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Day 8
Morning: Around 9am, we'll say beannachd leibh, or goodbye, to Oban and begin our private motorcoach journey to Inverness, dubbed the capital of the Scottish Highlands. We'll make a brief stop in the village of Spean Bridge around 10am where you'll have some time to stretch your legs and take in views of the surrounding countryside. Then, we'll continue on to the village of Fort Augustus, located on the shores Loch Ness, arriving around 11:30am. Lunch: On your own in Fort Augustus upon arrival around noon. Perhaps you'll have a bowl of homemade soup with a savory scone at one of the many cafes and tearooms in the village. Afternoon: Around 1pm, we'll continue our discoveries on our way to Inverness when we see the ruins of the medieval Urquhart Castle. Our Trip Experience Leader will be with us to provide an insider's knowledge of the castle's 1000-year-old history as we take a self-guided tour. Perched atop a cliff, the ruins boast expansive views of Loch Ness. Covering an area of nearly 700 miles, this is one of the largest bodies of freshwater in Great Britain. We'll have the chance to see Loch Ness up close when we set off on an hour-long cruise around 2:30pm. We'll soak up the serenity of the lake as we cruise past rolling hills blanketed with greenery, and we'll learn about the folklore surrounding Nessie, an aquatic monster that is believed to live in the lake--keep your eyes peeled for this legendary creature. Because Loch Ness runs through Inverness, our cruise will end here. Located in the northern Highlands, Inverness is a quaint city of modest stone homes and a castle that appears to be straight from a storybook. We'll board our private motorcoach and drive for about 30 minutes to our hotel, arriving around 4pm. Depending on where we stay, our hotel may feature a restaurant, pool, and sauna, and typically each room includes wireless Internet access, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a private bathroom. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to get settled in or start exploring on your own before we meet our Trip Experience Leader around 5:45pm for a vicinity walk around the area to locate ATMs and convenience stores, and get suggestions for free time activities. Our walk will conclude at a local restaurant. Dinner: At a local restaurant around 6:30pm. We'll have the opportunity to savor a traditional meal of meat pies tonight, accompanied by Scottish music. Evening: On your own with the freedom to make your own discoveries, or you can retire to your room to get some sleep. Freedom to Explore During your two days in Inverness, you have the freedom to explore this scenic city on your own during your free time. Below are some recommended options for independent explorations: Ascend to the Inverness Castle Viewpoint: Soak up stunning panoramic views of Inverness and the River Ness from the top of this lookout point.
How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute walk.
Stroll through Cavell Gardens: Edith Cavell, a nurse during World War I, was killed by German soldiers for aiding POWs. This garden is dedicated to her and her heroic work. Enjoy the serenity of the gardens during your visit, and learn more about the history of Edith Cavell.
How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk.
Visit the Velocity Cafe and Bicycle Workshop: Grab a coffee and relax in the café, or head to this site's workshop to learn about the services it provides to local bikers. You may even be able to join a bike group that is riding that day for an exploration of the city.
How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk.
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5/6/21 |
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Oban
Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-9am, with Scottish and American options available.