Loganair route to Bergen, norway returns from Edinburgh Airport
Last week saw the long-awaited return of direct flights from Edinburgh to Bergen and Stavanger, as Loganair revives the popular services, reconnecting Scots with Norway.
The two direct services from Edinburgh to Stavanger and Bergen have been relaunched for the first time since the pandemic, and they also mark the airline’s first international routes from Edinburgh Airport since 2019, and the first international route launches in the airlines 60th anniversary year.
The routes will see three flights per week reinstated to each destination. Flights to Stavanger take-off Tuesday, Thursdays and Sundays. Flights to Bergen take-off Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Additional flights from Aberdeen to Oslo Gardermoen will also commence in September to further strengthen connectivity between the countries.
Customers in Scotland that wish to venture further and explore Northern Norway will have the opportunity to connect easily via Loganair’s codeshare partnership with Norwegian regional airline, Widerøe. Flights to these destinations can also be booked at Loganair.co.uk.
Upon visiting Stavanger and Bergen, you will find much more than just breath-taking Fjords, but an unforgettable experience.
Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, is an incredible hub for both culture and history, with a vibrant night life, juxtaposed with contemporary art museums, such as the KODE. Similarly, Stavanger is full of colourful homes on colourful streets, white sandy beaches, and is home to some of Norway’s top restaurants.
Not unlike Edinburgh, Bergen and Stavanger’s dynamic central and urban culture makes the perfect getaway.
Both routes are operated by an Embraer 145 jet, and fares to Bergen and Stavanger start at £99.86 including 15kg luggage allowance and a mandatory carbon offset charge as part of Loganair’s sustainable flying programme – GreenSkies.
Kay Ryan, Loganair’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are really excited to launch the recommencement of our international services between Edinburgh and the Norwegian cities of Bergen and Stavanger.
“As we start to see European travel strengthen as summer approaches, it is the ideal time to bring back two services that were, pre-pandemic, incredibly popular for both leisure and business travellers looking to enjoy all that Edinburgh, Bergen and Stavanger have to offer.”
Kate Sherry, Aviation Director at Edinburgh Airport, said: “Seeing these routes return to Edinburgh with Loganair is further evidence that things are really moving in the right direction as we continue our strong recovery.
“Welcoming back more routes between Edinburgh and Norway allows us to enhance connectivity for leisure and business passengers from both countries.
“For us it’s about offering passengers choice, and we’re excited to work with Loganair on helping people experience all Bergen and Stavanger have to offer.”
Stein Ove Rolland, CEO of Fjord Norway, said: “It is very positive that Loganair is relaunching its routes to the Fjord Norway region. After a demanding pandemic many are eager to get out and explore again, and the routes to Stavanger and Bergen will make experiences to the Norwegian fjords easily accessible for the Scottish people.”
Reservations for Loganair’s newly launched service between Stravanger and Edinburgh Airport can be made at www.loganair.co.uk, by calling Loganair’s Customer Contact Centre on 0344 800 2855 or via travel agents and travel management companies using all major global distribution systems.
Hand-crafted sailings from Newcastle and Rosyth from £699 per person
Balmoral in Olden, Norway
Travellers looking to get away in the months ahead can enjoy hand-crafted sailings from the north from just £699 per person, plus up to £200 on-board spending credit, as part of a Summer Sale unveiled by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
The Summer Sale covers cruises from May to September 2022, and offers savings of £150 per person on Norway and British Isles sailings, as well as £200 per person off European short breaks or Arctic and Scandinavian cruises.
In addition, these savings run alongside an on-board spending offer, with up to £200 per person credit available on selected cruises.
Balmoral in Alesund, Norway
Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “With travel getting easier, we want everyone to be able to enjoy a well-deserved break in the months ahead. The world really is opening up for summer, and we are so excited to be able to share it with our guests again.
“Whether you are looking to venture to the scenic Norwegian fjords in all their summertime splendour, immerse yourself in the history and culture of some fascinating towns and cities in Northern Europe or witness the breath-taking Midnight Sun, you can be sure that each cruise has been hand-crafted to show you the very best of the destination when you visit.”
Some of the highlights of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Summer Sale from Newcastle and Rosyth are:
Balmoral’s nine-night L2215 ‘Arctic Fjords & Midnight Sun’ cruise, departing from Newcastle on 6th June 2022. Prices start from £1,249 per person (was from £1,399 per person). Enjoy £100 per person to spend on board, or £200 per person when booking a suite.
Balmoral’s five-night L2220A ‘Summertime Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 19th July 2022. Prices start from £699 per person (was from £849 per person). Enjoy £50 per person to spend on board, or £100 per person when booking a suite.
Balmoral’s 10-night L2224A ‘Discovering Castles, Palaces and Cultural Landmarks of Northern Europe’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 19th August 2022. Prices start from £1,699 per person (was from £1,899 per person). Enjoy £150 per person to spend on board, or £300 per person when booking a suite.
Nationwide, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Summer Sale features sailings from £399 per person, with up to £250 on-board spend, with regional departures available from Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle and Rosyth.
Olden, Norway
For more information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Summer Sale, go to
THE RMT union is preparing to ballot members over what could be the biggest rail strike in British history.
RMT senior assistant general secretary Eddie Dempsey said it is preparing to ballot members over pay freezes and safety standards.
Eddie Dempseytold GB News: “This dispute’s been a long time in the making. We’ve been through the pandemic period where our members made lots of changes to their working practices and worked right through a pandemic to keep the country moving and many of our members have had pay freezes.
“Now some of them are in the third year of a pay freeze. We’ve changed how we work, we’ve made lots of sacrifices to help the railways going and we’ve been working with the industry in the rail industry recovery group, putting forward ideas on how to help the industry recover.
“But that’s turned into a forum where we’re told now the intention is to strip £2 billion out of the rail industry to make that money come out through stripping out jobs and attacking terms and conditions and keeping wages low.”
Mr Dempsey made his comments during On The Money with Liam Halligan on GB News yesterday. He said the cuts, which have been proposed because of fewer passenger numbers due to people working at home, threaten to put safety at risk.
He added: “We’ve put forward lots of ideas on how they can save money.
“We’ve told them many ways they could make efficiency savings, but they’re intent on making those efficiency savings in removing safety critical jobs, in slashing maintenance standards and safety schedules, and in keeping wages down and tearing up terms and conditions for railway workers.
Mr Dempsey said that money could be saved by cutting pay for executives. “We’ve pointed out that director pay is out of control with Network Rail
“Seven of the highest paid civil servants in the country are Network Rail employees.
“If you strip their money back, just to what the Prime Minister’s being paid, you’d save nearly £6 million a year.
“They’ve got eight non-executive directors, they spent nearly three quarters of a million pounds for those people to attend eight meetings over one year during a pandemic.”
Independent hostel owners reflect on the trips they took as children which inspired them to become hostel owners
It might be the sociable lifestyle. Or it could be the stunning scenery, excellent facilities and warm welcome, but hostelling is becoming the trip of choice for budget-conscious families and travellers of all ages looking for a unique stay.
Holidaymakers looking to leave a positive lasting impression on young minds are being urged to explore the abundant variety and high quality of Scottish Hostels to inspire the next generation.
Drawn by the friendly way of life and the chance to share the beautiful areas where they live, Scottish Hostels’ independent owners truly embody Visit Scotland’s invitation of “welcome to the places we call home”. And many were inspired after a family trip of their own.
You could say that Pam Richmond, originally from Glasgow, who runs Argyll Backpackers on the banks of Loch Fyne, was born into the role after her parents met while visiting hostels in Scotland during the late 1940s.
She was introduced to hostelling by her parents at the age of 10 and always wanted to run a hostel herself, drawn by a love of travelling, experiencing different cultures, meeting people and hearing their stories.
After a variety of careers, she finally realised her dream by commissioning a purpose-built hostel in 2005, and now she relishes the chance to share the beautiful area where she lives with people from around the world.
She described the journey from the outset to finally opening Argyll Backpackers as quite an adventure in itself and said: “As hostel owners we can all say that we’ve changed our lives, and hopefully for the better.”
Pam added: “The rewards are certainly not great financially, but more than made up for by guests also enjoying ‘my dream’. Most arrive as strangers but leave as friends, often returning with family to spend a few days exploring further in this area.
“This is why I do what I do, and love doing it.”
Modern hostels offer a fantastic chance to experience the best of the Scottish countryside.
Set in stunning scenery and often right on the hiking and biking trails, their hosts are experts on each area and are passionate about helping families to make the most of their stays.
Accommodation is geared towards all sorts of holidaymakers, from solo travellers, couples, families and groups of friends, while visitors might be surprised to discover some hostels can even offer facilities like a traditional sauna, hot tub or large covered barbecue area.
And all of this is on a budget which means the pennies saved can be splurged on family fun, adventures and making memories that last a lifetime.
For Scottish Hostel’s chair Dominique Drewe-Martin, who hails from Surrey, it was also a stay in a hostel at the age of 10 that introduced her to the joys of this type of travel. And as a teen, she decided that one day she would own an outdoor centre or hostel when she was older.
After studying at university in Newcastle, Dominique worked in banking for nine years which gave her the financial know-how to put together a business plan and get the go-ahead on a mortgage for a hostel.
Following more than two years of searching for the perfect property with her partner Daniel, she originally found a place in Skye. Unfortunately it fell through but soon after, Ballater Hostel became available and the couple fell in love with its setting, surrounded by mountains in the Cairngorms National Park.
She said: “I love my current work / life balance – working nine to five I could never help out with groups in the village, go help someone at the drop of a hat, move my work around to fit whatever is going on, take holidays whenever I like or take on so many roles in the village.
“Financially it’s a much simpler life, but when you have amazing countryside on your doorstep, work that you really enjoy – with no annual reviews – plus hobbies and groups that you can properly immerse yourself in and all with so much flexibility it is completely worth it.
“You don’t need that extra paycheck when you have the way of life you love.”
So who knows, taking your children hostelling might change their lives, as it did for these two Scottish Hostels owners who fell in love with the lifestyle and now offer their own warm welcome to travellers.
A new, state-of-the-art bus station management system has been officially unveiled at Edinburgh Bus Station, transforming the passenger experience for those travelling to and from Scotland’s Capital.
The management platform is one of the most advanced in the UK and features real-time arrival and departure information on intelligent display screens throughout the station, along with live updates on disruption, delays and events.
Upgrades include larger displays for people with visual impairments, which connect via Bluetooth to the RNIB React smart device app to read out departures, and multiple languages on some screens. Interactive ‘wayfinding’ signage has been installed to help users plan their onward journeys, with routes, travel updates and tourist information.
On Tuesday, Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes was given a tour of the improvements at the station, where more than 9000 bus and coach services pass through every month, departing to destinations across Scotland and the UK.
Councillor Macinnes said: “There is no doubt the new management system at Edinburgh Bus Station will transform the experience for anyone travelling through it. Not only is journey information much clearer and more accessible, but upgrades will really help people making onward trips around Edinburgh.
“It’s really fascinating to see the difference the improvements are making behind the scenes, managing the bus station more effectively, supporting safer departures and monitoring performance.
“By delivering a truly integrated, efficient service, these changes make travel by bus an attractive choice, which is central to our net zero target.”
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “The use of new technology is helping to manage the bus station more easily and effectively. This means more accurate and more available information for passengers, including the automatic notification of any delays and incidents.
“We hope projects like this will give more passengers and visitors the confidence to choose travel by bus.”
The new management system also features a bus reversing facility, helping to manage departures from the station more effectively and safely, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to automatically log the arrival and departure of every bus in the station.
At the centre of the platform is a Content Management System (CMS) combining live bus location data with scheduled information to provide accurate real time passenger information. This is distributed to displays inside and outside the station, as well as to Traveline Scotland, neighbouring local authorities, bus operators and local business parks.
Work to upgrade the city’s on-street 400 real time passenger information signs at bus stops, including the addition of more signs, will also begin this year, as part of the same contract. The main contractor delivering the improvements is Journeo.
Even though going on holiday involves a few extra steps thanks to the pandemic, travel is quickly getting back into business – and most Brits can’t wait to start exploring the world again!
Keener than ever to travel as much as possible, the concept of home swapping is becoming hugely popular, as this method of travel offers holidaymakers multiple benefits that a hotel or resort may not be able to provide.
This growing trend has been proved by stats released by award-winning, global home swapping platform Love Home Swap, which has seen a 45% increase in new UK members over the last three months (compared to 2020).
What’s more, compared to 2020, the number of UK members who took a free trial with Love Home Swap between October and December 2021 increased by a fifth (21%).
More recent data reveals that the first ten days of 2022 have already seen UK trialists up by 130% and trips agreed by UK members are up more than 140% compared to the start of 2021.
So, why has home swapping seen such an impressive surge in interest?
It’s a simple way to save lots of money
It really is a cost-effective way to explore the world for both staycations and long-haul travels, as Love Home Swap opens the doors to incredible properties that meet every need. With the average member saving £1,065 on a 7-night stay by choosing to home swap rather than stay in a hotel or holiday rental, 36% of Love Home Swap members can afford to travel four times a year (or more).
Before committing to one of their membership packages, prospective home swappers can sign up for a complimentary two-week trial which gives them full access to the site where they can reach out to other homeowners to start making holiday plans.
Once the trial is complete, they can then take up one of three types of annual membership (starting at £8 a month and billed annually).
Home swappers enjoy more space
Love Home Swap members enjoy all the extra benefits that come with staying in a real home. From additional living space through to outdoor features such as large gardens and private swimming pools, they enjoy more for their money. This makes home swapping a great option for groups and families, plus, unlike hotels, there will be no one passing through the home members are staying in, making it a more Covid-safe option.
Members benefit from authentic holiday experiences
Home swapping gives you inside knowledge of a particular destination that you just don’t get from guidebooks. Most home swap hosts enjoy sharing advice on local restaurants, activities and most importantly, what to avoid, allowing their guests to enjoy an authentic holiday as they immerse themselves in another culture or neighbourhood.
Home swapping is simply the best way to get to know an area and experience what it’s really like to live in another fantastic destination.
Managing Director of Love Home Swap Célia Pronto comments:“Love Home Swap allows people to explore the world through the power of sharing.
“It’s not just homes that are swapped at Love Home Swap, it’s frequently a bit of a life swap too – members may offer the use of their cars, they look after each other’s pets, and some even swap gym memberships!
“Home swapping is the most incredible and cost-effective way for people to travel, and our statistics show that there’s an increased appetite for this desirable way of exploring the world.
“We predict that it will become a more mainstream way of holidaying in the year ahead, and we’re very excited to help our members enjoy unparalleled travel opportunities.”
CAMPERVAN converters in East Lothian have racked up more than one million YouTube views on its informative and tutorial videos from enthusiasts around the world.
Since uploading its first video to the platform in 2017, VW accredited Jerba Campervans has accumulated a cult-like following, with more than 5,000 subscribers to the channel, from as far afield as Mexico and Thailand.
With more than 56,000 hours of watch time – equating to 6.5 years – the content ranges from product reviews, workshop videos, campervan tours and tips and tricks, sparking an interest from Jerba owners and keen campervanners alike.
All content is curated by the 14 strong team, who all share part ownership of the employee-owned firm and all take their turns on camera.
In addition to the firm’s popularity on YouTube, a Jerba Owners’ group has garnered more than 740 dedicated members who share images of their Jerba campervans alongside tips and product recommendations.
Domhnall Dods is an active member of the Jerba Owners’ group and a regular viewer of the YouTube channel.
He said: “The YouTube channel and community group are a fantastic point of reference for all who want more information about Jerba vans or to get hints and tips from other owners about living with a camper van.
“The Jerba Owners’ group was started by the Jerba community and it’s a friendly and helpful space for people to ask questions and share information. It’s particularly good as all the advice is tailored to Jerba vans rather than generic campervans.”
Domhnall, 55, bought his first Jerba Campervan in 2012, before selling it on in order to purchase a second van which he uses for regular trips with his wife and 15-year-old son.
He added: “I’m already on my third VW camper and third Jerba campervan, and it is my pride and joy. As a family, we take regular trips to meet up with friends across the UK and Ireland and we travel to France every year.
“When deciding what features we wanted for our second van, the YouTube channel came in really handy. We were thinking about getting a diesel hob, which we hadn’t had before so it was great to be able to refer to the videos to see how it worked ahead of buying.”
“The personal rapport Jerba has with its customers has, in my experience, always been second to none, and the YouTube channel, with its informative and helpful videos is an extension of that service.”
Jerba Campervans founded in 2005, specialise in converting Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 Models and is officially recognised by Volkswagen as a converter of the model. In 2015, Jerba Campervans gained a patent for their unique pop-up roof, which they add to all of their Volkswagen conversions.
The conversion company continues to keep their customers and staff at the heart of their business.
from 4am this morning (11 February) all testing requirements removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals and only a simplified passenger locator form needed, ahead of half termholidays
arrivals who do not qualify as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK
changes come as children aged 12 to 15 in England can now prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection for outbound travel with the digital NHS COVID Pass
Major changes to the UK’s coronavirus (COVID-19) travel rules have come into force today (4am, 11 February 2022). This will make international journeys cheaper and easier for passengers ahead of the half term.
The relaxation in requirements is thanks to the success of the UK’s vaccine and booster rollout. It means that eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK no longer need to take any COVID-19 tests – resulting in the UK having one of the most free-flowing borders and open societies in Europe.
Eligible fully vaccinated travellers are, therefore, only required to fill out a simplified passenger locator form, confirming their vaccination status, travel history and contact details.
Also, from today, arrivals who do not qualify as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test in the 2 days before they depart for the UK and a PCR test on or before the end of day 2 after they arrive in the UK, as well as completing the passenger locator form. These passengers will not need to self-isolate on arrival and will only need to do so if they test positive.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The UK has eased international travel measures for COVID-19 and now has one of the most free-flowing borders in the world – sending a clear message that we are open for business.
“As our travel sector rapidly recovers, and we accelerate towards a future where we want travel to remain open for good, these rule changes coming ahead of half term are good news for families, businesses and the travel sector.”
Determined to make travel cheaper and easier for families, the decision to remove testing requirements could save the average family around £100.
Since 3 February 2022, children aged 12 to 15 in England can demonstrate their vaccination status or proof of prior infection via a digital NHS COVID Pass for outbound travel. This makes it easier to travel to countries that require proof of vaccination or prior infection in order to access venues or services, including museums, restaurants and cafes.
By the end of February, people will also have an extra day to fill out the passenger locator form before travelling.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “As we learn to live with COVID-19, we are taking a balanced approach to opening up international travel and removing all tests for people who have played their part and have been vaccinated.
“Thanks to the millions of people who have come forward for their COVID-19 jabs, we are one of the most boosted countries in Europe and are able to take these steps today.”
As the government goes one step further to reopen the travel sector, the UK will be reconnecting with key global markets, and from today will accept vaccine certificates from an additional 16 countries and territories including China and Mexico. This will bring the total list to over 180 countries and territories worldwide.
VisitBritain CEO Sally Balcombe said: “Britain’s tourism industry is ready to welcome international visitors, we know there is pent-up demand for travel and our priority is to build back visitor spending as quickly as possible, competing hard for international visitors who contribute billions to our economy.
“Our £10 million global GREAT Britain marketing campaign is already rolling out across our major overseas markets, showing that Britain is packed full of fresh and exciting experiences to come and enjoy today.
“This year’s landmark events including HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Commonwealth Games and the ground-breaking ‘Unboxed’ events across the UK, set to be global tourism draws, also present exciting and timely opportunities to highlight experiences that visitors can only have here, and to promote our warm welcome and creativity to the world.”
With more people travelling overseas, the government is continuing to remind everyone that travelling abroad is still different and countries may change their own rules at short notice.
All travellers are encouraged to check FCDO travel advice for the latest entry requirements and COVID-19 rules for their destination beforehand.
Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO of British Airways, said: “It’s great news that restrictions are being lifted in time for families to get away for a much-needed break this half term.
“We’ve seen a boost to bookings directly as a result of lifting restrictions and customers can now travel, safe in the knowledge that they won’t be burdened by expensive and unnecessary testing to return to the UK. We hope that other countries will soon catch up with the UK’s pragmatic approach.”
Sophie Dekkers, Chief Commercial Officer of easyJet, said: “We’ve continued to see pent-up demand each time restrictions are removed and UK bookings increased following the welcome reduction of travel restrictions, which has been sustained in recent weeks with a further boost from the removal of all testing by the UK government.
“We have been encouraged to see strong late bookings in the lead-up to half term, which is a key time for many of our customers, with thousands set to enjoy a long-awaited family break and we can’t wait to welcome more customers back on board in the coming days.”
Andrew Flintham, Managing Director for TUI UK, said: “The recent changes to travel, particularly the removal of testing for everyone is who double vaccinated, is a huge leap forwards in getting travel back to normal.
“There remains a huge pent-up demand for international travel and we’ve seen strong and sustained booking patterns since the announcement as customers look to go abroad with ease and without the added expense of testing.
“As a result, bookings for February half term and Easter holidays are comparable to 2019, with Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cape Verde and the Canaries the most popular destinations. And we expect this summer to be stronger than 2019 for the UK market.”
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association, said: “Today’s changes are a big step forward for the outbound travel industry and holidaymakers, and a recognition of the importance of travel to people’s lives and to the UK economy.
“Travel rules have been holding people back from taking a foreign break, so these changes should serve as a boost to consumer confidence, leading more people to plan and book their overseas trips.
“There are still steps people need to take when heading abroad and ABTA travel agents and tour operators are on hand to guide travellers through the process.”
While the red list will continue to remain on standby as the first line of defence against future variants of concern arriving from abroad, the government is looking to replace the hotel quarantine policy with other contingency measures including home isolation – provided a sufficiently robust digital solution to ensure compliance with home isolation can be found.
Further details will be set out on this later in the spring.
Rabbie’s Get Out & Help Out 20 per cent discount encourages winter travels and helps support destinations in UK and Ireland
Embrace the cooler months and make the most of the UK’s snowy landscapes on a Rabbie’s tour (www.rabbies.com) this winter. The award-winning small group tour specialist takes guests to gorgeous locations that may just be draped in a blanket of icy white snow, with guaranteed departures.
Over the last few years travel rules have made it difficult to explore during the winter months. To encourage snowy adventures, and to help support UK destinations, Rabbie’s are offering a 20 per cent discount on all UK and Ireland tours departing in February. The Get Out & Help Out is available using the GETOUT20 at www.rabbies.com.
While the rest of the country is huddling inside, pull on your trusty woolly hat and gloves, and give yourself something to look forward to with a trip exploring wide open spaces to experience the rugged British landscape at its most striking.
Guests on Rabbie’s tours are taken on their adventures in luxury 16-seater mini-coaches and enjoy the services and stories of friendly driver-guides. Catch breath-taking views out of the large windows and keep an eye out for winter wildlife and incredible scenery.
Winter tours to brighten your days include:
Windermere, Lancaster & the Lake District
Mountains of literature have been written about this corner of England and a visit during its winter months will show you why.
The stark beauty of the Lakes is truly revealed when snow rests on the peaks and clear blue skies spread out in front of you in all directions. Experience this region’s true serenity at winter during its quietest months.
Departing from Manchester, travel to the popular town of Bowness which sits proudly on the shores of Lake Windermere, take a cruise on the lake or enjoy a delicious coffee and cake in one of the town’s many coffee houses.
Travel towards the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead where cobbled lanes and mediaeval squares are waiting to be explored. Grasmere is next, a place described by William Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”.
The famous Grasmere gingerbread will warm you up before you enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden which sits next to the gentle River Rothy. On your way back to Manchester stop off in the city of Lancaster, where you can admire majestic medieval architecture and the spectacular castle that dominates the surrounding district.
Prices for this one-day tour start at £46 per adult based on a February 2022 departure.
The North Coast 500
This very special route, which snakes around the coast of northern Scotland, has become something of a phenomenon among those who value truly wonderful travel experiences.
This tour sets off from Inverness, and soon towering mountains and crystal-clear lochs give way to the shores of sandy beaches.
Leave wintery beaches behind and head north from Ullapool. If you can predict one thing about the Highlands in winter, it’s that the weather will remain unpredictable! Your driver-guide will choose the locations that best suit the climate, but expect historical delights such as the ruins of Ardvreck Castle or adventures into the deep at Smoo Cave, a hearty lunch in a Highland village is guaranteed no matter the weather!
Thurso is the most northerly town on the British mainline and where your third and final day of adventures begin. You’ll have the opportunity to explore old fishing villages and a view out to the wild North Sea at John O’Groats.
Warm up at a Highland Whisky distillery and enjoy beautiful coastal views as you travel to Dunrobin Castle before heading back to Inverness in the early evening. Prices for this tour start at £129 per adult based on tours departing in February 2022.
Loch Ness, Inverness & the Highlands
A magical place at the best of times, the land of lochs, peaks, and forests feels a little extra wild in winter.
Journey to the Cairngorms National Park, at this time of year wildlife such as mountain hair and Red Deer prowl its land. Take a brisk walk in the Caledonian forests or pay a visit to world-changing battlefields before warming back up during a visit to a Scottish distillery.
Your one night of accommodation is at Inverness, the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, which blends Victorian architecture with a lively modern culture.
On day two of your highland adventure, continue on to Loch Ness. Be sure to wrap up warm for your boat road and keep an eye out for movement below the icy surface!
The Great Glen, a humongous fault line carved through the Scottish landscape, guides your tour south towards Ben Nevis, which is bound to be dusted in white snow. The return journey continues over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor before returning to Edinburgh.
Prices for this two-day tour start at £95 per adult departing in February 2022.
