Highlights of the Scottish Highlands – Exclusively Solos

Highlights of the Scottish Highlands – Exclusively Solos

tourhub | Newmarket Holidays | Highlights of the Scottish Highlands – Exclusively Solos | 98514

Loch Ness, Scotland
Loch Ness

Loch Ness, Scotland

Day 3
Culloden Moor, Scotland
culloden, culloden moor

Culloden Moor, Scotland

Day 4
Cityscape of Inverness, Scotland
Inverness

Cityscape of Inverness, Scotland

Day 5

Map
163 Views

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Highlights of the Scottish Highlands – Exclusively Solos

5 Days Starting and ending in Inverness

Visiting: Carrbridge, Aviemore, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, Nairn, Inverness

Tour operator:

Newmarket Holidays

Tour code:

98514

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

15 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

UK tours by Coach

Tour Overview

From rugged mountains and serene lochs to historic castles and picturesque towns, this is Scotland at its most spellbinding and solo-friendly.


Journey on an easy-going getaway encompassing Scotland’s most exceptional sights, dropping in at recognisable spots as well as some lesser-known, but equally as delightful highlights. Over five days, you’ll visit several natural spectacles, taking in each one at your own pace within the comfort and safety of a like-minded group of nature, culture and history enthusiasts.?


From your base at the charming Carrbridge Hotel, located in the heart of the Highlands, your group of well-matched travellers will be guided around Aviemore, Cairngorm Mountain, Fort Augustus, Nairn, Culloden Battlefield, Brodie Castle, and a gin distillery. Along the way, prepare to also be captivated by the dramatic panoramas while learning about the legends that go with each area and sampling Scotland’s finest spirits with a local expert.

Highlights

  • Stay in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner

  • Take in the breathtaking vista of the Cairngorms National Park

  • Embark on a two-hour cruise across the mystical waters of Loch Ness

  • Wander around Fort Augustus, a picturesque town nestled on the banks of the Caledonian Canal

  • Immerse yourself in the rich history of Scotland with a full-day tour of Nairn and Brodie Castle

  • Learn about the Scottish clans and their battles with a trip to Culloden Battlefield

  • Discover the secrets of Scotland's world-renowned spirits industry with a tasting at a gin distillery

  • Witness herds of local Alpaca up close at Lochbuie Croft in Aviemore

Places You'll See

View of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, Scotland

View of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, Scotland

Culloden Moor, Scotland

Culloden Moor, Scotland

Memorial Cairn at the battlefield of Culloden, Scotland

Memorial Cairn at the battlefield of Culloden, Scotland

Inverness Castle, Scotland brian.oliver.96

Inverness Castle, Scotland

View of Inverness from Inverness Castle, Scotland

View of Inverness from Inverness Castle, Scotland

Cityscape of Inverness, Scotland

Cityscape of Inverness, Scotland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day One – Travel to the Coylumbridge Hotel, with welcome drinks upon arrival and dinner

Location: Carrbridge

Your first day will be dedicated to travel, relaxation and a little bit of settling in.After arriving in Inverness, you’ll be transferred to the charming Coylumbridge Hotel. This beautiful property, backed by beautiful scenery, is an ideal base for exploring the Scottish Highlands. Welcome drinks and dinner will be served, providing the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow solo travellers before the tour kicks off.

Day Two – Included Strathspey steam rail journey to Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountain with gin tasting at a local distillery

Location: Aviemore

Prepare for the day ahead with breakfast at the hotel, before heading to Aviemore for a shorter, but no-less-special, rail journey. Join your tour manager and fellow guests as you board the Strathspey Steam Railway, a thrilling reminder of the golden age of steam. You'll encounter delightful unspoilt Highland scenery as you glide past great sweeps of the River Spey, through moorland and forest.Returning to Aviemore, you'll have the chance to explore the famous resort town, which is one of Britain’s most famous outward-bound centres. Continue to visit the Cairngorm Alpacas - at Lochbuie Croft - to gain first-hand insight into the lives of Alpacas and their handlers.After your visit, drive through twisting mountain roads to the Cairngorm Mountain visitor centre, which offers glorious unspoilt views of the surrounding region and its expansive vistas. Towards the end of the day, you’ll call at a local gin distillery where you’ll have a chance to sample a few delicious varieties and discover the history of the craftsmanship of Scottish gin-making.Having returned to the hotel, you’ll have the rest of the evening free to perhaps reminisce on the day and nurse a drink with your fellow travellers by the open fire in the bar.

Day Three – Included boat tour of Loch Ness, with a visit to the town of Fort Augustus

Loch Ness, Scotland
View of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, Scotland
Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, Scotland
View of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, Scotland
Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, Scotland

Location: Loch Ness, Fort Augustus

Following breakfast this morning, you’ll board on a two-hour Loch Ness cruise, which will be narrated by your tour manager as you take in views of the banks. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of Nessie, the legendary creature said to inhabit the loch.Back on land, the tour will call at the town of Fort Augustus, known for the impressive Fort Augustus Abbey that was founded in the 18th century. Now home to a museum, the fort will be explored on a guided tour, and you’ll learn about its role in the local community while marvelling at the architecture and the stained-glass windows.Those eager to venture on a stroll, can join an optional hike along the towpath of the Caledonian Canal. Alternatively, you can potter around at your own pace, perhaps taking a saunter with some other travellers.In the evening, unwind at your leisure or amongst your fellow travellers.

Day Four – Included visit to Nairn, Culloden Battlefield and Brodie Castle

Culloden Moor, Scotland
Memorial Cairn at the battlefield of Culloden, Scotland

Location: Nairn

Once you've had breakfast, it’s time to make the most of your penultimate day. The small market town of Nairn is up first, and you’ll get to meander around this ancient fishing port known for its unspoilt beaches and wealth of wildlife – keep an eye out for seals, whales, and dolphins.You’ll then head to the Culloden Battlefield, where you'll be transported back in time to one of the most significant battles in Scottish history. Learn about the Jacobite rising of 1745 and the fateful battle that took place here with your dedicated tour manager. During your visit, you’ll be led through the eerie moorland and stand where the brave Jacobite soldiers once stood, fighting for their beliefs.The group will continue to the rose-coloured, turreted Brodie Castle, the ancestral home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years and a treasure trove of priceless antiques and artefacts. The castle building reflects the changing needs of the residents over the centuries – from the impenetrable 16th-century guard chamber to a sprawling Victorian extension with some magnificent rooms. A guided tour will help you make the very most of your visit with the castle's beautiful grounds, which boast a dazzling display of daffodils in the spring, promising truly rewarding exploration.As it’s the final evening, you can join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at the hotel – an ideal chance to reflect and discuss highlights amongst each other.

Day Five – Return to Inverness and travel home

Cityscape of Inverness, Scotland
View of Inverness from Inverness Castle, Scotland
Inverness Castle, Scotland
View of Inverness from Inverness Castle, Scotland
Inverness Castle, Scotland

Location: Inverness

Bid farewell to the Highlands and your newfound friends, and travel home.

What's Included

  • Four nights' dinner, bed and Scottish breakfast at the three-star Coylumbridge Hotel

  • A welcome dinner and drinks, and a farewell dinner

  • Four breakfasts

show more

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 45 minutes.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

2025 departures

The itinerary for 2025 will now include a visit to Brodie castle, Nairn and the Culloden Battlefield with an afternoon wildlife cruise. Also, new for next year, will be a visit to Balmoral Castle & Estate, Crathie Kirk and Ballater. This replaces the visit to the Cairngorm Mountain and the Strathspey Railway.

Reindeer Centre closure

Please note that the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre has closed for building renovations; reopening should commence Autumn 2024. A visit to the Cairngorm Alpacas has been arranged as an alternative.

Balmoral Castle

The Balmoral Castle and Estate is a Royal residence and can be closed without prior notice. In 2024, Balmoral was closed in the months of August and September; it has now been confirmed this is the case for 2025 - Balmoral Castle will be closed August and September 2025. A suitable replacement will be included as an alternative. For visitors in the month of October 2025, there will only be a visit to the grounds of Balmoral, with no access to the castle however there will still be access to the café and shop.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour from Inverness airport.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.


Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.


Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").


Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.


European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

Check out our Q&As

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1983

  • Vaccination Requirements

    Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • Fitness to Travel

    We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.

Reviews of this operator

Mr Albert Owen  

Help is at hand at Newmarket holidays

04-Jan-2023

I tried to book myself on line for an Andre Rieu concert in Vienna but I didn’t manage to complete the booking. I rang the next day & spoke to Sharon who was very helpful. I am a 76 year old pensioner & not totally au fa with the internet. However, Sharon went through it step by step & I felt more confident. She completed the booking for me & said she would also send a paper copy.

Iain Moir  

Newmarket Holidays…top dollar!

06-Jan-2023

Having booked late the service we received from Newmarket staff has been excellent - helpful, friendly, painstaking and above all going further than we could really expect to ensure our requests were all satisfied. We would like to particularly thank Naima for her attention to detail and perseverance in following up our queries. This is the first time we have tried NH but it wont be the last

Miss F J Murphy  

This is the third holiday I have taken…

05-Nov-2021

This is the third holiday I have taken with Newmarket Holidays. They made it easy to change from the Holiday I originally booked to one in the UK. The tour leader was excellent as was our driver, both of whom went the extra mile to ensure we had a lovely holiday. There were difficulties at the hotel due to COVID but we were made very welcome and the staff went out of their way to help us. So I have no complaint about Newmarket's choice of hotel. I am a single traveller and normally do not like to travel in groups but the laidback atmosphere of Newmarket Holidays is fine.

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Caroline N, GB  

Hurrah for Eddie and Simon, Newmarket's highlands duo!

26-Oct-2021

Very happy time on an action packed trip to the Scottish highlands. Eddie as tour manager and Simon as driver. Eddie shared his passion for Scottish history and between them they treated us to many unscheduled cultural stops that enhanced our holiday. They went above and beyond all the time. Train trips were amazing and views unforgettable. Hotel was welcoming and food was good. Hot water aplenty for bath. We wanted to escape to another world for a few days and we truly did. THANK YOU. Chris and Caroline

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Tony King, GB  

Canada October 2021

28-Oct-2021

We have returned from our long overdue trip to Canada Niagara Falls to the Rockies stating in Toronto and finishing in Vancouver. Well we happened to be the first trip back after the Coiid outbreak and it was so good to go. The company had made sure we were all safe and masks were worn where ever they had to be but this did not dampen the trip at all, the Tour directors ( guides ) were brilliant and we saw and did so much it was a fantastic trip which I would recommend to everyone, defiantly one for the bucket list.

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  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Vaccination Requirements

    Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.

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