Heart of Scotland -Pitlochry, Perthshire & A Highland Safari

Pitlochry nestles amongst the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire, alongside the refreshing greenery of the surrounding forests. Pitlochry is one of Scotland's most beautiful and vibrant places to visit. Stay right in the heart of Scotland with its warm hospitality, clear sparkling air, beautiful scenery, rich clan history and fine local food. Highlights on this tour include a magnificent Highland Safari, the very best way to behold the stunning countryside; a tour of Glamis Castle, renowned as Scotland's 'most beautiful castle' as well as a tour and 'wee dram' at Blair Athol Distillery.

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.Revised Itinerary for 2024
DAY 1 - After you join your holiday coach, you head north with suitable refreshment stops en-route. Overnight at 3* Gretna Hall Hotel (June) or 3* Shap Wells Hotel, near Penrith (August). DBB

DAY 2 - Continue your journey via the motorway to the iconic Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boatlift which connects the Forth & Clyde and Union canals. It was constructed to replace a series of 19th century lock gates and is the showpiece of the Millennium Link project which re-established coast-to-coast navigation of the canals. Enjoy an amazing boat trip on this extraordinary piece of engineering. Continue to Pitlochry to check-in for your 4-night stay at the centrally located 3* Fishers Hotel. DBB

DAY 3 - 5 - At leisure in Pitlochry with two included excursions and a day at leisure

Pitlochry, in the heart of Highland Perthshire, offers a wide range of amenities, shops, restaurants and cafes. It is also a paradise for walking with an excellent network of well-marked routes, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging hikes, and surrounded by dramatic scenery - there is something for everyone to enjoy. All the Pitlochry walks start and finish in the town centre and are clearly marked with colour-coded sign posts. One of the most popular short walks starts from the main street, across the River Tummel to the dam on Loch Faskally, to view the salmon ladder and the Hydro Station. The Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre is open 10.00 - 16.30 every day except Mondays and showcases the rich history of hydro electricity in the north of Scotland and how it transformed lives.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
A Royal Day Out - Queen's View & Glamis Castle
A Royal visit today to Glamis Castle and Gardens, the beloved childhood home of the Queen Mother. Her younger daughter, HRH Princess Margaret, was born here and was also a frequent visitor during her childhood, along with her elder sister HRH Princess Elizabeth. Once the inspiration for William Shakespeare's Macbeth, Glamis is renowned for its rich history and famous visitors, from Mary, Queen of Scots to James V. This stunning architectural treasure is full of legendary tales and secrets brought to life by a knowledgeable tour guide. An en-route stop will be made at 'Queens View' at the head of Loch Tummel, the classic and much photographed viewpoint where Queen Victoria picnicked in 1866.

Highland Safari, Aberfeldy & Blair Athol Distillery
This morning you'll take a 4x4 Land Rover highland safari with a kilted ranger who will take you to the breath-taking hilltops and an amazing natural wilderness through a land sculpted by the elements and steeped in history and nature. You may be lucky enough to see the Famous Grouse, the elusive Mountain Hare or the soaring Golden Eagle. At the Red Deer Centre you will have the opportunity to get up close to these magnificent animals. Enjoy a bit of free time for lunch in the town of Aberfeldy, first made famous by Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, in his song lyrics, The Birks of Aberfeldy. This afternoon experience a tour and tasting at the historic Blair Athol Distillery whose ancient source of water - the Allt Dour - flows through the grounds from the slopes of Ben Vrackie to contribute to the whisky's mellow quality and smooth finish. Immerse yourself in the distillery's historic charm and picturesque setting whilst one of the experienced Guides leads you through the journey of the single malt takes from grain to glass. The tour finishes with a wee dram and a complimentary memento to take home.

DAY 6 - Your final day in Scotland and what better way to spend it than with a stop in the truly delightful capital with its atmospheric cobbled streets of the old town to the attractive Georgian avenues of the new town. There is plenty to see and do - from iconic Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile to the impressive National Museum of Scotland (entrances not included). Your driver may be able to offer you an optional guided tour of this bustling city. Head south across the border later today for your final overnight stop at 3* Holiday Inn Gosforth Park. DBB

DAY 7 - After a leisurely breakfast, head back homewards with ample stops for coffee and refreshments. Continue back to the local joining points via the fast motorway network arriving back mid/late evening.

Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- 2 overnight hotels with breakfast & dinner- Porterage included at main hotel- Falkirk Wheel visit with 35-minute revolution tour- Two included excursions as stated- Day at leisure in Pitlochry- Tour & a 'wee dram' at Blair Athol Distillery- Entrance to Glamis Castle with guided tour- Highland Safari Experience with Red Deer Encounter- En-route visit to EdinburghFishers Hotel, Pitlochry Central location
In the heart of Pitlochry since 1830, 4* Fishers Hotel enjoys a unique setting within the town. Originally built as a coaching inn, it has the convenience of a town centre location, yet with an aura of peace and tranquillity that comes from the prize-winning gardens to the rear. Following a fire in 2017, much of the hotel has been refurbished and now features a new restaurant and breakfast room. Many of the hotel's bedrooms enjoy views of the garden and surrounding mountains and the restaurant overlooks the gardens and the zen garden. The Coach House Bar (interlinked with the hotel) is front facing onto the street. All the bedrooms are en-suite with flat screen TV and tea / coffee making. There is a lift to most floors.

Hotels
• Fishers Hotel (Pitlochry) - View Information