stay in Speyside, Perthshire or as far south as Glasgow to suit your onward journey on Sunday. On all cruises we recommend warm clothing, gloves, secure hat, camera and binoculars.

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Island Escapes Capture ... the true beauty of the Scottish Highlands and its Islands on this rugged & breathtaking tour. Each day is distinctively different. Magical cruises to the Isles with abundant wildlife. Sample island lifestyle and learn about their ancient history spanning back over 5000 years.

Isle of Harris Highlights P Isle of Skye P The Uists P Guided tour of Lewis & Harris P Ullapool

Price Includes P 5 nights DBB, P All ferry crossings as shown, P Services of a local & experienced guide

for full day tour of Lewis & Harris

P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee

each evening

P Entrance into the Black Houses and

Museum

P 1 Light lunch P Full breakfast each morning P Free place for your driver over 25 paying passengers (Prices based on minimum 20 paying passengers)

Driver day off option Day 4

Lewis Harris Ullapool Inverness

Uist

Skye

Fort William Pitlochry

Hotels 1nt 2* Dunollie Hotel, Skye Page 50 or

3* Balmacara Hotel, near Skye

1nt 3* Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula 2nts 4* Caberfeidh Hotel, Stornoway or

2* Caladh Inn, Sornoway Page 51

1nt 3* Speyside or Perthshire Hotel Pages 47, 49

Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

6 days from

£354

Hebridean Odyssey Day 1 Isle of Skye Past Stirling, and then into the Highlands. Time free in Tyndrum for a coffee then we climb the road into Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, where wonderful scenery unfolds, with high mountaintops and sweeping moorland. Stopping off in Fort William, in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis. Heading north through the Great Glen and past impressive lochs with a stop off at Eilean Donan Castle, and the 2nd most photographed castle in Scotland. Check in to your overnight hotel, on or near Skye Day 2 The Uists Commencing with a magnificent drive across Skye to catch the sailing to North Uist, with lunch on board (own arrangements). A scenic coastal tour of the Uists passing numerous tiny lochs and beaches, before checking into the Dark Island Hotel. Benbecula.

settlements, with entrance and light lunch included; the imposing Carloway Broch, a fortified tower dating back over 2,000 years and finishing a wonderful day with a visit to a Tweed Mill, explaining the history of the famous Harris Tweed. Drivers day off option (Coach Hire and driver approx £395) Day 6 Inverness & Spey Valley This morning we depart the Hebrides on the crossing to Ullapool, and head on to Inverness, the “Capital of the Highlands”, for a short stop before we start our journey south, through picturesque Spey Valley and into Perthshire for your final nights stay. Day 7 Travel Home after breakfast. There is the option of staying an extra night. Price guideline £49 pp DBB

Day 3 Isle of Harris After a leisurely breakfast head north and the sailing to the largest of the Hebridean Islands, the Isle of Harris. A rugged landscape of moorland, deep-sea lochs, and mountains. Against this backdrop is a proud history dating back to prehistoric times. We travel to the north end of Lewis and to the capital Stornoway for the next 2 nights. Day 5 Lewis and Harris Guided Tour Full day tour of Lewis and Harris, with an experienced island guide, including the impressive 5,000 year old standing stones of Callanish (Scotland’s Stonehenge, but older). Ancient thatched “blackhouses”, typical of crofting

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Kisimul Castle, Barra

Both of these tours are very

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Island Escapes

Ultimate ... Scottish Island Experience, visiting 7 different islands. Dramatic mountains, romantic glens, sparkling lochs & 1800 miles of breathtaking coastline are only part of this adventure. You’ll also find some unexpected wonders; history, culture & wildlife. A truly inspiring journey through an untouched wilderness, that is the Hebrides.

5000 year old Callanish Stone Circle, Lewis

Highlights P Oban P 7 Hebridean Islands P Guided Tour P SpeysideP Considerate Ferry Times

Price Includes P Full breakfast each morning P Choice 3 course dinner plus coffee each

Thursday: Travel to Glasgow area for your overnight stop in a minimum 3* hotel DBB.

P All 4 ferries

Friday: Loch Lomond, Oban & Cruise After breakfast the tour continues into the Highlands, along the shoreline of Loch Lomond & Loch Awe to Oban to catch the afternoon ferry to the Isle of Barra, the most southerly of the Outer Hebrides. As you sail into Castlebay you will pass the 11th century Kisimul Castle providing a stirring and romantic welcome to Barra, arriving at your beachfront hotel in time for dinner.

evening

P Guided tour of Lewis & Harris P 1 light lunch on Lewis P 1 free place for your driver if over 25

paying passengers.

P Free coach parking at all hotels

Drivers Day off option Monday

Stornoway Ullapool Inverness Barra

£415

Hebridean Island Hopper

P 6 nights DBB

7 days from

Benbecula Oban

Pitlochry

Glasgow

Hotels 1nt 3* or 4* Glasgow area Page 45 1nt 2* Isle of Barra Hotel 1nt 3* Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula 2nts 4* Caberfeidh Hotel, Stornoway or 2* Caladh Inn, Sornoway Page 51 1nt Speyside or Perhshire Hotel (Pages 47, 49) Available: May – September Rates and dates attached.

Saturday: Isle of Barra & the Uists Breakfast at leisure taking in the magnificent views from the hotel, maybe see a plane or two land on the beach! We depart Barra catching the sailing to Eriskay, with its vast sandy beach known as Prince Charlie’s Bay, where the “Bonnie Prince” landed in 1745. Continue along the causeway to South Uist, the Hebrides 2nd largest island, a haven for birds and carpeted with a profusion of wild flowers. It was near here in 1941 S.S. Politician sank with 50,000 cases of whisky. Many cases were salvaged & later drunk by locals and told in the classic film “Whisky Galore”. Over the causeway to Benbecula and overnight at the Dark Island Hotel. Sunday: Isle of Harris After breakfast depart Benbecula on the short sailing to Harris, a mountainous island fringed by white beaches and coves. Firstly, we visit St Clement’s Church at Rodel, dating back to the 16th century. The church tombs are amongst the most spectacular in Scotland. We stop off at the ancient standing stone of Clach Mhic Leoid (Macleods stone)

popular and sell out every year

which is located close to the roadside near Horgabost. Take in the superb views overlooking the Isle of Taransay, the setting of the recent BBC series Castaway. Check in to your Stornoway hotel for 2 nts. Monday: Lewis Guided Tour After a leisurely breakfast your local guide will meet you for a full day tour of the Northern part of the Hebrides, which, in contrast to the more mountainous Uists is more rolling moorlands. You will hear amazing stories about folklore and history, as you journey through time from Bronze and Iron Ages to the days of Viking settlements and more recent times. We stop off at the 5000 year old Callanish standing stones (undoubtedly the most remarkable antiquity in the Hebrides). Then to the ancient thatched “black houses”, with a light lunch included and the 2000 year old Carloway Broch ending with a visit to a Harris Tweed Mill. Drivers Day off option Full day (Coach Hire and driver approx £395) Tuesday: Ullapool & Inverness After breakfast you have time to explore Stornoway, the only town in the Western Isles and home to 8000 people. Explore the shops or take a walk around the gardens of Lewis Castle. In the early afternoon we take the sailing to Ullapool. Proceeding towards Inverness and the Spey Valley for your final nights stay. Wednesday: Head for home or stay an extra night for a cost of £49pp DBB, or we can arrange an overnight further south for approx. £42pp DBB.

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

s ir ce ld P e H

Highland Stag Highlights P Mountain Top Safari P Highland Wildlife P Glamis Castle P Dundee

Explore ...

5 days from

£179

Glorious ...

Extra night from £30 pp

the natural beauty of Perthshire & Speyside. See the Highlands from an entirely different perspective. Every opportunity to observe an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat, including a mountain top 4x4 safari led by kilted Rangers. Finishing with a visit to Glamis Castle, the Queen Mum’s childhood home.

Perthshire is the base for this holiday

Cairngorms

Loch Tummel Aberfeldy Stirling

Highlights P Blair Atholl P Scone Palace P Whisky Distillery P Glamis

exploring some of Scotland’s most impressive Castles & Palaces.

Pitlochry

On this fabulous tour you will

Dunkeld

sample some local brews and visit

Glamis Castle

some amazing places. All part of Scotland’s proud heritage.

Edinburgh

Royal Highland Safari

Castles & Palaces

Monday Tea & shortbread awaits whilst you check in

Price Includes P 4 nights DBB P Welcoming tea &

shortbread on arrival

P Full Scottish breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinners

plus coffee

P 2½ hour Highland Safari

with Rangers

P “Wee dram” in a Mountain

chalet

P Lunch in one of Scotland’s

oldest Inns

P Guided Tour of Highland

Wildlife Park

P Entry into Glamis Castle &

Gardens

Price Includes

Tuesday Highland Safari After a leisurely breakfast, travel the short distance to meet up with your kilted Mountain Safari Rangers. Armed with your binoculars and cameras the 4x4’s will transport you in comfort and safety into Europe’s last wilderness. From the top the scenery is deer and Golden Eagles. Stop off for a “wee dram” and shortbread at a Mountain chalet. Afterwards, we drive to the Kenmore Hotel, Aberfeldy

Cairngorm National Park, an area of outstanding beauty. Firstly, a Park Ranger will join the coach for a guided tour of the Highland Wildlife Park. Discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world’s mountains and tundra in a spectacular Highland setting. The park is home to wildcats, red deer, capercaillie, the only 2 Polar bears resident in the UK and many more. Afterwards free time in Aviemore. On the way

Thursday Glamis Castle & Gardens Only an hour away from Dunkeld

Page 47 Available: May – October Rates & Dates attached.

Blair Atholl Whisky Distillery

P Entry to Glamis Castle &

Hotels

4* Hilton Dunkeld

arrangements), o

Wednesday Highland Wildlife Park Today we take you to the

back we stop off at Queen Victoria’s favourite view at the head of Loch

3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld

P Guided tour and tasting at

Atholl Castle

scenic Perthshire tour back to the hotel stopping off in Pitlochry.

There is no strenuous walking on this holiday and is suitable for all ages.

3* Birnam House Hotel, Dunkeld

Day 2 Blair Atho

P Cabaret Show & dance P Entry and guided tour of

by Loch Tay for lunch in one of Scotland’s oldest inns, before taking a

Tummel.

in the fertile valley of Strathmore is Glamis Castle & Gardens. Admire

reception before

P 4 night DBB P Welcome Drinks Reception P Entry & Guided Tour of Blair

breathtaking. There are regular sightings of Grouse, Mountain hares,

Day 1 Join the m

Scone Palace Gardens

P Free Liqueur P Tase of Scotland Evening

with traditional music and dance

P 1 other nights entertainment

Hotel 3*Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie Page 47

Perthshire. An ex

castle with time f

for a guided tour dance.

Day 3 Scone Pa centuries, it was regarded as the

for a visit to Perth

with a liqueur. To

an evening of da Day 4 Glamis &

Strathallan Valley

Queen Mother. W

castle or the bea

its stunning architecture, explore its history, legends and myths or

by the magic of G

enjoy the surrounding beauty of the grounds and gardens. The castle

time. After dinner

is famed as being the childhood home of the Queen Mother and the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’. We spend the afternoon at Glamis.

Day 5 Head for

Afterwards the short journey to Dundee - the city of Discovery for some

hedge, planted b

sightseeing and shopping. Friday After breakfast time to head for home.

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Available: April – October Rates & Dates attached.

the largest hedge 120 feet high.

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Scotland

Glamis Castle

e Castle

5 days from

£199

Includes 3 nts entertainment

Glamis Castle Blairgowrie Blair Atholl Distillery Blair Atholl Castle Scone Palace

Forth Bridge Cruise Highlights P Border Towns P Floors Castle and Gardens P Edinburgh & Boat Cruise

Magnificent ...

management team for a welcome drinks

£229

5th night available on Sunday for £xx pp DBB

4* Peebles Hydro is the setting for Classic’s Solo programme, a much loved leisure resort in the stunning Tweed Valley. As well as staying in beautiful surroundings, we have included a variety of different excursions to appeal to as wider an audience as possible. A visit to Floors Castle and we spend time in Edinburgh finishing with a cruise under the Forth Road Bridges.

of Regal Scotland

5 days from

Edinburgh

Forth Cruise

Peebles Floors Castle Melrose Abbey

Galashiels

Luxury Singles Holidays in the Scottish Borders Day 1 4* Peebles Hydro Hotel, with scenic views along the way.

e dinner.

Price Includes

oll Castle & Distillery set in the middle of rural

P 4 nights DBB P Choice dinners & full

you have the chance to meet your fellow travellers.

P Welcome Bucks Fizz

history dating back to 1124, then on to Floors Castle & Gardens.

P Min 1 night entertainment P Entrance into Floors Castle &

It is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and dates back to

xpert guide will take you around the 13th century

free to stroll the gardens. After lunch (own

onwards to nearby Blair Atholl Whisky Distillery

r and tasting. Dinner followed by a cabaret and

alace is probably Scotland’s finest Palace. For once the crowing place of Scottish Kings, and rightful home of the Stone of Destiny. Onwards

hshire Visitor centre where you will be greeted

onight’s “Taste of Scotland dinner” is followed by

ancing. Dundee Scenic tour through the fertile

y to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the

Whether you want to explore the legends of the

breakfasts Reception

Gardens

P Boat Cruise under the Forth

Bridges

P Free use of Leisure Facilities P Porterage P Free overnight coach parking P 1 free place over 25 paying

pax.

Before dinner there is a welcoming Bucks Fizz reception, where

Day 2 Borders & Floors Castle Firstly to Galashiels – rich in A romantic fairytale castle with its turrets, pinnacles and cupolas. 1721. Its extensive landscaped gardens are a delight to stroll. Allow 3-4 hrs to make the most of Floors, before returning via the Border Towns of Melrose with its famous Abbey and Kelso. Day 3 Edinburgh & Forth Cruise No holiday to this part of the UK can be complete without a visit to Scotland’s capital. Edinburgh is only a short journey away, and time is provided to explore this wonderful city. Afterwards, the coach travels the short distance over the Forth Road Bridge to board the “Maid of

Hotel 4* Peebles Hydro Hotel, Peebles Page 45

the Forth”. Relax and enjoy a magical cruise under the bridges and towards Inchcolm Island to view various wildlife including seals, puffins and dolphins.

auty of the gardens you will not fail to be touched

Day 4 Free Day in Peebles Take breakfast when you want,

Glamis. Afterwards, to Dundee for some free

enjoy the facilities at the Hydro, take a swim, book a spa

r there is some in-house entertainment.

treatment, have a stroll into Peebles only a 5-10 minute walk away and browse the many speciality shops and boutiques. After

home passing the famous Meikleour beach

dinner, enjoy some in house entertainment.

by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s troops in 1745. It is

e in the world, measuring 580 yards long and

Available: April – October Rates & Dates attached.

n.com/groups for latest offers

Day 5 Travel home after breakfast or stay an extra night. It cost just £55pp DBB.

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Island Escapes Unspoilt ... seas and landscapes, bountiful wildlife, outstanding archeology and over 5000 years of history – the Orkneys is an archipelago of over 70 islands, waiting to be explored. The holiday highlight is a days guided tour of this amazing island visiting most of the main sites, as well as exploring “Big” Perthshire and the western Highlands along the way.

Warebeth beach, Orkney

Highlights P Pitlochry P Inverness P Orkney Isles Cruise & tour P Castle of Mey P Loch Ness

Price Includes P 5 Nights DBB P Welcoming tea/coffee & cakes on

arrival in Thurso P Return ferry between John O’Groats & Orkneys P Full day island tour with guide & private coach P Entry to Castle of Mey P 3 Course choice dinners plus coffee P Full Scottish breakfasts P 1 free place for driver of over 25 paying passengers

Drivers Day off option Wednesday

The Orkneys Thurso

John o’ Groats Inverness

Loch Ness Fort William

Dunkeld

Stirling Glasgow

Perth Edinburgh

Gold 1 nt 3* Lovat Hotel, Perth Page 47 3nts 3* Pentlands Hotel, Thurso Page 50 1 nt 3* Golden Lion Hotel, Stirling Page 46

Silver 1nt 3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld Page 47 3nts 2* Castletown Hotel, Castletown by Thurso Page 50 1 nt 3* King Robert Hotel, Stirling Page 46 Available: May to September Rates and dates attached.

6 days from

£259

Glorious Orkney Isles & Scenic Scotland Sunday: Travel to Perthshire to your selected hotel in Perth or Dunkeld for your overnight stay. Monday: Inverness & the Far North After breakfast head north and into the Highlands, with a short stop in Pitlochry. Continue into the Spey Valley passing the imposing Blair Atholl Castle, reaching Inverness about lunchtime, with free time to explore the Highland Capital. Onwards along the northeast coast, past Brora with its sandy beach and fairytale Dunrobin Castle, arriving at your chosen hotel in time for welcoming tea/coffee & cakes. (Silver package). Tuesday: Castle and Gardens of Mey Morning at leisure, before your short excursion along the coast & the pleasure of visiting the Queen Mother’s former residence, The Castle & Gardens of Mey, perched high on the cliff tops overlooking the Firth. You will have most of the afternoon to enjoy the castle and its gardens along with the animal centre and tearoom.

Stenness, The Italian Chapel and Kirkwall with an opportunity to see Kirkwall’s magnificent 12th century cathedral. Return sailing approx. 1730hrs & your hotel in time for dinner. Drivers day off option – Coach Hire and driver approx £375 Thursday: Loch Ness, Fort William & Glencoe Today we depart Thurso and travel south taking in the ever changing scenery. We stop off at Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, for photo opportunities Then onwards along the Great Glen to Fort William with time free before continuing south through mountainous Glencoe. Finally into the rolling countryside of the Trossachs arriving at your Stirling hotel in plenty time for dinner. Friday: After breakfast time to head for home. Italian Chapel, Orkney

Wednesday: John O’Groats & The Glorious Orkneys The highlight of the tour now beckons. Catch the 40 minute ferry crossing as foot passengers from John O’Groats arriving on the Orkney Islands where you will meet your private coach & experienced tour guide. The full day guided tour includes visiting most of the main sites on the islands including Skara Brae, The Churchill Barriers, Scapa Flow, Ring of Brodgar, The Standing Stones of

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Stay a second night in Stirling from only £38pp DBB

Island Escapes Adventure ...

on a voyage of discovery to Europe’s most remotest of islands. Experience island lifestyle, which has little changed in generations, being distinctly different to mainland Britain. The spirit of the Isles and its people is truly inspiring in both its culture and welcome. With the help of local island guides experience the islands history, archaeology, folklore, tradition & wildlife. To complete this wonderful holiday, we have included 2nts in one of Scotland’s historical cities, so you can compare both Island Lifestyle together with the culture of a Scottish city.

The unspoilt Shetland Isles

Highlights P Small Isles Cruise P Mountain Gondola P Loch Ness & Inverness

Price Includes

7 days from

£539

Spectacular Orkney & Shetland Cruise

P 3 nts hotels DBB P Welcome tea & shortbread on Saturday P 1 night DBB on board the ship/ 1 dinner

on board ship

P Entrance to all the guided attractions P A full day guided tour of Shetlands P A Full day guided tour of Orkneys P 1 night BB*, 1nt DBB on Orkneys P Free place for your driver over 25 paying

passengers

Drivers rest day is Thursday

Orkney

Shetland

Thurso Dunrobin Inverness Aviemore

Aberdeen

Perth Glasgow

Edinburgh

Hotels 1nt 3* Central Scotland Pages 46 & 47 1nt on ship 2nts 3* Stromness Hotel, Orkneys Page 51 2nts 3* Perth, Dundee, Stirling or Dunfermline Pages 46 & 47

Available: May to September Rates and dates attached.

Saturday Journey through Scotland taking in the unfolding landscapes & to your selected 3* hotel. Tea and shortbread served on arrival. Sunday Cruise Aberdeen to Shetlands After breakfast you have all day to build in a tour as part of the holiday. There are some amazing places to visit in the Aberdeenshire area - Classic will be happy to advise. The ship departs Aberdeen at 1700hrs on either the MV Hjaltland or Hrossey. You take your coach with you. Enjoy dinner on board with an overnight sailing staying in a 2 berth en suite cabin. Single cabins are available at a supplement. Monday Shetlands Tour Wake up in Lerwick. After breakfast you join your coach & meet your guide for the day. (A driver can be arranged to move the coach off the ferry at Lerwick to assist with drivers hours.) A full day of sightseeing taking in the unspoilt coastline with huge cliffs with an abundance of wildlife including Puffins. Visit the outstanding site of Jarlshof Viking settlement in the south and then Scalloway Castle and Museum and, of course, Shetland’s famous ponies. Time free in the islands capital - Lerwick. Late afternoon return to your ship with dinner served on board, arriving in Orkneys at 2300hrs with transfer to the 3* harbour side Stromness Hotel, Stromness.

Wednesday Inverness & Northern Highlands Breakfast for 1100hrs sailing to Scrabster. (Prov. Ferry times 0630 May & Sept*. 1100 June – Aug). Heading south the road hugs the coastline affording panoramic views of both sea and Highland moor lands, passing Wick, Helmsdale, Brora with its sandy beaches & “fairytale” Dunrobin Castle with its ornamental gardens. Over the causeway reaching Inverness around lunchtime with time free for shopping & sightseeing. (*In May & Sept a late breakfast is included in Inverness area at approx 0930hrs) After a break, we head south as we passing through the Spey Valley to Dundee, Perth, Stirling or Dunfermline and to your selected hotel. Thursday Free Day Hotels are selected to make the most of your last day in Scotland. Simply relax, some hotels have leisure. Or, explore the shops and sights. Or, opt for the short train journey into Edinburgh, where there’s plenty to see and do.

The Ships Both MV Hrossey & Hjaltland are modern, purpose built ships for this route. Cabins have all the mod cons, and the public areas are of a high standard with restaurants, bars, shops and a cinema. 600 passenger capacity.

Tuesday Orkney Tour After breakfast your guide will meet you at the hotel. A full day of sightseeing taking in the unspoilt sea and landscapes, bountiful wildlife, outstanding archaeology and an opportunity to discover over 5,000 years of history. Visiting World Heritage sites of Skara Brae, Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, and Skaill House, Churchill Barriers, Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow. Lunch at leisure in Kirkwall followed by a visit St. Magnus Cathedral. Back to the Stromness Hotel for dinner and overnight.

IMPORTANT: All passengers must have photo ID at on board check-in

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

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Scotland

Awe inspiring ... holiday based in the popular Victorian resort of Dunoon with it’s pier and 4 miles of flat promenade. You’ll be transported across the sea to visit Rothesay and the remarkable Mount Stuart. There’s a private lunch arranged in the impressive old kitchens at Inveraray Castle, and you can stroll at leisure round one of Argyll’s most enchanting gardens. All this is set against a backdrop of beautiful Highland and coastal scenery.

Mount Stuart

Highlights P Lunch in a castle P Mount Stuart Palace P Rothesay P Benmore Gardens

Price Includes P Welcome refreshment on check in P 4 nts DBB P Ferry crossings as described P Min 2 nts entertainment

(Scottish night in Argyll)

P Entry into Mount Stuart Palace & Gardens P Private lunch at Inveraray Castle P Entrance into Benmore Botanical Gardens P 1 free place for your driver over 25 pax.

Extra night from £35 pppn DBB

Inveraray Arrochar Benmore Gardens

Rothesay & Mount Stuart

Loch Lomond Glasgow Edinburgh Dunoon Carlisle

Hotels 2* Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar 3* Argyll Hotel, Dunoon 3* Royal Marine Hotel, Dunoon Page 48

Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

5 days from

£179

Dunoon, Argyll Highlands & Isle of Bute Day 1 Scotland & Firth of Clyde Past Glasgow and along the shoreline of the Firth before the sea crossing to Dunoon from Gourock. Check in to your loch side hotel with a welcoming refreshment. Day 2 Isle of Bute, Rothesay & Mount Stuart A spectacular day awaits, travelling over the Kyles of Bute, stopping for some photos, before catching the short sea crossing over to the Isle of Bute. We spend time in the Victorian seaside resort of Rothesay. The highlight of the day is the impressive Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, a testament to the Stuart’s passion and flamboyance. A lavish Palace, arguably one of the best in the UK, with sumptuous rich rooms and a 300 acre labyrinth of impressive gardens. We spend most of the afternoon here. Before returning we complete the short coastal route round the island. Day 3 Inveraray & Castle Lunch After a leisurely breakfast we depart Dunoon, hugging the shoreline of Loch Fyne to the Georgian town of Inveraray. We spend time in this historic market town with its many shops and attractions such as 19th century Inveraray Jail. Nearby is Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll. We have arranged for you to have lunch in the old kitchens of the castle. Afterwards, you can explore the rich interiors or stroll round the beautiful castle grounds leading down to the loch. We return

E: groups@classicbritain.com

along one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Scotland towards Tignabruaich, passing the tiny village of Strachur, where the late Sir Fitzroy McLean lived – a famous soldier from which, it is believed, 007 – James Bond is based. Back in plenty time to prepare for a Scottish night with haggis, Scottish music and dance. Day 4 Benmore Gardens & Loch Lomond Another wonderful day out. We take the short sea crossing over on to the mainland and head towards Loch Lomond. “The Queen of Scottish Lochs”. Time free at Lomond Shores retail outlet, with many easy walks on the loch side, or take one of the short cruises out into the loch. We continue north along the loch side to Arrochar before descending to Benmore Botanical Gardens, set in a majestic mountain setting – a place of vital mystery and enchantment. We spend a couple of hours here roaming the gardens, before the short journey back to Dunoon. (Normally, in July the paddle steamer Waverley operates various cruises from Dunoon, which can be substituted in your programme at approx an extra £15). Day 5 Ayrshire & home After loading the coach, we take the sea crossing to Gourock. If time permits, recommend heading south along the coast through the popular resort of Largs, with time in Ayr before connecting with the M74 for your journey home.

Swap Day 4 for Waverley Paddle Steamer Cruise in July, Approx £15pp extra

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Island Escapes

Encapsulating ... holiday set against a backdrop of mountains lochs and glens. A holiday visiting the small isles of Muck, Eigg and Rum, with it’s abundant wildlife. Sit back and enjoy a journey on a mountain gondola with amazing views of Ben Nevis finishing with a wonderful day out along Loch Ness to Inverness.

Fort William & Ben Nevis

Highlights P Small Isles Cruise P Mountain Gondola P Loch Ness & Inverness P Kinloch Castle

Price Includes P Full hot breakfasts

Monday: As you travel north into the Highlands sit back and take in the scenery as it unfolds before you – gliding through majestic Glencoe before arriving at your loch view hotel.

P Choice 3 course dinners P Mountain Gondola ride P Cruise to the Small Isles P Guided Tour and entrance into Kinloch Castle

P Free overnight coach parking P 1 free place over 25 paying passengers

Extra night from £50pp DBB

Inverness Cruise Rum

Mallaig

Loch Ness Fort William Stirling

Glasgow

Hotels 3* West End Hotel , Fort William 3* Imperial Hotel, Fort William Page 48

Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

£239

Fort William & Voyage to the Small Isles

P 4nts DBB

5 days from

Tuesday: Loch Ness Circular & Inverness Today we head for Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Much of the 66 mile journey hugs the shoreline of Loch Ness. We stop off at Fort Augustus at the head of the loch before proceeding past Urquhart Castle, where many “supposed” sightings of Nessie have been made. Time free in Inverness, we return down the eastern side of the loch, with more open vistas of lochs and mountains. Back in plenty time for dinner. Wednesday: Small Isles Cruise Probably the highlight of the holiday will be the cruise to the small isles. The journey starts with a fabulous drive along the “Road to the Isles” stopping off at Glenfinnan and the Bonnie Prince Charlie Monument. Arriving in the coastal town of Mallaig to board the cruiser as foot passengers (dept 1015). Sit back and relax as the scenery of the small isles of Muck and Eigg is brought to you, with every chance of spotting abundant wildlife with many seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales and basking sharks in these waters. On Rum we have arranged for a guide to meet you with a private tour of lavish Kinloch Castle. (Mini bus transfer available on request for pax with mobility issues). Arriving back in Mallaig at 1725 hrs.

Thursday: Lochaber and Mountain Gondola Morning at leisure to explore the West Highlands main town. After lunch, the coach departs on a local tour visiting Neptunes Staircase, a series of 8 lock gates on the Caledonian Canal, then we venture over to Aonach Mhor where the mountain cable car is waiting to transport you 2,300 feet up into the mountains, with fantastic views of Ben Nevis, Britain highest mountain. At the top there are some easy walks, an observation platform, shop and cosy café overlooking the glen. Returning in time for dinner. Friday: After breakfast time to head for home.

Seals basking, Isle of Eigg

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

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Island Escapes

Bringing together ... a new island “hopping” holiday which includes two intriguing but very different islands. The Isle of Arran, often referred to as “Scotland in Miniature” and Gigha, reported to be the smallest and most beautiful of the Hebridean Islands. A two centred holiday combining the unique island lifestyles together with the beautiful gardens and magical landscapes that make Argyll so picturesque.

Island cruises with Calmac

Highlights P Three Sea Journeys P Two Islands P Three Gardens P One Castle P Oban P Crinan Canal

Price Includes

6 days from

£259

Isles of Arran & Gigha & Gardens of Argyll

P 5 nights DBB P Welcome tea & biscuits in Inveraray

Day 1 Isle of Arran Catch the afternoon ferry from

visit the vantage points on the island before having

Ardrossan, checking into the Kinloch Hotel. (If an

a soup and sandwich lunch at the Gigha Hotel. On

overnight hotel is required on the mainland the night

leaving the island we head north along the coast to

P Ferry off Arran

before then this can be arranged at a supplementary

Inveraray for the next 3 nights.

P Entry to Brodick Castle & Gardens

cost of approx £40 pp DBB.)

P Entry into Achamore Gardens

Day 2 Arran & Brodick Castle & Gardens Enjoy

to see and do in Invereray from browsing the many

P Lunch on Isle of Gigha

breakfast in the waterfront restaurant. The sea is only

curiousity shops to visiting Inveraray Jail. It is from

50 yards away from the hotel. The day starts with a

here that many convicts were sent to the penal

tour over to Brodick, the island’s capital, with entry

colonies in America and Australia. The main attraction

into the Victorian estate of Brodick Castle & Gardens,

is the Duke of Argyll’s residence – Inveraray Castle

with its dramatic setting overlooking the Bay and Firth

and Gardens. The castle is adjacent to the hotel. This

of Clyde. The castle is packed full of treasures, with

particular castle is one of the most famous of Scottish

an impressive collection of period furniture, silverware

castles, and highly recommended to explore.

P Min. 1 nights entertainment P Ferry to Arran

P Return ferry to Gigha P Entry to Arduaine Gardens

Drivers Day off option Day 4 Loch Awe

Inveraray

Oban

Loch Lomond

Ardvaine Gardens

and trophies. The surrounding landscaped gardens are pretty impressive too, with waterfalls, wildlife ponds and woodland walks. Afterwards, we visit Arran Aromatics- with their luxury homemade and local

Crinan Canal

Arrochar Glasgow

Lochgilphead

fragrances. The tour returns to the hotel taking the coastal route, with fantastic seascapes all the way.

Day 4 Free day in Inveraray There are many things

Day 5 Oban, Arduaine Gardens & Crinan Canal Another fabulous day awaits. Firstly, to Oban passing Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe and Pass of Brander. Time free in the popular seaside resort of Oban. Taking the coastal road south, many island views come into play. Entry is included into Arduaine Gardens, a wonderful

Day 3 Isle of Gigha & Achamore Gardens We

coastal garden, influenced by the North Atlantic Drift,

leave Arran today, taking the short ferry crossing

20 acres of outstanding plants, with open views across

over to the Mull of Kintyre, made famous in the Paul

the sea to the Isles of Shuna and Luing. Further south

McCartney song. Nearby, we catch the boat with your

we stop off at the Crinan Canal, an amazing feat of

coach over to the breathtaking Isle of Gigha, with it’s

engineering linking the Sound of Jura with Loch Fyne.

sandy beaches, clear green seas, a host of wildlife

Every year around 2000 boats take the 9 mile journey

and a population of 110. It is the most southerly of

on what is known as “Britain’s most beautiful shortcut”.

2 nts 3* Kinloch Hotel, Arran Page 51

the Hebridean Islands being 7 miles long by 1 mile

The tour stops for a short while for photos and the

3nts 3* Argyll Hotel, Inveraray Page 48

wide. Firstly, there is a meet and greet from the head

returning journey follows the course of the canal.

gardener of the world famous Achamore Gardens,

3nts 3* Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar Page ??

before entering the gardens with 50 acres of natural

Isle of Gigha

Kinloch Brodick

Isle of Arran Ardrossan

Hotels

woodland, large walled garden, pond area with many Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

rare and interesting plants and trees. Afterwards, we

E: groups@classicbritain.com

Day 6 Loch Lomond, Glasgow & Home Before picking up the M74, the journey starts with another glorious drive along loch sides including Loch Lomond, before by-passing Glasgow.

Depts: 11/5 & 17/8 are reversed, starting in Inveraray

Scotland Wow ...

A truly wonderful, Scottish break, staying in a Castle. Included is a visit to two of Scotland’s most treasured and historical houses. There is time to explore Scotland’s capital city, with entry into the new 5* National Museum, bringing together Scotland’s rich heritage. The tour concludes with a “Grand Scottish Evening”. This is an ideal holiday for those looking for something a bit different.

Traquair House

Highlights P Floors Castle P Traquair House P Grand Scotish Night P Edinburgh & National Museum of Scotland

Price Includes P 4 nights DBB P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P Full Scottish breakfasts P Welcome tea, coffee & shortbread

on arrival

P 1 Scottish themed evening with piper P Entry into Floors Castle & Gardens

(Apr-Oct)

P Entry into Traquair House P Free use of leisure facilities P Driver free if over 25 paying pax,

(1 in 20 Nov – April)

P Free on site coach parking

No Single Room Supplement

Traquair House Edinburgh Floors Castle

Peebles Langholm

Melrose Carlisle

Hotels 3* Barony Castle, near Peebles Page 45 Please note: Single rooms are not accessable by lift. Available: March – November Rates and dates attached.

Exclusive to Classic

5 days from

£199

Castle Parties in the Scottish Borders Sunday Travel to Barony Castle Located in 25-acres of its own grounds near Peebles. Welcome tea, coffee & shortbread awaits whilst your luggage is taken care of. The hotel has just been refurbished and is expecting to become a 4* hotel by 2014. Monday Traquair House After your 1st nights stay in the castle enjoy breakfast in the restaurant, you have time to relax, read one of the complimentary newspapers, take a stroll round the gardens, or have a swim in the hotel’s beautiful leisure club. Afterwards, the short drive takes you to Traquair House, dating back to 1107. A refuge for Catholic Priests during centuries of terror and a hunting lodge for Kings and Queens. Traquair is a unique piece of living history and one of the highlights of the holiday. In the out of season period, the house is quite often opened for exclusive viewing. Tuesday Floors Castle. Following breakfast an exciting day awaits. Firstly to Galashiels, rich in history beginning in 1124, continuing on to Floors Castle and Gardens –Scotlands largest inhabited castle and home to the Duke of Roxburghe. The castle dates back to 1721 and contains many fine paintings and antiques from all over the world. It is a romantic fairytale castle with its roofscape of turrets, pinnacles and cupolas. The gardens & grounds are vast being laid out in the early 1800’s. Allow upto 4 hrs to make the most of Floors before returning through the border towns of Kelso, Melrose

and its Abbey – destroyed by Richard II in 1385, is one of Scotland’s most famous ruins. (Floors Castle is open & entry included for all tours between 1 April & 31October) Wednesday Edinburgh No holiday can be complete without a visit to Scotland’s capital - voted one of the top cities in the world for sightseeing. There is so much to see and do from shopping to the many attractions. In the afternoon, for those who wish, entry is free into Scotland’s National Museum, a 5* Visitor Attraction, exploring the diversity of the natural world, its cultures, art, design, technologies and Scottish History – all under one roof. Return to Barony to relax, before preparing for your “Grand Scottish Evening”, with traditional menu, the piping in of the Haggis and Selkirk Grace. Thursday Living like a Laird sadly comes to an end as you head through the Borders homeward bound.

Floors Castle

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Scotland Famous ... historical places are common in Scotland, but none more so than the Firths of Forth and Clyde in shaping Scotland’s and indeed Britain’s heritage. At a leisurely pace we explore the best bits, from a loch cruise on a steamer, to the world’s only boat lift hoisting you over 35m. Be captivated at the landmarks and wildlife on the arranged cruises on the Forth and across the Clyde from Dunoon.

Loch Katrine Cruise

Highlights P Steamship cruise P Falkirk Wheel Boatlift P Forth Bridges Cruise P Dunoon P Boat Lift

Price Includes P 4 nights DBB P Steam cruise on Loch Katrine P Entry to Falkirk Wheel & Boat lift P Forth Bridges Cruise P Ferry from Dunoon to Gourock P 3 nights entertainment at Rob Roy P Full Scottish breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P 1 free place for your driver over 25 paying passengers

Overnight hotels available from £38 pppn DBB

Aberfoyle

Loch Katrine Forth Cruise

Arrochar Dunoon Falkirk Wheel

Drymen Callander Glasgow

Dunblane

Hotels 4* Dunblane Hydro Hotel, near Stirling 3* Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen 2* Rob Roy Hotel, Aberfoyle Page 46 Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

£144

Waterways of Scotland

P Welcome tea and shortbread

5 days from

Day 1 Journey into Scotland Arrive at your chosen hotel, for welcoming tea, coffee & shortbread. Day 2 Loch Katrine and the Trossachs A short journey through the glorious Trossachs will take you to Loch Katrine. Take your seat on the Steamship Sir Walter Scott with the beauty of the loch unfolding before you, which inspired Sir Walter Scott to write his famous poem. As you travel, the tales and legends of the loch will be narrated by a crew member. Afterwards, continue through Callander with some time free in historical Stirling, with its famous castle, Bannockburn Heritage Centre, which will be celebrating its 700th anniversary, with lots of special events taking place throughout the summer months. (If you wish to know more ask on booking).

Day 4 Five Lochs Tour A spectacular day out into “bonnie” Scottish countryside. First a trip to Loch Lomond, the ‘Queen to the Scottish Lochs’ before turning off to Arrochar with its dramatic mountain backdrop, known as the “Arrochar Alps” - continuing along the shoreline of Loch Fyne, Loch Eck and the famous Holy Loch to Dunoon, with time free for lunch. Afterwards we board the ferry across the Firth of Clyde to Gourock returning to your hotel over the River Clyde’s Erskine Bridge. Day 5 Travel Home After a hearty Scottish breakfast its time to pack your bags and head for home.

Day 3 Falkirk Wheel & Forth Bridges Cruise A short drive takes you to the Falkirk Wheel, one of Scotland’s top attractions. Your time here will involve a trip on the boat Falkirk Wheel to experience the only rotating boatlift in the world, joining the Union Canal. In the afternoon Maid of the Forth cruise continue towards Edinburgh, boarding the “Maid of the Forth” for a memorable cruise under the two famous Forth Bridges, as well as passing by the 3rd bridge which is currently under construction. Then, out towards Inchcolm Island to view various wildlife including seals, dolphins and puffins.

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One of Classic’s most popular tours

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k in r + O r D p (A

Scotland

Experience ... holiday set against the full scenic glory of both Perthshire and the West Highlands on this tremendously well priced tour. Sit back and absorb the contrasting scenery and natural beauty. Explore one of Scotland’s most famous Palace’s. Sample an award winning dram, join in some wonderful entertainment, and in April & October free drinks are included!

Scone Palace

Highlights P Whisky Tour & Tasting P Scone Palace & Gardens P Fort William & the West Highlands P Pitlochry P Free drinks voucher in Apr-Oct

Price Includes P 4 nights DBB with choice 3 course

P Entertainment on 2 nights (Breadalbane) P Welcome refreshment on check -in P Entry into Scone Palace & Gardens P Entry and guided tour of the Famous Grouse Experience

P 3 Drinks vouchers per night in April &

October (Breadalbane)

P Free Place for your driver if over 25

£159

Perthshire & The West Highland Circuit

dinners plus coffee

P 6 course Highland Banquet (Breadalbane)

5 days from

paying pax

P Porterage 4 Day Break Available

Inverness Dalwhinnie Fort William Glencoe Loch Earn Crieff Aberfeldy

Pitlochry Scone Perth

Glasgow

Hotel 2* Breadalbane Hotel, Aberfeldy Page 47 3* Kenmore Hotel, near Aberfeldy Page 47 Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

Monday Welcome to Aberfeldy with complimentary refreshment on check in. Tuesday Perthshire & Whisky Morning free to go for a stroll around Aberfeldy before a relaxing tour through glorious Perthshire countryside to Crieff. Included is a guided tour of the Famous Grouse at Glenturret. Scotland’s oldest distillery. See the world’s largest bottle of whisky, watch the BAFTA award winning interactive show. The guided tour of the distillery ends with a free dram. Afterwards, we travel through more sweeping Perthshire Countryside to the popular Victorian town of Pitlochry, with time free, before returning to your hotel in plenty time for dinner and entertainment. Wednesday The Highland Circuit After a hearty full Scottish breakfast, we head North into the Highlands. Watch as the scenery changes dramatically into majestic mountain peaks and shimmering lochs and rivers. The Highlands is Europe’s least populated area and little has changed for generations. We turn west at Dalwhinnie, along the shore line of Loch Laggan, famous for the “Monarch of the Glen” TV series with dramatic views of Ben Nevis coming into play before reaching the bustling resort of Fort William with time free to explore the West Highlands largest town. Continuing south, you will soon realise why this area is so special. High mountain peaks, vast sea lochs carving inlets into the mainland

Drinks included (Breadalbane Hotel) in April & October

and deep glacial valleys, all there to see and admire. We stop off in “eerie” Glencoe with its narrow pass through the mountains. You can almost feel the atmosphere from its turbulent history and bloody past. As the fabulous day comes to a close, the scenery changes back into the more rolling & fertile Perthshire countryside. We return to Aberfeldy along the shoreline on mighty Loch Tay. (AA say 177 miles, drive time 4 hrs 20mins). Tonight there is a 6 course Highland banquet in Breadalbane. Thursday Perth & Scone Leisurely breakfast before boarding your coach for the short journey to the city of Perth, with time free for shopping or stroll around the riverside park. Nearby, we visit one of Scotland’s top 5* Visitor Attractions - Scone Palace - once the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, Scone Palace occupies a unique position in the history of Scotland. A breathtakingly beautiful place of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone - also known as the Stone of Destiny. Scone Palace is regarded as a national treasure and is revered as the historic jewel in the crown of Scotland. The afternoon is spent at Scone allowing plenty time to explore the Palace rooms and roam the beautiful gardens. Dinner followed by entertainment. Friday Depart Aberfeldy after your final Scottish Breakfast and head for home.

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Scotland Breathtaking ... rail journeys capture the contrasting villages and towns of Inverness, Fort William, Aviemore and Kyle of Lochalsh. Sit back and relax as dramatic Highland landscapes glide past you. Go back in time on one of the most well known and nostalgic rail journeys in Europe, made famous in the Harry Potter movies. Also includes two other memorable rail experiences.

Steam Train on Glenfinnan Viaduct

Highlights P Jacobite Steam Train P Kyle Line P Aviemore Steam P Whisky Tasting P Entertainment

Price Includes (excl West End Hotel)

Monday: Travel north through the Borders P Min 2 nights entertainment in Balavil and arrive at the 3 star hotel of your choice, P 4 nights entertainment in Duke of Gordon P One leg Rail journey from Inverness to Kyle with welcoming refreshments. of Lochalsh Tuesday: Jacobite Steam Train reserved P Single Steam Rail journey from Aviemore seats on the nostalgic West Highland line, to Broomhill steam hauled. Made famous in the Harry Potter P Rail journey on the Jacobite Steam Train movies. The journey takes approximately 2 Tour of Glenfiddich Whisky Distillery with a P dram to taste (Excl West End Hotel) hours each way with free time to explore the P 3 course choice evening meals fishing village of Mallaig. The Jacobite Steam P Full Scottish breakfasts train is one of Europe’s most popular train P Free place for driver over 25 paying journey’s absorbing Loch Eil, Caledonian passengers Canal, Glenfinnan Viaduct & Monument and Loch Morar – Scotland’s deepest Loch. Absorb Overnight hotels available from £38 pppn DBB in the beautiful views of Eigg, Muck and Rum. On return capture the views of the mighty Ben Inverness Glenfiddich Nevis. Passengers enjoy one leg on the steam train and the other leg utilising your coach. The Kyle rail journey is very different to the road journey. Skye Newtonmore A stop will be made at Glenfinnan for photo /Kingussie Mallaig opportunities of the Bonnie Prince Charlie Pitlochry monument, the viaduct and Loch Shiel. Glenfinnan Fort William

Perth Stirling

Hotels 3* Balavil Hotel, Newtonmore 3* Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie 3* West End Hotel, Fort William Page 48, 49 Available: May – October Rates and dates attached.

£189

Romantic Highland Railways

P 4 Nights DBB P Tea/coffee and shortbread on check in

5 days from

Wednesday: The Kyle Line After breakfast head for Inverness to catch the train for Kyle of Lochalsh, by the Isle of Skye. A rail journey passing moorlands and mountain regions, quoted by Michael Palin as being one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the Europe. Once in Kyle, a short journey with your coach over the bridge to Skye with time for sightseeing. Passengers will do one leg by rail and the other leg by coach. Back to the hotel in time for dinner.

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Thursday: Aviemore Steam & Whisky Trail A leisurely breakfast followed by a short drive to Aviemore with free time to explore the resort and shops before boarding the Strathspey Steam train to Broomhill – most famously known as Glenbogle in the popular ‘Monarch of the Glen’ TV series. Hauled by steam the one way 45 minute journey passes through spectacular Speyside scenery. After time for photos we carry on our journey up the Whisky Trail to Glenfiddich whisky distillery where we have a guided tour and a wee dram. Time free in Grantown on Spey before returning to the hotel to get ready for your final Scottish dinner, with Scottish entertainment. (Tours staying in Fort William replace the Whisky Trail part of the day with the scenic drive along the shores of Loch Laggan & Spean Bridge). Friday: Travel home After breakfast start your journey home.

Strathspey Railway

Extra nights available from £36 pp DBB

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Inspiring ... holiday covering the famous Highland railways, see amazing scenery, with every opportunity of being in close proximity to extraordinary wildlife. One of the tour’s highlights is a cruise along the Isle of Jura coastline with the chance of spotting an abundance of wildlife including dolphins, seals, basking sharks, eagles and whales & amazing sea views of the mainland and the small Isles.

Ardfern & Natural Wonder Cruise

Highlights P Rail journey on West Highland Line P Wildlife Cruise P Loch Tay P Oban P Fort William P Scottish night

Price Includes P 4 nights DBB P Single Journey on the West Highland Line P 2 hour Natural Wonder cruise P 1 Scottish night with 4 course Highland banquet

P 1 other nights entertainment P Free overnight coach parking P Driver free if over 25 paying pax P Porterage

Longer stays available from £40 pppn DBB

Fort William Crianlarich Oban

Crieff Inveraray Glasgow

Hotels 3* Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich Page 49

Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

£189

Rail and Scotland’s Natural Wonders

P Tea and shortbread on check in

5 days from

Day 1: Arrive at the Crianlarich Hotel Welcoming tea and shortbread, whilst luggage is taken care of. Day 2: Fort William & West Highland Line After breakfast, half the passengers catch the 1021 train from nearby Crianlarich Station. This particular rail journey was voted as the best railway journey in the world by readers of Wanderlust Magazine , the bible for independent travellers. On your 2 hour journey you’ll pass shimmering lochs, travel through the UK’s only snow tunnel, and travel round the massif of Ben Nevis. The railway journey takes a different route than the road. To get the best of both worlds, passengers travel one direction by train and the other by coach. Time free in Fort William before a short journey to see the Engineering feat of Telford’s “Neptunes Staircase” a series of 8 lock gates on the Caledonian Canal, and then on to Glenfinnan & Loch Shiel to see the viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter films and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Monument. It was from here that the 1745 Jacobite rebellion started. Dinner followed by in house entertainment. Day 3: Loch Tay & Crieff A more leisurely day out doing a circular tour venturing into Perthshire. Firstly to Dochart Falls, Killen then along the shoreline of glorious Loch Tay, and to Aberfeldy. The tour continues to the

Trialled in 2013 and all dates sold

Perthshire resort of Crieff with time free for lunch and to explore the many curious shops and boutiques, before returning to the hotel along the shoreline of another famous loch – Loch Earn. Then back to the hotel in plenty time to get ready for the Scottish Night and Highland Banquet. Day 4: Oban & Natural Wonder Cruise A most remarkable day awaits. Firstly the tour heads to Oban, with time free before driving along the coast to Ardfern where a specially chartered boat is waiting to take you out amongst the isles on a 2 hour cruise. The deck is covered and seats 60 pax, so there is plenty space for everyone. (recommended to take warm clothing, hats, gloves, camera and binoculars). The cruise takes you across the Sound of Jura, whilst hearing both factual commentary and legendary tales. Past a seal colony & sea eagle nesting site. Go across the entrance to Corryvreckan while looking out for porpoise and if lucky, dolphin, basking shark and minke whale. Return taking in the historic islands in Loch Craignish. Back on land, return via the historical town of Inveraray, and along the shoreline of Loch Lomond, for your final dinner. Day 5: After breakfast its time to head for home.

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

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Much Loved ... by the Royal Family, this area of Scotland is particularly rich in history. There are castles dotted all over the place – we visit the two most popular ones, including Balmoral Castle where Classic has exclusivity for guided walks. We venture into Speyside to find out more about the popularity of Scotland’s national tipple. This is a wonderful, diverse tour and one of our lowest priced packages.

Balmoral Castle

Highlights P Exclusive Balmoral Estate Walk P Speyside Cooperage P Fyvie Castle P Glenfiddich Tour & Tasting

Price Includes on arrival

P 4 nts DBB P Guided Walk of Balmoral Estate, with

entrance into Castle & Gardens. Or,

P Entrance into Balmoral Castle & Gardens

followed by lunch in Braemar

P Entrance into Fyvie Castle & Gardens P Entrance & Tour of Speyside Cooperage P Tour and tasting at Glenfiddich whisky

£139

The Ultimate Castles & Whisky Trail

P Welcoming tea/coffee and shortbread

5 days from

distillery

P 2nts entertainment (Huntly Arms) P Free use of drying room (Huntly Arms) P Driver free if over 25 paying pax.

No Single Room Supplement

Aboyne Glenfiddich Cooperage Tomintoul Breamar Stirling Glasgow

Fyvie Castle Aberdeen Ballater Balmoral

Edinburgh

Hotels 2* Huntly Arms Hotel, Aboyne 3* Deeside Inn, Ballater Page 49 Available: May – July (Balmoral Castle is closed August onwards) Rates and dates attached.

Monday To Royal Deeside through glorious Mountain scenery, before arriving at your chosen hotel to a welcoming cup of tea and shortbread. Tuesday Balmoral Estate & Castle Either a 4 mile guided walk taking you into the very heart of Balmoral estate, exploring the “nooks & crannies” most visitors miss. Meet estate staff who will give you an insight into the inner workings of this Royal Highland estate. Walking through parkland, gardens, forest and riverside with regular sightings of red squirrels, osprey and occasional Golden Eagle. Finishing with entrance to the castle rooms, as explained below. (Allow 5-6 hours). Or for those who do not wish to join the walk, we have arranged another programme for guests to gain access into the Castle and stroll the gardens. Enjoy a fascinating audio guided tour, bringing to life stories of the estate and characters like Queen Victoria. There’s also a new exhibition to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Afterwards, the coach takes the short journey to explore the lovely village of Braemar. Lunch is arranged at the Fife Arms Hotel. Returning to collect walkers from Balmoral at approx 3.30pm. Wednesday The World Famous Whisky Trail A tour through rugged and mountainous terrain over the Lecht and into Tomintoul, the UK’s highest village, then into Scotland’s Whisky Country, with 14 distilleries, is the worlds favourite malt whisky region. Follow the whisky from Benromach to Dallas Dhu, Glenfarclas to Strathisla – home and heart of Chivas Regal. We stop off at Aberlour, (where Walkers shortbread is made), before a visit to the UK’s only Cooperage. Entrance is included for an

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insight into the ancient art & skill of cask making. You can even have a go yourself! We stop off for a guided tour of the famous Glenfiddich whisky distillery, with a tasting, before returning to the hotel. Thursday Castle Trail & Aberdeen Through stunning Royal Deeside scenery, to Banchory where we turn north on to the Castle Trail, passing near to many famous castles such as Crathes, Fraser & Craigievar. Entrance is included into Fyvie Castle, one of Scotland’s most grand castles, and certainly the most haunted! The charm of Fyvie ranges from its 13th-century origins to its stunning Edwardian interiors. The castle is home to a superb collection of arms, armour and paintings. Take a stroll around lochside grounds or visit the 18thcentury walled garden, which has been recently redeveloped. We return via the Granite City of Aberdeen, with free time. Friday Home passing the Mickleour Hedge On your way home look out for the Mickleour Beech hedge, planted by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s troops in 1745. It is the largest hedge in the world, 580 yards long and 120 feet high. Walking Information The Balmoral Walk is an easy grade walk, where a reasonable level of fitness is required. The walk is on paths or tracks. Please ensure you bring suitable clothing and footwear, a small back pack, with midge repellent, binoculars, camera, flask and food which can be purchased from your hotel the night before. Classic uses the most experienced and knowledgeable Walking Operator in Royal Deeside. Max ratio 15:1 (min 10 walkers)

Brand New Itinerary, more going on at a lower price than 2012

Island Escapes Spectacular ... Scottish Tour taking you on a journey of discovery. Sit back and relax as the beauty of the Highlands unfolds before you. Eerie Glencoe, Lochs & Castles, Isle of Skye, breathtaking Sutherland & Caithness as well as an Orkneys Cruise and tour. Witness a way of life in the far north that has little changed in generations.

Spectacular scenery all the way

Highlights P Isle of Skye P North West Highlands P Orkney Isles P Castle & Gardens P Inverness

Price Includes

8 days from

£364

Scotland’s North West Passage

P 7 nights DBB P Full Hot Scottish breakfasts P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee P 1 nights entertainment in Ullapool P Dunvegan Castle & gardens P Tea/coffee & shortbread on Ullapool arrival P Orkneys Cruise & Guided tour P Driver free over 25 paying passengers P Porterage Optional packed lunch on day 5 £5.50pp

An Exclusive Holiday

Thurso Durness Ullapool Gairloch Portree

Orkney John o’ Groats

Dunrobin Castle Inverness

Dunvegan

Balmacara Pitlochry Fort William Stirling Glasgow

Hotels 1nt Min 3* Glasgow area hotel 2nts 3* Balmacara Hotel, by Skye 1nt 2* Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool 2nts 3* Pentlands Hotel, Thurso or, 3* Royal Hotel, Thurso 1nt 3* Stirling area hotel Pages 45, 46, & 50 Available: May – September Rates and dates attached.

A 2013 Favourite

Day 1: Break for the Scottish Border and Glasgow area for your overnight stay. Day 2: The West Highlands The magic begins – the journey heads north along the “Queen of Scottish lochs” – Loch Lomond, we hug the shore line for over 20 miles. Proceeding on through mountainous Glencoe, where the road sweeps through the narrow glen before opening up to Loch Linhhe and Fort William in time for lunch (own arrangements). Afterwards the tour continues along Loch Lochy, Loch Garry, Loch Cluanie and Loch Duich, with a stop at Eilean Donan Castle, which is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. Next 2 nights in the 3* Balmacara Hotel. Day 3: Isle of Skye the most famous of Scottish Islands. We head to Portree the islands capital. The tour sweeps across the island to historical Dunvegan Castle and its gardens, (entrance included). Dunvegan is the stronghold of the Macleod clan and is the longest inhabited castle in Scotland being over 800 yrs. Returning along the coast road, with views of the Cuillens, the most impressive mountain range in the UK. Back in time for dinner. Day 4: Loch Maree & Ullapool Depart the hotel & head along the west coast to Ullapool. Along the shoreline of Loch Maree, with time free in Gairloch, passing Inverewe Gardens and Guinard Island. Continuing to Ullapool for a welcoming tea/coffee and shortbread & your overnight stay & entertainment. Day 5: Caithness & Sutherland The holiday continues into a part of the UK where very few people have been. Those that do visit rarely return disappointed. It is truly an area of extraordinary

beauty. Mile upon mile of crumbling cliffs and sheer rocky headlands sheltered bays whose perfect white beaches are nearly always deserted, somewhat incongruously, they’re also home to Scotland’s best surfing waves. A walkers and wildlife watchers paradise, with huge seabird colonies clustered in clefts and on remote stacks at regular intervals along the coast; seals also bob around in the surf offshore. Along the way, we stop off at lunchtime in Durness, the UK’s most North westerly town, before continuing along the northern shoreline to Thurso and your hotel for the next 2 nights. Day 6: Orkney Isles The short journey takes you past the Queen Mums Scottish residence –the Castle of Mey, to John O Groats where we pick up the Orkney Ferry. The crossing takes about 40 miunutes. On the Orkneys you will be met by your private coach and experienced driver/guide. The highlights of the tour includes some of the main sites on the island including Scara Brae, the Churchill Barriers, Scapa Flow, Ring of Brodgar, The Standing Stones, the Italian Chapel and the islands capital Kirkwall with its 12th century cathedral. Returning back to John O’Groats and your hotel for a fine Scottish dinner. Day 7: Inverness & Pitlochry Heading south it is worthwhile stopping off to see the fairytale castle of Dunrobin. On to the cosmopolitan Highland capital of Inverness, with time free. Afterwards the scenery changes into more rolling mountain views as we travel through the Spey Valley and into Perthshire, past Blair Atholl Castle, with some free time in Pitlochry, passing Perth before reaching your 3* hotel in Stirling area. Day 8: Depart Scotland and head for home.

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

st r mo tou 13 lar 20 pu po

Scotland

Delightful ... holiday set amongst beautiful mountain scenery. Included is a trip on one of the most stunning rail journeys in the world; a cruise on a glass bottom boat around part of Skye. Experience the wonders of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle before a jawdropping journey on a mountain railway to the highest restaurant in the UK.

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

Highlights P Glass Bottom Boat P Loch Ness Cruise P Mountain Railway P Kyle Line Railway

Price Includes P 4 nts DBB

Bottom Boat

P Cruise on Loch Ness and Entrance to

Urquhart Castle

P Return Journey on the Cairngorm

Funicular Mountain Railway

P 3 nights entertainment, 1 Scottish Night.

(Carrbridge Hotel)

P Individual dining at both breakfast &

dinner (Carrbridge Hotel)

Add a 5th night from only £35pp DBB

Broadford

Inverness

Skye Cruise Kyle

Heather Centre

line

Kyle Loch Ness Cruise Fort Augustus

Funicular Railway

Pitlochry Aviemore Carrbridge Perth

Hotels 3* Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge 3* Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown on Spey 4* Boat Hotel, Boat of Garten Page 49 Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

£189

Boats and Trains of the Highlands and Islands

P Welcome tea and shortbread on arrival P Cruise on Seaprobe Atlantis Glass

5 days from

Monday: Enter the Highlands past Pitlochry and Aviemore and to your hotel for welcoming tea & shortbread before dinner. Tuesday: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Morning free to explore Inverness, there are many shops and things to do before taking the short journey to the Loch Ness Clansman Harbour. Here you will board the cruiser to take you out onto the Loch berthing at Urquhart Castle. Entrance is included to the visitor centre, and you can roam round the castle grounds. Your coach will be waiting for you at the Castle and will transport you back to your hotel in plenty time for dinner. Wednesday: Isle of Skye & Glass bottom Cruise After breakfast head, we head to the Isle of Skye. The journey is particularly scenic and remote. On arrival at Kyle of Lochalsh all passengers climb aboard the semisubmersible glass bottom boat - Seaprobe Atlantis, voted as the best wildlife watching experience by the Daily Telegraph. A unique opportunity to explore the rich diversity of marine life– all of which is opened up to you. See the abundant wildlife above AND below the waves, as the cruise proceeds under the bridge and out to the protected sanctuary of Seal Island. There is always a very good chance of seeing Otters, seals and puffins. Some trips, depending on tides, include a chance to

E: groups@classicbritain.com

explore the amazing WWII shipwreck HMS Napier – a 500 ft minelayer that sank in 1942. Hear the exciting story of how she met her end. Afterwards, we go over the bridge and on to Skye, before returning to the hotel in time for dinner. Thursday: Aviemore and Funicular Railway Morning free then the short journey will take you to the magnificent Cairngorm Mountains. Firstly, time in Aviemore before you board the UK’s highest Mountain Railway, have a bite to eat in the UK’s highest restaurant, visit the shop and exhibition about the Cairngorms or take one of the many walks around the area. Return to your coach, stopping for a visit at the Speyside Heather Garden and Visitor Centre near Dulnain Bridge before returning to your hotel in time for dinner.

Seaprobe Atlantis

Overnight Hotels from £36 pp DBB (See pages 45 & 46)

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Spectacular ... holiday covering many of Scotland’s favourite places. It brings together a blend of beautiful countryside with visits to some amazing 5 star attractions. Not only will you be staying in top resorts, cruising to the isles and taking a nostalgic steam rail journey, but also be absorbed on a guided tour of Edinburgh, with entry on board the Royal Yacht Britannia. Entertainment is laid on too, including a Scottish Highland Banquet with dancing. All these ingredients are perfectly put together to provide a recipe for a memorable Scottish Holiday.

Edinburgh

Highlights P Edinburgh P Royal Yacht Britannia P Blair Atholl Castle P Glenfiddich Whisky P Loch Ness cruise P Isles of Mull & Iona

Price Includes P 3 nts DBB in Edinburgh P 2 nts DBB in Speyside P 2 nts DBB in Oban P Guided Tour of Edinburgh P Royal Yacht Britannia P Steam Train Journey P Loch Ness cruise P Entry Blair Atholl Castle P Isles of Mull & Iona P Min 2 nts entertainment P 1 Scottish Night with piper & dancing Drivers day off option Thursday

Nairn

Elgin

Inverness Carrbridge Loch Ness

Glenfiddich

Fort William Mull

Iona

Pitlochry Oban Glasgow

Blair Atholl Perth Stirling Edinburgh

Hotels 3nts 3* Kings Manor Hotel, Edinburgh Page 46 2nts 3* Carrbridge Hotel, near Inverness Or, 3* Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie Page 49 2nts 3* Caledonian Hotel, Oban Or, 2* Regent Hotel, Oban Page 48 Available: April – October Rates and dates attached.

8 days from

£389

Edinburgh & The Highland Adventure Tuedays Edinburgh and check in at the 3* Kings Manor Hotel, Edinburgh Wednesdays Guided Tour & Royal Yacht Edinburgh is voted as one of the top city destinations in the world. The best way to see the city is with a guide. The local blue badge guide will meet you in the hotel, and take you on a 2 hour guided tour, using your coach, seeing all the main attractions such as the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, the Castle, Haymarket, Princes Street and much more. After lunch, you board the Royal Yacht Britannia, home to the Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing over 1,000,000 miles. Follow in the footsteps of Royalty & discover the heart and soul of this most special vessel. Thursdays Free Day Edinburgh A leisurely day to explore Scotland’s capital. The metro line is 200 yards from the hotel, which takes you into the centre of the city. Shop on Princes Street, visit the castle, stroll down the Royal Mile, or sit and relax in one of the many street side cafes. Or, if you prefer you can use the free leisure facilities in the hotel or book one of the many spa treatments available. Fridays Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Castle Depart Edinburgh via Perth stopping off at the Victorian town of Pitlochry, before entrance into nearby Blair Atholl Castle, enjoying one of the finest of Scottish settings. Enjoy touring the 30 rooms and the fascinating collections they contain. Blair has a long and illustrious history, accumulating many historical artefacts, furniture, art, period dress and arms & armour. Afterwards, time to stroll the 9 acres of walled gardens and the many walks available. (Allow 2 ½ hrs). Continuing north, we stop off in the

Can reduce to two nights in Edinburgh

Highland resort of Aviemore, where the steam train is waiting to take you on a wonderful 30 minute journey through glorious scenery, before checking into your hotel. Entertainment after dinner. Saturdays Whisky Trail Encapsulating the true spirit of Scotland, the most famous whisky trail in the world, is today’s tour, weaving among the woods and glens of the Spey Valley, stopping off at Glenfiddich, for a guided tour and tasting. Onwards to Elgin and the Moray Coast returning via the coastal town of Nairn, in time for dinner and a Scottish night with haggis, piper and dancers. Sundays Inverness, Loch Ness & The Great Glen Time free in Inverness before heading south to board the Jacobite cruise from the Clansman Marina out into the murky waters of Loch Ness. Berthing at Urquhart Castle, with entrance included. It is here that most of the sightings of “Nessie” have been made. Onwards down the loch side & the Great Glen to Fort William in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis, checking in to your Oban waterfront hotel in time for dinner. Monday Isles of Mull and Iona Catch the c1000hrs sailing from Oban for the 45 minute crossing to the wonderful Isle of Mull, with Castle Duart dominating your approach. On Mull, the tour continues south through island scenery to Iona, where there is a short crossing on to this sacred isle, the resting place of over 100 Scottish Kings and considered to be the birthplace of Christianity in the British Isles. Visit the Abbey, relax on the beach or stroll round this small island, before catching the c1730hrs sailing back to Oban and your last nights dinner, with entertainment in the Regent provided.

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Scotland Immersed ...

in a palette of breathtaking colours, arguably, Scotland is at it’s best in the autumn time – deep reds, gold, purple, copper and russets transform the mountain and valley landscapes. These arboreal displays are best seen in October and into November. At this time of year hotel prices are less & roads and attractions quieter. Also included is entry into the amazing “Enchanted Forest” – depicting nature’s forces of earth wind and fire.

Autumn tints in Perthshire

Highlights P Enchanted Forest P Glamis Castle & Gardens P Whisky Centre tour and tasting P Dundee P Royal Deeside

Price Includes

P 2 nights entertainment P Entry into the Enchanted Forest and Show (arr. 6/10, 13/10, 20/10) P Entry into Dewars World of Whisky P Entry to Glamis Castle & Gardens. P Free place for your driver over 20 paying pax

Driver free over 25 pax

Tomintoul Balmoral

Grantown on Spey Aviemore Dewars Loch Tay

Braemar Dunkeld Glamis

Crieff Lochearnhead Pitlochry

Perth Stirling Glasgow

Hotel 3* Scotlands Hotel Pitlochry 3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld See page 47

Available: every Monday x 4nts between 6 Oct – 3Nov Rates and dates attached.

Dundee

£159

Scotland’s Autumn Gold

P Welcome refreshments on arrival P 4 nights DBB

5 days from

Day 1 To Scotland Past Stirling & its Castle and into Perthshire “the Big Tree Country”, renowned for its magnificent natural environment & to your hotel. Day 2 Lochs & Whisky Relaxing breakfast and morning free to explore the Victorian town of Pitlochry before boarding your coach taking you out into glorious countryside. Firstly, to Crieff for a brief stop before continuing through the Perthshire villages of Comrie and St Fillans then along the shores of Loch Earn and the mighty Loch Tay. A tour and tasting has been arranged at Dewars World of Whisky, explaining the history of the whisky with a short audio visual then on to the Heritage Centre for a tasting before a guided tour of their Aberfeldy Distillery. Back in time for dinner and entertainment. Day 3 Glamis Castle & Gardens After a leisurely breakfast, the autumn theme of the holiday continues with the short drive to Glamis Castle & Gardens - the childhood home of the Queen Mother. Most of the day is spent in this impressive setting. In autumn the abundance of trees in the grounds ensures the visitor is treated to a glorious spectacle of autumnal colour. There are various nature trails with many exotic trees and plants. The Castle itself is a place to admire its stunning architecture, to explore its history, legends and myths. Continuing on to nearby Dundee, with time free to explore Scotlands 4th largest city. After dinner, guests have entry into the award

E: groups@classicbritain.com

winning “The Enchanted Forest”. A sound and light show offering a unique opportunity to experience the outdoors at night and with spectacular imagery. The 10 minute coach transfer departs less than 2 minute walk away from the hotel. Using the woodland garden as a natural backdrop, experience a light show that is, quite simply, out of this world. (Prov. 6/10 - 25/10) Day 4 Royal Deeside & Speyside After a hearty Scottish breakfast, todays tour takes you over the hilltops to the Spittal of Glenshee and into Royal Deeside. Firstly, time free in Braemar, before continuing through the most amazing countryside, with purple clad hills and trees displaying wonderful rustic colours. Passing shimmering lochs and roaring rivers, the journey stops at Balmoral Castle & Crathie Church, the Royal Family’s Scottish retreat. Afterwards, we head west over the Lecht and into the Spey Valley with glorious autumn scenery along the way. We stop off in Aviemore, before returning to the hotel in time for dinner and entertainment.

Dewars Whisky, Aberfeldy

Enchanted Forest Prov open 6 - 25 Oct

England & Wales Bournemouth

Bournemouth Riviera Hotel

Canterbury

East Cliff Court Hotel 1

Guest Review: 83% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 74 Part of Menzies Hotels, this fine 4* hotel sits on the cliff top with uninterrupted views on to the beach and sea, yet only a 10 minute walk to the traffic free centre and adjacent to the Pier. The hotel is in a wonderful setting. In the summer, the hotel with its next door sister hotel opend up it gardens and you can relax in the Dorset sun and use the outdoor pool.

Abbots Barton Hotel

Guest Review: 81% Steps into hotel: 4 Bedrooms: 73

Guest Review: 83% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 53

Stylish & good value hotel located at Alum Chine, 1 minute away from the beach, 20 minutes walk along the prom to the city centre and pier. The hotel has a good reputation at dealing with groups with its friendly approach. Food is good, and the bedrooms are of good quality. The hotel has the added bonus of leisure facilies which guests can use free of charge.

This historical hotel dates back to 1830, and has been welcoming guests for nearly 100 years. The hotel has recently undergone refurbishment and it is a beautiful hotel to stay in for groups. It is nice and quiet, set in its own grounds, only a 10 minute walk into Canterbury, and the hotel is particularly atmospheric.

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15 14 4

8 12

Chester Mollington Banastre Hotel

Derby Menzies Mickleover Hotel

Folkestone Burlington Hotel

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 70 Located in the centre of Wales’ oldest town. A popular hotel for groups as it is well located for scenic Pembroke South West coast, and near to Tenby. Service is excellent in all departments and reflected in the high review rating.

1 2

Ivy Bush Royal Hotel

Carmarthen

Guest Review: 79% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 68

Guest Review: 81% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 99

Guest Review: 83% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 63

Located just outside Chester, Mollington is an excellent group hotel, offering a 2 for 1 bar facility all year round. Set in picturesque grounds which provides peace and relaxation for guests surrounded by the comfort of this 4* hotel. Restaurant looks out over the gardens. Hotel also has leisure.

This 4* Derbyshire hotel is easily accessible and well placed for exploring the Peak District, Lincolnshire and Nottighamshire. It is within easy reach of Derby town centre. Good quality bedrooms and bright spacious public areas will ensure guests have an enjoyable stay. The food is excellent and there is extensive leisure & spa.

Set in it’s own grounds overlooking the Promenade and the English Channel, the Burlington is a great choice of hotel for groups. Its peaceful, the quality of the hotel is spot on and it’s in a great location for exploring the “Garden of Kent” from a seaside destination. On top of this Classic has received rave reviews about the food and service.

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Kenilworth Honiley Court Hotel

Leeds (Garforth) Holiday Inn

Llanberis Royal Victoria Hotel

Mold

Guest Review: 79% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 62

Guest Review 86% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 144

Recently changed hands, this is a peaceful hotel located in the Warwiickshire village of Honiley. The hotel dates back to the 17th century, and the Boot Inn Pub is still retained. The remainder of the hotel is more modern. It’s a popular hotel for groups and well located for Stratford, the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire.

Situated in a peaceful location with easy access to the motorway networks, this 3* Holiday Inn is only 6 miles from Leeds city centre. It makes a perfect base for touring the Yorkshire Dales & Wolds and is near to Harrogate and York, Being a Holiday Inn, all the rooms are the same with all the mod cons, and the hotel has the added benefit of leisure.

Superbly positioned at the foot of Snowdon, and within easy access of A55 North Wales Expressway. This hotel is a particular favourite for groups, is set in 30 acres of gardens, so it is nice and peaceful. The food is good, and there is plenty room to relax. In the evenings there is entertainment on most nights of the week.

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Beaufort Park Hotel

Guest Review: N/A Steps into hotel: 6 Bedrooms: 106

Low £33 High £38

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 106 A very coach orientated hotel. From the moment your coach arrives your passengers will be well looked after. Entertainment on some nights, welcoming arrival, good food and consistent level of quality in all bedrooms. The Beaufort has long been a favourite hotel for Classic. Well priced Out of Season Packages available.

Prices pppn DBB from Low £28 High £40

Newbury Chequers Hotel

Preston Swallow Hotel

Tamworth Drayton Manor

Telford Buckatree Hall Hotel

Guest Review 81% Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 56

Guest Review 7/10 Steps into hotel: 5 Bedrooms: 78

The Chequers is a traditional, 18th century coaching inn providing excellent hotel accommodation. The hotel is located in the heart of the Thames Valley, only five minutes from junction 13 of the M4, This Berkshire hotel has 56 well-appointed en-suite bedrooms and a restaurant offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere serving the finest modern and European cuisine.

An excellently priced group hotel. 7 miles from Preston with easy access to the M6, the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. Set in open countryside near the Ribble Valley. All bedrooms are spacious and furnished to the same 3* standard. Hotel has the benefit of full leisure.

Opened in August 2011 offering groups high quality 4 star accommodation, service and facilities at exceptionally attractive rates. The hotel is set in 280 acres of parkland with Drayton Manor Theme Park close by. The atmosphere within the hotel is very relaxing, surrounded by luxurious fittings together with some rather funny & quirky features to bring out the inner child in you!

A beautiful tranquil & secluded setting at the foot of the famous Wrekin, 4 miles from Telford, the Buckatree has been transformed into a good 3 star hotel, with new bedrooms and public areas refurbished in 2010/11. Very suited to groups as rooms have countryside views, many of the hotels lake, the food is good and staff friendly and helpful.

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Great reviews about the food

Town or city centre location

Fine views from hotel

Guest Review 95% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 150

Free use of Leisure facilities

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 62

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Northern England & Scottish Borders Belford Bluebell Hotel 1

1 5

7 2

15 14

Bowness on Windermere Windermere Hydro Hotel

Darlington St George Hotel 4

Guest Review: 85% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 28

Guest Review: 83% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 80

Located in the heart of Northumberland, the Bluebell is in an ideal location for exploring the many sites the area has to offer. Privately owned and managed, it has an enviable reputation of being a personable hotel, a relaxing place to stay with good food and recently refurbished bedrooms.

Offering wonderful panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The Hydro has been a popular choice for many of Classic’s Operators. It has bags of character, being one of the oldest hotel’s in the Lakes, and is one of the few hotels which not only actively seeks group business, but knows how to look after the needs & requirements of a group customer.

The Crown and Mitre Hotel in Carlisle offers the perfect mix of Edwardian grandeur. The hotel was built in 1905 on the site of the original Crown and Mitre dating back to before the Jacobite Rebellion. The Hotel has beautiful original features including a real log fire and elegant sweeping staircase plus all the modern comforts of home to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel has leisure.

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6 4

Crown & Mitre Hotel

Carlisle

Dumfries Hetland Hall Hotel 5

Durham Three Tuns Hotel

Guest Review 84% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 94

Grasmere Daffodil Hotel

Guest Review 7/10 Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 59

Guest Review: 81% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 30

Guest Review: 82% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 50

Guest Review: 92% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 78

A popular hotel for groups either going or returning from Scotland, or staying for a few nights to explore N.E. England. It is one of the best hotels in the area for groups. Although it is near to Teeside Airport, it is peaceful as there are no overnight flights. All areas in the hotel are modern and bedrooms are furnished pretty much the same.

As you approach up the sweeping drive, you will soon appreciate the beauty of this Georgian styled hotel. It is set in extensive grounds overlooking the Solway Firth, some 6 miles from Dumfries. A lot of improvements have been made in the bedrooms, and the public areas are very much in keeping with the style of the building.

A popular hotel for groups, a 16th Century coaching inn retaining many distinguishing features – stained glass ceilings, extensive oak panelling, open fireplaces and original woodcarvings. It provides a particularly unique hotel experience, and is well located on the outskirts of Durham.

A fantastic find for Classic. This is a new hotel, which opened in September 2012. Located right in the heart of the Lakes and overlooking Derwent Water. The quality for groups is 2nd to none and will be hard to find better in the Lake District. Being new, everything works and is “spot-on”. A highly recommended hotel for groups.

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Gretna Gretna Hall Hotel

Hexham Derwent Manor Hotel

Ilkley Craiglands Hotel

Newcastle Caledonian Hotel

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 4 Bedrooms: 100

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 48

Guest Review: 79% Steps into hotel: 12 Bedrooms: 60

Set in its own grounds, Gretna Hall is a perfect spot for your overnighters or to stay a little longer and explore the Borders and Lake District areas. The hotel caters predominantly with groups and entertainment is on most nights. All Classic groups are accommodated in the newer rooms. Gretna Hall is undergoing a lot of upgrading. All public areas are new (2010), with work starting on the bedrooms.

Located in 20 acres of Northumberland countryside overlooking the Derwent Valley. Old world charm prevails with beamed ceilings and stone walls giving a Country House feeling. Elegant décor and comfortable accommodation have made Derwent Manor a popular choice for groups. The hotel has good leisure as well.

Part of the very fabric of this famous Yorkshire Dales town. The Craiglands is set in 6 acres of grounds & only a short walk away from the town centre. Over recent years the hotel has seen a lot of upgrading to the bedrooms and also the bar and restaurant has been re-styled. The Craiglands is a traditional Yorkshire hotel which groups appreciate.

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Guest Review: 84% Steps into hotel: 4 Bedrooms: 91 A wonderfully priced hotel for groups. It is near the city centre, located in a quiet location, in the suburb of Jesmond. The hotel itself is over 100 years old combining many of its original features with a modern twist. Worthy of consideration either for a city break or for Classic’s Northumbrian package.

Ravenscar Raven Hall Hotel

Scarborough Brooklands Hotel

Shap Shap Wells Hotel

Wetheral (by Carlisle) Crown Hotel

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 52

Guest Review: 85% Steps into hotel: 10 Bedrooms: 63

Guest Review 81% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 98

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 51

Perched high on the cliff top looking out on to Robin Hoods Bay, half way between Scarborough and Whitby. A cracking 3 star hotel with lovely gardens and breathtaking views. Food is 1st class in the Panoramic Restaurant. Ideal for touring East Yorkshire & its coast.

The cliff top Brookland’s is one of the few Scarborough hotels which is group friendly. Entertainment is on every night, the food is consistently good, accommodation is sound, with just about all rooms updated 3 years ago. The cliff lift to the spa & beach is less than 100 yards away, and many rooms have sea views. Its about a 10 minute walk into the town centre.

A popular hotel for groups, benefiting with entertainment on most nights of the week. Located 5 minutes from J39, M6. The hotel is in a good location for centred stays with the Lakes, Borders and Dales nearby. The hotel is set in own grounds next to the river affording open views from most bedrooms.

Five miles east of Carlisle in the centre of this conservation village. The hotel is quite old and full of character, and is highly rated by Classic guests. Excellent food served in the garden conservatory restaurant coupled with good service & quality accommodation puts it top of the list of group hotels in Cumbria.

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E: groups@classicbritain.com

Free on site coach parking

Lift in hotel, or ground floor rooms

Disabled assisted rooms available on request

Entertainment provided on certain nights at no extra cost

Glasgow & Southern Scotland Abington Abington Hotel

Dumfries Cairndale Hotel

East Kilbride Bruce Hotel

3 4 13 6

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 27

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 6 Bedrooms: 90

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 65

Located 5 minutes from M74 J13, the hotel is situated in the village. It is a popular hotel for overnights too and from the Highlands. Abington ia family owned & managed and it is a particularly welcoming and friendly place to stay. Rooms as good, food is better and there is lots to see around & about. Well priced Out of Season Packages available.

Without doubt the Cairndale is one of the best known and popular hotels in SW Scotland with Group Organisers. It has a great location and the hotel really knows how to look after groups. On Sunday night the hotel has a ceilidh show which is free to guests. A good way to start or finish your tour to Scotland.

In Classic’s opinion an under rated hotel, and one to be seriously considered if staying in the Glasgow area. Well managed and organised, consistently good reviews and the fact the hotel has had huge investment must make it one of the best value hotels on the south side of Glasgow. Located next to Scotland’s largest shopping mall.

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Glasgow Alexander Thomson Hotel

Glasgow (Renfrew) Glynhill Hotel

Glasgow Marks Hotel

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 177 A hotel very much geared up for the group market. All bedrooms are very similar, having just been up graded and each room has an open view of the river. Set in own grounds 14 miles east of Glasgow, with easy access to Loch Lomond & the Highlands. It’s a great value hotel. Normandy Hotel – Erskine’s sister hotel in Renfrew, 7 miles from Glasgow city centre.

Guest Review 7/10 Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 85

3 11

Erskine Bridge Hotel

Glasgow (Erskine)

Guest Review 90% Steps into hotel: 5 Bedrooms: 145

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 4 Bedrooms: 103

If you’re wanting a low priced hotel right in the centre of the city, then you will not be disappointed with this hotel. Totally refurbished and reopened in Nov 09. Lower end 3 star is clean, fresh with further development planned with the 2nd phase coming on stream in 2011. One of the best value hotels in the city.

An extremely well appointed and elegant hotel, 7 miles from the city centre, on the west side of Glasgow. Since 2009 the hotel has refurbished the majority of their bedrooms, providing guests with a 4* experience. There is a luxurious leisure club offering guests a unique experience. An ideal hotel for overnighters and for Tattoo breaks.

Probably Glasgow’s most modern hotel, impressive from the outside. Once inside the rooms are bright and spacious and the city views from the top floors are spectacular. The hotel is right in the heart of the city with Sauchiehall Street, Theatreland and Merchant City all within easy walking distance.

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Glasgow North Crowwood Hotel

Irvine Menzies Hotel

Kilmarnock Park Hotel

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel:0 Bedrooms: 38

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 4 Bedrooms: 127

The Crowwood has been transformed and totally refurbished. Located 9 miles from Glasgow just off the main road to Stirling. Ideal hotel for a stopover or short break. Restaurant, bar and many of the bedrooms look out over the golf course. A friendly and personal hotel, which takes a maximum 1 group.

The Menzies was recently refurbished creating a new contemporary feel throughout the hotel. There are spacious & modern bedrooms, a contemporary Brasserie restaurant serving mouthwatering dishes to suit all tastes, a stylish cocktail bar and a delightful lounge. The hotel is located on the edge of town, surrounded by its own golf course.

Prices pp DBB from Low £34 High £45

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Larkhall Shawlands Park 11

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 50 A modern state of the art hotel, receiving excellent reviews for quality in all departments. Great value rates for groups throughout the year, with easy access to Glasgow, Edinburgh and further a field. Popular hotel for overnighters and short breaks.

Guest Review ? Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 49 Opened in 2008, after a major revamp and extension. All areas are relatively new. Tucked away in the countryside on the edge of the Clyde Valley and only a couple of minutes from J8 M74. Easy access for both Glasgow (18miles) and Edinburgh (35 miles) or for an overnight stopover. Group prices very favourable especially at weekends.

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Prices pp DBB from Low £34 High £40

New Lanark New Lanark Mill

Paisley Watermill Hotel

Peebles Barony Castle Hotel

Peebles Peebles Hydro

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: ?

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 49

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 78

Guest Review: 80% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 132

A chance to stay in one of the regions best character hotels beautifully located in the World Heritage Village & next to the River Clyde. Converted to a hotel from an 18th century Woollen mill in 2001. Rooms are bright and spacious and there is a roof garden from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

A former 17th century mill, is part of the very fabric of the historical town of Paisley. Hotel positioned next to the river and only a short walk into the centre of town. Inside you will see many original features are still in evidence including the waterwheel. Ideally located 7 miles west of Glasgow.

Not many castles take groups but Barony does. Located just south of Edinburgh, the hotel is definitely affordable for the group market. It is set in 25 acres of gardens, with cosy bedrooms, beautiful food in the “Dug”, and modern leisure facilities.

Set in an elevated position, within 30 acres of ground, the Hydro has been a popular leisure resort for over 100 years. It is within easy walking distance of Peebles town centre. The hotel is very grand and spacious, retaining many of its original features, with high ceilings and large panoramic windows overlooking the surrounding countryside. A 1st class location and hotel for groups.

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Great reviews about the food

Town or city centre location

Fine views from hotel

Free use of Leisure facilities

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Edinburgh & Central Scotland

6 12

1 7

9 5 15

Aberfoyle Rob Roy Hotel

Airth Airth Castle Hotel

Bathgate Cairn Hotel

13 4

Guest Review 7/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 103

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 123

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 61

Located in idyllic Trossachs countryside, on the edge of Aberfoyle, and within Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Rob Roy is a good venue for well priced holidays with plenty going on in the evenings. The hotel is split into 2 sections, with a covered walkway between the 2 buildings, and all the bedrooms are relatively new.

Airth is a 14th century Castle, once owned by the family of Robert the Bruce, and sits majestically overlooking the River Forth and Central Scotland. The hotel exudes comfort in a tranquil setting. Most bedrooms are in the Country Club section of the hotel. Food is excellent, served in the Glasshouse Restaurant. Altogether a wonderful place to include in your itinerary.

A well presented hotel, with bright & spacious public areas as well as good quality rooms, all being of similar design & standard. The Cairn is popular with groups, only a 20 minute drive to Edinburgh. Group rates are a lot less than Edinburgh hotels, so if you only need be near Edinburgh then the Cairn is an ideal place to stay.

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10 11 3

Well priced Out of Season Packages available.

Bo’ness Richmond Park Hotel

Bridge of Allan Royal Hotel

Drymen

Buchanan Arms Hotel

Drymen Winnock Hotel

Guest Review: 71% Steps into hotel: 6 Bedrooms: 43

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 56

A perfect hotel if you’re wanting a comfortable hotel in scenic surroundings, but not too far away from Edinburgh. The hotel is only 14 miles from Scotland’s capital, and rates are around 25% cheaper. Richmond Park is a coach friendly hotel, and ideally located for exploring many of Scotland’s main “treasures”.

Located in a very desirable area, only 2 miles from Stirling, the Royal has improved in recent years. All rooms and public areas have been re-modelled, now providing a relatively new 3* experience at an affordable price. The hotel is well suited for groups, within easy reach of Perthshire, Trossachs and Fife.

A fine example of a Scottish hotel. It looks and feels Scottish through and through, located in the conservation village of Drymen. Extensive leisure and the hotel has undergone a lot of refurbishing in the public areas and bathrooms. An excellent hotel for a Scottish holiday with lots to explore in the area. Just 40 minutes drive north of Glasgow.

One of the oldest hotels in Scotland dating back to the 1700’s. The Winnock is a well known hotel with groups. Lots of packages available from “All Inclusives” to themed breaks, all very reasonably priced. The hotel is full of charm & character with open log fires and cosy neuks, and entertainment is laid on most nights of the week.

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Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 5 Bedrooms: 46

Guest Review 7/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 148

Dullatur Westerwood Hotel

Dunblane Dunblane Hydro

Edinburgh Braid Hills Hotel

Edinburgh Kings Manor Hotel

Guest Review 82% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 148

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 20 Bedrooms: 200

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 67

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel:0 Bedrooms: 95

A good choice of hotel if looking for a hotel which is near to the city centre sights & attractions, but is not noisy or too city centreish. Braid Hills is set in it’s own grounds with magnificent views of the city and castle – approx 1 ½ miles away. The hotel itself is 1st class in all departments, recommended for its fine food.

Located in the eastern side of the city, the Kings Manor has always been a popular hotel for groups. Ease of access, only 10 minutes from the centre and on site parking are just some of the reasons for the hotel’s popularity. With its top score review rating, the hotel excels in all departments, and prices are very good for Edinburgh.

After a £14m refit, the hotel has reestablished itself as one of the leading hotels in the area. Very spacious interior with luxury soft furnishings very much in evidence. The hotel has its own 18 hole golf course and extensive leisure. Located ½ way between Glasgow & Stirling. Hotel has a wonderful setting with open views.

Without doubt one of the grandest hotels in central Scotland, so much more so since the completion of a multi million pound investment in 2009, with every area of the hotel transformed. Set in a prominent location overlooking Dunblane and open countryside, many rooms have views. Extensive area and grounds. It certainly has the “wow” factor.

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Langbank Gleddoch House

North Queensferry Queensferry Hotel

Stirling Golden Lion Hotel

Stirling King Robert Hotel

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel:0 Bedrooms: 75

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 77

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 9 Bedrooms: 67

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 52

A place to get away from the hustle & bustle and enjoy this 1st class hotel set on a hillside overlooking the Firth. The hotel has its own golf course. Inside you will find a characterful hotel with cosy bar, panoramic restaurant and free use of the leisure club. Bedrooms are good too.

In an enviable location on the northern side of Firth of Forth, less than 30 minutes into Edinburgh city and with great views of both the road and rail bridges. Major refurbishment completed in 2006/7, so most areas of the hotel are relatively new. A good hotel for groups looking to take in Edinburgh without paying Edinburgh prices.

The hotel dates back to 1786 & is one of the focal points of historic Stirling. Located in the heart of the city and just down the hill from the famous Castle. A lot of work has been recently completed including a major refurbishment of all bedrooms. Public areas are in good order having that traditional feel you would expect of a historical hotel.

Located on the outskirts of Stirling, next to the 1314 Battle of Bannockburn site. The hotel has easy access links to all parts of Scotland. The hotel is well known for its friendly staff and home from home atmosphere. Evening entertainment is a main feature for staying in the King Robert.

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E: groups@classicbritain.com

Free on site coach parking

Lift in hotel, or ground floor rooms

Well priced Out of Season Packages available.

Disabled assisted rooms available on request

Entertainment provided on certain nights at no extra cost

Perthshire & Fife Aberfeldy Breadalbane Arms Hotel 1

Anstruther Craws Nest

Blairgowrie Angus Hotel

Guest Review: 70% Steps into hotel: 5 Bedrooms: 30 Recently taken over the hotel is currently being refurbished, so by 2014 will be a much improved hotel. Group rates are very attractive and the hotel lays on Drinks Inclusive packages as well. The hotel has a great location in the centre of Aberfeldy and is in an ideal spot for exploring Perthshire and beyond.

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 50 A gem of a hotel, located in one of the old fishing villages on the east coast of Scotland. Very little has changed in the area for decades, so there is a lot of unspoilt scenery and culture to explore. The hotel is one of the best known in the area, and caters well for groups and royalty, when Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip popped in for lunch!

Very popular group orientated hotel offering many packages throughout the year. Hotel has undergone a lot of refurbishment in recent times, mainly in the bedrooms, and entertainment is a main feature of the hotel. The Angus is centrally located in this charming market town and next to the river.

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Dundee Landmark Hotel

Dunfermline

Pitbauchlie House Hotel

11 2

9 5

Well priced Out of Season Packages available.

Dunkeld Birnam House Hotel 6

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 95

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 89

12 14 13 15 1 6 3 8 7

Dunkeld Hilton Dunkeld House 7

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel:0 Bedrooms: 50

Guest Review: 79% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 28

Guest Review: 78% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 98

The Landmark is Dundee’s newest and most exciting hotel. The multi million pound refurbishement in 2009 has transformed the hotel and now offers a high degree of luxury for groups. Located on the outskirts of the city & set in its own grounds with open views of surrounding countryside. 1 hour from Edinburgh and 20 minutes from Perth.

Set in its own well kept gardens, and only a 5 minute stroll from the centre of town, the Pitbauchlie has earned an enviable reputation for providing excellent value for groups. The food is 1st class and rooms are modern and up to date. It is a stones throw away from the Forth Bridges and only ½ hour from Edinburgh city centre.

The new owners have invested in the hotel retaining and re-establishing the charm and character which has made Birnam one of the best known hotels in the area. For groups, it is a pleasurable place to stay. It is very Scottish through and through and the hotel is well known for its fine food. Well located for touring Perthshire and the Highlands.

Set in a 280 acre estate on the outskirts of Dunkeld, the Hilton provides Classic with a selection of dates at an affordable preferential rate. This hotel does not take many groups, and those which stay are very well looked after. The hotel is set next to the river, surrounded by open countryside and what you would expect of a Scottish Country House Estate.

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Dunkeld

Low £45 High £59

Royal Dunkeld Hotel

Kinross Windlestrae Hotel

Kenmore Kenmore Hotel

Perth Queens Hotel

Guest Review 7/10 Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 35

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 45

A 250 year old coaching in – full of charm and character. Due to its age there is no lift, however, staff are available to give a helping hand as the hotel bedrooms are on 3 levels. However the ambience of the hotel, its great location and friendly welcome make it a popular hotel for groups. Probably one of the best priced 3* hotels for groups in Perthshire.

Set in its own gardens and only a short walk into the centre of Kinross. The Windlestrae has recently been refurbished, with new bar, restaurant and bedrooms all being transformed to a good and consistent 3* quality. A good venue for accessing both Edinburgh & Fife, Perthshire and beyond. Green Hotel is a higher grade hotel across the road from its sister hotel.

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Guest Review: 84% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 40 Reputedly Scotland’s oldest Inn. It certainly feels very Scottish, and a hotel worth discovering if you are wanting to stay in the Perthshire area. It’s location is ideal, the restaurant is literally on the banks of the River Tay. There are fine views of the loch from the front of the hotel, and Robert Burns wrote a poem on the chimney breast of the hotel, which you can still see today.

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 51 Located in a quiet but central area, with all local amenities and shops close by. The Queens is without doubt one of the top hotels in Perth, recently receiving a coveted gold award for green tourism. A professionally run hotel with emphasis on supreme comfort and guest care. Lovat Hotel – Sister hotel to the Queens. 3*, 30 bedrooms, less than 1 mile from city centre.

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Pitlochry Acarsaid Hotel

Pitlochry Atholl Palace Hotel

Pitlochry New Fishers Hotel

Pitlochry Scotlands Hotel

Guest Review: 82% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 20

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 5 Bedrooms: 108

Guest Review 7/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 92

Guest Review 71% Steps into hotel: 6 Bedrooms: 68

A friendly family run hotel, with emphasis on informality and good food. Been a popular hotel for Classic’s out of season Drams & Flings Package. Many Operators are repeating this for the third time. The rooms in the hotel are mixed, but they are working on them. However the food, service and friendliness of the team ensure our groups have a fabulous time in Scotland.

A long sweeping drive leads you up to a most majestic hotel, sitting proud above the town with open views of glorious Perthshire countryside from all bedrooms. Inside there is a sense of grandeur and space. Although a little more expensive than other hotels in the area, the difference is immense.

The hotel has improved a lot in the last couple of years with all bedrooms refurbished and all public areas are transformed. Although the hotel itself is more than 100 years old. The Fishers has a central location. All the shops and attractions are near to the hotel. A very group orientated hotel offering Classic the lowest rates in Pitlochry

Right in the middle of this charming Victorian town. The Scotlands looks and feels very Scottish & very much in keeping with the area. 59 rooms are in the main building, but other upgraded rooms are available in 2 other buildings next to the hotel. A popular hotel for the group market. Autumn Gold groups will be in main hotel.

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Great reviews about the food

Town or city centre location

Fine views from hotel

Free use of Leisure facilities

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Fort William, Dunoon & Argyll Highlands Arrochar Arrochar Hotel

6 8 7

Ballachulish Ballachulish Hotel

Dunoon Argyll Hotel 3

2 9 Guest Review: 78% Steps into hotel: 4 Bedrooms: 78

Guest Review 80% Steps into hotel: 5 Bedrooms: 54

A lot of work has been done over recent years improving the bedrooms. Arrochar is a popular hotel for groups with Loch Lomond, Inveraray, Dunoon and further afield within an easy drive. The views from the hotel are spectacular and there is entertainment on most nights.

Ballachulish has long been a popular hotel for groups. It looks and feels very Scottish, and the views from the front of the hotel can only be described as breathtaking, especially at sunset. There is a mixture of traditional and modern bedrooms. All furnished to a high 3 star standard. Lovely restaurant, lounges and bar.

12 14 13 15 10 11

4 3 5

Dunoon Esplanade Hotel

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Dunoon Royal Marine Hotel

Fort William Imperial Hotel

Fort William West End Hotel

Guest Review: 81% Steps into hotel: 10 Bedrooms: 41

Guest Review: 76% Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 55 One of Dunoon’s main hotels fro groups, and has a wonderful setting right next to the water and looking right down the Firth of Clyde. The hotel is popular, because it is well priced and there is a lot of evening entertainment. The Esplanade lays on out of season packages.

Built in 1837, the Argyll is one of the landmarks of Dunoon with its tall tower. The hotel has a central location, and is on the seafront overlooking the Firth and near to the Cal Mac ferry terminal. The hotel was completely refurbished 2 years ago offering good quality for groups in all departments.

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Guest Review: 83% Steps into hotel: 6 Bedrooms: 32

This mock Tudor designed hotel has a lot of history attached to it, and there is evidence of this throughout the hotel. It’s location is right on the waterfront, opposite the Western Isles ferry service and less than 2 miles from the centre of Dunoon. It is a superior styled hotel for groups with emphasis on good food, entertainment and service.

Guest Review: 79% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 33 Been a long favourite of Classic’s for many years. Most bedrooms have loch views, and the hotel has a central location. All the shops are close by and the railway station less than 5 minute walk away. It is a cosy hotel, taking just one group, so you will always be well looked after.

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 44 One of only a handful of hotels which take groups in Fort William. The West End is the best one. It is small enough to care, and the service is always spot on. The food is always good as they know how to treat groups properly. It is centrally located with views over the loch.

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Fort William Moorings Hotel 8

Glencoe Isles of Glencoe Hotel

Inveraray Argyll Hotel

Inveraray Loch Fyne Hotel

Guest Review 7/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 78

Guest Review: 91% Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 27

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 59

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 36

Without doubt the best hotel in Fort William area for groups. 2 miles from the town, located on the canal side, next to Neptunes Staircase, affording magnificent views of Ben Nevis. Rosetted restaurant and lovely laid out bar with a Mariner theme. It may not be the cheapest hotel in town, but if you want the best then it has to be the Moorings.

A modern hotel nestling on the side of a peninsula reaching out into Loch Leven. All bedrooms have either a mountain or loch view. The Isles lays on excellent out of season Houseparty packages, which has made this hotel a year round favourite. Only 14 miles from Fort William.

Few hotels have such a distinguished past as the Argyll. Originally built in 1750 to accommodate guests visiting the castle which is adjacent to the hotel. The hotel has a lochside location and in the centre of picturesque Inveraray. Most rooms have either a loch or mountain view. Each bedroom is individually styled and furnished on either the 1st or 2nd floor up a spiral staircase.

Beautiful hotel, located right on the lochside and a 5 minute walk into the heart of Inveraray. Major investment has definitely reinstated this hotel as one of the better products for groups in Argyll. Public areas are spacious, bedrooms are of good quality, and the leisure facilities 1st class.

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Well priced Out of Season Packages available.

Oban Caledonian Hotel

Oban Columba Hotel

Oban Regent Hotel

Oban Oban Bay Hotel

Guest Review 78% Steps into hotel: 4 Bedrooms: 57 One of the landmark buildings of Oban dating back to 1882, and now one of the major hotels in the town. It proudly stands on the harbourside, only a couple of minutes walk to the rail and ferry terminals. Most rooms have magnificent sea views towards the islands. Much of the hotels Victorian heritage is still in evidence throughout the public areas.

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 44 This grand sandstone hotel has been a focal point of Oban for well over 100 years. Probably the best located hotel in the town, right on the seafront, next to the harbour & in the town centre. All rooms have views of the town or the sea. All bedrooms refurbished in 2007, and are larger than average. Only 200m walk from the ferry terminal.

Guest Review: 77% Steps into hotel: 6 Bedrooms: 80

Guest Review 65% Steps into hotel: 6 Bedrooms: 83 A popular hotel for groups, located on the seafront in the centre of Oban. Although only a 2 star hotel, the food is good, there is entertainment on most nts, and Classic guests are allocated the best rooms, most of which have sea views. It is by far the cheapest hotel in Oban for groups.

Oban Bay is one of the top hotels for groups. It sits on the Promenade overlooking the Bay and only a few minutes walk into the heart of Oban. This hotel is particularly well furnished with a Scottish theme, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel has a spa facility, without a pool.

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E: groups@classicbritain.com

Free on site coach parking

Lift in hotel, or ground floor rooms

Disabled assisted rooms available on request

Entertainment provided on certain nights at no extra cost

West Highlands, Spey Valley & Royal Deeside Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel

Aberdeen Hilton Treetops Hotel

Guest Review: 86% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 109 A 19th century mansion house set in 30 acres of gardens and tranquil countryside, but yet only 3 miles from Aberdeen city centre. It is said that the nearby residence of Balmoral inspired the design of Ardoe’s fairytale exterior. Inside the design is in keeping with its grand exterior, with all the mod cons.

Aberdeen Norwood Hall Hotel

Guest Review: 78% Steps into hotel: 8 Bedrooms: 120 Located in a quiet suburb, the Hilton is only a short drive away from the centre of the city. It is an ideal hotel for groups as the hotel is spacious, all the rooms are very similar and has the added benefit of leisure facilities. There is a well appointed restaurant and bar.

Guest Review: 84% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 73 An elite 19th century country house hotel, located in 7 acres of mature grounds and less than 2 miles from the centre of Aberdeen. It is also on the approach to Royal Deeside. Norwood Hall is ideal for that special stay. There are beautiful period furnishings, and the bedrooms are of good 4 star quality.

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Aboyne Huntly Arms Hotel

Ballater Deeside Inn

10 5

1 2 3

Carrbridge Carrbridge Hotel

Boat of Garten Boat Hotel

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 50

7 6 9 14 11 15

12 13

Guest Review 81% Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 54

Guest Review 7/10 Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 98

Guest Review: 81% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 34

This is one of a few hotels in Royal Deeside large enough to take groups. Very much a group orientated hotel. Bedrooms all freshened up in 2009 and in good order, so too the public areas. Bar and dining room particularly nice. Entertainment is included on some nights.

Formerly known as the Loriston Hotel, the renamed Deeside Inn reopened in April 2011 resulting in a complete transformation akin to a high quality traditional inn. Throughout the period features are retained including wooden panelling, wooden beamed ceilings and Queen Victoria’s famous wooden toilet.

A cracking small hotel for groups. It has wonderful food and all rooms are individually designed and decorated. The Boat is a privately owned hotel, and is in the right spot to explore the Spey Valley and Whisky Trail. Rates are very good when matched against the high quality.

A perfect location for exploring Speyside, Royal Deeside, Whisky Trail and Skye is accessible too. Has always been a popular hotel for groups. Perhaps its because of the nightly entertainment including a Scottish night on a Wednesday. One thing is for sure the hotel is professionally managed by the owner and prices are always lower than other hotels in the area.

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Crianlarich Crianlarich Hotel

Grantown on Spey Craiglynne Hotel

Inverurie Thainstone House Hotel

Kingussie

Guest Review: 84% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 36

Guest Review 75% Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 80

A new hotel for Classic and one which is proving a popular choice. Located in the centre of the Highlands so places like Loch Lomond, Fort William and Oban are all easily accessible for days out. The hotel has a rosette for its food, and the hotel caters for groups very well. Rates are a lot cheaper than the main Highland resorts.

The Craiglynne is a grand Victorian building, set in its own grounds. It is ideally located for visiting the beautiful villages, mountains, rivers and Speyside attractions. All the bedrooms have been elegantly designed with contemporary and natural décor. Quality and quantity describes the Criaglynne’s Speyside Restaurant, with the hotel staff being well versed in group requirements.

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Mallaig

Duke of Gordon Hotel

Guest Review: 74% Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 48 Relax in luxury in this Palladian Mansion, set in glorious Aberdeenshire countryside. Designed to provide a superb level of service & provide guests with a combination of restful décor, with many elegant furnishings and excellent facilities. A fine Country residence set in 44 acres of gardens & only 12 miles from Aberdeen.

Guest Review 79% Steps into hotel: 20 Bedrooms: 60 There is a roaring open fire, which is lit 365 days of the year. The warmness of the hotel carries on from the entrance area through to the bedrooms. The staff are always helpful and the food has a Scottish twist. A solid Highland hotel with lots of character. Entertainment 6nts a week.

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West Highland Hotel

Morar Morar Hotel

Newtonmore Balavil Hotel

Newtonmore Highlander Hotel

Guest Review 71% Steps into hotel: 6 Bedrooms: 40 A great hotel for exploring the smaller isles of Eigg, Muck and Rhum, and with easy ferry access to Skye. All rooms have views and the hotel, under new owners, strive to ensure every guest is not only well looked after, but made to feel at home. Food is plain and plentiful.

Prices pppn DBB from Low £42 High £54 Great reviews about the food

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 30 The main selling point of the Morar Hotel are the views. They are absolutely breathtaking, looking out over the beach towards the isles. Many of the rooms have the views, and you can sit and enjoy your meals soaking in the scenery. The hotel is approx. 5 miles from Mallaig and less than 45 minute drive from Fort William.

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Fine views from hotel

Guest Review: 76% Steps into hotel:1 Bedrooms: 50

Guest Review: 84% Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 85

Over the years the Balavil has been a favourite for many of Classic’s clientele. Its ease of access, coupled with excellent group rates, makes the hotel a popular venue. The hotel changed hands back to the Coyle Family in July 2011, who are working tirelessly to bring the hotel back to its former glory.

Cynthia and Elaine manage the Highlander and between them have notched up over 40 years in the hotel. Operators book this hotel year on year, a testament to the success & popularity of this Highland Hotel. Great food & staff, excellently managed are just 3 of the reasons for choosing this hotel. Entertainment is on 7 nights a week.

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Free use of Leisure facilities

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

Inverness, Moray Coast & Northern Highlands 13 14 3

By Skye - Balmacara Balmacara Hotel 1

12 4 11 2 7 8 9 10

Castletown Castletown Hotel

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 28

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 36

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 26

Classic has visited all the group hotels in and around Skye. Balmacara’s ratings are by far the best. Totally refurbished in 2007. Rooms are good. The views are better, and rave reviews about the food. Staff are helpful and nothing is too much bother. Balmacara is the hotel to stay in when visiting the Skye area.

Located in the centre of this Highland market town, only 12 miles from Inverness. One of the great features of the Priory is its total flexibility, early check in, late breakfasts. Whatever you want the hotel will do their utmost to deliver. Rooms are in excellent order and the food is constantly remarked on, hence its high guest rating score.

Located approx. 4 miles east of Thurso heading towards John O’Groats. A great spot to stay for your Orkneys Tour. Family owned and managed by the Mackays, and although 2 star, Classic receives excellent reviews and rates are considerably less than Thurso hotels. Emphasis on good food and relaxing ambience.

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15 5

Beauly Priory Hotel

Dingwall Tulloch Castle

Dundonnell Dundonnell Hotel

Elgin Eight Acres Hotel

Inverness Columba Hotel

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 20 A true Scottish castle complete with ghost. As you enter, the dungeons are on the left hand side. A huge open fire greets you. All the bedchambers are individually styled, many are 4 posters. The medieval styled Restaurant has an AA rosette, and the bar has been hand carved from an elm tree from the hotel grounds. Altogether Tulloch is a unique experience.

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 32 Located near the shoreline of Little Loch Broom with magnificent views of loch and mountains, Dundonnell is approx 25 miles from Ullapool and a great base for touring this unspoilt area of the West Highlands. Impeccable quality throughout and the food is superb. Individual dining arrangements are available for passengers.

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Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 53

Guest Review 7/10 Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 76

This modern hotel on the outskirts of Elgin, has over recent years been transformed into one of the better 3 star hotels in the area catering for the group market. Lots of single rooms available without supplement. Hotel has extensive leisure and is set in its own grounds. Good access for touring the North East.

This is a beautiful central hotel, right on the riverbank and directly opposite the castle. The hotel is over 100 years old, but entirely refurbed in 2003, retaining much of its Victorian grandeur. Many rooms have river views. It is an ideal hotel for a centred stay and popular for short stays for groups on a touring programme.

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Inverness Kingsmills Hotel

Inverness Palace Hotel

Inverness Royal Highland Hotel

Nairn Windsor Hotel

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 10 Bedrooms: 88

Guest Review 9/10 Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 83

Guest Review 75% Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 84

Guest Review 65% Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 52

Right in the heart of the Highland Capital, Inverness. The hotel has been refurbished in recent years. The bedrooms are excellent, many being less than 4 years old. One of the focal points of the hotel is its staircase, an inspiration for the grand staircase on the famous ship Titanic. The Royal Highland has been looking after visitors for over 140 years & many groups use this hotel.

Situated in a peaceful location, and only a couple of minutes walk to the centre of Nairn. The Windsor is a popular hotel for groups. You will find prices with Classic cheaper than hotels in Inverness, which is 14 miles away. The hotel was totally refurbished in 2010, so all bedrooms and public areas are new.

fitted out. Hotel has a rosette for its quality of food.

In an enviable position right next to the River Ness and directly opposite the Castle, yet only a couple of minutes walk to the shopping centre. With Classic, the Palace lays on some interesting packages for Groups such as “Drinks Inclusives”. In addition to good quality bedrooms, guests have free use of the extensive leisure club.

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Built in 1786, this luxury hotel is the best hotel, quality wise, for groups in Inverness. Located next to the golf course less than 1 mile from the city centre. Major investment was injected into the hotel by the new owners in 2010. All bedrooms are spacious, and public areas are luxuriously

Well priced Out of Season Packages available.

Strathpeffer Ben Wyvis Hotel

Thurso Pentlands Hotel

Thurso Royal Hotel

Ullapool Caledonian Hotel

Guest Review: 81% Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 92 Nestling in a prominent position in the pretty village of Strathpeffer, surrounded by the grandeur of the Highlands. The Ben Wyvis is an excellent hotel for groups, being close to Inverness, but far away to appreciate the Highlands more. The hotel itself is well laid out, with good quality rooms carrying a Scottish flavour throughout.

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Guest Review n/a Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 32

Guest Review: N/A Steps into hotel: 4 Bedrooms: 103

Guest Review n/a Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 70

If you are looking for a central Thurso hotel then the Pentlands is consistently the best. Classic has been using this hotel for groups for over 10 years, and have nothing but praise for its good food, cleanliness, comfortable rooms and friendly staff. Due to our excellent working arrangements Classic receives preferential group rates.

The Royal is a popular and comfortable hotel for groups. Most Operators use the Royal as a “stepping stone” for their day tour to Orkneys. The hotel is probably the best 3* priced for groups in the area. Entertainment is on 3 nts a week usually Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Located in the centre of Ullapool with views across Loch Broom. Although only a 2* product, Classic guests are allocated the best rooms, and the hotel provides entertainment on most nights and for Ullapool is significantly cheaper than other hotels, so passengers will receive good value. The food is plain but well cooked and plentiful and there is loads of space to relax and take in the views.

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E: groups@classicbritain.com

Free on site coach parking

Low £36 High £47 Lift in hotel, or ground floor rooms

Disabled assisted rooms available on request

Entertainment provided on certain nights at no extra cost

Island Hotels & late additions Arran - Brodick Auchrannie Hotel

Arran - Blackwaterfoot Kinloch Hotel

Bournemouth Belvedere Hotel

14 9 10

3 8

Guest Review 98% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 64

Guest Review: 84% Steps into hotel: 7 Bedrooms: 38

Guest Review: 77% Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 100

Without doubt one the best hotel on the island for groups, set in wonderful grounds and within walking distance of the Island’s capital. It offers guests a traditional stay with all the modern comforts. There is a choice of 3 iconic restaurants and 2 lesiure clubs. A place for discerning travellers looking for a spot of luxury.

Located in the coastal village of Blackwaterfoot on the western side of Arran. The main hotel on the island for groups. Personally owned and managed by the same family for over 50 years. Lovely waterfront setting with most rooms having seaviews.

With it’s fabulous central location the Belvedere has for a long time been a popular choice of hotel for groups. The beach, gardens, shops and theatre are just a few minutes walk away. It’ a comfortable hotel, which really does cater well for the group market with friendly service, and comfortable rooms.

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Bracknell Waterloo Hotel

Evesham Salford Hall Hotel

Guest Review: 84% Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 79

Guest Review: 80% Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 36

Although the hotel is over 150 years old, it is very upto date inside. 5years ago the hotel was completely renovated, providing good quality accommodation and public areas. The hotel is well located for exploring Berkshire and its nearby tourist attractions including Royal Ascot, Farnborough Air Show, Legoland, Thorpe Park & Windsor Castle.

A fascinating Tudor manor almost unchanged by time. Recently restored, this Grade 1 listed hotel is located in picturesque countryside , half an hour from the lovely Cotswolds and Shakespeare country. Historic charm is in abundance with inglenook fireplaces, oak beams and wood panelling. There are many unique features providing the comfort and elegance, for modern day living.

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15 7 13

1 2

12 6

5 3

Gwbert Cliff Hotel & Spa

Hebrides - Barra Isle of Barra Hotel

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 72 The views over the cliff tops and Cardigan Bay are breathtaking. Its little wonder the Cliff has been a favourite group destination. Most rooms upgraded in 2008/9. Many with sea views. Welsh Houseparties a speciality. Lots to see in the area as well. Set in 30 acres of headland. The Cliff has a most magnificent Health Spa.

Guest Review N/A Steps into hotel: 3 Bedrooms: 28 The Isle of Barra Beach Hotel literally sits just off the white sandy beach, what a welcome to a Hebridean Island Lifestyle.The views from most rooms and the restaurant over look the beach and Atlantic Ocean. You can watch commercial planes landing on the beach! It is the only airstrip of its kind in the UK. The hotel has a relaxing lounge & bar.

Prices pppn DBB from Low £30 High £44

Prices pppn DBB from Low £45 High £60

Hebrides - North Uist Dark Island Hotel

Hebrides - Stornoway Caberfeidh Hotel

Hebrides - Stornoway Caladh Inn

Kingston upon Thames

Guest Review N/A Steps into hotel: 2 Bedrooms: 42

Guest Review N/A Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 72

4 11

Kingston Lodge

Guest Review N/A Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 67

Guest Review: 69% Steps into hotel: 15 Bedrooms: 63

The islands most luxurious hotel, located on the outskirts of town, and in a beautiful area for parkland walks and to take in the views. The hotel is perfectly placed to make the most of your visit to the Isle of Lewis knowing that you have comfortable & recently refurbished accommodation and a delicious dinner on returning from your day out.

Sister hotel to the Caberfeidh, Caladh Inn is a “good value for money” hotel located in the centre of Stornoway, and near to the ferry terminal. It is also the largest hotel on the island. The fabric of the hotel is good 2 star especially in the public areas. Rooms have all the mod cons and are en suite. It is the staff that make a hotel, and you will always be assured of a smiling face when you arrive and throughout your stay.

A well established hotel, which originally opened its doors to travellers in 1726. Nowadays, it is a modern 4 star hotel, located near to Richmond Park and 9 miles from London’s West End. A good hotel for groups wishing to explore the Northern side of London and home counties.

Prices pppn DBB from

Low £50 High £60

Low £66 High £76

Low £45 High £63

Prices pppn DBB from Low £33 High £36

Centrally located within the Hebridean spine, the Dark Island is a family owned hotel with the emphasis on informality – a place where you are made very welcome. The food is fresh using lots of local produce and the setting is sublime, surrounded by beautiful scenery, a great place to go for a stroll after dinner. The hotel is a popular venue for groups – you will be well looked after.

Isle of Man - Douglas Chesterhouse Hotel

Isle of Mull - Craignure

Isle of Mull Hotel

Orkneys - Stromness Stromness Hotel

Skye - Broadford Dunollie Hotel

Guest Review N/A Steps into hotel: 12 Bedrooms: 67

Guest Review 8/10 Steps into hotel: 0 Bedrooms: 80

One of the main hotels in Douglas. It has a wonderful seafront location and near to all the amenities which Douglas offers. Bedrooms are of a good 3* standard, and the restaurant and the bar overlook the bay. Please note , due to the original architecture features there are no wheelchair friendly rooms. Its sister hotel - The Rutland is every bit as good having completed a multi-million pound refurbishment.

Approx. ½ mile from Craignure ferry terminal, this hotel reopened in spring 09 after a complete top to toe refurbishment. It is the largest hotel on the island and has a wonderful setting on the coast, with every room having open views. It really is the only hotel to stay in whilst visiting Mull.

Classic has used Stromness for a number of years and we find it is the best value hotel on the island. It has an historical feel about the place, well it is over 100 yrs old. It is located right on the harbour side looking out towards Scapa Flow. Rooms are what you’d expect of a 3* island hotel, spotlessly clean and the food is good and plentiful.

Prices pppn DBB from

Low £38 High £47

Low £40 High £57.50

Low £55 High £68

Low £35 High £49

Great reviews about the food

Town or city centre location

Fine views from hotel

Guest Review N/A Steps into hotel: 6 Bedrooms: 42

Free use of Leisure facilities

Guest Review 65% Steps into hotel: 1 Bedrooms: 84 The problem with Skye is there are only 2 group orientated hotels, the Dunollie is the better of the two. The rooms are very 2 star, but the Dining Room has beautiful views across the water and on to the mountains. The staff are very helpful and friendly, and entertainment is featured most nights of the week. It’s a “no frills” hotel, well priced and suitable for 1 or 2 night stays.

T: 0845 1306 241 open 7 days

3 Dunlop Street, Strathaven ML10 6LA Tel: (+0044) 01357 529129 Fax: (+0044) 01357 520999 Email: groups@classicbritain.com View our latest offers on: www.classicbritain.com/groups

Magical Mystery Tours Classic is well set to deal with any Mystery Tours you may be operating. With a choice of over 135 Member Hotels and a further 150 Associate members, we can certainly offer you lots of different styles of hotels in just about every location within the UK. Mystery Tour rates vary depending on time of year, quality of hotel required and area, but are always competitive. You can either book a mystery tour date well in advance. Or, to get the lowest price, arrange a hotel approx. 6 weeks before your arrival date. Simply let us know your requirements and we will provide you with a list of hotels the next day.

Price range: DBB p.p.p.n

1 night

£35

2-3 nights

£33

4+ nights

£29

Things you need to know: 1. Information is believed to be correct at time of going to print 2. Prices shown are per person sharing a twin or double room including 20% VAT for the duration of stay on a DBB basis, unless otherwise specified. Single supplements do apply, although several hotels will provide some singles without a supplement. 3. Classic’s price guarantee pledge must be like for like and be available at the time of booking. Excludes amendments. To claim, call Classic, providing us with confirmation detail of the cheaper rate. If there is a like for like cheaper rate with very similar booking conditions and terms, then we will offer you the lower rate without question. 4. Packages shown exclude your own coaching arrangements unless specified in the itinerary. All packages have been negotiated & designed by Classic for the benefit of our clients, and cannot be booked directly with our member hotels. 5. Cancellation without charge 30 days before arrival. Although we are flexible. Classic will ask for updates from you on a regular basis. 6. Payment terms before arrival, unless credit facilities have been agreed. 7. Making a change to a Package All our recommended packages can be “tailor made” to suit your exact needs. Just call and let us know what you are looking for. 8. Confirmations Classic will send you a copy of our terms of business, which are in place to protect us both in case something peculiar arises. If you wish to see a copy before making your booking, let us know and we will send one out to you right away. 9. Adjustment of Itinerary In the unlikely event an element of the holiday becomes unavailable, then Classic will let you know right away either providing you with an alternative or reducing the cost of the package. 10. Minimum numbers required to operate a package or special themed event is 20 passengers. If you are booking a hotel only then group rates apply to 15 or more adults. 11. Porterage is provided in most hotels within the price, whether on a package or just booking the hotel. 1 piece of luggage per person. Any

additional luggage, hotels reserve the right to charge the client at the hotel. 12. Late Bookings Classic recognises the late booking trend by providing 3 twins or double rooms on allocation between 29 and 7 days before arrival. Any requests within 7 days of hotel arrival have to be requested to Classic and not the hotel. On occasion, and in the height of the season an hotel may not be able to offer you late sell rooms. In which case Classic will let you know. 13. Extra Time for selling Classic will assist as much as possible to ensure the operation of each tour. In the event you require extra time to sell a tour, please discuss with Classic first, before cancelling. Quite often our hotels will provide you with extra selling time or further incentives without any financial penalty. 14. Hotel group rates vary enormously, and rates shown are there for guideline purposes. Firm best available group rates will be agreed with you on enquiry. Rates depend on time of year, length of stay, day of week, and volume of business. 15. Entertainment Many of Classic’s hotels provide evening entertainment free of charge, or included in the package. Classic has taken all possible steps to provide you with as accurate information as possible so far in advance, and may be subject to change of day, or style of entertainment provided. If Classic considers this a major change, we will contact you before arrival. 16. Accessibility Please check with Classic for any walking restrictions for passengers booking a package involving a boat cruise. Crew members are on hand to assist as much as possible, but access to the smaller cruise boats will not be possible for passengers who are wheel chair bound. CalMac ferries have full access facilities. 17. Ferries Prices based on maximum 12m length coach. This is the size recommended for most ferry crossings. 18. Drinks Inclusive Packages In Scotland conditions apply to packages which include drinks or drinks vouchers, as governed by Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Service of which is at the discretion of the hotel concerned. Full terms on enquiry.