Exclusive Travel Experiences - UK & Ireland. North Coast 500. Specially designed. Dream Escape 2016/17

Transcription

1 North Coast 500 Specially designed by Dream Escape 2016/17 Page 1 of 8

2 Remote, rugged and breathtakingly beautiful, Scotland s northernmost Highlands are Europe s last wilderness. On this ten day chauffeur-driven journey, take the road less travelled and discover some of the country s hidden gems, from tropical gardens to a scenic road to rival America s Route 66. Throughout, luxurious accommodation and a wealth of private experiences ensure an unforgettable journey to the edge of the British mainland. Day One: Arrival in Inverness, Scotland Many of the traditional images of Scottish culture clans, tartan, whisky and bagpipes to name a few originated in the Highlands providing the region with a wealth of interests. For over 1000 years the area depended on a clan system, built on close family ties and loyal groups. However, these clans were systematically broken up after 1746, following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites attempt on the British Crown. Yet to this day, remnants of clan culture still prevail. Following an international flight, arrive into Inverness Airport and be welcomed and collected by one of our local chauffeur-guides, who will ensure a safe and comfortable journey to your accommodation. Your home for two evenings is located in Nairn, on the Moray Coast, near Inverness. Once described as the most beautiful Regency House in Scotland, it is set on 20 acres of well-tended lawns, walled gardens, woodland and streams. A series of well-kept paths connect with the house and gardens enabling guests to rest and relax in secluded seating areas or on sunny terraces. The fine dining restaurant holds a coveted Michelin Star and offers fabulous views over the lawn to the lake. The hotel s kitchen gardens provide much of the organic fruit, herbs and vegetables; the focus is on creating dishes combining these with produce of local, artisan growers, breeders, and foragers. Page 2 of 8

3 Day Two: Highland History Take a private guided walk on the moving battlefields at Culloden, site of the infamous 1746 battle where, in less than 60 minutes, the Jacobites of Scotland outnumbered by an estimated 2000 soldiers, lost to the government armies. In the aftermath, the government ruthlessly set about dismantling Highland culture, depriving clan chiefs of their legal powers and clansmen of their weapons. Jacobite estates were seized, speaking the native Gaelic became a hanging offence and the kilt and tartan were banned. Mighty Fort George was built nearby as a government army base. Enjoy a private guided tour of Cawdor Castle, owing much of its fame to importance in Shakespeare s Macbeth. The castle s most unique feature is perhaps the living holly tree it was built around. Tradition has it that the Thane of Cawdor, received instructions in a dream to load coffer of gold onto the back of a donkey and let it roam the district for a day wherever the donkey lay to rest for the evening would be where the new castle would be sited. The donkey chose the holly tree and the castle was built around it. Following your visit, wander the three beautiful Castle Gardens. The Walled Garden is the oldest and dates from c.1600, later becoming a kitchen garden. The Flower Garden was laid out some 100 years later and was originally designed for enjoyment in late summer and autumn. The Wild Garden is the youngest, planted in the 1960s, and lies between the Castle and the stream of the Cawdor Burn. Page 3 of 8

4 Day Three: Loch Ness & Torridon, Wester Ross Travel to the shores of Scotland s most famous stretch of water Loch Ness. There can be no better way to see the water than from aboard a luxury motor cruiser which, with a capacity for just six guests, would be reserved exclusively. Sumptuous platters of Scottish delicacies are served as you sit back and admire the spectacular scenery, including impressive Urquhart Castle, which dates back to the 13 th century. Once one of Scotland s mightiest strongholds, it is now nothing more than atmospheric ruins overlooking dark waters. Continue to Wester Ross, a spectacular Highland wilderness punctuated by dramatic mountain ranges, fjord-like sea lochs and a succession of secluded coastal towns and villages. It really is a land of stunning loch and mountain scenery with magnificent white sandy beaches to rival any Caribbean island. Arrive at the Torridon Hotel, described as exclusive luxury with a personal touch. Situated in 58 acres of wilderness at the end of a magnificent sea loch, this multi-award-winning property sits in one of the most spectacular and idyllic locations. With fewer than 20 bedrooms, it retains a feeling of intimacy and charm. Originally built as a shooting lodge for the first Earl of Lovelace in 1887, it has been owned, amongst others, by Ada Lovelace, after she married William King, 8 th Baron King. Daughter of Lord Byron, this 19 th century mathematician is now credited as the world s first computer programmer thanks to her work on Charles Babbage s Analytical Engine. A room in the hotel is named in her honour. Page 4 of 8

5 Day Four: Bealach na Ba, Wester Ross Experience the Applecross Peninsula which was accessible only by boat until the 20 th century. Known as A Chromraich, Scottish Gaelic for The Sanctuary, its simple unspoilt charm and character promote an ambience of peace a world away from the bustle of modern-day life. Take the Bealach na Ba, the highest mountain road in Britain, and experience the stunning views and breath-taking beauty of the remote Highlands. The spectacular route is on many a person s bucket list and has drawn worldwide attention; the road has been named alongside America s famous Route 66 as one of the world s greatest car journeys. National Geographic boasts of the road s dramatic vistas, climbing cloud-wards, seducing the traveller with viewpoint after viewpoint. Return to Torridon and take an early evening private wildlife cruise on Loch Torridon. Dinner is served on deck of this family-run vessel, which sailed to London to join the Queen s Jubilee Pageant on the river Thames - a wonderful way to experience the breath-taking beauty and fantastic panoramic views of the Cuillin and Torridon mountains. Travelling companions likely to make an appearance include sea birds such as Eagles and Puffins by air; Porpoises, Dolphins, Otters by sea; and in the summer months, perhaps spot Common Seal Pups closer to shore. Page 5 of 8

6 Day Five: Inverewe Gardens, Wester Ross Depart Torridon and continue along the North Coast 500. This iconic touring route brings together the best of the North Highlands and its dramatic coastal edges. Pause to visit the renowned Inverewe Gardens. Dating back to 1862 they are, without a doubt, one of the world s greatest gardens and certainly Scotland s most famous. Located on the edge of Loch Ewe, they provide a truly beautiful and tranquil spot. Due to the warming influences of the Gulf Stream, it is a wonderful oasis of greenery and colour, with subtropical plants flourishing here - despite it having a more northerly latitude that Moscow and Alaska. Continue ever northwards to your accommodation for the night. Set amidst one of the last great unspoilt wildernesses in Europe, this luxurious lodge is dominated by the pointing finger of the 2399ft high, sugar-loaf-shaped Suilven Scotland s most distinctive mountain. Visitors are offered a tranquil retreat of outstanding natural beauty. Dining is a delight under the expert tutorage of Albert Roux, where the emphasis is on hearty country cooking using all the wonderful products from the sea, which is literally on the doorstep. Page 6 of 8

7 Day Six: The Castle Finale, Caithness The journey today will take you inland, travelling up the north east coast. Visit Dunrobin Castle, an unexpected palace and outpost in fairly inhospitable land. It is the most northerly of Scotland s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with nearly 200 rooms. It s overly impressive exterior resembles a French château with its towering conical spires and has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry who designed London s Houses of Parliament. It is one of Britain s oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300 s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland, one of Scotland s oldest and most influential aristocratic families. During both Jacobite risings the family remained loyal, the Earl being forced to flee in a fishing boat when Bonnie Prince Charlie s troops took hold. The Countess remained, refusing to reveal his whereabouts, even when a Highland dagger was placed at her throat. More recently, it was used as a naval hospital during WW1 and as a boarding school from 1965 to 1972 before returning to a family home. Continue travelling up the east coast to your final accommodation, which is one of the most atmospheric and iconic castles, standing proudly above the beach at the northernmost tip of Scotland, it. Steeped in over 500 years of fascinating history and shrouded in mystery and romance, this beautiful castle has an incomparably magical setting. Boasting spectacular views of the North Sea, it is the ideal balance of peace and tranquillity, Scottish history and contemporary flair. The private estate is a perfect playground for those with a sense of adventure and a love of the great outdoors. Page 7 of 8

8 Day Seven: Northern Highlands, Caithness Explore the far north of Scotland, an area of Scotland embracing some of Europe s wildest and most remote country. Caithness is at Scotland s northern peak and mostly bounded by sea, except for one land border with Sutherland. Poor and remote, the far north of Scotland stood outside the mainstream of history. From the 10 th century onwards, Sutherland and Caithness were held by the Earls of Orkney under the nominal leadership. Visit the small coastal town of John O Groats. Scattered over a large area, it is a predominately rural farming community living in a fantastic, unspoilt location. It is popular with tourists for being one end of the longest distance between two inhabited British points on the mainland, with Land's End in Cornwall lying 876 miles to the southwest. See also the Castle of Mey, the most northerly garden on the mainland. It was just a ruin when the late Queen Mother sighted it from the Royal Yacht Britannia and set about restoring it. The Shell Garden with its climbing roses would become her favourite spot. The Jubilee Rose Garden, which was planted to mark the 10 th anniversary of her death, is now beginning to flourish in abundance. Day Eight: Homeward Bound Our chauffeur-guide will transfer you to nearby Wick Airport for onward travel. End of services Page 8 of 8