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Self-Drive and Independent Holidays
These unprecedented times might have you rethinking the way you would like to travel. And, whilst we have put together an unbeatable package of measures to keep you safe on a Brightwater Holidays trip – from sourcing COVID-19 insurance to enhanced health and safety protocols, and from socially distanced transportation to the provision of face masks for every day of travel – you may also be interested to know that you can enjoy the full, award-winning Brightwater experience in a more independent way.
We are often asked to prepare itinerary packages for individuals, couples or families who are either unable to travel on our regular holidays or would simply prefer to experience a trip independently of our usual groups. The frequency of these requests is increasing greatly due to the current environment, so we decided that the time was right to launch a full programme of Independent & Self-Drive holidays. So, what does this mean? Well, it means that you can choose any of the tours featured in our programme and enjoy them independently. That’s right, we’ll tailor one of our group holidays to suit your personal needs. Whether you want to stay in hotels or you’d prefer the charm of B&Bs, whether you’d like to drive your own car or fly to your chosen destination and hire a vehicle, or whether you want to stay for just a weekend or make it a two-week extended adventure, we will create a bespoke package to meet your exact requirements.
For private groups of 10 or more, there are also options. If you are looking to travel with family, friends, colleagues or as a society or other private group, you have even more flexibility. You could choose any of our existing itineraries or we could tailor-make a completely new itinerary for your group to any destination in the world and for almost any special interest. What’s more, we generally offer a free place on the tour for the group leader. Simply give us a call to discuss your requirements.
To find out more, please get in touch with our friendly sales team.
An example of itineraries on offer...
Loch Lomond Self-drive 2020
2 nights from £140pp
The destination is The Trossachs and the hotel is the Winnock Hotel, Drymen. The rugged hills and tranquil lochs of the Trossachs have been attracting visitors for generations, yet lie within a short drive of the major cities. The West Highland Way runs through here, a walkers’ paradise, and there are also opportunities for cycling, boating, fishing and golf. If you simply want to relax, the hotel is the perfect place for it.
Highlights of Orkney & Shetland Self-Drive
5 nights from £895pp
Visit the RSPB reserve at Sumburgh Head, tour the great stone circles of Brodgar and Stenness, and explore the unique little Italian Chapel, which was built on the site of a former prisoner of war camp. Elsewhere, you can cross the Churchill Barriers, visit the world-famous historical site of Skara Brae and visit the state of the art Shetland Museum in the capital of Lerwick. The highlights here are vast.
Islay Self-Drive
3 nights from £495pp
Travel independently to Kintyre in western Argyll, in time to catch the afternoon ferry from Kennacraig to Port Askaig, Islay, where the holiday begins. Recommended visits include Loch Finlaggan, the pretty village of Port Charlotte, the Museum of Islay Life, and the neighbouring island Jura. You could also explore the nearby isle of Colonsay, which is home to Colonsay House and the beautiful Kiloran Bay.
Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides Self-Drive
4 nights from £595pp
Travel under your own arrangements to Ullapool in time to catch the evening CalMac ferry to Stornoway, where the hotel is based. Discover the Standing Stones of Callanish, Shawbost Norse Mill and Cockleshell Beach. Other recommended highlights here include St. Clement’s Church at Rodel and Vatersay, where the classic film adaption of ‘Whisky Galore’ was made.
