uk groups tours brochure 2015
DESCRIPTION
Some of the best UK touring ideas for couch and tour operators.TRANSCRIPT
Best Available Groups Rates and Exclusive Packages
January 2015 - April 2016
P Rail Inclusives
P Themed Breaks
P Island Escapes
P Hotel Centred Stays
P Weekend Breaks
P Multi Location Tours
24
Brand New
Ideas
Featuring 140 Group Friendly Member Hotels
The Hotel Company
Group Packages & Breaks 2015
• England • Wales • Scotland
Inspiring Ideas
A selection of 60 inspiring Packages & BreaksYou can book right now It’s quick, inexpensive and effortless
Hotel descriptions, review ratings & guideline group rates on pages 44–51
It has become almost
impossible to find
accommodation to equal
Classic Britain rates
Humberside Coach Operator
Our 2015 brochure is brimming with ideas on what to do and where to stay at
exceptional prices. Every product featured has been handpicked to ensure your
passengers enjoy the best of experiences. Our sales & product teams visit hotels
on a regular basis, so you can certainly trust our expertise.
For 2015 we have added a selection of 24 brand new packages including
Luxury London. Many of our packages are exclusive to Classic, and most of
our Island Escape products are unique providing your passengers with an
opportunity to see more of the “wild-side” of Scotland from the comfort of your
coach. They are very popular and many sell out quickly.
Thousands of groups from all around the world use Classic each year, a testimony
to the high quality of service we provide and product we supply through our
growing membership of over 300 hotels. Our appealing approach has definitely
made its stamp on the market nestling comfortably between a Wholesaler and a
Hotel Group, bringing you the best of both worlds.
Andrew Simpson
Managing Director
The Hotel Company
Hotel MembershipClassic is a hotel marketing consortium representing over 300 UK hotels. We act as a Hotel Group, within which we supply Wholesale and Ground Handling facilities. Each group orientated hotel member featured in this brochure has been inspected and graded by Classic for it’s group suitablility. Classic will not represent a hotel which we believe cannot meet our minimum requirements and your expectations.
Quality InspectionsFor our business relationship to thrive and develop, it’s essential you are happy with our product. That is why we make a point of visiting our hotels and grading them to assist you in selecting the right quality of hotel.
Approved: Hotels which meet Classic’s minimum level of expectation
Commended: Considered to be average or slightly above average1st Class: Top end hotels within their star category in all
departments
Classic’s Value plus promiseHotels marked with a on pages 44-51 offer added value, for no extra cost to further enhance your passengers holiday experience:• Welcoming tea and biscuits on check in• No Single room supplements on certain dates• Individual Dining arrangements at breakfast and at dinner if requested• Free on site coach parking• Free Wifi available in the hotel
In hotel servicesAll Classic’s member hotels provide as standard: Porterage, Full breakfasts, Min, 3,3,3 choice dinners plus tea/coffee (max table size 6). Some hotels offer a weekly entertainment programme, see pages 44-51.
ReviewsGuest feedback is essential, and Classic has gathered thousands of reviews from past guests which can be seen on each hotel page: www.classicbritain.com
Left to Right: Pamela, Bev, Richard, Nathalie, Heather, Claire, Susan, Anne-Marie, Andrew, Fiona and Mark
The staff at Classic Britain
have been extremely helpful,
ensuring the appropriate
accommodation was booked
for a disabled guest
Scottish Coach Operator
Handpicked Group Friendly Hotels, you can trust to deliver
A selection of 60 inspiring Packages & BreaksYou can book right now It’s quick, inexpensive and effortless
14
Shetlands
21
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 3
The Hotel Company
Package ContentClassic provides you with a selection of 60 carefully balanced packages varying between 2 – 9 days. All packages have been carefully researched, staying in 3-4 star hotels, we would be quite happy to stay in ourselves and in fact probably have!
Price PledgeClassic is funded by it’s hotel members, which is good news for you, as there is no need for Wholesale mark ups. Due to our close and long working relationship with our members, coupled with the volume of business placed means we can negotiate extremely favourable prices, which we are happy to pass on to you.
We work with youClassic will do its utmost to assist in the operating of your programme with Classic. We can supply images, supply copy for your brochure, and when you book we do not ask for any deposit. We only ask for payment (unless credit has been agreed), once your room list has been received. In addition, and in most cases, we will contract a further 3 twin/double rooms for you to sell to any late bookers.
THEMEd BREakS Page
Bletchley Park, Proms at Downton, Hampton Court ........................ 4
N.W Waterways, Xmas Markets, Mystery Tours ................................ 5
UK Houseparties ...................................................................................... 6
Out of Season Ideas ................................................................................ 7
Lytham St Annes & The Lakes / The Cornish Connection ................. 8
Eastbourne for Singles / Luxury Singles in the Scottish Borders .... 9
ISLand ESCaPES
Magic Manx ............................................................................................ 10
Castles & Palaces of Ayrshire & Arran ............................................... 11
Dunoon, Isle of Bute & Argyll’s Secret Coastline ............................ 12
Scottish Islands & Gardens ................................................................... 13
Spectacular Shetlands & Orkneys Cruise .......................................... 14
Oban & the Three Island Adventure .................................................. 15
Fort William & Voyage to the Small Isles ........................................... 16
Scottish Marine Wildlife and the Summer Isles ............................... 17
Hebridean Odyssey ............................................................................... 18
Edinburgh & The Hebridean Islands ................................................... 19
Scottish Highlands & the Orkney Isles ............................................... 20
Skye to The Orkneys on the NW Passage ......................................... 21
EnGLand
London - “Pick and Mix” ....................................................................... 22
Shropshire and Severn Valley .............................................................. 23
Englands Lakeland Glory ...................................................................... 24
Castle Parties in the Cotswolds .......................................................... 25
Derbyshire Peaks & Yorkshire Highlights .......................................... 26
Castles & Gardens of South England ........................................ 26 / 27
Scarborough’s Yorkshire Coaster ....................................................... 27
Romantic Journeys of Northumberland ........................................... 28
WaLES
Wonderful Wales ................................................................................... 29
Boats & Trains of North Wales & Snowdonia .................................... 30
Welsh Highlands, Anglesey & Puffin Island ...................................... 31
SCoTLand
The Irish “Hop-Scotch” .......................................................................... 32
All Inclusives / Perthshire Drams & Flings ......................................... 33
Castle Parties in the Scottish Borders ............................................... 34
Waterways of Scotland ........................................................................ 35
Royal Highland Safari ........................................................................... 36
Rail & Natural Wonders of Scotland .................................................. 37
Romantic Highland Railways ............................................................... 38
Scotlands Heritage & Wildlife ............................................................. 39
Scotland’s Coastal Journeys ................................................................ 40
Boats & Trains of the Highlands & Islands ......................................... 41
Scotlands Autumn Gold / Scotland’s Regal Heritage ...................... 42
Christmas / Turkey Tinsel / New Year ................................................ 43
HoTELS and GRouP RaTES
England, Wales & Ireland ..................................................................... 44
England ................................................................................................... 45
Scottish Borders .................................................................................... 46
Glasgow Area & South West Highlands ............................................. 47
Edinburgh, Central Scotland & Trossachs ......................................... 48
Perthshire & Fife .................................................................................... 49
West Highlands & Speyside ................................................................. 50
Northern Highlands & Islands & Grampian ....................................... 51
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Imposing ...Highclere Castle, made famous by the smash hit series Downton Abbey 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.
P Early check in
P 1nt Bed & breakfast
P Lunch on day one
P Entry to Battle Proms
P Coach parking at Highclere for 1st 3 bookings
Highlights
P Spitfire Display P Concert Orchestra P Highclere Castle
Battle Proms at Downton Abbey
1st August 2015
Price Includes
2 days from
£69
Day 1 Early Check in followed by a three course lunch, with time to relax before travelling the short journey to Highclere Castle. Gates open at 4.30pm. 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.
Day 2 Depart your hotel after a full English breakfast Depending which way you’re heading, there are many places to stop off; from the famous Bath Abbey and Jane Austin centre or, Oxford, the “city of dreaming spires” for shopping and sightseeing or the world heritage site Stonehenge.
We recommend taking sensible clothing, footwear and if desired a picnic, rug and a bottle of wine/champagne. Although, there will be a selection food and drinks available to purchase onsite. Picnic food boxes can be
purchased at hotels for an additional charge.
Hotels 1 Aug 31 July x 1nt x 2nts
4* Waterloo Hotel, Bracknell £109 £104
3* Manor House, Windsor £84 £134Page 44
Single Room Supplement between £15 and £20 a night. First 3 bookings receive free coach parking at Highclere. Otherwise it will be a drop off and pick up arrangement.
E: [email protected] Edinburgh Tattoo Hotels Available
2014
Sold O
ut
Pollinating ...Hampton Court Palace, the setting for the
world’s largest annual flower show and
organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.
34 acres of breathtaking displays, from
unusual concepts to ideas to suit your own
garden. It’s a “must see” for gardeners and
non gardeners alike.
P Tea and biscuits on check in
P 2 nts DBB
P Full English Breakfasts
P Choice three course
dinners plus coffee
P Entry to Kew Gardens
P Entry to Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
P Driver free if over 25
paying pax.
Highlights
P Kew Gardens
P Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and Kew Gardens
7th - 12th July 2015
Price Includes
2 days from
£109
Day 1 Kew Gardens There is nowhere quite like Kew for the feeling of utter peace & tranquillity. Meander the Arboretum which includes, Rhododendron Dell & Bamboo Garden amongst a host of spectacular areas. Visit the majestic buildings & glasshouses. There is so much to see & do you will be spoilt for choice. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon for welcoming tea and biscuits. Relax in the hotel before enjoying a sumptuous three-course dinner.
Day 2 Hampton Court Palace After breakfast short journey to Hampton Court Palace. Your day will be filled with a dazzling array of floral displays from some of the worlds most creative and innovative horticulturists. From stunning landscaped gardens to numerous marquees & concept gardens. Return to your hotel in time for dinner.
Day 3 Start your morning with a full English breakfast before boarding your coach for your journey home.
Kew Gardens
Hotels 2nts DBB
4* Waterloo Hotel, Bracknell £109pp
4* Manor Hotel, Windsor £139ppPage 44
More Hotels available on request.Single SupplementWaterloo £13 per nightManor £20 per night
Nostalgic ...Weekend breaks providing an insight into
what made Britain Great. On this fascinating
break you will be visiting WW2 home of code
breaking at Bletchley Park and see one of
England’s most prestigious Palaces. Guided
tours will tell the untold story of dramatic
events at Blenheim over the last 300 years.
P 2 or 3 nts DBB
P Entry into Bletchley Park
P Entry to Blenheim Palace,
Park & Gardens
P Guided tour of
Blenheim’s state rooms
P Entry into Churchill
Exhibition
Highlights
P Bletchley Park
P Blenheim Palace
Bletchley Park and Blenheim Palace
April - October 2015
Price Includes
Fri x 3nts
£149
Friday or Sunday (Depending on your travelling time you can either select to visit Bletchley on Friday before arrival at hotel or Sunday on departure from hotel. If you are travelling from further a field, recommend staying 3nts and spending the Sunday at Bletchley.)
Bletchley Park See the world’s largest display of enigma machines and the “unbreakable” cipher machine, created by mathematical geniuses which influenced the course of WW2, with the process being explained. Stroll round the various huts, hear the stories from spies, the Japanese Challenge, the Home Front Exhibition explaining how people lived during the war, the wartime mini cinema, the Churchill exhibition and much, much more.
Saturday Blenheim Palace A true masterpiece of Baroque architecture on the grandest scale. Stroll the imposing staterooms & Great Hall at leisure or join the guided tour, bringing to life dramatic events over 300years. Including the Churchill Exhibition. Wander round the 2000 acres of parklands and formal gardens including the Marlborough maze, Butterfly House, Lavendar Garden and Blenheim Bygones Exhibition.
Blenheim Palace
Hotels4* Hilton Hotel, Milton Keynes
Page 44
Available Fridays x 2nts or 3 nts arriving:
4/5, 1/5, 22/5, 12/6, 17/7, 7/8, 4/9, 16/10
DBB Price
2nts £109pp
3nts £149ppSingle Supplement £16 per night.
New
Fri x 2nts
£109
Choose ...From a selection of Christmas markets
across the country. Classic has hotels in
the following towns and cities where lavish
Christmas markets take place such as:
Chester, Bath, Manchester, Birmingham,
Leeds, Cardiff and Glasgow.
Classic has selected three of the best ones:
P 2 nts DBB
P Porterage
P Driver free over 20 pax.
Highlights
P Edinburgh P Thursford
P Rochester
Christmas Markets
Price Includes
2 nts from
£79
Edinburgh Available from last week in November, is the largest in Scotland, split into 3 different markets. Lots to explore in a wonderful setting beneath the castle and near to Princes St.
Hotels Grosvenor, Edinburgh Kings Manor, Edinburgh (Page 48)
Rochester very well established and better known as the Dickens Christmas Market is staged 1st 2 –3 weeks in December. The market is set in the grounds of Rochester Castle.
Hotels Donnington Manor, Sevenoaks
Thursford Christmas Spectacular is recognised as being one of the largest shows of its kind in Europe. A 3 hour fast moving show celebrating the festive season, with a cast of 130 singers, dancers and musicians. The range covers everything from solo singers to amazing costumed dance routines. On throughout November and December.
Hotels Brook Hotel, Norwich
New
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 5 Dozens of hotels available for Edinburgh Tattoo
Discover ...How Britain became the most inventive and forward thinking country in the world, on this fascinating weekend break to the North of England. Not only will you cruise along one of the most ambitious canals ever built, but also reflect on how life was during the Industrial Revolution. The break blends informative days out, set in serene scenery together with a stay in a first class hotel, with entertainment included.
P Min 2 nights DBB
P Single journey on Manchester Ship Canal
P Boat lift and canal cruise
P 1 nights entertainment
P Driver free over 25 paying pax
Highlights P Liverpool
P Mersey Cruise P Salford Quays P Boat lift
Britain’s Golden Age of Waterways
Price Includes
Fri x 2nts from
£139
This weekend break can be tailored to your location and
travelling time. If within a 3 hour journey, then Anderton
Boat Lift can be done on the Friday or Sunday. If your travel
distance is further a field or, you would like more relaxation
time then you can add the Sunday night on for an extra £45
pp DBB.
Anderton Boat Lift An amazing feat of 19th century
engineering, and the first of its kind in the world. Hoisted
up through the structure in the elegant Edwin Clark
boat followed by a cruise along the Trent- Mersey canal.
Continuing to the National Waterways museum with it’s
unique feet of historic boats and stories of Britain’s canals
& waterways.
Manchester Ship Canal A most memorable cruise winding
its way from Liverpool to the heart of Manchester, 35
miles in length, through locks and under bridges passing
sites of unspoilt beauty, seeing the rich legacy of Victorian
architecture. There is a lively commentary telling the story
of how this 100 year old waterway shaped the history of
the North West. There is a bar and refreshments on board.
On arrival at Salford Quays there is a wealth of things to
see incl. The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum. The
cruise can be done in reverse with time free in Liverpool.
Hotel4* Hallmark Hotel, Manchester
Located near to Manchester Airport this is a great value escape for a short break and an excellent hotel for Classic’s Waterways Package. 88 rooms, and the hotel has leisure.
Guest Review 85%
New
Increasingly ...Popular mystery tours are a good way of
printing late availability priced breaks in
your brochure. Savings of over 30% can be
made off normal group rates at a choice of
over 250 UK hotels across the UK. They are
particularly popular in the shoulder periods.
P Choice 3 course dinner each night
P Full breakfasts each morning
P Driver free over 25 paying pax
P Entertainment for 4 night stays
P Porterage
Highlights P Min 3* hotels
P Sell up until 7 days prior
P Magical Mystery Tours
Magical Mystery Tours
Price Includes
from
£30DBB
If you are operating some mystery tours
and want to be sure you have sufficient
choice, and you don’t end up going back to
the same place, or spending a lot of time
trying to seek out a suitable venue, then
Classic can offer you the solution. With
our vast range of 3 & 4 star hotels, we can
quickly supply you with a list of hotels to
suit your needs. Rates vary depending on
time of year, hotel quality and length of
stay. We will always do our best to work
within your budget. You can either book
your dates well in advance, at brochure
production stage and arrange a price or,
call Classic approx. 6 weeks out and we will
supply you with a list of hotels the next day.
Price Guideline4+ nights £30
2-3 nights £34
1 night £36
Prices are per person per night on a DBB basis.
Give us a call or drop us an email
with your requirements.
E: [email protected] More out of season ideas on pages 8, 22, 25, 33, 34, 41 & 42
Classic’s new Houseparty
programme is based in a
country house styled hotel
in the Scottish Borders.
P Welcome tea & scones on check in
P 4nts DBB
P 2 nts entertainment
P 1 Scottish night with entertainment
3* Hetland Hall Hotel, Dumfries Page 462014: 27/10, 3/11 £109 2015: 29/3, 25/10, 1/11 £1092016: 27/3, 3 /4 £1091st 4 singles no suppl. £15/nt thereafter
Borderlands HousepartiesPrice Includes Lots of charm and character in this
re-vamped hotel located 5 miles from Dumfries with views across the Solway Firth. Relax by the open fire, enjoy fine food and revel in the entertainment provided on 3 nights.
5 Days £109pp
HousepartiesAn extremely popular choice of destination due to it’s ease of access, location and packaged price.
P Tea/coffee & Bara Brith on check in
P 4 nts DBB
P Welsh Themed dinner
P 2 nights entertainment
P Porterage
3* Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis Page 442014: 27/10, 10/11 £99 2015: 16/2, 23/3, 31/10, 9/11 £1092016: 15/2, 21/3 £109Single supplement £48
Welsh Highland HousepartiesPrice Includes Located in the heart of the Welsh
Highlands, in the shadow of Mt.
Snowdon. A superb base to explore
N.W. Wales as well as enjoying fine
food and entertainment.
5 Days from £99pp
Classic has selected
Bournemouth for its English
Houseparty because it’s an all
year round resort, staying in
the 4* Menzies Carllton Hotel.
P Tea & coffee on arrival
P 4 nts DBB
P 4 nts entertainment
P Free use of leisure
P Gala dinner and race night
4* Menzies Carlton Hotel, Bournemouth Page 442014: 10/11 £130 2015: 5/3, 22/3, 11/10, 18/10, 1/11, 29/11* £135 - £1502016: 24/1, 28/2, 20/3, 27/3 £130 - £140 Single supplement £15 a night (* Festive themed)
English Seaside HousepartiesPrice Includes This is a new product for Classic,
which we are sure will be popular.
Price is good, location is excellent,
quality is top notch, and there is
plenty going on in the hotel.
5 Days from £130pp
Located in a tranquil setting
and well positioned for easy
access to both the Lake District
and North Yorkshire Dales.
P Welcome drink on 1st evening
P 4 nts DBB
P nights enterainment
P Cumbrian themed dinner
3* Shap Wells Hotel, Shap Page 452014: 3/11, 10/11 £114 2015: 22/2, 15/3 £114 2/11, 9/11 £1192016: 21/02, 14/3 £1191st 4 singles no suppl. Then £15pn thereafter
Lakeland HousepartiesPrice Includes A similar package is also available
staying in Bowness on Windermere
at the Hydro costing approx. £20 pp
more.
5 Days from £114pp
Classic launched a new
Highland Houseparty
product for 2014 and all
dates sold out very quickly.
P Welcome hot drink on check in
P 4nts DBB
P 2 nights entertainment
P Scottish Night with Highland banquet
3* Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich Page 512014: 27/10, 10/11 £1092015: 9/3, 16/3, 23/3, 2/11, 9/11, 16/11 £1192016: 14/3, 21/3, 28/3 £119 Single supplement £40
Highland HousepartiesPrice Includes Highland Houeparties are popular because
the hotel is good, there is plenty going on in
the hotel in the evenings and being based
right in the centre of the West Highlands,
with Oban, Fort William, West Highland Line
and Loch Lomond nearby.
5 Days from £109pp
Voted by Coach Operators as the
best individual hotel provider of the
year, the Winnock, in association
with Carlsberg probably offers the
best house party in the world.
P 4 nights Full BoardP Welcome drinks receptionP Wine with dinnerP Weaponry displayP Full Scottish ShowP Live music on 2 ntsP Free bar 1930-2230hrs
3* Winnock Hotel, Drymen Page 482014: 17/11** £184 2015: 11/1* £119 9/3 £159 4/10 £198 15/11** £1892016: 7/1* £117 22/3 £165 No single suppl on 1st 4 singles then £15pn(* - Burns Themed. ** Turkey Tinsel themed)
Award Winning AI Houseparties
Price Includes Classic is delighted to recommend this most complete
of Houseparties where everything is brought to you
within the price. Top notch entertainment, superb
food using the best of ingredients, staying in Drymen,
just 4 miles from Loch Lomond. It may not be the
cheapest, but it certainly ranks as probably the best
for inclusions & value.
5 Days from £117pp
For many years Classic’s
Deluxe Highland Flings
have been our most popular
out of season break.
P Welcome drinks reception
P 4 nts DBB
P Scottish banquet
P Glass of wine with one nts. dinner
P 2 other nts. Entertainment
3* Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Glencoe Page 50 or 3* Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish Page 50 or 3* Lodge on the Loch, Onich2015: 9/3, 16/3, 23/3, 26/10, 2/11, 9/11 2016: 21/3, 28/3Single room supplement £60
Deluxe Highland FlingsPrice Includes The product is very well priced,
staying in well known and respected
waterfront hotels, with lots going on
with a Highland flavour.
5 Days £119pp
Medieval Welsh weekend with a sumptuous banquet at 13th century Ruthin Castle.
P Tea/Coffee & Bara Brith on check-in
P 2 nts B&B
P 1nt dinner in hotel with enmnt
P 4 course banquet & enmnt in Ruthin Castle
3* Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold Page 442014: 10/10, 7/11 2015: 27/3, 18/4 (easter), 16/10, 6/112016: 25/3 (easter), 22/4No single room supplement
Welsh Medieval BanquetsPrice Includes Here, revellers are entertained, sing,
jest and feast with daggers and
fingers; drinking mead from clay pots
and wine from goblets.
Fri x 2nts £99pp
Grab a bargain break staying
in a waterfront, central Oban
hotel with entertainment 4
nights for £84 pp
P Welcome tea/coffee and biscuits
P 4 nts DBB
P Min 2 nights entertainment
P Porterage
2* Regent Hotel, Oban Page 502014: 20/10, 27/10 £99 3/11, 10/11 £842015: 23/3, 30/3 £99 6/4, 27/4 £104 5/10, 19/10 £99 2/11, 9/11 £942016: 21/3, 28/3 £104 18/4, 25/4 £114 No single room supplement
Specials to ObanPrice Includes Snowcapped mountains, autumn hues
and mists rolling in from the sea make
the West Highlands a magical place to
stay in the shoulder months, and at a
fraction of summer prices too.
5 Days from £84pp
Fabulous 5 day break into picturesque Ayrshire, designed especially for the solo traveller.
P Pre dinner drinks reception
P 4 nts DBB
P 2nts entertainment
P Entrance into Riverside Museum
4* Menzies Hotel, Irvine Page 472014: 20/10, 27/10 x 4nts £185 3/11 x 4nts £1742015: 19/10, 26/10 x 4nts £185 2/11, 9/11 x 4nts £174
4* Singles BreaksPrice Includes All rooms are double or twin rooms for
sole use. There’s a get to know each other
welcome drinks reception, and included
is entrance into Glasgow’s magnificent
Riverside Museum – voted European Museum
of the year.
5 Days from £174pp
Classic has a number of
hotels offering Drinks
Inclusives.
Also see Pages xx and xx.
P Welcome drinks reception
P Return ferry Gourock - Dunoon
P 4 nts DBB
P 4 drinks each night
P 3 nts live entertainment
P Porterage
3* Argyll Hotel, Dunoon Page 472014: 10/11 £135 2015: 16/3, 6/4, 5/10, 16/11, 7/12 £135 £1492016: 7/3 £149 4/4 £154Single Supplement £32 (Also see Page 31)
Drinks InclusivesPrice Includes Featured destination is Dunoon,
easily accessible and lovely setting
overlooking the Firth. Plenty
happening in the hotels and ample
days out options available.
5 Days from £135pp
Continue your festive joy with one of Classic’s fabulous Twixmas breaks.
P Welcome hot drink on check in
P 2-3 nts DBB
P Min 1 nts enmnt – 2 nt stays
P Min 2 nts enmnt – 3 nt stays
P Porterage
Arrive 27 Dec x 2 or 3 nts (2014 & 2015)
Twixmas BreaksPrice Includes Based in hotels all over the UK.
Here is just a sample. Enjoy all this
for a fraction of the price you’d pay
at Christmas and New Year.
From £35pppn
2* Regent Hotel, Oban p50 £30
3* York House, Eastbourne p44 £45
3* Gretna Hall, Gretna Green p46 £42
4* Redwood Hotel, Bristol p44 £40
3* Hetland Hall Hotel, Dumfries p46 £33Price is pppn DBB. Single supplement between £0 - £15/nt
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 7Festive Breaks on page 43
out of Season
Brand new ...tour based in the charming Cornish village of Looe, with its busy fishing harbour, winding streets and sandy beach. It is an ideal location to explore Cornwall, one of the UK’s most iconic destinations. Looe is deep rooted in maritme history and the holiday blends the beauty of the Cornish coastline with characterful villages & towns dotted along its coastline together with entrances to some of Cornwalls most popular attractions; The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the National Maritime Museum. This relaxing Cornish holiday is based at the totally refurbished Portbyan Hotel.
P Welcome tea & scones on check in
P 4 or 6 nights DBB
P Evening entertainment Programme
P Entry to Lost Gardens of Heligan
(summer)
P Entry into National Maritime
Museum
P 99p bar 7-10pm each night
(low season, house brands)
P 1 lunch in hotel (out of season)
P 1 free place over 25 paying
passengers.
Highlights P Lost Gardens of Heligan
P Plymouth P St Austell P Falmouth
P Maritime Museum P 99p bar
The Cornish Connection
Price Includes
Hotel3* Portbyan Hotel, LooePage 44
Day 1 Cornwall arriving at the 3* Portbyan Hotel, Looe with tea and scones available on check in.
Day 2 Looe Free day in this pretty Cornish village with it’s “banjo-shaped” working fishing harbour. Watch the days catch being auctioned on the quayside, stroll round the narrow streets snaking down to the white sandy beach, with curiosity shops, bars and eateries, with many buildings dating back to the 16th century.
Day 3 St Austell & The Lost Gardens of Heligan The 30 minutes journey takes us to the bustling market town of St Austell, affectionately known as the “Cornish Alps” due to its china clay mountains surrounding the town. After a stop we travel to nearby “Lost Gardens of Heligan.” - a traditional walled garden lost to nature after WW1, but restored to its former glory in 1990. We spend the remainder of the day here before returning to Looe.
Day 4 Plymouth Leisurely morning before taking the short drive to Britain’s Maritime City of Plymouth, with time to stroll the Hoe, shop in the modern Barbican centre with cobbled streets and quayside bars and restaurants or visit the Aqaurium.
Day 5 Falmouth & National Maritime Museum 49 miles away from Looe is Falmouth, “ The Jewel of the Cornish Riviera” framed by an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the worlds 3rd largest deep-water harbour, 5 picturesque beaches and quaint streets and alleyways in the old town. A popular attraction is the fascinating National Maritime Museum, where entrance is included, giving an amazing insight into the area’s maritime history. The museum has recently been awarded the Best Visitor Attraction in Cornwall. Its15 galleries illustrate the past, present and future of this island nation providing a number of stunning exhibitions.
Day 6 Free Day in Looe Time to relax, enjoy the beach and local attractions with lunch included (Oct - May ).
Day 7 Depart Cornwall and head for home.
7 days from £239pp
5 days from £164pp
5 day out of season tours include the following excursions:
Full DayVisit to Falmouth & National Maritime Museum
Full DayA day out in Plymouth
Free Day in LooeIncludes lunch in the hotel
Stylish ...Lytham St Annes is a renowned fashionable seaside resort
with miles of sandy beaches. The hotel is right on the
seafront. You can select either a 2 night weekend break which
includes an excursion to the Lake District. Or, stay 4 nights
which includes a day out to Morecambe Bay and wonderful
Holker Hall and Owl Centre. Some dates cover Blackpool
Illuminations.
P 2 or 4 nts DBB
P Tea/coffee & biscuits on check in
Min. 2nts entertainment
(1nt at weekend)
P Lake Windermere cruise
P Driver free over 25 pax (May-Oct)
P Driver free over 20 pax (Nov-Apr)
Highlights P Lake District & cruise
P Morecambe P Southport
P Blackpool Illuminations (Sept-Nov)
Lytham St Annes and The Lakes
Price Includes
Hotel3* Inn on the Prom, Lytham St AnnesPage 45
Rates & Dates attached.
Monday Arrive in Lytham with tea/coffee &
biscuits served.
Tuesday Southport After a free morning to
relax in Lytham St Annes, we travel along
the coast to Southport on the south side of
the Ribble Estuary. Southport is a charming
Victorian resort, with lovely gardens and
floral displays. Take a browse round the
many shops on Lord Street, or stroll along
the prom to the Pleasure Pier, where you
can enjoy a train journey along its length.
(Illuminations dates, back for an early dinner
followed by a drive through Blackpools famous
illuminations).
Wednesday Morecambe Bay & The Lakes
After breakfast we head northwards along
the coast with time free in Morecambe. The
day continues into the glorious Lake District
and to Bowness in Windermere, with a cruise
arranged on the Lake. We continue to the
pretty Lakeside village of Ambleside and on
to Coniston Water of “Bluebird” fame, before
returning to the hotel in time for dinner.
Thursday Blackpool A free day to see the
local sights of St Annes. Blackpool is 4 miles
away. There is a bus stop near the hotel into
Blackpool and it’s trams.
Lytham St Annes pier
5 days from £129pp
3 days from £104pp
Looe & beach
Seaside FrolicsNew
E: [email protected] 5 days Lytham – Drivers days off on Thursday - All year round Destinaltions
3 day Illuminations Weekend Itinerary
Friday Arrive early afternoon, relax or explore Lytham. Early dinner followed by a drive through the famous illuminations.
Saturday Lake District A full day visiting Bowness with a cruise on Lake Windermere included. We journey through the Lakes enjoying beautiful Lakeland scenery before returning to Lytham for dinner
Sunday Depart hotel Classic can add additional attractions to include on your journey home.
Rates & Dates attached.
New
Fun Filled ...Eastbourne is one of the UK’s seaside favourites since
Victorian times. A place literally bursting with so many things
to see and do, with ample attractions, 5 miles of beaches, a
palm tree lined promenade, a beautifully preserved pier and
exquisite gardens all near your hotel. A holiday providing time
to enjoy Eastbourne as well as venturing further a field to
explore this much loved area.
P Tea/coffee & biscuits on check in
P Full breakfasts
P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee
P Wine with dinner each night
P 2 nights entertainment
P Single journey on Bluebell steam
train
P Driver free over 25 paying
passengers
Highlights P Bluebell steam train
P Beachy Head P Wine with dinner
Eastbourne for Singles Holidays
Price Includes
Extra nights only £45 pp DBB
Hotel3* Shoreview Hotel, EastbournePage 44
Available: April – OctoberRates & Dates attached.
Monday Eastbourne Arrive at the revamped seafront Shoreview Hotel to welcoming tea & biscuits.
Tuesday Free day Take in the sea air of elegant Eastbourne. Take a stroll along the Prom., browse round the shops and attractions, relax on the beach.
Wednesday Brighton & Bluebell Steam A wonderful day awaits. Firstly a scenic drive through glorious Sussex countryside to board the preserved Bluebell railway, recreating the golden age of steam. It has the second largest collection of steam trains in the country. The 11 mile nostalgic journey takes approx . 40 minutes. We spend the afternoon in Brighton with its superb shopping architecture, Victorian pier and beachfront. The most important landmark is the Royal Pavilion, what is probably the most flamboyant Royal Palace in Europe.
Thursday Beachy Head & Alfriston A half day tour crossing the South Downs to enjoy the panoramic views at Beachy Head, reaching Birling Gap. We return via the scenic Seven Sisters of Alfriston, one of the oldest and prettiest villages in Sussex, with its 14th century timber framed clergy house. It was the first building to be acquired by the National Trust back in 1896.
Friday Head for Home or stay longer. There are so many other interesting places to see such as Rye, Hastings and Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Eastbourne seafront
5 days from
£199pp
Singles
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 9Allocation 40 singles or doubles for sole use and 4 twins/doubles
Magnificent ...4* Peebles Hydro is the setting for Classic’s Scottish singles
programme. It is 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 Bridges.
P 4 nights DBB
P Choice dinners & full breakfasts
P Welcome Bucks Fizz Reception
P Min 1 night entertainment
P Entrance into Floors Castle &
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.
Highlights P Border Towns P Floors Castle
and Gardens P Edinburgh & Boat Cruise
Luxury Singles Holidays in the Scottish Borders
Price Includes
5th night available on Sunday for £xx pp DBB
Hotel4* Peebles Hydro Hotel, Peebles Page 46
Available: May – SeptemberRates & Dates attached.
Monday 4* Peebles Hydro Hotel Bucks Fizz reception before dinner, and your chance to meet your fellow travellers.
Tuesday Borders & Floors Castle Firstly to Galashiels – rich in history dating back to 1124, then Floors Castle & Gardens. A romantic fairytale castle with its turrets, pinnacles and cupolas. It’s the largest inhabited castle in Scotland dating back to 1721. Its extensive landscaped gardens are a delight to stroll. (Allow 3-4). Returning via the Border Towns of Melrose with its famous Abbey and Kelso.
Wednesday Edinburgh & Forth Cruise 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 the Forth”. Relax and enjoy a magical cruise under the bridges, including the 3rd bridge which is currently under construction and towards Inchcolm Island to view various wildlife including seals, puffins and dolphins.
Thursday Free Day in Peebles Take breakfast when you want, enjoy the facilities at the Hydro, take a swim, book a spa treatment, have a stroll into Peebles, only a 5-10 minute walk away, and browse the many speciality shops and boutiques.
Friday Travel home after breakfast or stay an extra night.
Forth cruise
5 days from
£239pp
SinglesNew
Peebles
Edinburgh
Floors Castle
Melrose Abbey
Galashiels
Forth Cruise
Eastbourne
Beachy HeadBrighton
Alfriston
Bivebell Railway
Peel Castle
Fascinating ...Isle of Man - the pearl in the Irish
Sea, a unique crown dependency
for over 1000 yrs, with the oldest
parliament in the World! An
island that’s rich in tradition, and
steeped in myths and legends.
There are over 200 square
miles of unspoilt countryside &
coastline with hidden coves and
superb sandy beaches waiting to
be explored. The holiday is based
in the island’s capital, Douglas,
with its Victorian pier & horse
drawn trams.
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. 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.
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. Nearby is the busy fishing harour of Port St. Mary and Port Erin with its sweep of a sheltered sandy beach. After a short stop
proceed north to the fishing port of Peel, 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 and the Manx Parliament.
Day 5 The ferry leaves Douglas shortly after breakfast arriving in Heysham around lunchtime for your journey home.
P 4nts DBB
P Welcoming tea & biscuits on check in
P Ferry to and from the Isle of Man
P Train to Snaefell Peak
P 2 nights entertainment
P Free coach parking at hotels
P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee
P Full Manx breakfasts
P Driver free over 25 paying passengers
Highlights P Mountain Railway P Castle Rushen P Laxey Wheel P Port Erin P Peel & Douglas
Magic ManxPrice Includes
4 nights from £209 Extra night from £38 dBB
Hotels3* Chesterhouse Hotel, Douglas
Page 45
Available: March – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Driver day off option
The Hotel Company
Island Escapes
Snaefell Steam Railway
The Capital, douglas
Ramsey
Peel
Port Erin
Castletown
Laxey
Douglas
SnaefellRailway
Heysham
Isle of Man
New
The Hotel Company
Isle of arran & Brodick Castle
Stunning ...New tour blending together beautiful coastal drives and views with visits to some of Scotland’s most proud and well known stately homes and castles. Explore the Ayrshire coast, marvel at the magnificence of Drumlanrig Castle and Dumfries House. We cross the water to one of Scotland’s largest islands with a visit to a distinguished castle and scenic gardens. All this conducted at a relaxing pace.
Day 1 Ayrshire Arrive at your chosen hotel to
welcoming tea and shortbread.
Day 2 Isle of Arran Depart Ardrossan on the
40 minute sea crossing to the Isle of Arran,
known as “Scotland in Miniature”. Firstly, we
stop off at the Scottish Baronial styled Brodick
Castle, which is packed full of treasures. Its
impressive gardens afford stunning views over
the Firth of Clyde. No visit to Arran would be
complete without a scenic tour around the
island taking in breathtaking seascapes over
to Kintyre and south towards Ailsa Craig,
affectionately known as Paddy’s Milestone.
Returning to your hotel late afternoon.
Day 3 Robert Burns Country & Dumfries House After a leisurely breakfast, a short
drive to Ayr, the regions capital. Stroll round
the bustling centre with plenty shops,
bars and café’s, or take a visit to the large
sandy beach. Afterwards, the coach takes
you to the pretty village of Alloway and its
associations with Scotland’s most famous
poet Robbie Burns. After lunch we take
the short drive to Dumfries House, one of
Britain’s most beautiful stately homes and
best kept heritage secrets, with sumptuous
interiors and magnificent furnishings, all set
in two thousand acres of land. It is regarded
as an 18th century time capsule since the
principal rooms and their contents have
remained virtually unchanged for 250 years.
In 2007 HRH The Prince of Wales, headed a
consortium of charities to purchase the House
in order to keep this historical jewel intact and
accessible to the public.
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
of Queensberry & brimming with centuries-
old heritage and culture. Set in an 80,000
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.
P 4 nts DBB
P Entry into Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens
P Return ferry to Arran
P Entry into Brodick Castle & Gardens
P Entry into Dumfries House
P Full Scottish breakfasts
P Choice 3 course dinner plus coffee
P A Scottish themed night
P 1 other nts entertainment
P free coach parking
P 1 free place if over 25 paying passengers
Island Escapes
Highlights P Ayrshire, Drumlanrig Castle P Isle of Arran P Dumfries House P Brodick Castle P Robbie Burns Country
Castles and Palaces of Ayrshire and Arran
Price Includes
5 days from £199pp
Hotels4* Menzies Hotel, Irvine
Page 47
3* South Beach Hotel, Troon
Page 47
Available: April – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Ayrshire & Arran weekends available 11T: 01357 529129 open 7 days
Glasgow
Extra night from £42 pp DBB
IrvineStrathaven
Drumlanrig Castle
Turnberry
Ailsa Craig
CumnockTroon
AyrAiloway
Dumfries House
Brodick M74 South
New
Rothesay
Awe inspiring ...holiday based in the popular
seaside resort of Dunoon with it’s
pier and 4 miles of flat promenade.
Included is the sea crossing to
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, dotted with ruins,
castles and ancient sites.
Day 1 Firth of Clyde & Dunoon 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.
Day 3 Inveraray, Castle Lunch & Secret Coast 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 stroll round the beautiful castle grounds leading down to the loch We return along Argyll’s secret coastline, one of the most
beautiful scenic drives in Scotland via Otter ferry and Kilfinan 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.
Day 5 Ayrshire & home After loading your coach, take the sea crossing to Gourock. If time permits, recommend heading south along the coast through the popular resort of Largs, with time in Burn’s Country and Ayr before connecting with the M74 for your journey home.
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.
Highlights P Lunch in a castle P Mount Stuart Palace P Rothesay P Benmore Gardens P Loch Lomond
Dunoon, Isle of Bute and Argyll’s Secret Coastline
Price Includes
5 days from £194pp
Hotels Page 47
3* Argyll Hotel, Dunoon
3* Royal Marine Hotel, Dunoon
Available: April – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Extra night from £35 pppn DBB
Carlisle
Edinburgh
Arrochar
Inveraray
Loch Lomond
Glasgow
BenmoreGardens
Rothesay &Mount Stuart
Ayr
The Hotel Company
Scotland
Dunoon
Crinan Canal
Dumfries
Gretna
Inveraray Castle
E: [email protected] Out of season Drinks Inclusives on page 7
Can be shortened to 5 days from £234pp 13T: 01357 529129 open 7 days
The Hotel Company
arduaine Gardens
Discover ...Arran, often referred to as
“Scotland in Miniature” is the
most southerly of Scotland’s
islands rewarding visitors with a
remarkable diversity of landscapes
and seascapes. Gigha, with its
population of 110 is quite simply
breathtaking – sandy beaches,
clear green seas, a host of wildlife
and well laid gardens waiting to be
explored. This two centred holiday
combines a flavour of island
lifestyles together with a visit to
three of Argyll’s most picturesque
gardens.
Day 1 Isle of Arran Catch the afternoon ferry from Ardrossan, checking into the coastal Kinloch Hotel. (If an overnight hotel is required on the mainland the night before then this can be arranged at a supplementary cost of £40 pp DBB).
Day 2 Arran & Brodick Castle & Gardens Enjoy breakfast in the waterfront restaurant. The sea is only 50 yards away from the hotel. The day starts with a tour over to Brodick, the island’s capital, with entry into the Victorian estate of Brodick Castle & Gardens, with its dramatic setting overlooking the Bay and Firth of Clyde. The castle is packed full of treasures, with an impressive collection of period furniture, silverware 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 fragrances. The tour returns to the hotel taking the coastal route, with fantastic seascapes all the way.
Day 3 Isle of Gigha & Achamore Gardens We leave Arran, taking the ferry crossing over to the Mull of Kintyre, made famous in the Paul McCartney song. Nearby, we catch the boat with your coach over to the breathtaking Isle of Gigha, being 7 miles long by 1 mile wide. Firstly, there is a meet and greet from the head gardener of the world famous Achamore Gardens, before entering the gardens with 50 acres of natural woodland, large walled garden, pond area with many rare and interesting plants and trees. Afterwards, a soup and sandwich lunch is laid on at the Gigha Hotel before visiting the vantage points on the island.
On leaving the Gigha we head north along the coast to Inveraray for the next 3 nights.
Day 4 Free day in Inveraray There are many things to see and do in Invereray from browsing the many curiousity shops to visiting Inveraray Jail. From here many convicts were sent to the penal colonies in America and Australia. The main attraction is the Duke of Argyll’s residence – Inveraray Castle and Gardens. The castle is adjacent to the hotel. This particular castle is one of the most famous of Scottish castles, and featured in the popular TV series Downton Abbey.
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 coastal garden, influenced by the North Atlantic Drift, 20 acres of outstanding plants, with open views across the sea to the Isles of Shuna and Luing. Further south we stop off at the Crinan Canal, an amazing feat of engineering linking the Sound of Jura with Loch Fyne. Every year around 2000 boats take the 9 mile journey on what is known as “Britain’s most beautiful shortcut”. The tour stops for a short while for photos and the returning road follows the course of the canal.
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.
P 2 nts Isle of Arran DBB
P 3 nts Inveraray DBB
P All ferry routes as described
P Entry into Brodick Castle & Gardens
P Entry into Achamore Gardens
P Lunch on Isle of Gigha
P Entry into Arduaine Gardens
Island Escapes
Highlights P Isles of Arran & Gigha P Brodick Castle & Gardens P Achamore & Arduaine Gardens P Crinan Canal P Inveraray P Oban P Loch Lomond
Scottish Islands and GardensPrice Includes
Drivers Day off option day 4
6 days from £269pp
Hotels2 nts 3* Kinloch Hotel, Arran
3nts 3* Argyll Hotel, Inveraray
Page 47or3nts 3* Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar
Page 48
Available: May – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Oban
Ardrossan
Glasgow
Arrochar
Ardvaine Gardens
Crinan Canal
BrodickKinloch
Isle of Gigha
Isle of Arran
Inveraray
Lochgilphead
Loch Awe
Loch Lomond
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.
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.
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 pass 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.
P 3 nts mainland hotels DBB
P 1 night BB*, 1nt DBB on Orkneys
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 Free place for your driver over 25 paying passengers
Highlights P Aberdeen P Inverness P Shetlands Mini Cruise P Guided Tour of Shetlands & Orkneys
Spectacular Shetlands and Orkneys Cruise
Price Includes
7 days from £559pp
Hotel1nt 3* Central Scotland Pages 47 & 48
1nt on ship
2nts 3* Stromness Hotel, Orkneys
2nts 3* Perth, Dundee, Stirling or Dunfermline Pages 48 & 49
Available: May to SeptemberRates and dates attached.
The unspoilt Shetland Isles
The Hotel Company
Scotland
E: [email protected] IMPORTANT: All passengers must have photo ID at on board check-in
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.
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.
The Ships
Aberdeen
Orkney
Thurso
EdinburghGlasgow
Perth
Inverness
Aviemore
Dunrobin
Shetland
Drivers rest day is Thursday
Fort William& Nevis Range
ObanIona
Seil Island
CommandoMonument
NeptunesStaircase
Mull
Stirling
Glasgow
no single
supplement
The Hotel Company
oban
Picture Postcard ...Oban, “Gateway to the Isles” with its
harbour, surrounded by sweeping
mountains is the perfect setting
to explore the West Highlands
& Islands, spending time in the
Fort William area and visiting the
wonderful Arduaine Gardens. The
culmination on the holiday is the 3
Isles Tour, reported as one of the
best day tours in Britain, cruising out
to the beautiful Isle of Mull, then
spiritual Isle of Iona, then an awe
inspiring cruise to the unique Isle of
Staffa to see Fingals Cave, together
with plenty wildlife.
Day 1 Oban Travel past Stirling and into
glorious Highland countryside along the
shoreline of Loch Awe before reaching your
waterfront hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Seil Island & Arduaine Gardens After a
leisurely breakfast, time free to explore Oban.
Late morning we journey to Seil Island, made
famous for 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 fisherman cottages.
Day 3 Three Isles Tour Today is the highlight
of the holiday. Firstly, the ferry to beautiful
Mull. Journey south taking in the imposing
Duart Castle, before reaching Fionnphort
- the most westerly point of the island, before
boarding the short ferry crossing to the small
island of Iona with its famous abbey - the
resting place of over 100 Scottish Kings and
the birthplace of Christianity within Britain.
We spend approx 2 hrs exploring this spiritual
isle. Then the highlight is an inspiring visit to
the unique Isle of Staffa and Fingals cave with
time on the island before returning to Oban in
time for dinner.
Driver Day off option Passengers can enjoy
the Three Isles Adventure without your coach.
Hotels are no more than 300 yards from the
ferry point. On Mull a private coach and driver
will be waiting at the ferry terminal to conduct
the tour of the islands. Extra cost £20 pp.
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 Neptune’s
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 elite Commandos
trained during WW2.
Day 5 Depart hotel via Loch Lomond and
Glasgow.
Mendelssohn’s Fingals Cave, Staffa
P Min 4 nights DBB
P Welcoming tea & shortbread on arrival
P Return Ferry to Mull with your coach
P Return Ferry to Iona as foot passengers
P Leisure cruise to Isle of Staffa
P Arduaine Gardens
P 2nts entertainment at Regent
P No single supplement in Regent Hotel
Island Escapes
Highlights P Mull P Iona P Staffa P Fingals Cave P Fort William P Arduaine Gardens P Commando Monument P Seil Island
Oban and the Three Island Adventure Price Includes
Stay an extra night from £36 pp DBB
5 days from £239pp
Hotels3* Columba Hotel, Oban
3* Caledonian Hotel, Oban
2* Regent Hotel, Oban
Page 50
Available: April – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Best months for Wildlife spotting May – July 15T: 01357 529129 open 7 days
LochLomond
Staffa
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 the Great Glen and Loch Ness to Inverness.
Monday: 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.
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 loch 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 ship 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. There is approx. 20 minutes walk from the ferry terminal to Kinloch Castle. (Buggy transfer
available on request. £3 single & £5 return payable on island). 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.
P 4nts DBB
P Full hot breakfasts
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 on-site coach parking
P 1 free place over 25 paying passengers
Highlights P Small Isles Cruise P Mountain Gondola P Road to the Isles P Loch Ness & Inverness P Kinloch Castle P Neptunes Staircase
Fort William and Voyage to the Small IslesPrice Includes
5 days from £234pp
Hotel3* West End Hotel, Fort William 81% Guest Review, 44 Bedrooms, Lift
Lochside & central and in our opinion the best hotel in the town for groups. It is small enough to care, and food and service is spot on.
Available: April – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Extra night from £50pp DBB
Mallaig, with Isles of Eigg and Rum
Fort William
Cruise
Inverness
Mallaig
Stirling
Glasgow
Fort William from the top of the Gondola
Rum
Loch Ness
The Hotel Company
Island Escapes
Mountain Gondola
E: [email protected] All days sold out in 2014
The Summer Isles
Monday The West Highlands Through Glencoe, past
Fort William to your beach and island view hotel for the
next 3 nights.
Tuesday Isles of Eigg & Rum Very few tours venture
this far, only seeing these two beautiful islands from the
mainland. A cruise from Mallaig to Rum passing Eigg is
quite simply “a different kettle of fish”. Not only will you
have the opportunity of seeing abundant wildlife around
the islands from dolphins and whales to sea eagles &
basking sharks, but also experience island life style
which has little changed for generations. On Rum, we
have arranged a specially guided tour of the flamboyant
Kinloch Castle. (There is approx 20 minute walk from the
ferry terminal to the castle, a shuttle buggy is available
£3 one way £5 return, payable on the island. Walking
shoes recommended). Passengers can, if they so wish,
stay on the ship and cruise further out to the Isle of
Canna, returning to Rum to collect other passengers.
Arrive Mallaig at approx 1800hrs.
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. Its
not a busy station, only 2-3 trains a day!
Thursday Isle of Skye & Atlantic Coastline Over the
sea to “Bonnie” Skye, and to Broadford. Then over the
Skye bridge to Kyle travelling through magnificent
Highland glen scenery & coastal views passing Loch
Maree and Loch Carron and the Caledonian Hotel
Ullapool or the loch side Dundonnell 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 200 yards 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 – 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 The Highland Capital & Osprey Centre
Depart your hotel the road hugs the coastline, before
the journey sweeps inland past lochs and mountains
before 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 the mountainous Spey Valley
and 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, walking shoes, camera and binoculars.
The Hotel Company
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 17
P 6 nights DBB
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 Entrance and Guided tour of Kinloch Castle or Continue cruise to Isle of Canna
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
P Entry into Osprey Centre (April-31 August)
Suitable for all ages, without walking difficulties
Highlights P Small Isles cruise P Wildlife cruise P Isle of Skye P Osprey Centre P Ullapool
Scottish Marine Wildlife and The Summer Isles
Price Includes
7 days from £329pp
Hotels3nts 3* Morar Hotel, Morar
2nts 3* Dundonnell Hotel, Ullapool (23miles)
or 2* Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool
1nt 3* Southbound hotel.
Pages 50 & 51
Available: April – SeptemberRates and dates attached.
Wednesday Drivers Day off
Island Escapes
Fort William
InvernessGairloch
Plockton
MallaigSkye
Rhum
Boat ofGarten
Pitlochry
Ullapool
Breathtaking ...two centre holiday based on the Atlantic
coastline is designed for nature lovers
and for those who lime the great
outdoors. A unique tour, now in it’s 5th
year, has become one of Classic’s most
popular holidays. It’s certainly different,
and will appeal to those who wish to
explore the unspoilt & more inaccessible
regions of the West Highland coastline.
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.
E: [email protected] The Hebrides has been named as one of the Top
Callanish Stones, Isle of Lewis
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.
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 mountain tops 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.
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 4 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
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 5 Inverness & Spey Valley This morning we depart the Hebrides crossing to Ullapool, and head on to Inverness, the “Capital of the Highlands”. Time free before we start our journey south, through picturesque Spey Valley and into Perthshire for your final nights stay.
Day 6 Travel Home after breakfast. There is the option of staying an extra night. Price guideline £49 pp DBB
The Hotel Company
Harris Tweed & uist beach
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)
Highlights P Isle of Skye P The Uists P Fort William P Inverness P Guided tour of Lewis & Harris P Ullapool
Hebridean OdysseyPrice Includes
Driver day off option Day 4
6 days from £364pp
Hotels1nt 2* Dunollie Hotel, Skye
or 3* Balmacara Hotel, near Skye
1nt 3* Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula
2nts 4* Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway
or 2* Caladh Inn, Sornoway
1nt 3* Speyside or Perthshire Hotel Pages 50 & 51
Fort William
Uist
Skye
Harris
Lewis
Ullapool
Inverness
Pitlochry
Available: May – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Island Escapes
New
The Hotel Company
Stornoway
Capture ...the true beauty of Edinburgh &
the Hebridean Islands on this awe
inspiring & breathtaking tour.
Each day is distinctively different.
Firstly, explore Scotland’s capital
city Edinburgh, its castle and
the Royal Yacht. Travel north
into the glorious Highlands with
magical cruises to the Isles with
the chance of spotting whales,
dolphins and sea eagles. Sample
island lifestyle and learn about
their ancient history spanning
back over 5000 years.
Wednesday Travel to Edinburgh or area Free time to explore the city before dinner. If staying outside Edinburgh, then your coach can take you into the city with time for sightseeing.
Thursday Edinburgh Morning free to explore Edinburgh voted one of the top 10 cities to visit in the world. Afterwards, join your coach for the short journey to Leith with a visit arranged to board the Royal Yacht Britannia. Returning to your hotel in time for dinner.
Friday The Highlands & Stornoway Past Perth and into the Highlands. Time free in the Victorian spa town of Pitlochry before the climbing road takes you north and over the Drumochter Pass and into the mountainous region of Speyside. Time free in the Highland capital Inverness. Near here we visit mysterious Loch Ness, the largest Loch in the UK, some 27 miles long, and home of the Loch Ness monster. Have your camera with you, just in case! Depart Inverness for Ullapool. On the 1 ½ hour journey you’ll see wonderful scenery unfolding from high mountain tops to sweeping moorlands and lochs. The ferry for the Outer Hebrides departs Ullapool at 1730 hrs, arriving in the Isle of Harris, the largest of the Hebridean Islands at 2010, with dinner waiting at your Stornoway hotel.
Saturday Lewis & Harris 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 mountainous Uist’s 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). On to the ancient thatched “black houses”, typical of crofting settlements with a light lunch included and the 2000 year old imposing Carloway Broch, a fortified tower, ending with a Harris Tweed Mill visit.
Sunday North & South Uist Depart Stornoway as we travel down the spine of the Hebridean Isles, taking in the superb views overlooking the Isle of Taransay, the setting of the popular BBC series “Castaway”. We stop off at the ancient standing stone Clach Mhic Leoid (Macleods stone), seen from the roadside before we visit St Clements Church at Rodel, dating back to the 16th century. The church tombs are amongst the most spectacular in Scotland. Nearby we catch the ferry to North Uist, a mountainous region with rocky inlets fringed by deserted white beaches and coves. A light lunch is provided in the Dark Island Hotel, before we proceed to South Uist a haven for birds and carpeted with a profusion of wild flowers. In 1941 the SS Politician sank with 50,000 cases of whisky and portrayed in the film “Whisky Galore”. Over the causeway to Benbecula with the short ferry crossing to the Isle of Barra Hotel.
Monday Oban & The West Highlands You’ll find it hard to beat the views whist having breakfast over the white sandy beach and sea. You may even see a plane or two land on the beach. It is a commercial airport! Ferry depts 0920 arriving in Oban at 1420. From Oban the day continues through the Pass of Brander, Loch Awe, Inveraray and towards Glasgow for your final night. (Hotel locations to be arranged to suit your onward journey).
P 6 nights DBB
P All ferry crossings as shown
P Guide for full day tour of Lewis & Harris
P Full Scottish breakfast each morning
P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee each evening
P Entrance on to Royal Yacht Britannia
P Entrance into the Black Houses and Museum
P Light lunch
P 1 free place if over 25 paying passengers
P Free overnight coach parking in all destinations
Island Escapes
Highlights P Edinburgh P Royal Yacht Britannia P The Hebridean Isles P Loch Ness P Oban P Inverness P Glasgow
Edinburgh and The Hebridean IslandsPrice Includes
7 days from £434pp
Hotels2 nts Edinburgh or area Page 48
Gold – 3* Kings Manor Hotel, EdinburghSilver – 3* Leapark, Grangemouth2nts Stornoway Page 51
Gold – 4* Cabarfeidh Hotel, StornowaySilver – 2* Caladh Inn, Stornoway1 nt Benbecula2* Isle of Barra Hotel1nt Glasgow area Page 51
Location arranged to suit your onward journey
Gold top end 3* or 4*
Silver 3* or 2*
Available: May – SeptemberRates and dates attached.
5 Island Destinations in the world by Trip Advisor 19T: 01357 529129 open 7 days
Oban
Edinburgh
Inveraray
Glasgow
Loch Lomond
Leverburgh
Pitlochry
Inverness
UllapoolStornoway
Inverness
BernarayBarra Loch Ness
Saturday Drivers day off option (Coach hire/driver £395)
Prices H
eld
old Man of Hoy, orkneys
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.
Sunday: Travel to Perthshire and 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.
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
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 £395
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 hotel in plenty time for dinner.
Friday: After breakfast time to head for home.
The Hotel Company
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
Highlights P Pitlochry P Inverness P Orkney Isles Cruise & tour P Castle of Mey P Loch Ness
Scottish Highlands and the Orkney IslesPrice Includes
6 days from £269pp
Gold1 nt 3* Station Hotel, Perth Page 493nts 3* Pentlands Hotel, Thurso1 nt 3* Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen Page 47
Silver1nt 3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld Page 493nts 2* Castletown Hotel, Castletown by Thurso Page 511 nt 3* King Robert Hotel, Stirling Page 48
Available: May to SeptemberRates and dates attached.
5000 year old Scarra Brae village
Drivers Day off option Wednesday
The Orkneys
Johno’ Groats
Stirling Perth
Inverness
Fort William
Thurso
Glasgow Edinburgh
Dunkeld
Loch Ness
Island Escapes
Eilean donan Castle, near Skye
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 Linne 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 Dunollie 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 years. Returning along the coast road, with views of the Cuillens, the most impressive mountain range in the UK.
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. 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.
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, before reaching your 3* hotel in the Perth or Stirling area.
Day 8 Depart Scotland and head for home.
The Hotel Company
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 21
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 £5.95pp
One of Classic’s most popular tours
Highlights P Isle of Skye P North West Highlands P Orkney Isles
P Castle & Gardens P Inverness
Skye to The Orkneys Isles on the North West Passage
Price Includes
8 days from £389pp
Hotels1nt Min 3* Glasgow area hotel
2nts 2* Dunollie Hotel, Skye
1nt 2* Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool
2nts 3* Pentlands Hotel, Thurso
or, 3* Royal Hotel, Thurso
1nt 3* Stirling
Pages 47, 48, and 51
Available: May – SeptemberRates and dates attached.
An Exclusive Holiday
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.
Fort William
GlasgowStirling
Pitlochry
Inverness
Dunrobin Castle
ThursoOrkney
Johno’ Groats
Durness
Ullapool
Gairloch
Portree
Dunvegan Balmacara
New
E: [email protected] 3. Contact Classic to discuss your requirements
London skyline
Pick ...from a selection of hotels, luxury
4* in the heart of London’s city
centre. Or a 3* family owned
hotel just 20 minutes away by
train from the city centre at an
extremely low price. Then, if you
want, mix in some of London’s
most popular attractions, a high
tea at Harrods perhaps, or a
West End Show. Classic’s “Pick
and Mix” London offers you total
flexibility to build a programme
just right for your clients.
The Hotel Company
London
“Pick and Mix” LondonFrom £32 pppn B&B
2. Add on Attractions, Afternoon Tea or a West End Show
There’s a pleasing buzz to this luxury 4* hotel, reflecting the energy of it’s Tottenham Court Road location. Ideal for easy access to the City & West End. Rooms are peaceful, stylish and ergonomically designed for ultimate relaxation.
£65pp B&B
Radisson Blu Grafton Hotel
Hotels1. Select your hotel and datesPrices shown are per person per night sharing including Bed, Full Breakfast and arrangements to visit any of the shown London Museums.
Luxury
Stay Fri/Sat/Sun. Min. 1 night stay, must cover Sunday night. Fri: 1/5, 10/7, 1/8, 7/8, 14/8, 21/8, 4/9
Only a 20 minute rail journey into the City, this fine Georgian Hotel faces Blackheath with commanding views across open grassland to Royal Greenwich. Independently owned 178 bedroom 3 star hotel.
£32pp B&B
South East London Clarendon Hotel
Standard
Stay Fri/Sat/Sun. Min. 1 night stay. Fri: 1/5, 22/5, 19/6, 24/7, 3/8, 18/9, 9/10
Arrive Sundays x 2nts: 2/8, 9/8, 16/8, 23/8, 30/8
Victoria & Albert Museum
Natural History Museum
Science Museum
Included in hotel price is pre-booked entry into any of these Top museums
Royal Museums Greenwich
National Gallery
Tate Modern
British Museum
(Special exhibitions within each museum require purchased tickets).
More hotels and other dates available on request.
Single supplement: Grafton Hotel: £35 per night. Clarendon Hotel £15 per night.
Buckingham PalaceVisit the home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Where you can witness the traditional changing of the guard. Wonder around the breathtaking gardens featuring the Herbaceous Border, Waterloo Vase and the Grand State Rooms. Guided tour of gardens, Audio tour of staterooms. Allow 3 hours. Drop off/Pick up points available. (Open Aug & Sept only).£26pp
BBC Guided TourStep into the heart of BBC Broadcasting House – one of the most famous broadcasting houses in the world. With an exclusive behind the scenes look into actual TV studios and newsrooms. Absorbing the extensive history first hand. This is a guided Tour lasting about 1 ½ hours. Pick up and drop off outside BBC.£15pp
Houses of ParliamentTake a unique guided tour around this Parliament powerhouse. Gaining insight into the House of Commons, House of Lords, Queen’s Robing room, Royal Gallery, Central Lobby and St Stephens Hall. Available Saturdays, Guide book included. Guided Tour lasts 1 ¾ hours. Pick up and drop off outside. Non guided Audio Tours also available.
Guided Tour £22pp
Audio Tour £17pp
London EyeExperience the sights of London from the best seat in town. Capture the spectacular Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, O2, St. James Park and spectacular city skyline all from your capsule in the sky. Journey lasts 45 minutes. Free coach-parking bay for 20 minutes to drop off and pick up your group. £18pp
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
Experience that ‘Centre Court’ feeling with the Centre Court 360 degree platform. Take an all access tour around the grounds rich in history. In the Museum learn about the legendary players past and present. This is a guided tour lasting approx 2 ½ hours. Free coach parking included.£18pp
Lord’s Cricket Ground & Museum
Take a guided tour around the legendary grounds. Gaining access to the Pavilion Long Room, J.P Morgan Media Centre, Lord’s Honours Boards and the famous Ashes Urn. Not forgetting the must see museum full of memorabilia from cricket’s greats. Guided tour takes approx. 1 ¾ hours. Drop off/pick up point at entrance. Parking either London Zoo or Regents Park.£12pp
The ShardFeel on top of the world. At 1,017ft tall, the tallest & probably the most dramatic looking building in Europe, The Shard is a marvel in the centre of London. The open-air floor will take your breath away, 360 degree view, 40 miles long over The Tower of London, London Eye, Buckingham Palace and much more. It is one of London’s most popular attractions. Pick up/drop off available.£25pp
West End Shows
Classic can book multiple shows for one
performance, allowing more choice for your
passengers, as well as increasing your coach
numbers. From prices shown are for mid tier
seats the main West End shows. We can book
any other show if required. Only full ticket
prices apply on Saturday night.
Make your tour special by booking Afternoon Tea at Harrods. See below
Per seat Performances
Jersey Boys* £57 Mon-ThuWarhorse £50 Mon-Thu Wicked* £57 Mon-Fri39 Steps £29 Mon-FriBilly Elliot* £57 Mon Fri , Sat MatineeThe Bodyguard* £57 Mon-ThuLes Miserables* £66 Mon-Thu Phantom of the Opera £48 Mon-Fri
We will Rock You £40 Mon-Fri
(2014 prices – final show prices may be slightly different to those shown)
* Includes 2 course pre- theatre dinner in a West End Restaurant
Afternoon Tea at Harrods An indulgence perhaps, but a very rewarding one. Uniquely British, imbued with ceremony, and something that deserves a little time and attention. (Choice of sandwiches, scones, English fancies and teas ) £33 pp.
“Wicked”
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 23Arrive Fridays x 2nts includes Ironbridge £99pp
Weekends
Available
Severn Valley Victoria Bridge
Delightful ...Shropshire must surely be one of Englands hidden gems. Unspoilt countryside, lovely medieval towns, lakes and wooded hillsides are all there to be enjoyed. We jump on board for a steam train journey and a visit to historical, spectacular and informative Ironbridge, providing a nostalgic opportunity to step back in time to the Heritage of the Victorian Industrial era.
Day 1 Arrive at the refurbished Buckatree Hall
Hotel set in its own grounds for welcoming tea and
biscuits
Day 2 Shrewsbury & Ludlow Firstly to Shrewsbury
with it’s balck and white tudor buildings and
ancient alleyways must surely be one of England’s
finest Tudor towns. Time free to explore
Shrewsbury before taking 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 with a glass of wine.
Day 3 Ironbridge The birthplace of the Industrial
Revolution, and the site of the world’s first
Iron Bridge built in the 1700’s. Your pass gives
you access to all 10 attractions. Firstly, a short
introduction at the Museum of the Gorge
explaining the regions Industrial Heritage. We
travel to the Tar Tunnel and Coalport China
Museum, showing the hardships of factory
working life. Blists Hill Victorian town is one of
the largest Open Air museums in Britain, where
a Victorian town has been re-created with shops,
pub, bank, bakers, offices and factories. The town
is set amongst 30 acres of woodland on the banks
of the canal. On arrival, 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.
Day 4* Severn Valley Steam Railway & Worcester
Bridgnorth, a pretty 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. We
catch the steam train on the 45 minute scenic
journey meandering along the Severn Valley to
Kidderminster. The highlight of the trip is the
crossing of the River Severn. The Victoria Bridge
is a massive 200-foot single span, high above
the water which, features in the film ‘The Thirty-
nine Steps’ with Robert Powell. Afterwards, we
spend the afternoon in vibrant Worcester before
returning to the hotel.
Day 5 Breakfast and then time to head home.
The Hotel Company
P Welcome tea & biscuits on check in
P Glass of wine with dinner on 1 night
P 2nts* or 4 nts DBB
P Min 1 nights entertainment
P Entry into Ironbridge Gorge
P Single steam rail journey
P Free Place over 25pax.
Highlights P Ironbridge Gorge P Shrewsbury P Severn Valley Railway P Ludlow & Worcester P Bridgnorth & Kidderminster
Scenic Shropshire and the Severn ValleyPrice Includes
5 days from £194pp
Hotel3* Buckatree Hotel, near Wellington
See page 44
Available: May – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Ironbridge Gorge
Friday x 2nts £99 pp
England
Shrewsbury
Ludlow
Worcester
Telford
Iron Bridge
Severn Valley Railway
Bridgnorth
Kidderminster
E: [email protected] Extra Nights available from £45 pppn DBB
Glenridding & ullswater
Day 1 Arrive at your hotel for a welcoming refreshment and take in the glorious Lakeland views 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 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 your hotel in plenty time for dinner.
Day 4 Free time & Lakeland Brewery Tour Morning Free to explore the local area. Bowness is Cumbria’s most popular destination, with the town busy for much of the year. The Castle Inn has a glorious countryside setting with many easy walks to take in the Lakeland air. Around about lunchtime we take the 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.
The Hotel Company
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.
Highlights P Ullswater cruise P Lake Windermere P steam railway P Kirkstone Pass P Holker Hall & Gardens P Brewery Tour
England’s Lakeland GloryPrice Includes
4 nights from £199pp
Hotels3* Windermere Hydro Hotel, Bowness on Windermere
4* Castle Inn Hotel, Bassenthwaite
Page 45
Available: March – NovemberRates and dates attached.
Weekend breaks available on request
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 ullswater Cruise
Carlisle
Bassenthwaite
UllswaterKeswick
KendalHaverthwaite Railway
Bowness
Hawkshead BreweryHolker Hall
New
Shakespeares Birthplace
Day 1 Arrive Studley Castle with welcoming tea/coffee and biscuits waiting.
Day 2 Shakespeare Country Enjoy your first Castle breakfast at leisure before boarding your coach taking you through rural Warwickshire reaching Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon at about lunchtime. The afternoon is free to enjoy the town with it’s many shops, boutiques and eateries. You can board a cruise on the River Avon, or take a tour of William Shakespeare’s birthplace, and see where the world’s most famous playwright was born and grew up, brought to life by costumed guides.
Day 3 Cotswolds & Blenheim Palace The journey to Blenheim takes you through the Cotswolds – a region famous for it’s ancient mellow “honey” coloured limestone villages such as Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold. The afternoon is spent at what is a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture – Blenheim Palace. Entrance is included to the Palace, it’s staterooms, it’s 2000 acre estate with fine gardens and the Churchill exhibition. Completing a circular tour back to Studley Castle via Banbury.
Day 4 Cadbury World Discover a whole world of chocolate fun at nearby Cadbury
World. Explore the 14 amazing zones, from playing in chocolate rain to having warm chocolate poured over your favourite treat. Uncover the fascinating story of Cadbury from its humble beginnings in 1826. You’ll discover the origins of cocoa, the birth of chocolate bars and with free chocolate to enjoy it’s a fun packed day out. In the evening prepare for a castle themed evening with music.
Out of SeasonCastle PartiesClassic and Studley Castle have put together an exclusive castle party programme which includes 4 nts DBB, welcoming drinks reception, 2nts entertainment entrance to Cadbury World and day out in Cotswolds visiting Stratford upon Avon.
Dates in bold are festive themed:
Arrival dates x 4nts:
2014: 5/10, 3/11, 17/11
2015: 8/3, 12/4, 4/10, 15/11, 7/12
2016: 13/3, 10/4
5 days £154 pp1st 4 singles no Single Supplement
The Hotel Company
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 25
P Welcome tea/coffee and shortbread on arrival
P 4 nights DBB
P Entry into Cadbury World
P Entry into Blenheim Palace
P Themed Evening with music
P 1 other night entertainment
P Driver free over 25 pax. (Over 20 pax in out of season)
Highlights P Stratford upon Avon P Cotswolds P Cadbury World P Blenheim Palace P Themed Evening
Castle Parties in the CotswoldsPrice Includes
5 days from £174pp
HotelsStudely Castle, nr. RedditchPage 44
Available: May – SeptemberRates and dates attached.
No Single Supplement
England
Enchanting ...new holiday staying near to the
Cotswolds. Live life like a Lord
in a wonderful 19th century
Gothic styled castle. Included
is a visit to probably England’s
most treasured Palace. Spend
time in Shakespeare’s hometown
of Stratford and then for
chocoholics we venture to nearby
Cadbury World for a tour and of
course some chocolate! A diverse
and excellently well priced
holiday offering something a
little out of the ordinary.
Birmingham
Cadbury World
Redditch
Studley Castle
Stratford Upon Avon
Banbury
Blenheim Palace
Oxford
Evesham
Cheltenham
England
Castles and Gardens of South England Day 1 Arrive Kent, Leeds Castle & Gardens Depending on your travel time we recommend visiting the “loveliest castle in the world” Leeds Castle, complete with 900 years of history and 500 acres of gardens and parkland.
Day 2 Sissinghurst, Steam Rail & Great Dixter Regarded as one of the most famous of English gardens, Sissinghurst Castle & Gardens dates back to the 16th century with lovingly created and colourful gardens, divided into distinctive areas. At Tenterden board the steam train for the 45 minute nostalgic journey through glorious countryside, passing Bodiam Castle. Then, blossoming Great Dixter, an historic house and garden, a place of pilgrimage for horticulturists from across the world.
Day 3 Hever Castle More than 700 years old Hever Castle is full of treasures waiting to be explored. The castle was once the home of Ann Boleyn, the 2nd wife of Henry V111. The gardens are amongst the best in England – 125 acres including the Italian garden, water features, walled rose garden and over 4000 plants.
Day 4 South Coast, Brighton & Nymans Garden The South Downs on the scenic south coast visiting the Victorian seaside resort of Brighton, a place overflowing with places to explore, from the heritage of the Royal Pavilion and Gardens to indulging in seaside fun. Nearby, Nynams Gardens – a horticulturists dream set in splendid countryside in the grounds of the ruins of a romantic Gothic mansion.
Day 5 Canterbury & Home If time permits, we recommend exploring Canterbury with its rich history, ancient timber framed buildings and cathedral - A UNESCO world heritage site.
England
Boasting ...beautiful countryside, imposing castles, fine
gardens, a glorious coastline and attractive
towns, its little wonder that South East
England is known as the “Garden of England”.
Discover all this and more on what could
be England’s finest break. Absorb in the
beauty of castles & stately homes, take in the
scenery exploring a wonderful coastline, and
enjoy a vintage steam railway journey.
P Welcome tea and biscuits on check in
P 4 nts DBB
P Entry into Sissinghurst Gardens
P Entry into Great Dixter
P Entry into Hever Castle & Gardens
P Entry in Nymans Gardens
P Single Journey on Steam railway
Highlights P Sissinghurst P Great Dixter P Hever Castle P Nynams Garden P Steam Railway Journey
Price Includes
Hotels3* Abbots Barton Hotel, Canterbury Page 44
3* Burlington Hotel, Folkestone Page 45
3* Chatsworth Hotel, Hastings
Page xx
Available: May – SeptemberRates & Dates attached.
An exploration ...of both England’s first and largest National Parks. Yorkshire; including “Last of the Summer Wine” country, the walled city of York, and the Dales with a trip on a barge and steam train. Then The Peak District, enjoy outstanding scenery following in the footsteps of Queen Victoria and WWII Dambusters.
P 2, 3 or 4 nts DBB
P Welcome tea & biscuits on arrival
P Canal Cruise with hot drink and biscuits
P Single on Embsay – Bolton Priory Steam Railway
P Min. 2 nights entertainment
Highlights P York P Farmers Market P Steam Railway P Canal Cruise P Buxton P Ladybower Dam
Derbyshire Peaks and Yorkshire Highlights
Price Includes
Sunday extra night only £xxpp
Hotels4* Cedar Court, Wakefield
4* Cedar Court, Huddersfield
Page 45 & 44
Available: April – OctoberRates & Dates attached.
Fri. x 2nts from £79Mon. x 4nts from £159
Monday/Friday Arrive at your chosen hotel to welcoming tea and
biscuits.
Tuesday York We head across Yorkshire to the ancient walled city of
York. We spend most of the day in York where you can delve into the
city’s vibrant culture, or take time to watch talented street performers.
York is renowned for it’s exquisite architecture, its labyrinth of narrow
winding streets such as “The Shambles” and of course the 900 year old
iconic York Minster.
Wednesday/Saturday Skipton, Canals & Railways We travel to
Skipton – “The Gateway to the Dales”. Market days are Wednesday
and Saturday, founded 800 years ago, held beneath the impressive
medieval castle. Afterwards, a canal cruise on an original barge
along the Leeds – Liverpool canal (Includes tea/coffee, biscuits and
commentary). Finishing the fabulous day with a steam journey on the
19th century Embsay – Bolton Priory Railway.
Thursday Derbyshire Peak District Before heading into the Peak
District, we stop off in Holmfirth, well known to “Last of the Summer
Wine” viewers. You can pop into Sids café for a pot of tea! We proceed
over the High Peaks with glorious views before descending into the
spa town of Buxton, proceeding to the plaque town of Eyam stopping
in Castleton to visit the famous caverns beloved by Queen Victoria.
Continuing over Snake Pass to the Lady Bower and Derwent Dam, a
place written in history by the famous WW11 Dambusters.
Friday/Sunday There are plenty of interesting areas to visit on your
way home.
Friday x 2nts with Skipton, Canals & Railways included £xx pp
Bolton Abbey
Holmfirth
Wakefield
Glossop
Huddersfield
Skipton
Embsay Steam Railway
New
The Shambles, York
York
Sheffield
Ladybower Dam
EyamBuxton
Yorkshire voted 3rd Top Places to visit in the world by Lonely Planet
England
The worlds first ...Seaside resort, with it’s 12th century castle, has
been welcoming holidaymakers for over 350
years. Scarborough is noted for it’s Victorian
façade, narrow streets, beachfront cafes,
golden beaches, gardens, attractions & an
elegant Esplanade. The surrounding area is also
famous for its natural beauty from the striking
chalk white cliffs of Flamborough Head, to the
wildness of the North Yorkshire Moors.
P Welcoming tea & biscuits on check in
P 4nts DBB with free use of leisure facilities
P Steam train Whitby- Goathland
P Ticket for Summer Spectacular Show
P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee
P Full English breakfasts
P Porterage
P 2 nights entertainment
Highlights P North York Moors P Steam train ride
P Summer Spectacular Show P Whitby & Filey
Scarborough and the Yorkshire Coaster
Price Includes
Driver Day off Wednesday
Hotels3* Red Lea Hotel, Scarborough
3* Esplanade Hotel, Scarborough Page 45
Available: May – OctoberOut of season packages available.
5 Days from £189Extra nt from £42DBB
Monday Arrive at Hotel for a cuppa and check in, in plenty of time for dinner.
Tuesday Whitby and North Yorkshire Moors After breakfast enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Whitby stopping off at Smugglers Cove of Robin Hoods Bay. Time free in the working fishing town of Whitby, the home of Captain Cook and an inspiration to Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. Depart Whitby on the North Yorks steam train arriving in Goathland, famous as Aidanfield in TV series ‘Heartbeat’, and later as Hogsmead in the Harry Potter trilogies. Afterwards, through stunning North Yorkshire Moors scenery including the picture postcard village of Thornton-le-Dale.
Wednesday Free Day in Scarborough After your leisurely breakfast you can relax back at the hotel, or do some sightseeing in Scarborough, the “Queen of the Yorkshire Coast”. There are many things to see and do, with beaches, shops, amusements and cruises. Return to the hotel in time for a pre-theatre dinner. In the evening you are booked into Scarborough’s Spa Theatre Summer Show Spectacular.
Thursday Yorkshire Coast Firstly , to the Victorian seaside resort of Filey, with it’s 5 mile stretch of award winning golden beach, whitewashed Edwardian houses and quaint cottages. Along the coastal heritage Trail & the white chalked cliffs of Flamborough Head (walking shoes required). Where you can admire the views and the various colonies of seabirds. Then Bridlington with time free to stroll round the beach, harbour and shops.
Friday Travel Home Its time to leave Scarborough and head home.
Scarborough
England
Castles and Gardens of South England
1 free place over 25 paying passengers
5 days from £199
Day 1 Arrive Kent, Leeds Castle & Gardens Depending on your travel time we recommend visiting the “loveliest castle in the world” Leeds Castle, complete with 900 years of history and 500 acres of gardens and parkland.
Day 2 Sissinghurst, Steam Rail & Great Dixter Regarded as one of the most famous of English gardens, Sissinghurst Castle & Gardens dates back to the 16th century with lovingly created and colourful gardens, divided into distinctive areas. At Tenterden board the steam train for the 45 minute nostalgic journey through glorious countryside, passing Bodiam Castle. Then, blossoming Great Dixter, an historic house and garden, a place of pilgrimage for horticulturists from across the world.
Day 3 Hever Castle More than 700 years old Hever Castle is full of treasures waiting to be explored. The castle was once the home of Ann Boleyn, the 2nd wife of Henry V111. The gardens are amongst the best in England – 125 acres including the Italian garden, water features, walled rose garden and over 4000 plants.
Day 4 South Coast, Brighton & Nymans Garden The South Downs on the scenic south coast visiting the Victorian seaside resort of Brighton, a place overflowing with places to explore, from the heritage of the Royal Pavilion and Gardens to indulging in seaside fun. Nearby, Nynams Gardens – a horticulturists dream set in splendid countryside in the grounds of the ruins of a romantic Gothic mansion.
Day 5 Canterbury & Home If time permits, we recommend exploring Canterbury with its rich history, ancient timber framed buildings and cathedral - A UNESCO world heritage site.
Leeds Castle
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 27
Canterbury Leeds Castle
Dover
Folkestone
Sissinghurst
Bodiam Castle
Great Dixter
Tenterden
HastingsEastbourneBrighton
Sheffield Park
Nymans
Hever Castle
Royal Tunbridge Wells
York
Whitby
Scarborough
Filey
Bridlington
Flamborough Head
Goathland
Thornton-le-Dale
New
Boasting ...beautiful countryside, imposing castles, fine
gardens, a glorious coastline and attractive
towns, its little wonder that South East
England is known as the “Garden of England”.
Discover all this and more on what could
be England’s finest break. Absorb in the
beauty of castles & stately homes, take in the
scenery exploring a wonderful coastline, and
enjoy a vintage steam railway journey.
Highlights P Sissinghurst P Great Dixter P Hever Castle P Nynams Garden P Steam Railway Journey
Red Lea Hotel
Yorkshire voted 3rd Top Places to visit in the world by Lonely Planet
E: [email protected] Choose to stay either in a city hotel or a country retreat
alnwick Castle & Gardens
Day 1 Durham & Angel of the North are two of the landmarks on your way to your hotel for welcoming refreshments on check in.
Day 2 River Tyne Cruise & Tanfield Railway Firstly, the short journey to Gateshead. Walk across the new Millennium “Winking eye” Bridge and into Newcastle. After lunch, board the boat for a wonderful cruise, under the famous bridges, to see the legendary shipyards, Tyne Gorge, and South Shields, with live commentary along the way. Afterwards we complete this fascinating heritage day with a ride on the world’s oldest existing railway, the 300 year old Tandfield Railway.
Day 3 Beamish Today we step back in time at the world famous Beamish Open Air Museum, capturing how life changed in over 100 years from the Georgian Agricultural lifestyle to the Industrial Revolution. This living history museum is on a 300 acre site, sample life down a drift mine, jump on a vintage tram, explore the authentic town street, station, colliery, farm and Pitt village.
Day 4 Alnwick Castle & Northumberland Coastline Enjoy a relaxing day visiting one of the largest inhabited castles in Europe with its leading contemporary gardens. Explore the beautiful stately rooms within the 700 year old castle, and beautiful gardens with its unique features including the Poison Garden. Later in the afternoon, a delightful tour of Northumbria’s coast, through charming fishing villages with a stop at Bamburgh, with it’s impressive castle, and then on to Beal, with views of the Holy Island and Lindisfarne, recognised as the cradle of Christianity.
Day 5 Journey Home Depending on your travelling time, recommend stopping off in the cathedral city of Durham.
The Hotel Company
Tyne Cruise, newcastle
P Welcome tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival
P 4 nights DBB
P Entry into Beamish Open Air Museum
P River Tyne Cruise
P Tanfield steam railway
P Alnwick Castle & Gardens
P 2 nights entertainment (Caledonian)
Highlights P Beamish Open Air Museum P River Tyne Boat Cruise P Steam Train Ride P Alnwick Castle & Gardens
Romantic Journeys of NorthumbriaPrice Includes
Driver Free if over 25 paying passengers
5 days from £189pp
Hotels3* Caledonian Hotel, Newcastle
Page 45
Carlisle
Hexham
Holy Island
Bamburgh
Alnwick Castle
Durham
Available: April – OctoberRates and dates attached.
EnglandNew
A rich ...and diverse region with an
illustrious heritage. A tour of
superb contrasts. It’s not only a
land of outstanding natural beauty,
but also a land of mighty castles,
pretty fishing villages and bustling
cities. This holiday captures the
scenery, history and it’s tradition.
A visit to Beamish, will bring back
many memories. A cruise on the
Tyne, followed by a steam train ride
will explore the industrial age of
the North East. Explore the coast
including entrance into the 700 year
old Alnwick Castle and gardens.
Beamish
Newcastle
Tyne Cruise
Tandfield Railway
Border
New
Barmouth
Monday South Wales & Cardiff Depending on your arrival time in Wales, time free in Cardiff before checking into your hotel. Enjoy some Tea & Bara Brith.
Tuesday Brecon Beacons, Whisky Tour and Coalmine Scenic tour of Brecon Beacons to Penderyn. Guided tour of Wales’ only whisky distillery with 2 tasting sessions. Onwards into the Welsh Valleys and to the National Coal Museum, where we travel safely 100m underground to discover what life was really like for coalminers on the Welsh coal face. Time in Cardiff before returning early evening for dinner.
Wednesday Welsh Coastline, Railway Journey & Barmouth Northwards towards Cardigan Bay & the popular seaside resort of Aberystwith. Board the Cambrian Coastal Railway on a spectacular journey hugging the Welsh coastline before crossing the bridge to disembark in picturesque Barmouth. Continue along North Wales coast checking into your hotel for the next 2 nights.
Thursday Caernarfon Castle, Anglesey, Sealife Cruise Firstly, the short journey to the historical town of Caernarfon, with entrance included into its famous castle. Over the Menai Straights and on to Isle of Anglesey with a tour of the island and its coastal resorts such as Rhosniger before boarding the boat at Beaumaris for a cruise to Puffin Island – home
to an abundance of wildlife. The 1 ½ hour cruise takes you right round the island with chance to see the grey seal colony and spot bottle nose dolphins. Back to the hotel for a Welsh themed evening.
Friday Depart hotel depending on your departure times and itinerary, recommend a day in the walled city of Chester, or a visit to Liverpool, home of the Beatles.
The Hotel Company
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 29
P Tea & Bara Birth on Day 1 check in
P 2 nights South Wales hotel DBB
P 2 nights North Wales hotel DBB
P Welsh Whisky Tour & Tasting
P Coalmine Tour
P Single Coastal train journey
P Entrance into Caernarfon Castle
P Sealife Cruise
P Welsh Themed Evening
Additional nights available from £40 pppn DBB
Highlights P Tour down a coalmine P Welsh Whisky Tour and Tasting P Coastal Railway Journey P Sealife Cruise P Caernarfon Castle P Cardiff P Welsh Evening
Wonderful WalesPrice Includes
5 days from £199pp
Hotels2 nights 3* Mercure Swansea2 nights 3* Beaches Hotel, PrestatynPage 44
Available: May – SeptemberRates and dates attached.
Driver free over 25 pax
Wales
Savour ...the best of Wales, on this
amazing 5 day tour. A showcase
of all that’s great about this
wonderful and proud country.
Unspoilt coastlines & castles
galore will be seen each day. On
this tour we include lots of little
extras which make this holiday so
different and appealing, such as a
trip down a coalmine, a sampling
of Welsh whisky, and a wildlife
cruise. You get to sample Welsh
food finishing with a rousing
recital by a local male voice choir.
Cardiff Waterfront
Puffin Island
MoldCaernarfon
Puffin IslandChester
Prestatyn Liverpool
Plas-Newydd
Portmerion
Barmouth
Aberystwyth
Cardigan
Swansea
Whisky Distillery
National Coal Museum
Cardiff
E: [email protected] Welsh Medieval Banquets - 2nts £99 on page 7
Portmeirion Village
Monday To Wales arriving at your chosen hotel to a Welsh welcome of tea, coffee & Bara Brith.
Tuesday Caernarfon Castle & Boat Cruise Taking the coastal route passing 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 castle entrance included. Afterwards, board the “Queen of the Seas” for a 40 minutes Menai Straights cruise. A perfect way to enjoy the changing landscapes of Snowdonia, with magnificent views of Isle of Anglesey and Caernarfon Castle.
Wednesday Ffestiniog Railway and Portmerion Board The Ffestiniog Railway, operated by the oldest independent rail company in the world, taking you on the spectacular 13½ mile scenic journey though mountainous Snowdonia, from 700 feet down to sea level. Pass through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests, past lakes and waterfalls, round horseshoe bends (even a complete spiral) clinging to the side of the mountain or even tunnelling through it, before reaching the harbour in Porthmadog, the gateway to Snowdonia National Park. Here your coach takes you to the nearby “Italianate village” of Portmeirion A short guided introductory tour with time free to roam
round this unique setting, made up of about 50 buildings, surrounded by acres of coastal and woodland gardens. Portmeirion has been a location for many films such as Dr Who and The Prisoner.
Thursday 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.
The Hotel Company
P 4nts DBB
P Welcome tea & Bara Brith
P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee
P Full Welsh Breakfasts
P Single journey on Ffestiniog Mountain Railway
P Entrance into Caernarfon Castle
P Aqueduct canal boat cruise
P Entry into Portmeirion
P Menai Straights Boat Cruise
P 2 nights entertainment including a Welsh themed dinner
Highlights P Ffestiniog Mountain Railway PCaernarfon Castle PAquaduct Boat Cruise PPortmeirion PMenai Straights Cruise
Boats and Trains of North Wales and Snowdonia
Price Includes
5 days from £189pp
Hotels3* Beaufort Park, Mold3* Beaches Hotel, PrestatynPage 44
Available: May – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Wednesday Drivers Day off
Wales
Fantastic ...opportunity to explore the
gems of North Wales. We take
a ride on the worlds oldest
narrow gauge steam railway
with breathtaking scenery of
Snowdonia. Visit probably
Wales’ most famous castle,
culminating with a leisurely
cruise across the longest
water aqueduct in the world.
North Wales and its coastline
is recognised as an area of
outstanding beauty, making this
holiday particularly spectacular.
New
Itinera
ry
Queen of the Sea and Caernarfon Castle
Prestatyn
Caernarfon
PortmahogPortmeiron
Llandudno
Llangollen Aquaduct
Mold
Chester
Betws-y-Coed
Anglesey
Ffestiniog
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 31Page 6: 5 Day Welsh Houseparties from £99pp
Penrhyn Castle
Monday Arrive at hotel to Tea and Bara Brith.
Tuesday North Wales Coast & Penrhyn Castle A visit to North Wales coast, dotted with bays, sandy beaches, villages and resorts, passing Rhyll & Colwyn Bay, with free time in Llandudno. Then to nearby Penrhyn Castle. This enormous 19th-century neo-Norman castle is crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork,mock-Norman furniture and an outstanding collection of paintings. The stable block houses a fascinating industrial railway museum. The 60 acres of grounds include parkland, an exotic tree and shrub collection and a Victorian walled garden.
Wednesday Snowdon Mountain Railway Morning free to either relax in the surroundings of your hotel or take a stroll into the village of Llanberis, or seaside resort of Prestatyn. Within walking distance of Llanberis there are many worthwhile things to see & do: Llanberis Lake Railway & Welsh Slate Museum. In Prestatyn, the beach is opposite the hotel, and the town centre is close by. In the afternoon, and adjacent to the Royal Victoria, we take the world famous Snowdon Railway to the top of Snowdon, affording the most majestic of views, with entrance into the Visitor centre included. If staying in Prestatyn, there is a short drive to Llanberis.
Thursday Anglesey & Puffin Island Cruise Firstly to the seaside town of Caernarfon. Time free to stroll round this historical town with its famous castle. Then over the Menai Straights and on to Isle of Anglesey. We stop for photos at the impressive Beaumaris Castle, a great unfinished masterpiece of Edward I, built in 1295 and regarded as the finest of Edwardian castles. Nearby, join the 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. The 1½ hour cruise takes you right round the island with regular sightings of grey seals and bottle nose dolphins.
Friday Final Welsh Breakfast then time to say “hwyl fawr” to Wales.
The Hotel Company
Snowden Mountain Railway
P Welcoming tea & Bara Brith on check in
P 4 nights DBB plus coffee
P Snowdon return steam rail journey with entrance to Visitor Centre
P Entry to Penrhyn Castle & Gardens
P 4nts entertainment in Llanberis
P Cruise to Puffin Island
P Porterage & Free on site coach park
P 1 free if over 25 paying pax.
Wales
Highlights P Anglesey P Puffin Island Cruise P Caernarfon P Snowdon Railway P Penrhyn Castle & Gardens P 4 nts entertainment
Welsh Highlands, Anglesey and Puffin Island
Price Includes
Wednesday - Drivers Day off option in Llanberis
5 days from £209pp
Hotels3* Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis 3* Beaches Hotel, PrestatynPage 44
Available: May – SeptemberRates and dates attached.
Wonderful ...five day holiday based in
the mountainous region of
Snowdonia, visiting Anglesey,
a cruise to see an abundance
of wildlife surrounding Puffin
Island, entrance to a 19th
century fantasy castle; and a
“jaw-dropping” rail journey to
the top of Snowdon. To top
this fabulously priced tour the
Royal Victoria will be laying on
entertainment every night.
Puffin Island
Llanberis
Snowden Railway
Prestatyn
Caernarfon
Beaumans
Penrhyn Castle
E: [email protected] You can add on a night - only £36 pp DBB
Threave - Top 10 Garden in uk
Astonishing ...new tour based in the Scottish
Borders & Northern Ireland. A
blending of evocative coastal
scenery together with visits to
interesting and diverse range
of attractions from gardens
to exhibitions, historical gems
to romantic settings. There is
dancing and music staying in
handpicked 3 star hotels. An
intriguing holiday, where each day
is distinctly different conducted at
a nice relaxing pace.
Sunday Dumfries Check in to the Cairndale Hotel in time to prepare for dinner and welcoming Scottish Ceilidh with music and dancers.
Monday Belfast RMS Titanic Exhibition depart Dumfries to catch the 1130 sailing to Belfast from Cairnryan. The sailing takes just over 2hours. Be traumatised by the story and tragedy of the Titanic, where entrance is included into this multi award winning exhibition, extending to nine galleries with special effects, dark rides, full scale reconstructions and innovative interactions explaining the Titanic from her conception to her catastrophic demise. Arriving in Carrickfergus in plenty time for dinner and some Irish Jigging.
Tuesday Giants Causeway & Bushmills Another exciting day awaits. Firstly to the coastal resort of Portrush and to the nearby Giants Causeway. With fast track admission to the new state of the art visitor centre and the causeway itself, which is a World Heritage site. Allow 1.5hrs. Afterwards we have arranged a guided tour and tasting at the famous Bushmills Whiskey Distllery – the oldest working distillery in Ireland and over 400 years old. Returning along the spectacular Antrim coast with it’s vertical cliffs, glens and mountain scenery.
Wednesday Threave Estate & Gretna After a leisurely breakfast catch the sailing back to Cairnryan arriving about 2pm. On the way to Gretna we stop off at the Threave
Gardens, voted 2nd in the Independents Top Ten gardens in the UK.. A 1600 acre estate split into four elements – a baronial house, landscaped gardens & themed “rooms”, the Sculpture Garden & Threaves nature reserve. We spend all afternoon here before taking the 1 hour journey to Gretna.
Thursday Borders & Hadrians Wall A leisurely breakfast and morning free to explore Gretna Green and the famous Anvil, where couples from all over the world come and get married. You may even be a witness at one! About 1200hrs head east. About 1 hours drive away stop off at the World Heritage site and guided tour of Chester Fort, the finest example of a Roman cavalry Fort in the UK. We return along the Military road, stopping off close to Hadrians Wall to take in spectacular views of the Borders. Tonight the hotel will be laying on a farewell dinner and musical entertainment.
The Hotel Company
P 1 nt Dumfries DBB
P 2nts Northern Ireland DBB
P 2 nts Gretna Green
P Return ferry with coach Cairnryan – Belfast
P Entrance into Titanic centre
P Giants Causeway
P Guided tour Bushmills Whiskey Distillery
P Entrance to Chester Fort
Scotland
Highlights P Belfast P Titanic Centre P Threave Gardens P Giants Causeway P Chester Fort P Bushmills Distillery P Evening entertainment
The Irish “Hop-Scotch”Price Includes
Driver free over 25 paying passengers
6 days from £279pp
Hotels1 nights Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries Page 462 nights Carrion Hotel, Carrickfergus Page 442 nights Gretna Hall Hotel, Gretna Green Page 46
Available: May – OctoberRates and dates attached.
New
Gretna
Dumfries
Threave Gardens
Cairnryan
BelfastCarrickfergus
Antrim
PortrushGiant’s Causeway
Bushmills
M6
Hadrians Wall
Giant’s Causeway
The resurrection ...and re-vitalisation of Classic’s popular 5 day break staying in the “Big tree County” of Perthshire. Now located in the 3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie with entertainment 3 nights, guided tour of two whisky distilleries, Scottish Wine tour with tasting and some fine touring are just some of the exciting things laid on. Available for both summer and out of season brochures.
Highlights P 2 Distilleries P Wine Tasting and
Tour P 3nts Entertainment P Glamis or Dundee
Perthshire Drams and Flings
Price Includes
Driver free over 25 pax (over 20pax Nov- Apr)
Hotel3* Angus Hotel, BlairgowriePage 49
Available March – NovemberRates & dates attached
Sunday Arrive Blairgowrie to tea & shortbread.
Monday Pitlochry, Loch Tummel & Blair Atholl Time free in the Victorian Spa town of Pitlochry followed by a guided tour and a “dram” at Scotland’s smallest distillery Edradour. Afterwards, a local tour of Loch Tummel, the Queens View & Blair Atholl and its white castle. After dinner we get you in to the spirit of the holiday with a Whisky evening.
Tuesday Wine Tasting, Glamis or City of Discovery Between May – October, entry is included into Glamis Castle & Gardens. An impressive castle, and scene to many “Royal Flings”! In the out of season period, we visit the vibrant and cultural city of Dundee together with its modern shopping Malls and historical connections such as Captain Scotts Antartic ship RRS Discovery. After lunch along the Firth to Cairn O’Mohr Winery. Here they have been brewing up award winning country wines using berries & wild flowers from the local area since 1987. Guided tour and tasting. Dinner & Entertainment.
Wednesday Perthshire & Whisky Galore A glorious day out into Perthshire. Firstly, Crieff, Comrie, Loch Earn and into the Highlands - stopping for photos at Dochart Falls. Then, Loch Tay and Aberfeldy, with a guided tour of Dewars “World of Whisky”, a very different experience to Edradour, with a couple of drams to see you on your way. Scottish themed evening with song and dance.
Thursday Home passing Miekleour Hedge, the longest and highest hedge in the world.
Highland dancers
5 days from
£164pp
drinks Inclusives
Everything ...is included in the price! Classic’s new “all inclusive” is based in
the family owned and managed 3* Abington Hotel, 30 miles
south of Glasgow. The hotel takes one group so you are assured
of personal and attentive service at all times. As well as the
drinks element, the package includes packed lunches, wine with
dinner, entertainment and also entry into two of Scotland’s most
fascinating and well publicised attractions.
P Welcome Tea & Shortbread
P 4 nights DBB
P 3nts entertainment, 1 Scottish
themed
P 3 packed lunches
P Wine with dinner each night
P 3 drinks vouchers each night
P Entry into Dumfries House*
P Entry into Roslyn Chapel
Highlights P Dumfries House P Roslyn Chapel
P Edinburgh P Ayr P Loch Lomond
All Inclusive Edinburgh, Ayrshire and the Trossachs
Price Includes
5th night available on Sunday for £xx pp DBB
Hotel3* Abington Hotel, near Biggar Page 46
Available March – November*(Dumfries House not open in November)
Monday To Scotland Arrive at the 3* Abington Hotel for tea & shortbread.
Tuesday Edinburgh & Roslyn Chapel Today we head through beautiful Borders country towards Edinburgh stopping off at the C15th Roslyn Chapel, a truly compelling & unique building surviving the turbulent times of the Reformation, to the Da Vinci Code as portrayed in the 2003 film starring Tom Hanks. Afternoon in Edinburgh returning to Abington for dinner and entertainment.
Wednesday Loch Lomond & Trossachs Lying approx. 1 hour north is an area of outstanding Highland beauty. We travel through the Trossachs visiting Callander, Aberfoyle and Drymen before stopping off at the southern shoreline of Loch Lomond, at Lomond Shores for retail therapy, by-passing Glasgow on the way back to your hotel.
Thursday Ayrshire Coast & Dumfries House* First to Ayr to take in some sea air, before heading to nearby Dumfries House, one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes and best kept heritage secrets, with sumptuous interiors and magnificent furnishings, all set in two thousand acres of land. It is regarded as an 18th century time-capsule since the principal rooms and their contents have remained virtually unchanged for 250 years. In 2007 HRH The Prince of Wales, headed a consortium of charities to purchase the House in order to keep this historical jewel intact and accessible to the public. Last night’s dinner followed by entertainment.
Da Vinci Code - Roslyn Chapel
5 days from
£164pp
drinks Inclusives New
P Welcoming tea/shortbread on check in
P 4 nights DBB
P Whisky appreciation evening
P 1 Scottish themed Gala Evening with
piper/dancer and glass of wine
P 2 other nights entertainment
P Guided tour of two distinctly different
distilleries with tastings
P Guided tour and wine tasting at a
Scottish Vinyard
P Entry into Glamis (May –Oct)
New
GlasgowEdinburgh
Stirling
Perth
Winery
Dundee
Glamis
BlairgowrieBlair Atholl
Aberfeldy
ComrieCrieff
Queen’s View
Pitlochry Edinburgh
Roslyn Chapel
Biggar
Dumfries House
Ayr
Glasgow
Loch Lomond
Stirling
CallanderAberfoyle
M74
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 33Both tours are Exclusive to Classic
E: [email protected] Exclusive to Classic, now in its 5th year
Floors Castle & Gardens
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 recently been refurbished.
Monday Traquair House After your 1st nights stay in the castle enjoy breakfast in the Blue Dug Restaurant. This morning, 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 Traquair House. Dating back to 1107. A refuge for Catholic Priests during he 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 hours 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 April & October)
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 within the city. In the afternoon, for those who wish, entry is included 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.
The Hotel Company
Traquair House
P Welcome tea, coffee & shortbread on arrival
P 4 nights DBB
P Choice 3 course dinners plus coffee
P Full Scottish breakfasts
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
Scotland
Highlights P Floors Castle P Traquair House P Edinburgh & National Museum of Scotland P Grand Scottish Night
Castle Parties in the Scottish BordersPrice Includes
No Single Room Supplement
5 days from £189pp
Hotels3* Barony Castle, near PeeblesPage 46
Please note single rooms are not accessible by lift.
Available: March - NovemberRates and dates attached.
Living ...like a Scottish Laird for a few days is a
truly wonderful experience, staying in
a high standard 3* Castle. Included is
a visit 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 and turbulent
heritage. The tour concludes with a
“Grand Scottish Evening”. This is an
ideal holiday for those looking for
something a bit different. A Classic
Castle Party remains one of our most
sought after breaks.
Traquair House
Langholm
Carlisle
FloorsCastlePeebles
Melrose
Edinburgh
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 35Ask for our Trossachs Drinks Inclusives 5 days from £139
Falkirk Wheel
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.
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. With time free
before returning to your hotel.
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
to experience the only rotating boatlift in
the world, joining the Union Canal. In the
afternoon 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, and out towards Inchcolm Island to view
various wildlife including seals, dolphins and
puffins.
Day 4 Five Lochs Tour A spectacular day out
into “bonnie” Scottish Highland countryside.
First, to Loch Lomond, the’ Queen of Scottish
Lochs’ before turning to Arrochar with its
dramatic mountain backdrop, known as
the “Arrochar Alps”. We continue 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.
The Hotel Company
Wildlife cruise under Forth Bridges
P Welcome tea and shortbread
P 4 nights DBB
P Bucks Fizz reception ( Dreadnought)
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
Scotland
Highlights P Steamship cruise P Falkirk Wheel P Boatlift P Forth Bridges Cruise P Dunoon
Waterways of ScotlandPrice Includes
Overnight hotels available from £38 pppn DBB
5 days from £149pp
Hotels4* Dunblane Hydro Hotel near Stirling3* Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen2* Rob Roy Hotel, Aberfoyle2* Dreadnought Hotel, CallanderPage 48
Available: April – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Prices held
Callander
FalkirkWheel
AberfoyleLoch Katrine
Forth Cruise
Dunoon
Arrochar
Drymen
Glasgow Dunblane
E: [email protected] There is no strenuous walking on this holiday and is suitable for all ages
Best
Seller
Queens View, Loch Tummel
Monday Perthshire Awaiting you is refreshing Tea & shortbread whilst you check in.
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 tops the scenery is breathtaking. There are regular sightings of Grouse, Mountain hares, deer and Golden Eagles. Stop off for a “wee dram” and shortbread at a Mountain chalet. Afterwards, we drive to the Kenmore Hotel, Aberfeldy by Loch Tay for lunch in one of Scotland’s oldest inns, dating back to 1572. Rabbie Burns was so struck by the area, that he composed a poem sitting on the bridge over the Tay and wrote it in pencil on the chimney breast of the fireplace in our Poet’s Bar - where you’ll find it to this day. After lunch we drive through glorious Perthshire countryside stopping off in Pitlochry.
Wednesday Highland Wildlife Park Today we take you to the Cairngorm National Park, an area of outstanding beauty. Firstly, a Park Ranger will join the coach for a guided tour of the 200 acre 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, wolves, Armur Tigers, red deer, capercaillie, the only 2 Polar bears resident in
the Britain as well as many more animals and birds not on show in any other UK zoo or park. Afterwards free time in Aviemore. On the way back we stop off at Queen Victoria’s favourite view at the head of Loch Tummel.
Thursday Glamis Castle & Gardens No visit to Perthshire would be complete without a castle, and Glamis will not disappoint. Only an hour away from Dunkeld in the fertile valley of Strathmore is Glamis Castle & Gardens. Admire its stunning architecture, explore its history, legends and myths or enjoy the surrounding beauty of the grounds and gardens. The castle is famed as being the childhood home of the Queen Mother and the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’. We spend approximately 4 hours at Glamis, giving time for the short journey to the rejuvenated city of Dundee, known as the city of Discovery for some sightseeing and shopping.
Friday After breakfast it’s time to head for home, via Perth, Stirling and Glasgow.
The Hotel Company
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
Highlights P Mountain top Safari P Speyside P Highland Wildlife Park P Glamis Castle P Dundee P Lunch in one of Scotland’s oldest Inns
Royal Highland SafariPrice Includes
5 days from £189pp
Hotels3* Birnam House Hotel, Dunkeld
3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld
3* Scotlands Hotel, Pitlochry
3* Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry
Page 49
Available: May – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Extra night from £30 pp
Scotland
Explore ...the natural beauty of Perthshire &
Speyside in comfort and style, on
this fascinating holiday of contrasts.
See the Highlands from an entirely
different perspective. You’ll have
every opportunity of observing an
abundance of wildlife in their natural
habitat, including a mountain top
4x4 safari led by kilted Rangers.
A journey into rugged & mountainous
Speyside with a visit and guided
tour of the Wildlife Park. The holiday
concludes with a visit to Glamis
Castle & Gardens, the Queen Mum’s
childhood home.
Highland Safari
Cairngorms
Loch Tummel Pitlochry
DunkeldAberfeldy
Stirling
Edinburgh
GlamisCastle
Impro
ved
Itinera
ry
Wildlife cruise from Fort William
Monday Stirling & the Trossachs Recommend you take the A85 between Stirling and Crianlarich. Welcome tea and shortbread awaiting on arrival
Tuesday Loch Lomond & RSPB Cruise An exciting day awaits. We travel the short distance to Loch Lomond and board your cruiser at Tarbet. Joined by the RSPB Reserve Manager we cruise the eastern shoreline of Loch Lomond to Inversnaid, where we disembark. Here, for those who wish, join a guided circular walk to vantage points on the Reserve, learning about the wildlife and eco-systems, whilst enjoying remarkable scenery. The walk takes around one hour. (A moderate level of fitness is required. It is a fairly steep path, with many steps to the viewpoint. Appropriate clothing and footwear is essential, recommend binoculars.) Those not wishing to join the walk can enjoy a lunch or refreshment (own arrangements) in the loch side Inversnaid Hotel, returning to Tarbet at 1445hrs along the western side of the Loch and your hotel for dinner.
Wednesday 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 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.
Thursday Fort William, West Highland Line & Wildlife cruise After breakfast, catch the mid morning 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 from the road. Time free in Fort William. After lunch a Wildlife watching tour on the sea loch – Loch Linnhe. Enjoy breathtaking scenery with Ben Nevis in clear view, hear stories of the loch from the skipper. Apart from a family of porpoise living in the loch there are seals, salmon, sea eagles and perhaps a golden eagle. Returning to hotel in your coach through mighty Glencoe.
Friday After breakfast its time to head for home via Loch Lomond & Glasgow.
The Hotel Company
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 37
P Tea and shortbread on check in
P 4 nights DBB
P Single Journey on the West Highland Line
P 2 hour Natural Wonder cruise with RSPB with Guided walk
P Wildlife and Scenic cruise in Fort William
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
One of Classic’s most sought after holidays
Highlights P Rail journey on West Highland Line P Two Wildlife Cruises P Loch Tay P Fort William P Loch Lomond P Scottish night
Rail and Natural Wonders of Scotland
Price Includes
5 days from £189pp
Hotels3* Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich
Page 50
Available: April – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Longer stays available from £42 pppn DBB
Scotland
Stimulating ...holiday based in the epicentre of
the West Highlands, surrounded
by amazing scenery. A holiday
with a twist as you have every
opportunity of being in close
proximity to extraordinary
wildlife, with two cruises
included, one accompanied by an
RSPB Reserve Manager. A journey
on the Famous West Highland
line will take you through some
of the remotest yet prettiest
areas of the Highlands, not
accessible by road.
Stirling
Glasgow
Fort William
Crianlarich
TarbetInversnaid
Loch Lomond
Loch Earn
Loch Tummel
Crieff
Ben Nevis
West Highland Line
E: [email protected] Extra nights available from £36 pp DBB
Strathespey Heilan’ Flyer
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.
Monday: Travel north through the Borders and arrive at the 3 star hotel of your choice, with welcoming refreshments.
Tuesday: Jacobite Steam Train reserved seats on the nostalgic West Highland line, steam hauled. Made famous in the Harry Potter movies. The journey takes approximately 2 hours each way with free time to explore the fishing village of Mallaig. The Jacobite Steam train is one of Europe’s most popular train journey’s absorbing Loch Eil, Caledonian Canal, Glenfinnan Viaduct & Monument and Loch Morar – Scotland’s deepest Loch. Absorb in the beautiful views of Eigg, Muck and Rum. On return capture the vista of mighty Ben Nevis. Passengers enjoy one leg on the steam train and the other leg utilising your coach. The rail journey is very different to the road journey. A stop will be made at Glenfinnan for photo opportunities of the Bonnie Prince Charlie monument, the viaduct and Loch Shiel.
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, join your coach for the short journey over the bridge to Skye with time for sightseeing. Returning to your hotel in time for dinner.
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 Grantown-on-Spey with time free before returning to the hotel via the Scottish Heather Centre at Dulnain Bridge to get ready for your final Scottish dinner, with Scottish entertainment. (Tours staying in Fort William replace the Grantown-on-Spey 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.
The Hotel Company
Jacobite steam, Glenfinnan viaduct
P 4 Nights DBB
P Tea/coffee and shortbread on check in (excl West End Hotel)
P Min 2 nights entertainment in Balavil
P 4 nights entertainment in Duke of Gordon and Highlander
P Single Rail journey from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
P Single Steam Rail journey from Aviemore to Broomhill
P Rail journey on the Jacobite Steam Train
P 3 course choice evening meals
P Full Scottish breakfasts
P Free place for driver over 25 paying passengers
Scotland
Highlights P Jacobite Steam Train P Kyle Line P Aviemore Steam P Isle of Skye P Entertainment P Inverness
Romantic Highland RailwaysPrice Includes
Overnight hotels available from £38 pppn DBB
5 days from £199pp
Hotels3* Balavil Hotel, Newtonmore 3* Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie3* West End Hotel, Fort William3* Highlander Hotel, NewtonmorePage 50
Available: May – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Skye
KyleInverness
Mallaig
Fort William
Glenfinnan
Stirling
Perth
Pitlochry
Newtonmore/Kingussie
Aviemore
Grantown-on-Spey
2014 Best
Selling Tour
Day 1 Perthshire Arrive at your chosen hotel with tea & shortbread awaiting
Day 2 Highland Safari Time free before meeting up with your kilted Mountain Safari Rangers. The 4x4’s will transport you in comfort and safety into Europe’s last unspoilt wilderness. Take in the breathtaking mountain top scenery, keeping an eye out for regular sightings of Grouse, Deer and Golden Eagles. We stop off in a mountain chalet for a “wee” dram of whisky and shortbread, before returning to your hotel via Pitlochry.
Day 3 Royal Deeside & Balmoral Estate A visit to the Royal Family’s Scottish holiday home - Balmoral Castle with entrance included for all passengers. Classic has teamed up with Walk Deeside to include a guided walk round Balmoral Estate, with special permission to see areas which are not available to the general public. The circular walk on paths and tracks is 8 miles long and is “easy” graded. The walk will take you through stunning glens overshadowed by Lochnager, hearing stories from your guide along the way. Chance of sighting deer, buzzards & Golden Eagles.
For those not wishing to join the walk, your coach will take you on a wonderful sightseeing tour of Royal Deeside with time free in Aberdeen. Lunch is included in Ballater, before collecting the “Walkers”.
Day 4 Perth & Forth Rail Journey and Wildlife Cruise Firstly, St Andrews, with time to explore this historical University and Golf seaside town. Our journey continues along the coastline passing through the fishing villages of Crail, Anstruther & Pittenweem before joining the train at North Queensferry for the short 10 minute impressive journey crossing one of the worlds most magnificent Victorian engineering feats – the Forth Rail Bridge. Rejoin your coach returning over the impressive Forth Road Bridge, where you will be able to see the building of the 3rd bridge, before joining the “Maid of the Forth” for a cruise under the bridges towards Inchcolm Island to view various wildlife including seals, dolphins and puffins.
Day 5 Homebound Braemar & Blairgowrie tours will pass the 580 yards long, 120 feet high Mickleour Beech Hedge planted by Bonnie Prince Charlies troops in 1745. It is the largest hedge in the world.
P 4 nights DBB
P Welcome Tea & Shortbread on check in
P 2 ½ hour Highland Safari with Rangers
P “Wee dram” in a Mountain chalet
P Entrance to Balmoral Castle & Grounds
P Guided Walk round Balmoral Estate or lunch
P Single Forth Rail Bridge journey
P Forth Boat cruise
P Entertainment most nightsApart from the optional Balmoral Walk, this is not a strenuous holiday, and is suitable for all ages, but not recommended for those with mobility issues. Passengers wishing to take the Balmoral Walk must have a reasonable level of fitness. There are no steep gradients and all guides are fully qualified and experienced, with exit points if required. As this is a wildlife based tour, we recommend passengers wear appropriate clothing and footwea, and bring binoculars and cameras. Packed Lunches can be purchased at the hotel for those participating in the Balmoral Estate walk.
Highlights P Mountain Top Wildlife Safari PGuided walk or Royal Deeside P Balmoral Castle PInchcolm Island cruise P Forth Bridge Rail Journey
Scotlands Heritage and WildlifePrice Includes
5 days from £214pp
Hotel3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie
3* Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar
3* Station Hotel, Perth
See page 49
Available: April – JulyRates and dates attached.
Extra nights available from £
Balmoral Castle
Stirling
Glasgow
Firth of Forth Road and Rail Bridges
The Hotel Company
Scotland
Spectacular ...Scottish holiday located in the
“Big Country” of Perthshire. A tour
which combines the opportunity
of being in touch with nature at
close quarters both on land and
at sea together with a visit to the
Royal Families Scottish Castle
residency in Royal Deeside. If you
wish, you can join our experienced
guide for an easily graded walk
round the surrounding Balmoral
Estate. The tour concludes with
a rail journey over the Forth Rail
Bridge followed by a cruise.
New
Edinburgh
Aberdeen
BallaterBalmoral
Blairgowrie
BraemarPitlochry
Highland Safari
PerthSt. Andrews
AnstrutherNorth Queensferry
Inchcolm Island
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 39This tour is suitable for all ages
E: [email protected] Optional Driver & coach for drivers day off on Friday from £425
Famous old Course, St andrews
A real gem ...Of a trans-Scottish adventure. A
holiday designed to experience
two distinctly different Scottish
cultures and scenery. From the
Kingdom of Fife complete with it’s
legends, turbulent history and of
course its famous golf courses; to
the more rugged West Highlands
round Oban and Argyll, with a visit
included to the Isles. Classic has
selected waterfront hotels in both
locations, in keeping with the
nature of the tour.
Tuesday Travel to Fife By passing Edinburgh,
over the Forth Road Bridge & to your hotel
with tea and shortbread waiting.
Wednesday St. Andrews & Dundee To the
University town of St Andrews, the home of
golf and where Prince William met his future
bride. Time free in one of Scotland’s oldest
towns with plenty to see. Then, over the Tay
Bridge and Dundee – a city transformed in
recent years with its £1 billion waterfront
development. Berthed is RRS Discovery. Entry
is included on to Captain Cooks ship which
sailed on his famous Antartica expedition in
1900.
Thursday Oban By passing Perth we journey
into the Highlands taking the scenic route
along the shoreline of Loch Earn. Through
Highland glens to the Pass of Brander on the
shores of Loch Awe. We stop for a visit to one
of the hidden marvels of engineering – The
“Hollow Mountain” An underground world on
a spectacular scale, buried 1Km below ground
and as high as the Tower of London. A guided
tour is included - it’s like being on the set of a
James Bond movie! Arrive in Oban.
Friday Isles of Mull and Iona The ferry
terminal is only 250yds away from the hotel
and the cruise along the Sound Of Mull passes
imposing Duart Castle before landing on
the Isle of Mull, the 2nd largest of the Inner
Hebridean Islands. To Iona passing dramatic
coastal scenery, white sandy beaches,
historical places and with every opportunity
of spotting rare wildlife. Neighbouring Iona
is Scotland’s most historic and sacred isle.
The resting place of over 100 Scottish Kings,
an isle which saw the birth of Christianity to
mainland Britain by St Columbus in 563AD.
Entrance is included into Iona’s well known
Abbey. (Drivers Day Off option).
Saturday Seil Island and coastal Argyll
Morning free to see the sights of Oban.
½ day tour along the coast, over the 1792
“Bridge over the Atlantic” and on to Seil
Island. The film location for the 1960’s film
“Ring of Bright Water”. Passing a pepper-
pot of whitewashed cottages, we stop off
in Easedale, with its own micro brewery,
museum, café and large gift shop. If you wish
to catch the short crossing to Easedale Island,
then ring the bell for the ferryman. It’s the
only ferry where a timetable is not required!
Sunday Homeward bound Heading towards
Glasgow, via Loch Lomond.
The Hotel Company
P Welcome tea/shortbread on check in
P 2 nts Anstruther DBB
P 3 nts Oban DBB
P Min. 2 nights entertainment
P Entry on to RRS Discovery
P Guided tour of the Hollow Mountain
P Ferry to Isle of Mull + return
P Ferry to Isle of Iona + return
P Entry into Iona Abbey
Scotland
Highlights P St Andrews P Oban P Isles of Mull & Iona P Hollow Mountain P Seil Island P RRS Ship Discovery
Scotland’s Coastal JourneysPrice Includes
Friday Drivers day off option
6 days from £249pp
Hotels2 nights 3* Craws Nest, Anstruther Page 493 nights 2* Regent Hotel, Oban or 3* Columba Hotel, Oban Page 50
Available: May – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Mull
New
Oban
Hollow Mountain
Arduaine
Inveraray
PerthDundee
St Andrews
Anstruther
Edinburgh
Loch Lomond
Iona
Seil Island
Glasgow
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 41Overnight hotels available from £36 pp DBB
Loch ness & urquhart Castle
Delightful ...holiday set amongst beautiful
mountain scenery. Included
is a trip on one of the most
stunning railway 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 jaw-dropping journey on
a mountain railway to the
highest restaurant in the UK.
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 Loch Ness and the Clansman
Harbour. Here, board the cruiser taking you
out on to 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 entrance and will transport you
back to your hotel in plenty time for dinner.
Wednesday Isle of Skye & Glass Bottom Cruise After breakfast, we head to Inverness
to catch the train to Kyle, by Skye. The journey
is particularly scenic and described by Michael
Palin as one of the best railway Journeys in
the world! Once in Kyle your coach collects
you then climb aboard the semi- submersible
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.
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
explore the amazing WW11 shipwreck HMS
Napier – a 500 ft minelayer which 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 your hotel.
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 easily graded walks
around the area.
The Hotel Company
P Welcome tea and shortbread on arrival
P 4 nts DBB
P Cruise on Seaprobe Atlantis Glass
Bottom Boat
P Cruise on Loch Ness and Entrance to
Urquhart Castle
P Return Journey on the Cairngorm
Funicular Mountain Railway
P Single Journey on Inverness – Skye Line
P 3 nights entertainment , 1 Scottish Night.
(Carrbridge Hotel)
P Individual dining at both breakfast and
dinner (Carrbridge Hotel)
Scotland
Highlights P Glass Bottom Boat P Loch Ness Cruise P Urquhart Castle P Mountain Railway P Kyle - Skye Railway
Boats and Trains of the Highlands and Islands
Price Includes
Add a 5th night from only £37pp DBB
5 days from £199pp
Hotels3* Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge3* Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown on Spey4* Boat Hotel, Boat of GartenPage 50
Available: April – OctoberRates and dates attached.
Glass bottom Skye cruise
Inverness
Kyle
Carrbridge
FunicularRailway
Loch NessCruise
Skye Cruise
Kyle line
Broadford
Aviemore
Pitlochry
Perth
Fort AugustusBoat of Garten
Grantown on Spey
Glorious ...Perthshire is the base for this fascinating holiday
exploring some of Scotland’s most impressive Regal
residences. We find out how Scotland’s National
drink is distilled and take a visit to “Auld Reekie”
with a visit to the Royal Yacht included.
P 4 nights DBB
P Welcome Drinks Reception
P Entry & Guided Tour of Blair Atholl Castle
P Guided tour and tasting at Blair Atholl Whisky Distillery
P Cabaret Show & dance (Angus)
P Entry to Glamis Castle & Gardens
P Entrance on board Royal Yacht Britannia
P Taste of Scotland Evening with traditional music and dance (Angus)
P 1 other nights entertainment
Highlights P Blair Atholl P Glamis Castle
P Whisky Tour & tasting P Royal Yacht
Scotland’s Regal Heritage
Price Includes
Driver free over 25 paying pax.
Hotels3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie
3* Station Hotel, Perth
3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld
Page 49
Available April - OctoberRates & Dates attached.
Day 1 Join the management team for a welcome drinks reception before dinner.
Day 2 Blair Atholl Castle & Distillery set in the middle of rural Perthshire. An expert guide will take you around the 13th century castle with time free to stroll the gardens. After lunch (own arrangements), to nearby Blair Atholl Whisky Distillery for a guided tour and tasting. Dinner followed by a cabaret and dance (Angus).
Day 3 Edinburgh Over the Forth Road Bridge with free time in Edinburgh, known as the “Auld Reekie”. Afterwards, we board the Royal Yacht Britannia where you can explore at leisure the former Yacht of the Royal Family. Scottish themed dinner and entertainment. (Angus).
Day 4 Glamis & Perth Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen Mother. Whether you want to explore the legends of the castle or the beauty of the gardens you will not fail to be touched by the magic of Glamis. Afterwards, to Perth for some free time. After dinner there is some in-house entertainment.
Day 5 Head for home From the Angus pass the famous Meikleour beach hedge, planted by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s troops in 1745. It is the largest hedge in the world, measuring 580 yards long and 120 feet high.
Glamis Castle
5 days from
£164pp
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.
P Welcome refreshments on arrival
P 4 nights DBB
P 2 nights entertainment
P Entry into the Enchanted Forest
and Show, including transfer
P Entry into Dewars World of Whisky
P Entry to Glamis Castle & Gardens.
P Free place for your driver over
20 paying pax.
Highlights P Enchanted Forest P Glamis Castle
P Whisky Centre P Royal Deeside P Speyside
Scotland’s Autumn Gold
Price Includes
4 days from £124pp
Hotels3* Scotlands Hotel, Pitlochry
3* Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry
3* Birnam Hotel, Birnam
3* Royal Dunkeld Hotel, Dunkeld
Page 49
Available every Monday x 4nts: 12/10, 19/10 & 26/10Rates & Dates attached.
Day1 To Perthshire “The Big Tree Country”, renowned for its magnificent natural environment.
Day 2 Lochs & Whisky Board your coach for a day out into glorious autumn countryside. To Crieff, for a brief stop, before continuing through the pretty villages of Comrie and St Fillans. Along the shores of Loch Earn and the mighty Loch Tay. Finishing the day with a tour and tasting at Dewars World of Whisky in Aberfeldy.
Day 3 Glamis Castle & Enchanted Forest The autumn theme continues. Most of the day is spent at impressive Glamis Castle & Gardens. The abundance of trees in the grounds ensures the visitor is treated to a glorious spectacle of autumnal colour. The Castle itself is a place to admire its stunning architecture, to explore its history, legends and myths. Then, after dinner, the highlight of the holiday is entry into the award 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 from the centre of Pitlochry. Using the woodland garden as a natural backdrop, experience a light show that is, quite simply, out of this world.
Day 4 Royal Deeside & Speyside Over the hilltops to Spittal of Glenshee and into Royal Deeside. 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 passes Balmoral Castle & Crathie Church, the Royal Family’s Scottish retreat. Returning over the Lecht and into the Spey Valley with glorious autumn scenery all the way, stopping in Aviemore, before returning to the hotel.
Loch Tummel
5 days from
£154pp
ScotlandNew
Edinburgh
Loch Tummel
PitlochryDunkeld
Perth
Stirling
Glasgow
Dundee
Glamis
Blairgowrie
Blair Atholl Castle & Distillery
E: [email protected] Luxury stays available at 4* Atholl Palace
Crieff
PerthDundee
Glamis
GlasgowStirling
DewarsLoch Tay
Lochearnhead
Aviemore
Grantown on Spey Tomintoul
Balmoral
Braemar
Dunkeld
Pitlochry
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 43Contact Classic for a full list of hotels with rates & itineraries
Enjoy ...Christmas in one of Classic Britain’s
member hotels offering fun and varied
programmes staying 3 or 4 nights.
Special group rates are available, and
we provide 2 free places regardless
of numbers. Full festive programmes
available.
P 3 or 4 nts DBB
P Evening entertainment
P Welcoming Mulled Wine
& Mince Pies
P Wine Tasting
P Christmas day lunch
P Porterage
2 Free places
Inclusions may slightly
vary per hotel
Highlights
P Won’t fit
A Merry Little Christmas
Price Includes
4 or 5 days from
£250
Sample ItineraryMarine Hotel, Troon
23 Dec Welcoming drinks reception on arrival followed by dinner and games night.
Christmas Eve After a full Scottish breakfast depart for a morning excursion returning in time for wine tasting & Carol singing in the afternoon. In the evening enjoy a 3-course dinner followed by entertainment from a live pianist.
Christmas Day A Merry Christmas waits with a full Scottish breakfast, a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings is kicked off with a glass of Champagne and Santa pays a visit. Relax in the lounge watching the Queen’s speech and playing board games. Later on a hot and cold buffet for those who are still peckish, followed by a Quiz Night.
Boxing Day Full Scottish Breakfast followed by a free day to enjoy the surrounding area before returning in time to put your feet up in the lounge or enjoy the extensive leisure facilities before a sumptuous 3 course dinner & entertainment from the live 2 piece band.
27 Dec After a Full Scottish Breakfast time to say goodbye head for home.
Hotels4* Marine Hotel, Troon
3* Columba Hotel, Inveress Page 51
4* Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld Page 48
3* Gretna Hall Hotel Page 46
4* Menzies Hotel, Strathallan Page 44
3* Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis Page 44
Bring in the bells ...in Classic style! All our programmes are
designed so everyone has a great time.
There is 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 2 or 3 nts DBB
P New year Gala Dinner with
P Regional live entertainment
P Welcome drinks reception
P Drink to toast the New Year
P 1 other night’s
entertainment
P 1 free place over 20 paying
pax.
P Free overnight coach parking
Highlights
P Welcome drinks reception
P New Years Eve Gala Dinner
Happy New Years
Price Includes
3 or 4 days from
£209
Sample ItineraryYork House, Eastbourne Page 44
30 Dec After checking in enjoy a welcome tea/coffee with home made cakes & mince pies accompanied by live music. Afterwards you will be served dinner in the Verandah & York Restaurant followed by the Quiz of the Year & House Bingo.
Hogmanay After a leisurely breakfast explore the surrounding area returning in time for a light finger buffet lunch followed by pig racing & bingo. Before you take your places for the Gala Dinner (evening dress or lounge suits) enjoy a pre-dinner drinks reception with the manager & team. The spectacular gala dinner is complete with crackers & silly hats. After dinner entertainment will have you dancing in the New Year.
New Years Day Have a well deserved long lie as your brunch will be served between 9am – 12pm. In the afternoon you will have the chance to test your brain with a quiz. The evening kicks off with “Chef’s Spectacular Buffet”. If you are game you can take part in the fancy dress parade (Theme is Cartoon Characters!) Prizes will be given to the best dressed!
2 Jan Before we say goodbye enjoy one last hearty breakfast in the restaurant.
Hotels3* York House Hotel, Eastbourne Page 44
3* Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold Page 44
3* Cairn Hotel, Bathgate Page 48
4* Hallmark Hotel, Derby
Fun filled ...festive themed breaks in hotels
across the UK. Celebrate Christmas
early with decorations up, tree lit 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 2 nts in house
entertainment
P 1 music night
entertainment
P Welcome reception
P Porterage
P 1 free place over 20 pax.
Highlights
P Hogmany Ceilidh Banquet
P Christmas day dinner
Turkey n’ Tinsels
Price Includes
5 days from
£114
Sample ItineraryRob Roy Hotel, Aberfoyle Page 48
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 5 Sadly we bid you a fond farewell
HotelsRecommended for their Pre Festive Spirit are:
3* Abington Hotel, Abington Page 46
2* Breadalbane Hotel, Aberfeldy
3* Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore Page 50
3* Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie Page 49
2* Rob Roy Hotel, Aberfoyle Page 48
E: [email protected] 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
England, Wales & Ireland
Classic has a choice
of 32 group friendly
member hotels in
England & Wales
from Cornwall up to
Cumbria. If you are
looking for hotel
only without the
package element,
then all these hotels
will be able to offer
you best available
group rates. For
peace of mind
Classic has visited
all these hotels for
group suitability and
real guest reviews
can be found on our
website, together
with more detailed
information.
1
5
Guest Review 86%
The hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment and is now one of Easbourne’s premier hotels. Located in the centre and next to the beach. 88 bedrooms on 4 floors service by lift.
Eastbourne Shore View Hotel
DBB from £32pp
9
Set in it’s own landscaped grounds overlooking a lake, and only 3 miles from Swansea city centre. It also provides Operators with easy access to the Brecon Beacons and Gower Peninsula.
Swansea Mercure Hotel
DBB from £32pp
14
Guest Review 80%
This 135 bedroomed hotel has been a focal point of central Birmingham for many years as the Strathallan. Has an enviable central location, and all rooms have free wifi and Sky TV.
Birmingham Menzies City Hotel
DBB from £38pp
18
Guest Review 82%
Set in 30 acres of gardens at the foot of Snowdon. The Victoria is a favourite for groups. Its peaceful, is within easy distance of most of North Wales’ attractions and has entertainment included.
Llanberis Royal Victoria
DBB from £38pp
20
Guest Review 83%
Boasting a beautiful beach front location, with many bedrooms providing sea views. Hotel has been refurbished and all areas are new, modern with clean colours. There is a sea view Restaurant and Bar.
Prestatyn Beaches Hotel
DBB from £40pp
23
Guest Review 85%
Located just off the M62, 2 miles from Huddersfield, has been the principle hotel in the area for many years. Ideally located for exploring the Dales and Peak District.
Huddersfield Cedar Court
DBB from £38pp
4
Guest Review 86%
A Victorian style hotel boasting a stunning seafront location, just 400 yards from Eastbourne pier and attractions. An excellent quality hotel and a popular place to stay for groups.
Eastbourne York House Hotel
DBB from £38pp
8
Guest Review 91%
A character hotel with 38 bedrooms has been looking after travellers for over 600 years. Located in Henley On Thames overlooking the river, makes it a great base for exploring the Home Counties
Henley Red Lion Hotel
DBB from £45pp
13
Guest Review 75%
Set in 28 acres of Warwickshire countryside. The hotel dates back to 1883 and is full of charm and character. Well priced for groups and highly recommended if you are looking for a castle hotel.
Redditch Studley Castle
DBB from £36pp
16
Guest Review 87%
Situated in a secluded setting at the foot of the Wrekin, 3 miles from Wellington and Telford. Major refurb in last 3 years has re-established this hotel as a popular choice for groups.
Wellington Buckatree Hall Hotel
DBB from £38pp
19
Guest Review ??%
One of Classic’s favourites. Very coach orientated, good service & nice facilities. Entertainment included on some nights. Your group will receive a warm welcome from the friendly staff.
Mold Beaufort Park
DBB from £29pp
22
North East of Belfast at the start of the Antrim Coastal Trail. This 68 bedroom hotel has undergone a lot of refurbishment and is pushing 4*. Very much a welcoming group hotel.
Carrickfergus Clarion Hotel
DBB from £xxpp
2
Guest Review 85%
Beautiful cliff top position with open sea views, yet only a 10 minute walk to the traffic free centre and pier.. In a wonderful setting with gardens and leisure.
Bournemouth Menzies Carlton
DBB from £32.50pp
7
Guest Review 84%
Completely restored to it’s former glory in 2008, yet maintaining many of it’s original features from Victorian times. Hotel is well positioned for Royal Ascot, Legoland, Farnborough Airshow and more.
Bracknell Waterloo Hotel
DBB from £28pp
1
Guest Review ??%
Friendly, coach orientated hotel, totally refurbished, in an elevated position above the town, overlooking the sea. Perfect base to explore beautiful Cornwall and its coastline.
Looe Portbryan Hotel
DBB from £35pp
6
Guest Review 87%
A quiet hotel, only 10 minute walk from Canterbury, set in own grounds, makes this hotel an excellent base for exploring SE England. The hotel dates back to 1830, and has bags of character.
Canterbury Abbots Barton Hotel
DBB from £45pp
12
Guest Review 75%
A hotel dating back to the 17th century, with the Boot Pub still retained. The bedrooms and public areas are relatively new and modern. A popular hotel for groups wishing to explore The Cotswolds.
Kenilworth Honiley Court
DBB from £36pp
10
The hotel is located in it’s own grounds and is 4 miles from Milton Keynes. Being Hilton expect good quality rooms which are bright and airy and food served in their new Horizons Restaurant. The hotel has leisure.
Milton Keynes Hilton Hotel
DBB from £40pp
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Classic’s Value Plus Hotels (see page 2)
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 45
34
Guest Review 86%
Right in the heart of Northumberland and not far from Bamburgh Castle. Privately owned and managed, rooms recently upgraded.
Belford Blue Bell Hotel
DBB from £44pp
37
Guest Review 88%
5 miles east of Carlisle. The Crown is a wonderful hotel to stay in. Bags of charm, rosetted food, located in the centre of this conservation village.
Wetheral Crown Hotel
DBB from £45pp
36
Guest Review 81%
A hotel with Edwardian grandeur, set in the heart of Carlisle. Ideal hotel for overnight stays or for exploring the Borders and Lakes.
Carlisle Crown & Mitre Hotel
DBB from £33pp
35
Guest Review 83%
A great choice for groups, set in it’s own grounds overlooking the Promenade and the Channel. With good food and spacious rooms, many with views.
Folkestone Burlington Hotel
DBB from £40pp
34
Guest Review 81%
Located in a quiet spot just outside the city centre. The Caledonian’s rates are particularly good and the hotel has undergone a lot of improvements in recent years.
Newcastle Caledonian Hotel
DBB from £30pp
33
Guest Review 86%
Beautiful Lakeland position with lake nearby and mountains surrounding the hotel. Hotel has been transformed into a top 4* hotel with excellent reviews for food.
Bassenthwaite Castle Inn
DBB from £55pp
32
Guest Review 80%
Just south of Penrith, the hotel is located down a private road at the end of a tranquil valley high up on the fells and within a short driving distance of the Lakes.
ShapShap Wells Hotel
DBB from £35pp
31
Guest Review 83%
The best priced group 3* hotel in the Lakes. Wonderful setting overlooking Lake Windermere. Entertainment most nights and hotel has full leisure facilities.
Bowness Windermere Hydro
DBB from £40pp
29
One of the main hotels in Douglas, seafront location with shops and attractions all nearby. Both the Restaurant and bar overlook the bay.
Isle of Man Chesterhouse Hotel
DBB from £36pp
28
Guest Review 83%
A cracking family owned hotel, the food is fantastic and has a wonderful cliff top position with the cliff lift to the Esplanade & beaches just 100m from the hotel.
Scarborough Red Lea Hotel
DBB from £40pp
25
Guest Review 80%
Probably the best hotel for groups in St Annes with a seafront location. It’s just a good all round hotel with food, service & rooms all being of high quality.
Lytham St. Annes Inn on the Prom
DBB from £40pp
24
Guest Review 75%
Easy access from both M1 and M62, the hotel is located in its own grounds just south of Wakefield. It is a modern hotel with spacious bedrooms and public areas.
Wakefield Cedar Court Hotel
DBB from £35pp
3
Guest Review: 87%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 50
Located in a quiet tree lined avenue near the town centre and beach. The hotel has received awards for it’s high standards of service and comfort. It is a first class base for exploring picturesque Dorset. Classic has arranged excellent rates for both short and longer stays throughout the year.
DBB from
£34pp
Bournemouth Elstead Hotel
P Poole & Brownsea Island
P New Forest & Beaulieu
P Isle of Wight P Weymouth
Great reviews about the food
Town or city centre location
Fine views from hotel
Free use of Leisure facilities
England
11
Guest Review: 78%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 136
Located on the northern approaches to Cambridge. The Menzies is in a peaceful setting amongst glorious English countryside. The hotel is surrounded with it’s own championship golf course. It is a rural retreat and an ideal place for groups to explore this wonderful part of England.
DBB from
£49pp
Cambridge Menzies Hotel
P Cambridge
P Wisbech & the Fens
P Ely P Newmarket
15
Guest Review: 85%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 150
If you’re looking for a high quality hotel together with an attractive rate then Drayton Manor will be hard to beat. Set in 280 acres of parkland and adjacent to one of the UK ‘s largest theme parks, Drayton Manor. Within the hotel there is a combination of funny and quirky features.
DBB from
£38pp
Tamworth Drayton Manor Hotel
P Drayton Manor Theme Park
P Birmingham P The Potteries
P Leicester
17
Guest Review: 73%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 95
This is an elegant Mock Tudor country house hotel, offering guests 4* luxury. Located on the Leics/Warks Border & only 10 miles from Leicester. Inside the hotel there is a lot of attention to detail. Well furnished bar and restaurant, beautiful leisure and attentive service is assured.
DBB from
£40pp
Hinckley Sketchley Grange Hotel
P Belvoir & Rockingham Castles
P Bosworth Battlefield Centre
P Twycross Zoo
21
Guest Review: 74%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 68
Under new management, Mollington is well positioned to explore Cheshire and North Wales. Chester is 4 miles away. The hotel is set in picturesque grounds, with the restaurant over looking the attractive gardens. The excellent group rates makes this hotel particularly attractive, and a hotel well worth considering if planning a tour to Cheshire area.
DBB from
£34pp
Chester Mollington Banastre Hotel
P Chester & Zoo P Port Sunlight
P Liverpool and Mersey Cruise
P North Wales Coastline
26
Guest Review: 84%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 49
A unique timber building nestling within the forest of
the Wharfe Valley. It is a rural retreat but yet within
easy distance of Harrogate, Leeds and the Dales. The
whole hotel has been significantly upgraded. The
bedrooms are in separate buildings within the forest,
making this hotel choice very appealing.
DBB from
£45pp
Otley Chevin Country Park Hotel
P Harrogate
P Yorkshire Dales
P Bradford P Leeds
27
Guest Review: 78%Steps into hotel: 4Bedrooms: 80
A grand Victorian hotel standing proud in the centre of Yorkshire’s popular spa town. The hotel has been improved over the years retaining many of it’s elegant features. The hotel is well geared to deal with groups. It has it all – location, quality and good group rates - all year round.
DBB from
£35pp
Harrogate Yorkshire Hotel
P Yorkshire Dales
P Harewood House & Gardens
P Yorkshire Wolds P York
30
Guest Review: 84%Steps into hotel: 3Bedrooms: 52
Must have one of the most dramatic of settings in the
UK. Perched high on the cliff tops overlooking Robin
Hoods Bay, 12 miles from Scarborough and Whitby.
The food is excellent and the quality of service cannot
be faulted. A highly recommended hotel for the most
discerning of guests who appreciate quality.
DBB from
£47pp
Ravenscar Ravenhall Hotel
P Scarborough P Whitby
P North Yorkshire Moors
P Yorkshire Coast
Classic’s Value Plus Hotels (see page 2)
E: [email protected] 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
Scottish Hotels
50
Guest Review 87%
A luxurious hotel with sweeping sea views, fantastic food & own golf course. Part of Macdonald Hotels.
North Berwick Marine Hotel
DBB from £70pp
48
Guest Review 83%
Family operated character hotel in the pretty market town of Strathaven. 24 bedrooms.
Strathaven Strathaven Hotel
DBB from £30pp
46
Guest Review 87%
Located in the Clyde Valley and next to the river. A lovingly restored mock tudor styled hotel.
Rosebank Popinjay Hotel
DBB from £36pp
44
Guest Review 84%
Part of Macdonald Hotels, a beautiful 4* property with golf course. 3 miles from Peebles.
Peebles Cardrona Hotel
DBB from £50pp
43
Guest Review 70%
Family owned and managed – a warm welcome awaits you in this cosy hotel. Located 5 minutes from M74. J13.
Abington Abington Hotel
DBB from £30pp
41
Guest Review 78%
Refurbished country house style hotel 6 miles from Dumfries. Set in it’s own grounds with views over the Solway Firth.
Dumfries Hetland Hall
DBB from £30pp
49
Guest Review 90%
Recently refurbished. Located in centre of town adjoining one of Scotland’s largest shopping precincts.
East Kilbride Bruce Hotel
DBB from £34pp
47
Guest Review 83%
A good choice of hotel for overnight stays. 2 minutes from J8 M74, 15 miles south of Glasgow
Larkhall Shawlands Park Hotel
DBB from £34pp
44
Guest Review 73%
An impressive property over looking the Tweed Valley, set in 30 acres of grounds. Lots of single rooms.
Peebles Peebles Hydro
DBB from £44pp
44
Guest Review 81%
A chance to stay in a castle and not pay a fortune. Barony caters well for groups, set in 25 acres of gardens.
Peebles Barony Castle
DBB from £40pp
42
Guest Review 80%
Major refurb in 2011-13, so most rooms are new. A perfect stopover hotel. Classic guests get allocated new rooms.
Gretna Gretna Hall Hotel
DBB from £32pp
39
Guest Review 87%
Modern & contemporary hotel located in extensive grounds 2 miles from centre of Dumfries. Well known for good food.
Dumfries Aston Hotel
DBB from £40pp
40
Guest Review: 81%Steps into hotel: 6Bedrooms: 91
Without doubt the Cairndale is one of the best hotels in SW Scotland for groups. It has a great location and the hotel really does know how to look after groups. On Sundays, the hotel has a Ceilidh show, which is free to guests. A good way to start or finish your Scottish holiday.
DBB from
£42pp
Dumfries Cairndale Hotel
P Threave Gardens P Drumlarnrig Castle
P Sweetheart Abbey
P Solway Firth Coast
45
Guest Review: 90%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 38
Converted into a fine hotel from a Woollen Mill in 2001, so the hotel has lots of character, and is widely regarded as one of the regions best hotels.
Most rooms have views over the River, which is next to the hotel or on to the World Heritage site of New Lanark Village.
DBB from
£44pp
Lanark New Lanark Mill Hotel
P Edinburgh P Glasgow
P Clyde Valley
P Ayrshire
Classic has been working in partnership with most of Scotland’s
group orientated hotels since 1996. We know all the hotels
inside and out and have a close friendly working co-operation
with their owners and managers.
When it comes to Scotland no other organisation comes close in
being able to offer product, in-depth knowledge of every area
in Scotland as well as providing personal advice about any of the
featured hotels. In essence, Classic is the Group Reservation arm
for 108 group friendly Scottish 2-4 star hotels, providing you
with packaged ideas or hotel only options.
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Classic’s Value Plus Hotels (see page 2)
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 47
62
Guest Review 77%
Located next to the castle. Originally built as a Coaching Inn for Castle guests in 1750, but now a popular hotel for groups.
Inveraray Argyll Hotel
DBB from £36pp
56
Guest Review 85%
A modern state of the art hotel, with excellent ratings. A popular choice for groups visiting the Tattoo as rates are good.
Kilmarnock Park Hotel
DBB from £45pp
55
Guest Review 79%
In the centre of paisley 7 miles west of Glasgow. Originally an old mill, so lots of low beamed ceilings. Next to river.
Glasgow Watermill Hotel
DBB from £30pp
55
Guest Review 85%
Located in a quiet area, 6 miles west of the city. An elegant hotel, with lots of charm and character, with extensive leisure.
Glasgow Glynhill Hotel
DBB from £44pp
55
Guest Review 73%
1 mile from the city centre, the Swallow is a popular choice for groups. Rooms all similar and rates are competitive.
Glasgow Swallow Hotel
DBB from £28pp
55
Guest Review 71%
Low priced 3* hotel in the heart of the city. Totally refurbished 7 years ago with further development planned. Great Value.
Glasgow Alexander Thomson
DBB from £30pp
55
Guest Review 77%
Based 7 miles from Glasgow, the Normandy is a well run hotel with good group rates. Tribute Acts most weekends.
GlasgowNormandy Hotel
DBB from £30pp
54
Guest Review 86%
A popular hotel for groups located on the West Bay Promenade, affording unsurpassed views out to sea from the front of the hotel.
Dunoon Esplanade Hotel
DBB from £32pp
54
Guest Review 82%
Recently refurbished hotel in centre of Dunoon with fine views across the Firth of Clyde. A Dunoon landmark since 1837.
Dunoon Argyll Hotel
DBB from £32pp
53
Guest Review 86%
Right on the seafront in the village of Blackwaterfoot. It’s the main hotel on the island & most rooms have sea views.
Arran Kinloch Hotel
DBB from £46pp
52
Guest Review 76%
Family owned and managed hotel. Lovely location next to the beach and two minute walk into the seaside resort of Troon.
Troon South Beach Hotel
DBB from £38pp
51
Guest Review 86%
Modern contemporary hotel set in it’s own grounds. Plenty of lounge space and all rooms are of good size and quality.
Irvine Menzies Hotel
DBB from £36pp
55
Glasgow Marks Hotel
P Shopping Breaks
P Theatre & Concerts
Great reviews about the food
Town or city centre location
Fine views from hotel
Free use of Leisure facilities
Glasgow Area & South West Highlands
DBB from £40pp
P Loch Lomond
P Clyde Cruises
Guest Review: 84%Steps into hotel: 3Bedrooms: 103
57
Very much geared up to deal with groups, located
approx 14 miles west of Glasgow city centre and next
to the river. All rooms have open views of the River
Clyde. The hotel has undergone a lot of refurb. of late
and all bedrooms are of consistent high standard. A
good choice of hotel for overnighters or shortbreaks
with Loch Lomond only 15 minute drive away.
Glasgow WestErskine Bridge Hotel
P Loch Lomond
P Firth of Clyde & Dunoon
DBB from £36pp
P Theatre Breaks & Concerts
P Shopping in Braehead
Guest Review: 77%Steps into hotel: 3Bedrooms: 177
58
Set on a hillside, surrounded by it’s own golf course, Gleddoch offers groups stunning views across the Firth. The hotel is only a 30 minute drive from Glasgow. It is peaceful and the hotel is full of charm from its panoramic Restaurant to its relaxing bars. Guests have free use of the extensive leisure.
Langbank Gleddoch House Hotel
P Loch Lomond
P Glasgow
DBB from £40pp
P Dunoon
P Ayrshire & Arran
Guest Review: 80%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 75
59
A new hotel for the group market, and a good one
too. Located on the Ayrshire coast, just north of
Ayr. The Carlton has recently completed a major
refurbishment programme. The hotel has an excellent
local reputation for fine food, and all the bedrooms
are relatively new of modern design and most have
views overlooking the sea.
Prestwick Carlton Hotel
P Isle of Arran
P Burns Country
DBB from £38pp
P Dunoon
P Glasgow
Guest Review: 86%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 39
60
The Crowwood is located 7 miles from Glasgow city centre just off the main road to Stirling, making it an ideal stopover hotel. The bar, restaurant and many of the bedrooms look out over the golf course. The hotel has seen several upgrades in recent years, providing Operators with a good all round hotel at a good price.
Glasgow North Crowwood Hotel
P Stirling
P Falkirk Wheel
DBB from £28pp
P Glasgow
P Edinburgh
Guest Review: 77%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 33
61
Beautiful hotel, located right on the lochside and only a 5 minute walk into Inveraray and it’s famous castle. This hotel is definitely one of the best hotels for groups to stay in if visiting Argyll. Public areas are spacious, bedrooms are of good quality, and leisure facilities are 1st class.
Inveraray Loch Fyne
P Isle of Islay P Oban
P Arduaine Gardens
DBB from £42pp
P Crinan Canal
P Ben Cruachan Mountain”
Guest Review: 82%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 78
Impressive modern hotel, right in the heart of the city, with all main shopping areas, Theatreland and attractions all within easy walking distance. Inside the hotel is bright and spacious and the views from the upper floor rooms over the city are spectacular. The Marks is probably the best price 4* hotel in the city.
Classic’s Value Plus Hotels (see page 2)
E: [email protected] 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
Edinburgh & Central Scotland including the Trossachs
63
Guest Review 90%
Located 4 miles from city centre in a quiet position with easy access into the city. Hotel has extensive leisure.
Edinburgh Kings Manor Hotel
DBB from £49pp
63
Edinburgh Braid Hills Hotel
P Holyrood Palace
P Edinburgh Castle
DBB from £55pp
P Royal Yacht Britannia
P Scottish Parliament Tour
Guest Review: 79%Steps into hotel: 2Bedrooms: 67
A recommended choice of hotel if you are looking for an hotel which is near to the city centre but not too noisy. Braid Hills sits in it’s own grounds in an elevated position providing glorious views of the city and castle – approx. 1 ½ miles away. The hotel itself is 1st class in all departments, with special commendation for it’s food.
63
Guest Review 79%
Right in the heart of the city. A Georgian styled hotel with a modern twist, with all main sites & shops within easy walking distance.
Edinburgh Hilton Grosvenor
DBB from £55pp
63
Guest Review 86%
Only 1 mile from Princes Strret. The Murrayfield is an excellent value 3* hotel with 46 tastefully decorated bedrooms.
Edinburgh Murrayfield Hotel
DBB from £45pp
66
Guest Review 80%
Set in own grounds, in Airth – 4 miles from Falkirk in the heart of Central Scotland. 123 bedrooms with extensive leisure.
Falkirk Airth Castle
DBB from £42pp
67
Guest Review 84%
Beautifully appointed 4* hotel with open views across the golf course & surrounding countryside. Near to Stirling, Edinburgh & Glasgow.
Cumbernauld Westerwood Hotel
DBB from £48pp
70
Guest Review 86%
Regarded as one of Scotland’s top resort hotels. Completely refurbished 2009/10 set in an elevated location with panoramic views.
Dunblane Dunblane Hydro
DBB from £52pp
71
Guest Review 82%
A fine example of a Scottish hotel, recently refurbished. In centre of conservation village, 4 miles from Loch Lomond.
Drymen Buchanan Arms Hotel
DBB from £36pp
72
Guest Review 83%
One of the oldest hotels in Scotland dating back to the 1700’s. Now transformed into a wonderful hotel for groups.
Drymen Winnock Hotel
DBB from £38pp
73
Guest Review 86%
Loch side location with superb mountain & loch views. Recently refurbished, entertainment most nights, near to Loch Lomond, Inveraray & Dunoon.
Arrochar Arrochar Hotel
DBB from £30pp
74
Guest Review 78%
Exceptionally well priced holidays are on offer in the idyllic setting of the Trossachs. Popular group venue, entertainment most nights.
Aberfoyle Rob Roy Hotel
DBB from £25pp
75
Guest Review 82%
A Macdonald hotel, with a most magnificent setting in the glorious Trossachs. 49 luxurious bedrooms all with views and best of food.
Aberfoyle Forest Hills Hotel
DBB from £55pp
76
Guest Review 66%
Traditional hotel, dating back to the C17th with lots of features and wood panelling . Town centre location in the heart of the Trossachs.
Callander Dreadnought Hotel
DBB from £22pp
63
Edinburgh Ellersley House Hotel
P Holyrood Palace
P Edinburgh Castle
DBB from £45pp
P Royal Yacht Britannia
P Scottish Parliament Tour
Guest Review: 82%Steps into hotel: 7Bedrooms: 57
Set in its own grounds in a quiet residential retreat and less than 2 miles from Princes Street. Often referred to as a country house hotel in the city. Inside, the furnishings and décor are very much in keeping with a Scottish Country House Hotel. Group rates are surprisingly low for the style and location of the hotel.
64
Bathgate Cairn Hotel
P Falkirk Wheel
P Edinburgh
DBB from £36pp
P Glasgow
P Stirling
Guest Review: 78%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 61
The Cairn is a popular hotel for groups. Not only is it a well presented hotel and professionally run but also it is only a 20 minute drive into Edinburgh. Group rates are20-30% cheaper than similar hotels in the centre of Edinburgh.Inside, there is a spacious restaurant with open views, a bar and all bedrooms are of similar quality and size.
65
Grangemouth Leapark Hotel
P Falkirk Wheel
P The Helix
DBB from £35pp
P Edinburgh
P Stirling
Guest Review: 88%Steps into hotel: 2Bedrooms: 48
We find the Leapark to be a really friendly and quirky place to stay. This hotel is a new member with Classic, and lots of groups have used the Leapark with rave reviews. The quality is there, but the staff are very attentive and helpful. This together with their flexible group rate makes the Leapark a good choice of hotel for Central Scotland and is only 20 minutes drive from Edinburgh.
68
Stilring King Robert Hotel
P Trossachs
P Stirling Castle
DBB from £33pp
P Perth
P Edinburgh & Glasgow
Guest Review: 80%Steps into hotel: 1Bedrooms: 52
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 has a long standing reputation for being group friendly and a main feature of the hotel is evening entertainment. A hotel which can be used for either an overnighter, or for longer stays as there is a lot to see and do in the area.
69
Bridge of Allan Royal Hotel
P Trossachs
P Stirling & it’s castle
DBB from £30pp
P Glasgow
P Falkirk Wheel
Guest Review: 72%Steps into hotel: 6Bedrooms: 43
Based in a delightful suburb of Stirling, The Royal has recently been upgraded and now provides good quality accommodation for groups at an attractive price. It only takes one group so you can be assured of attentive service. Classic has arranged for accommodation to be in the main hotel, as 11 rooms are in the nearby Royal Ivy.
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 49Great reviews about the food
Town or city centre location
Fine views from hotel
Free use of Leisure facilities
Perthshire and Fife
78
Guest Review 75%
A wee gem of a hotel, located in an old fishing village on the Fife coast. A well known hotel for groups.
Anstruther Craws Nest Hotel
DBB from £38pp
77
Dunfermline Pitbauchlie House Hotel
P Edinburgh
P St Andrews
DBB from £40pp
P Perth
P Dundee
Guest Review: 87%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 50
Set in it’s own well kept gardens, and only a short stroll
from Dunfermline, the Pitbauchlie has for a long time been
an excellent choice for groups, being near to Edinburgh
(½ hour) and with easy access into Fife and Perthshire. The
rooms are modern and spacious and the food is 1st class.
It is a family owned and managed hotel who treat and look
after groups very well, hence it’s high guest rating.
80
Guest Review 83%
Formerly the Landmark Hotel & Dundee’s newest hotel following a mutli million pound refurb. 2 miiles from Dundee city centre.
Dundee Doubletree by Hilton
DBB from £45pp
82
Guest Review 79%
Historic country house set in 350 acres of parkland populated with deer, hare & wild birds, surrounded by mountains 5 miles from Perth.
Perth Murrayshall Hotel
DBB from £57pp
82
Guest Review 79%
Is one of the top hotels in Perth for groups. Quiet but central location with emphasis on supreme comfort and guest care.
Perth Queens Hotel
DBB from £45pp
83
Guest Review 79%
A warm and welcoming 28 bedroomed Scottish character hotel in Birnam, Dunkeld. Lots of refurb. Completed in last 3 years.
Dunkeld Birnam House Hotel
DBB from £36pp
83
Guest Review 78%
Set in a 280 acre estate, next to the river. Classic has specially negotiated some shoulder season dates at affordable preferential rates.
Dunkeld Hilton Dunkeld House
DBB from £49pp
83
Guest Review 79%
Wonderfully priced & characterful 250 year old Coaching Inn, in the centre of Dunkeld. Probably the best priced 3* hotel in Perthshire.
Dunkeld Royal Dunkeld Hotel
DBB from £25pp
84
Guest Review 73%
The Scotland’s looks and feels very Scottish, located in a quiet position in the centre of this popular Victorian town.
Pitlochry Scotlands Hotel
DBB from £43pp
84
Guest Review 73%
100 year old hotel, totally transformed 3 years ago into a “top notch” group orientated 3* hotel, located in the heart of Pitlochry.
Pitlochry Fishers Hotel
DBB from £xxpp
85
Guest Review 84%
Scotland’s oldest hotel dating back to 1532. Loads of history, charm and character, in a wonderful setting next to the R.Tay, overlooking loch & mountains.
Kenmore Kenmore Hotel
DBB from £47pp
87
Guest Review 79%
Classic works very closely with the Angus providing many exclusive packages. Entertainment is a main feature of this excellent group friendly hotel.
Blairgowrie Angus Hotel
DBB from £34pp
87
Guest Review 64%
Formerly a C19th Hunting Lodge retaining many period features. Located in the centre of Braemar, is a group oriented hotel offering low prices.
Braemar Fife Arms
DBB from £28pp
79
Kinross Windlestrae Hotel
P Edinburgh
P Perth
DBB from £45pp
P St Andrews
P Dundee
Guest Review: 81%Steps into hotel: 3Bedrooms: 45
81
Montrose Park Hotel
P Glamis Castle
P St Andrews
DBB from £40pp
P Dundee
P Aberdeen
Guest Review: NewSteps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 57
The Montrose Park is located in the quiet mid-links area of Montrose, yet only a few minutes walk from the busy High Street and the beach. The hotel is an excellent base for exploring the Angus Glens and all they have to offer. Castles, including Glamis and Dunnotar, are a little over half an hour away. For golfers the Montrose Links, which is only 5 minutes walk away, is the fifth oldest golf course in the world.
82
Perth Station Hotel
P Pitlochry & Perthshire
P Dundee & Angus
DBB from £45pp
P Glamis Castle
P Scone Palace
Guest Review: 66%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 63
Dating back to 1888, the Station has for along time been an intricate part of Perth. In 2011 the hotel changed hands into private ownership and since then has had a total makeover in all the bedrooms and public areas. The result being a stylish and charming hotel, very much in keeping with it’s Victorian façade. It’s central location means all local amenities are within easy walking distance.
84
Pitlochry Atholl Palace
P Blair Atholl Castle
P Loch Tummel
DBB from £57pp
P Blairgowrie
P Edradour Whisky Distillery
Guest Review: 82%Steps into hotel: 5Bedrooms: 108
A long sweeping drive leads to a most impressive hotel, sitting proud above the town and seen for miles around. Every room has open views of glorious Perthshire countryside. Inside there is a sense of grandeur and space, with ornate ceilings, pillars, cosy soft furnishings and open log fires. Atholl Palace is a luxury hotel for groups, the food is amazing as too is the service. Group rates are a more expensive but the difference is worth it.
86
Kinloch Rannoch Loch Rannoch Hotel
P Pitlochry
P Blair Atholl Castle
DBB from £40pp
P Crieff & Comrie
P Aberfeldy & Loch Tay
Guest Review: 80%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 49
Must have one of the most idyllic locations in Perthshire, on the loch side, surrounded by majestic mountains. This is a place to stay to relax and enjoy the scenery and comfortable hotel surroundings. Located 20 miles from Pitlochry makes this hotel a perfect Highland retreat for groups.
Set in it’s own gardens and only a short walk into Kinross. The Windlestrae has seen a lot of improvements over the years with upgraded bedrooms and new public areas. It is now a good quality 3* hotel and a good choice for groups. The level of service is consistently high and location wise excellent for accessing many of the regions top attractions and cities.
Classic’s Value Plus Hotels (see page 2)
E: [email protected] 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 & Speyside
89
Guest Review 79%
Well positioned hotel on the waterfront in centre of Oban. Well appointed throughout. Public areas redone in 2014.
Oban Columba Hotel
DBB from £36pp
89
Guest Review 77%
One of the best hotels in Oban for groups, in a quiet central location with wonderful views of the bay and islands.
Oban Oban Bay Hotel
DBB from £45pp
90
Guest Review 86%
Great reviews from Group Operators. Prime central location, nice rooms, and the food is very good. Entertainment sometimes provided.
Fort William West End Hotel
DBB from £42pp
90
Guest Review 78%
Right on the lochside, 12 miles south of Fort William. Impressive Scottish baroque styled hotel with lots of charm & character.
Ballachilish Ballachilish Hotel
DBB from £35pp
90
Guest Review 51%
Set on a peninsula, surrounded by water, with the most spectacular views from every aspect. Modern, open plan design with large bedrooms & relaxing ambience.
Glencoe Isles of Glencoe Hotel
DBB from £35pp
91
Guest Review 85%
A new hotel for groups, and in an ideal spot for exploring the Western Highlands. Oban, Glencoe, Fort William & Loch Lomond all within easy reach.
Crianlarich Crianlarich Hotel
DBB from £34pp
92
Guest Review 76%
A well appointed hotel for groups overlooking the beach towards the Isles. Recent re-investment has immensely improved the fabric of the hotel.
Morar Morar Hotel
DBB from £38pp
93
Guest Review 82%
A well run family owned and managed 54 bedroom hotel with emphasis on enjoying a true Highland experience. Bedrooms upgraded in 2013/14.
Newtonmore Balavil Hotel
DBB from £35pp
95
Guest Review 79%
High quality group orientated hotel 3* hotel, entertainment every night. Well located for Speyside and West Highlands.
Kingussie Duke of Gordon Hotel
DBB from £42pp
98
Guest Review 81%
Delightful 34 bedroom country house style hotel. Top class service and 2 rosetted restaurant. Set in heart of Speyside.
Boat of Garten Boat Hotel
DBB from £50pp
99
Guest Review 76%
Positioned in it’s own gardens on the outskirts of town. Plenty of lounge space, spacious dining room overlooking gardens.
Grantown Craiglynne Hotel
DBB from £38pp
100
Guest Review 86%
Well priced hotel with mountain views surrounding hotel. 20 miles south of Inverness. New extension added to hotel in 2013. Entertainment 6nts/week.
Carrbridge Carrbridge Hotel
DBB from £32pp
89
Guest Review: 75%Steps into hotel: 4Bedrooms: 59
Right on the waterfront and in town centre, with rail & ferry terminals only 200m away. Most rooms have superb sea views. There is a large lounge and bar. Hotel is over 100 yrs old, so has many intricate Victorian features with high ceilings and arched pillars. The Caledonian is one of the main hotels in Oban.
DBB from
£35pp
Oban Caledonian Hotel
P Isles of Mull and Iona P Fort William
P Seil Island & Arduaine Gardens
P Dunstaffnage Castle
89
Guest Review: 68%Steps into hotel: 2Bedrooms: 83
A popular hotel for groups, located on the seafront in the centre of Oban. It is a good 2* hotel. The food is plentiful, and there is entertainment included on most nights of the week. Classic clients are allocated best rooms, most of which have sea views. It is by far the lowest cost hotel in Oban.
DBB from
£30pp
Oban Regent Hotel
P Isles of Canna , Staffa, Mull and Iona
P Wildlife cruises
P Arduaine Gardens & Crinan Canal
90
Guest Review: 80%Steps into hotel: 1Bedrooms: 19
This is a cracking small country house hotel, with
individually styled bedrooms and all bar 2 have magnificent
loch views. Located 9 miles south of Fort William, makes
this hotel in an ideal spot to explore the West Coast and
Highlands. One of the benefits of the Lodge is the food,
which is superb using local fresh ingredients.
DBB from
£38pp
Onich Lodge on the Loch
P Nevis Range Gondola P Oban
P Fort William Distillery
P Road to the Isles
90
Guest Review: 81%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 33
Been a favourite of Classics for a long time. Most bedrooms have loch views, and hotel is right in the town centre. Railway station is only a couple of minutes walk away. It is a cosy hotel, taking just one group so you will always be well looked after.
DBB from
£36pp
Fort William Imperial Hotel
P ObanP Small Isles Cruise
P Isle of Skye
P Inverness & Loch Ness
90
Guest Review: 90%Steps into hotel: 2Bedrooms: 27
Without doubt the best hotel in the area for groups and the only 4* hotel taking groups. Wonderful setting next to the lock gates on the Caledonian Hotel, with fine views of Ben Nevis. Rooms are spotless, food is exquisite with a rosetted restaurant and there is a nautical theme carried out throughout the hotel.
DBB from
£65pp
Fort William Moorings Hotel
P Isle of Skye P West Highland Railway
P Commando Monument & Loch Ness
P Glenfinnan & Loch Shiel
94
Guest Review: 79%Steps into hotel: 1Bedrooms: 85
Personally managed by Cynthia for over 20 years. Operators book this hotel year after year. A testament to the consistent high standards provided in all departments. The staff make the place, the food is always good, rooms have been upgraded, and entertainment is staged 7nts a week.
DBB from
£35pp
Newtonmore Highlander Hotel
P Aviemore & funicular railway
P Strathespey Steam Railway
P Whisky Trail P Inverness
96
Guest Review: 75%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 62
Part of Macdonalds Aviemore Resort. The Aviemore Inn is a bright and airy hotel, with an abundance of things to see and do in the area. Just about all bedrooms have open views of beautiful Spey Valley scenery. Within the resort there are cinemas, bars, choice of restaurants, leisure complex. and easy graded woodland walks.
DBB from
£36pp
Aviemore Aviemore Inn
P Threave Gardens P Drumlarnrig Castle
P Sweetheart Abbey
P Solway Firth Coast
97
Guest Review: 82%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 175
Nestling in 65 acres of woodland, 3 miles from
Aviemore. Coylumbridge is a popular hotel for groups
all year round. With a choice of dining options, the hotel
provides group guests with a totally relaxing experience
whilst staying in the Scottish Highlands. Within the
grounds there are activities and walks available.
DBB from
£49pp
Aviemore Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel
P Cairngorm Mountains & Railway
P Whisky Trail & Grantown on Spey
P Spey Valley Steam Railwaw
Classic’s Value Plus Hotels (see page 2)
T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 51Great reviews about the food
Town or city centre location
Fine views from hotel
Free use of Leisure facilities
Grampian & Northern Highlands & Islands
104
Guest Review 83%
Modern hotel with extensive leisure, set in own grounds on outskirts of Elgin. Lots of Single rooms without supplement.
Elgin Eight Acres Hotel
DBB from £40pp
105
Guest Review 88%
Totally refurbished luxury 4* hotel, 1 mile from centre. Top class in all departments. Rosetted restaurant, fabulous leisure.
Inverness Kingsmills Hotel
DBB from £58pp
105
Guest Review 76%
Grand Victorian hotel, in the centre of Inverness, next to the river and opposite the castle. Many rooms with river views.
Inverness Columba Hotel
DBB from £45pp
105
Guest Review 83%
A lovely 26 bedroom hotel & ideal for groups. Emphasis on good food in riverside conservatory restaurant. Central location.
Inverness Waterside Hotel
DBB from £42pp
107
Literally sits just off the white sandy beach in Hebrides. Views from all bedrooms of beach and Atlantic Ocean.
Barra Isle of Barra Hotel
DBB from £52pp
108
A friendly & welcoming Hebridean hotel, with emphasis on informality and good food, using fresh produce from around the isles.
North Uist Dark Island Hotel
DBB from £48pp
109
The largest hotel on the island, and a welcoming one too. It’s well priced, and all rooms are relatively new.
Stornoway Caladh Inn
DBB from £55pp
109
Upgraded to 4* in 2013 after a major refurb. The main hotel in the Hebrides. On outskirts of town surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Stornoway Cabarfeidh Hotel
DBB from £xxpp
111
Guest Review 67%
Based in Broadford, overlooking the sea. The largest of 2 group hotels on the island. A lot of work has been done improving the bedrooms.
Isle of Skye Dunollie Hotel
DBB from £45pp
112
Guest Review 85%
25 miles south of Ullapool on shoreline of sea loch. Impeccable standards throughout and food is superb.
Dundonnell Dundonnell Hotel
DBB from £50pp
113
Well priced central hotel with views out across Loch Broom. Rooms upgraded in 2013. Spacious public areas. Classic guests allocated best rooms.
Ullapool Caledonian Hotel
DBB from £36pp
114
Probably the best hotel for groups in Thurso. Consistently good reviews, and a hotel Classic has been using for over 15 years without complaint.
Thurso Pentlands Hotel
DBB from £48pp
101
Guest Review: 77%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 50
A well priced group orientated hotel, with entertainment provided on some nights. Located in the heart of Royal Deeside, approx. 30 miles from Aberdeen. It is one of a very few hotels in the area large enough to take groups. Hotel has seen some upgrading in recent years and offers good value for money.
DBB from
£26pp
Aboyne Huntly Arms Hotel
P Aberdeen P Balmoral Castle
P Royal Deeside
P Castle Trail
102
Guest Review: 78%Steps into hotel: 8Bedrooms: 120
Located in a quiet suburb and only a short drive from Aberdeen’s city centre. It is an ideal place for groups. The hotel is spacious, there is plenty of coach parking, rooms are all very similar, there is a well appointed restaurant & bar with the added benefit of leisure.
DBB from
£49pp
Aberdeen Hilton Treetops Hotel
P Royal Deeside
P Castle Trail
P Moray Coast
103
Guest Review: 89%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 109
19th century mansion house set in 30 acres of gardens
in a tranquil setting just 3 miles from Aberdeen centre.
Inside the layout and décor has been sympathetically
thought through in keeping with it’s grand design. It
is believed that Ardoe’s fairytale exterior inspired the
design of the Royal Family’s Balmoral Castle.
DBB from
£65pp
Aberdeen Ardoe House
P Moray Coast
P Royal Deeside
P Castles & Gardens Trail P Angus
105
Guest Review: 83%Steps into hotel: 10Bedrooms: 88
In a prime position next to the river, opposite the castle and only a couple of minutes walk to the shopping centre. The hotel has excellent quality rooms, many with views over the river and is probably the best all round hotel to stay in whilst visiting central Inverness. The leisure is fabulous.
DBB from
£57pp
Inverness Palace Hotel
P Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle
P Fort William P Ullapool & Loch Maree
P Cawdor Castle & Gardens
105
Guest Review: 75%Steps into hotel: 2Bedrooms: 84
The most central hotel in Inverness, the Highland Capital. Shops, local attractions, and railway station all nearby. Coach parking available behind hotel. Over the years the hotel has invested heavily in improvements. It is now a good quality 3* hotel, well priced too.The focal point of the hotel is it’s staircase. An inspiration for the grand staircase on the Titanic.
DBB from
£42pp
Inverness Royal Highland Hotel
P Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle
P Fort William & Great Glen
P Culloden Battlefield P Isle of Skye
106
Guest Review: 79%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 80
Approx. ½ mile from the Ferry terminal, and is without doubt the main hotel on the island. Totally refurbished in 2009/10. It has a wonderful setting being right on the coast with 360 degree views of the coast and countryside. It really is the only hotel to stay in whilst staying on Mull.
DBB from
£45pp
Isle of Mull – Craignure Isle of Mull Hotel
P Oban P Isle of Iona
P Tobermory
P Wildlife Crusies to Staffa and Canna
110
Guest Review: 89%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 36
One of Classic’s most highly rated hotels for groups. It’s just such a warm and welcoming place to stay and groups just love the total flexibility the hotel has. Nothing is too much bother. Late breakfasts, early check ins – the hotel will do their utmost to deliver. All the hotel is in excellent condition. Located in the centre of this pretty market town 12 miles from Inverness.
DBB from
£47pp
Beauly Priory Hotel
P Ullapool & Loch Maree
P Inverness & Loch Ness
P Cromarty & the Black Isle P Isle of Skye
115
Guest Review: 83%Steps into hotel: 0Bedrooms: 26
A well run family owned hotel, which has been refurbished in recent years. Located 4 miles east of Thurso heading towards John O’Groats. An ideal choice of hotel for your Orkneys Tour. Classic receives excellent reviews about the hotel. It is professionally run and the rates are considerably cheaper than Thurso hotels. Also has the Norseman Hotel in Wick.
DBB from
£36pp
Castletown Castletown Hotel
P Orkney Isles
P Castle of Mey
P Thurso P Wick
Classic’s Value Plus Hotels (see page 2)
View our latest offers at www.classicbritain.com/groups
3 Dunlop Street,
Strathaven ML10 6LA
Tel: (+0044) 01357 529129
Fax: (+0044) 01357 520999
Email: [email protected]
The Hotel Company
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. 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.
4. Cancellation without charge 30 days before arrival. Although we are flexible. Classic
will ask for updates from you on a regular basis.
5. Payment terms before arrival, unless credit facilities have been agreed.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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 a hotel may not be able to offer you late sell rooms. In
which case Classic will let you know.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Entertainment Many of Classic’s hotels provide evening entertainment free of charge,
or included it 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. On themed evenings, where there is a significant
cost for entertainers, the hotel reserves the right to reduce the entertainment cost if
numbers fall below 35 pax. If this should happen we will let you know in advance.
15. 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.
16. Ferries Prices based on maximum 12m length coach. This is the size recommended
for most ferry crossings. If your coach is longer than 12m, then an extra charge will be
incurred.
17. 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.
Things you need to know:
The Hotel Company