Lovely Lochs & A Royal Yacht

A wonderful mix of lochs, city and a perfect location just a couple of miles from Loch Lomond, this great Scottish holiday explores the wonderful scenery of the Trossachs together with a visit to the popular Scottish capital and the 5* visitor attraction - The Royal Yacht Britannia. Based at the popular Winnock Hotel in the centre of the hillside village of Drymen, near the shores of beautiful Loch Lomond, enjoy the splendours, history, landscape and character of this fantastic region.

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.Lovely Lochs & A Royal Yacht
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, it's a big drive drive northwards with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Arrive at your hotel in Drymen this evening, ready for your first evening meal together. DBB

DAYS 2 - 4 At leisure in Winnock Hotel, Drymen with three included excursions and two evenings' live entertainment (including Scottish themed) in the hotel

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Loch Katrine Cruise with light lunch
Travel into the Trossachs National Park via Aberfoyle to lovely Loch Katrine where you join a leisurely 2-hour relaxing cruise to watch the natural wonder of the beautiful countryside gently slip by from the deck of your boat. The cruise takes in the best that this stunning loch has to offer - from the atmospheric Ben Venue and Ellen's Isle to the historic site of Queen Victoria's Royal Cottage, the cruise instils the beauty and heritage of the Trossachs perfectly. The cruise is operated by the recently restored SS Walter Scott Steamship (may also be operated by the 'Lady of the Lake'). Afterwards enjoy a light soup and sandwich lunch at the Steamship Cafe before heading off to Callander, a pretty town on the River Teith, often described as the Gateway to the Highlands

Loch Lomond & Inveraray Castle
Take a scenic drive of mesmerising Loch Lomond which lies in the heart of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, where you'll be surrounded by charming villages, beautiful countryside and rolling hills. There will be time to explore Luss, the pretty conservation village situated on the western shore of the loch. With its prim, identical sandstone and slate cottages and its narrow sandy, pebbly strand, the village became the setting for the successful TV soap High Road. Then you will head off to the romantic Inveraray Castle & Gardens on the shores of Loch Fyne and discover one of Scotland's finest stately homes. The ancient Royal Burgh of Inveraray is located by Loch Fyne in an area of spectacular natural beauty. The ruggedness of the highland scenery serves as a spectacular backdrop for the sheltered tidal Loch, beside which nestles the present Castle built between 1746 and 1789. The ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll, Chiefs of the Clan Campbell whose family have resided in Inveraray since the early 15th century, Inveraray Castle was designed by Roger Morris and decorated by Robert Mylne. Its fairytale façade houses an equally enchanting interior. A guided tour will show you the highlights over three floors including the Clan Room, the French influenced Tapestry Drawing Room with original Beauvais tapestries and the Victorian Room, which serves as a tribute to the marriage between HRH Princess Louise - daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert - and the Marquess of Lorne

Royal Yacht Britannia & Edinburgh
Head to 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 unbeatable city, steeped in history, culture, nature, architecture and constantly shifting northern light. Your coach will take you out to the historic port of Leith which has undergone a major renaissance and is home to the Royal Yacht Britannia, one of Scotland's top visitor attractions. Launched in 1953, this glamorous vessel was the Royal Family's floating residence for 44 years, travelling over one million miles to become the most famous ship in the world. Explore all five decks and discover what life was like during Royal service on board HM Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace. Tours are self-guided and include an audio tour available on a handset. There is a central lift to all five decks and there is also a tea room


Credit: Royal Yacht Britannia
DAY 5 - After breakfast, return homewards, arriving back at your local joining points early to mid-evening

Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast and dinner- Porterage included- Tea /coffee after dinner- Included excursions and entrances as stated- 2-hour cruise on Loch Katrine- Soup & sandwich lunch at Loch Katrine- Guided tour of Inveraray Castle- Self guided tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia- Evening entertainment for 2 nightsWinnock Hotel, Drymen
Situated on the pretty village green in the conservation village of Drymen, the family-run 3* Winnock Hotel is situated just 4 miles from Loch Lomond. It offers excellent customer service, cosy log fires and hearty Scottish cuisine. There is a traditional bar area with an extensive range of speciality malt whiskies. All 74 en-suite bedrooms come with TV, hairdryer and drinks facilities. There is no lift but ground floor rooms are available. (NB Dinner is served in the Capercaille Room on tables of 8)

Hotels
• Winnock Hotel (Loch Lomond) - View Information