Captivating Cairngorms

The mighty, majestic Cairngorms National Park is the largest National Park in Great Britain. This vast natural playground has more mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, wildlife hotspots, friendly villages and distilleries than you can possibly imagine. Here you will find five of the UK's six highest mountains, alongside 55 Munros - mountains over 3,000 ft. Explore this spectacular region based at the handsome stone built Grant Arms Hotel in the fine Scottish country town of Grantown on Spey, not far from the famous Spey River in the heart of the Cairngorms. This brand new tour takes you on an exploration of some of the region and beyond with many visits and attractions included.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.New tour for 2024
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel north with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Arrive this evening at the contemporary 4* Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond for dinner and overnight. DBB

Day 2 - Journey into Scotland today through the Borders and beyond with interesting stops en-route for refreshments. Arrive in time to explore Grantown on Spey and check into the excellent 4* Grant Arms in the centre of the town for the next 4 nights. DBB

Day 3 - 5 At leisure in Grantown on Spey with three included excursion days

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
A Regal Day Out - Braemar Highland Games Centre & Balmoral Estate
Head deep into the Cairngorms National Park today to delightful Braemar, right in the heart of Royal Deeside. This ancient village is situated in the spectacular mountain scenery at the eastern gateway to the highest mountains of the Cairngorms and is home to the world famous annual Braemar Gathering and Highland Games. Visit the Braemar Highland Games Centre which explores the history and unique story of the traditional sports and games. After a piper's welcome, enjoy a private display of caber tossing and a tour of the exhibition, celebrating all things Scottish - from the kilt and colourful tartans to the Highland dancers and pipers.

After time at leisure in Braemar, depart for the Balmoral Castle & Estate, the Scottish home of the Royal Family. Commissioned by Prince Albert, this baronial style royal retreat comes to life on a guided tour as you visit the largest room in the castle, the Ballroom, as well as the exhibitions, grounds and gardens at leisure. Covering three acres, the beautiful formal gardens feature a kitchen garden, a range of Victorian glasshouses and a water garden. From the lawn you can admire the full glory of the granite giant's turreted clocktower. (NB admittance to Balmoral is subject to members of the Royal Family not being in residence. Should a visit not be possible an alternative will be arranged).

Local Traditions & The Captivating CairngormsFrom Granton on Spey enjoy the scenic drive through the small village of Carrbridge to view the Packhorse Bridge, also known as Coffin Bridge. The bridge was built in 1717 to allow funeral processions to reach Duthil Church by crossing the River Dulnain. Continuing on through Aviemore, the Capital Town of The Cairngorms and drive up The Mountain to observe a panoramic view of the Cairngorm National Park. Here you will have the opportunity to have a morning coffee enjoying the views or take an optional journey higher up the mountain to 3,500 ft on the highest funicular railway in the UK.Enjoy a unique opportunity to see amazing sheepdogs at work at Leault farm and watch as Neil, the shepherd, masterfully directs his working border collies to herd and round the sheep on a real working farm. Learn about the dogs' training and gain an understanding of the commands used to control them. In a team of around 10 sheepdogs, each dog has its own set of whistle commands so that they can be individually directed. It is quite a mind-boggling bit of multi-tasking.Continuing this afternoon to the open-air Highland Folk Museum and step back in time to experience life in the Highlands from 1700s to the 1950s. There are over 35 historical restored buildings onsite to explore and discover how people in the Highlands lived, worked, went to school and enjoyed their leisure time. Set in a one mile long, 80-acre site, live costumed actors help bring Highland history to life. The museum not only encapsulates bygone human endeavour and development in the Highlands but also offers an opportunity to explore a beautiful natural setting, home to red squirrels. Café here for refreshments/lunch.Loch Ness & The Capital of the Highlands - Inverness
Head north today to compact Inverness, 'The Capital of the Highlands' for time at leisure to explore. Here you will find the Victorian market with its unique range of shops, the famous Leaky's bookshop (Scotland's largest second-hand bookshop) as well as Inverness Botanic Gardens, a sub-tropical oasis with greenhouses, cactus house and a pool full of friendly Koi Carp. The city offers plenty of attractions including its castle (currently closed), stunning St Andrew's cathedral, museum, and art gallery (entrances not included) and relaxing riverside walks along the banks of the River Ness.

This afternoon board a 2-hour Loch Ness cruise at nearby Dochgarroch and experience a breathtaking journey that takes you along Thomas Telford's famous Caledonian Canal and, of course, across the legendary waters of Loch Ness. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Great Glen, and panoramic views of Aldourie Castle, Bona Lighthouse and the spectacular Urquhart Castle. Cameras at the ready! You'll hear about the colourful history of the Loch, including the crash site of a World War II Wellington Bomber and not forgetting some stories about the world's shyest monster. On board there are toilets, free WiFi and food / drink options available.

Day 6 - Depart Grantown after breakfast to head to your final overnight stop in Newcastleat the Copthorne Hotel Newcastle. The day takes you through the west of the Cairngorms with en-route stops in charming Pitlochry and historic Stirling, so sit back and relax and enjoy the views form the comfort of your coach. DBB

Day 7 - Continue south as you head back to interchange with comfort stops en-route arriving home during the evening

Tour Highlights
- Main hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- 2 overnight hotels with breakfast & dinner- Porterage at main hotel- Tea /coffee after dinner- Excursions as described (one day operated by a local coach)- Visit Braemar Highland Games Centre with tour, piper welcome & games demo- Visit to Balmoral Estate with guided tour of castle- Entry to Highland Folk Museum- Visit to Leault Working Sheepdogs with demo- 2-hour Loch Ness cruise from DochgarrochGrant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey
Situated in the heart of the grand Highland town of Grantown on Spey, this handsome, quality Scottish hotel once hosted Queen Victoria and in more recent times, Queen Elizabeth II.

The hotel offers modern comforts whilst retaining its traditional character and is proud of its location, surrounded by amazing wildlife, flora and fauna.

All 50 well maintained, comfortable bedrooms have spacious bathrooms and are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.

There is a lift to most floors but there are steps to negotiate to some rooms. The large, traditional restaurant is in a beautiful, high-ceilinged room which overlooks the high street and the bar and lounge areas are cosy and relaxing.

Hotels
• The Grant Arms Hotel (Grantown on Spey) - View Information