Whether you’re planning a once in a lifetime trip, a holiday in the sun with all the family or a city break packed with good food, theatres and nightlife, one thing is for sure, Travel Agents at The Centre, Livingston will get you where you want to go in style!
With staycations on the rise, we caught up with the knowledgeable and friendly team at Hays Travel to find out more about one of their most popular offerings – Scotland’s North Coast 500 Tour.
Could you tell us a little about Hays Travel and what inspires such strong customer loyalty?
We’ve been operating for over 40 years and with nearly 450 branches, Hays Travel is the UK’s largest independent travel agent. Whether customers are looking for a short UK break, a sunny package holiday, an all inclusive getaway or something else entirely, our team can help them book the holiday of their dreams.
Our Peace of Mind Guarantee means that our customers can enjoy flexible, secure holidays, with free amendments up to 14 days before the departure date, which is so important as it lets customers know that their holiday is in safe hands.
We wanted to talk to you about your North Coast 500 packages, have you noticed an increase in interest for this type of holiday in recent years?
Yes, the popularity of the North Coast 500 has increased greatly over the last few years and its not hard to see why! The NC500 offers a taste of freedom with never ending back roads, wide meandering country tracks and beautiful bends through some of Scotland’s finest coastal scenery.
Our coach option is particularly popular for people who want to relax and enjoy the journey, ensuring that they don’t miss one moment of the spectacular vistas on display throughout their holiday.
What is included in the package?
Our North Coast 500 Tour is priced from £349 per person for six nights, dinner, bed and breakfast, including coach travel with reserved seating throughout. We currently have good availability on out trip on 10 October 2022 but other dates are available so please feel free to call in store to chat to our team further.
Where do you stay as part of the tour?
You’ll spend 3 nights at the Dornoch Hotel which is set in its own grounds in a truly historic corner of the Scottish Highlands. The hotel is bordered by pristine beaches and forestry walks and boasts spectacular views. It’s located within easy reach of the historic town of Dornoch and is an ideal base from which to explore the Highlands and some of Scotland’s most unspoiled coastline.
You’ll then move on to the Gairloch Hotel; nestled beside Gairloch Bay, it overlooks several quiet, secluded beaches and has spectacular views of the world famous Isle of Skye. Surrounded by a landscape rich in wildlife with unspoilt shores, lochs and mountains, The Gairloch Hotel also offers guests a calendar of live entertainment on site, alongside all the tranquillity associated with the beautiful scenery of Wester Ross, Raasay, and the Western Isles.
Are excursions included in the price?
Yes, we’ve got excursions to Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and to the atmospheric battle site of Culloden. Pay a visit to the Falls of Shin – famous for being one of the best places in Scotland to see salmon leaping upstream. See Golspie and Brora’s beautiful unspoilt beaches, visit Scotland’s most northerly point at John O’Groats. Take in the splendour of Durness, a thriving village surrounded by the dramatic landscape of Sutherland and appreciate Torridon’s striking setting beneath the mountains. You can also soak in the splendour of the natural world at Loch Maree.
What are the local pick-up points for the tour?
You can join our tour at any of the following pick up points – Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, Hamilton, Bathgate, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Paisley or Perth.
Do you need to pay for the holiday in one up-front payment?
No, you can secure your space on the North Coat 500 Tour for just £70 per person, followed by six monthly direct debits of £46 per person. To book, pop into our branch or call us on 01506 667133.