NC500 & Isle of Skye Spectacular

The Caledonian Thistle Hotel, Callander

Enjoy traditional Highland charm at The Caledonian Thistle Hotel (formerly the Dreadnought Hotel) a landmark hotel in the picturesque town of Callander, often referred to as the gateway to the Highlands. Built in the 18th century by a Highland clan chief, the hotel blends traditional Scottish character with modern comfort, offering a wonderful stay in the heart of the Trossachs.

Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone and tea & coffee making equipment.

Enjoy live entertainment every evening with performances taking place in the piano bar and lounge area.

The Caledonian Thistle Hotel, Callander provides the perfect accommodation for your coach holiday to picturesque town of Callander.

Hotel features:

• All en-suite bedrooms feature a TV, hairdryer & tea/coffee-making facilities 
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
• Bar with a TV and entertainment
• Coffee shop
• Live entertainment and cash bingo every evening
• Spacious restaurant
• Outdoor seating area 
• Lift to all floors

What's Included 

• Coach travel with reserved seating
• Full-cooked breakfast each morning with tea or coffee
• Three-course dinner each evening with tea or coffee
• Live entertainment every evening
• Cash bingo every evening
• Excursions or free time to enhance your stay (please see individual breaks for full details)

Inclusive Drinks Package 
Many of our short breaks and holidays offer a fantastic drinks package, choose any of our Inclusive breaks and you will also receive four free drinks from the bar between 11am – 11pm each day (excluding departure day) with a fine choice of beers, wines, spirits & soft drinks.

The Royal Hotel, Thurso

Located in the heart of Thurso, The Royal Hotel is your perfect base for exploring Scotland’s northern coast and the breathtaking landscapes of the Highlands. As one of the oldest hotels in the area, it blends traditional charm with modern comforts and a warm welcome.

All rooms feature en-suite facilities, free Wi-Fi, and everything you need for a comfortable stay. Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast and evening meals made with local produce in the restaurant, or relax with a drink in our friendly lounge bar.

• All bedrooms with en-suite facilities
• TV
• Tea/coffee making facilities 
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

The Caledonian Hotel, Ullapool

In a stunning location overlooking the beautiful harbour of Ullapool, with wonderful views of the colourful fishing boats of Loch Broom and the rolling hills to Ullapool, this distinctive hotel offer a true Scottish welcome and high standards of hospitality for a special breakaway.

All rooms feature en-suite facilities, and everything you need for a comfortable stay. Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast and evening meals made with local produce in the restaurant, or relax with a drink in our friendly lounge bar.

• All bedrooms with en-suite facilities
• TV
• Tea/coffee making facilities 
• Bar
• Restaurant

The Caledonian Claymore Hotel, Arrochar

The Caledonian Claymore Hotel was designed and built in the 19th century. The beautiful manor house has 86 rooms, many of which look out onto the grounds surrounding the historic property. It has lush gardens overlooking Loch Long with a backdrop of mountains - you might even spot some deer! This traditionally furnished and cosy hotel joined the Caledonian family in 2023, continuing to offer exceptional service and a traditional Scottish welcome.

A hotel with an enviable location
Based at the foot of the Arrochar Alps on the shores of the tidal sea water Loch Long, it's only a few miles from Loch Lomond.  What spectacular scenery you’ll experience – not just on your way to and from the hotel, but while you’re there too. It’s one of Scotland’s most naturally diverse locations.

Facilities

• All en-suite bedrooms feature a TV, hairdryer & tea/coffee-making facilities 
• Free Wi-Fi
• Entertainment suite and well-stocked bar overlooking Loch Long
• Entertainment every night
• Large, spacious restaurant 
• Lounge area with log burner 
• Pool table 
• Outdoor seating overlooks Loch Long 
• Ground floor rooms available 

Please Note: There is no lift at the hotel

What's Included 

• Coach travel with reserved seating
• Full cooked breakfast with tea or coffee every morning
• Three course dinner with tea or coffee every evening
• Live entertainment every night
• Cash Bingo every evening
• Exciting excursions to local and regional landmarks and places of interest (please see individual breaks for full details)

Inclusive Drinks Package 
Many of our short breaks and holidays offer a fantastic drinks package, choose any of our Inclusive breaks and you will also receive four free drinks from the bar between 11am – 11pm each day with a fine choice of beers, wines, spirits & soft drinks.

Your Included Itinerary

John O’Groats & Wick - Travel along the northern coast passing the beautiful Castle of Mey to popular John O’Groats. John O’Groats and the amazing surrounding coast are simply breathtaking. Travel along the Eastern coastline to pretty Wick. Set astride the River Wick stretching along both sides of Wick Bay with the remains of the Castle of Wick sitting on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the sea.

Ullapool & Poolewe - Enjoy a scenic journey as we travel to Durness – the most north westerly village on the British mainland - along the northern coast to Ullapool, a picturesque fishing town, nestled in the shores of Little Loch Broom. We continue to the attractive little village of Poolewe boasting a stunning location at the sheltered side of Loch Ewe.

Shieldaig and Lochcarron -  Enjoy a scenic journey along the beautiful coast passing the beautiful Shieldaig, adorned with white[1]washed cottages prettily sat on the shores of Loch Torridon. We continue along the coast to charming Lochcarron passing some of the most magnificent scenery in the British Isles, such as the Strathcarron hills and the Applecross peninsula.

Isle of Skye - Enjoy a drive across the beautiful Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye. Enjoy time in Portree on the east side of Skye overlooking a sheltered bay. This pretty village is the capital of the island and is surrounded by hills and has everything that you could ask for on this inclusive excursion, from churches and cafes to delightful gift shops and much more.

Dunrobin Castle – Jewel in the crown of the Highlands - Perched above the North Sea near Golspie, Dunrobin Castle is one of Scotland’s most enchanting stately homes. With its fairytale spires, manicured gardens, and sweeping coastal views. Dating back to the early 1300s, Dunrobin is the historic seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. Inside, explore opulent rooms filled with fine art, period furnishings, and fascinating artefacts. A must-see on the North Coast 500 route, Dunrobin is more than a castle—it’s a window into the romance and legacy of the Scottish Highlands.

Oban -  Gateway to the Isles. Oban is famed for the McCaigs Tower that stands majestically over the town and the spectacular views looking over the island's of Kerrera and Mull. 

Callander

Nestled on the eastern edge of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Callander is a charming Scottish town where natural beauty meets heritage and is the perfect base for exploring from the Gateway to the Highlands 

Surrounded by rolling hills, tranquil lochs, and majestic peaks like Ben Ledi, Callander offers endless opportunities for relaxing or exploring the local area.

Callander’s bustling main street is lined with independent shops, cosy cafés, and traditional pubs, offering a warm Highland welcome. History lovers will enjoy the town’s connections to Rob Roy MacGregor, with nearby sites such as Balquhidder and the Rob Roy Centre. Callander combines the charm of a small town with access to some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.

John O’Groats

The most northerly point of the UK’s mainland, John O’Groats is a popular tourist village.

The village is well-known for being the starting point of the famous ‘End to End’ journey to Land’s End in the South of England.

But that’s not all. The village has a bustling harbour where you can catch a ferry to the Orkney Islands, plenty of gift shops to browse and dramatic scenery in every direction.

With Caledonian Travel we offer a wide selection of holidays north of the border so you can see the very best that Scotland has to offer, from scenic Fort William and Loch Lomond, coastal towns like Oban and Dornoch and vibrant Edinburgh and Glasgow. Your ideal Scottish break is just a click away!

Ullapool

Nestled on the shores of Loch Broom, Ullapool is a vibrant Highland village that offers breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and warm hospitality.

Surrounded by rugged mountains and dramatic coastlines, and a picturesque harbour, where fishing boats and ferries create a postcard-perfect scene.

Ullapool’s charm extends beyond its natural location. The village offers many friendly pubs or cafes, and you can discover locally crafted goods in the independent shops lining the main street.

Portree - Isle of Skye

Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and sea cliffs, Portree is the Isle of Skye’s bustling capital. With its colourful harbour, welcoming atmosphere, and stunning natural surroundings, Portree captures the essence of Highland charm.

The town’s iconic waterfront, lined with pastel-painted buildings, is the ideal place to visit. Stroll along the harbour, watch fishing boats come and go, or enjoy fresh local seafood with a view. Portree’s lively town centre offers an array of independent shops, cozy cafes, and traditional pubs where live music brings the evenings to life.

The town also plays host to cultural events and local gatherings throughout the year, giving visitors a taste of Gaelic traditions and island life. Portree is known as the soul of Skye.

Oban

Translated in Scottish Gaelic, Oban means The Little Bay, and people remember this beautiful area for many reasons. Tourists love eating Oban’s fantastic seafood, admiring its breathtaking scenery, and immersing themselves in the town’s history.

And in summer, tourists love watching its spectacular sunsets.

Oban is the biggest town between Helensburgh and Fort William and is a popular tourist hub on the Northwest coast of Scotland that leads to many of the area’s surrounding islands and historic sites.

With its sweeping bay, beautiful harbour and stunning scenic views, Oban has been a popular visitor destination since Victorian times.

Did you know? Oban and neighbouring Lorn have a long and interesting history which began in the Dark Ages with Kings and Chiefs building castles and forts along the coast. In 500AD a powerful Irish Lord named Loairn established his Kingdom just outside Oban at Dunollie and gave his name to the district.