UK Groups Tours Brochure 2015

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

E: [email protected]

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 £1344

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 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 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 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 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 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 Free coach parking at hotels


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


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


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.


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 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


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 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


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


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 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


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 Full English breakfasts

P Porterage


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


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


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 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


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


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


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 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 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


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 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


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 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


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 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


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


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


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)


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


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 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


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 Drink to toast the New Year

P 1 other night’s

entertainment

P 1 free place over 20 paying

pax.


Highlights


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

2 3 4 5

6

357

8

10

11

9

17

12

1514

13

16

25

212019

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27

28

30

34

31

3233

36

29

37

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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






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


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


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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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




Glasgow Area & South West Highlands

DBB from £40pp

P Loch Lomond

P Clyde Cruises


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


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


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


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


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”


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.






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


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


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


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


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


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


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




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


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


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


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


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


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.






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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


T: 01357 529129 open 7 days 51Great reviews about the food




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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

UK Groups Tours Brochure 2015

Documents

Transcript of UK Groups Tours Brochure 2015