A secret the Scots keep to themselves: Pitlochry in the county of Perthshire.

Here in the heart of Scotland, in a country of mountains, lochs and rushing waters you have plenty of leisure time to relax on idyllic walks and other activities, and to make new friends. Your friendly tour guide knows the area intimately and will be delighted to introduce you to Scotland¹s culture, country and people.

Pitlochry is a friendly, picturesque little highland town on the banks of the River Tummel and Loch Faskally. Many Scots consider it to be the most attractive little town in the country. There are numerous shops and banks, good restaurants and cosy, traditional pubs. Pleasurable outings may be made to the famous fish ladder, to the smallest whisky distillery in Scotland or to the internationally-renowned Festival Theatre.

You can stroll or take a longer walk directly from our hotel. On beautiful Loch Faskally you can fish or hire a sailing or rowing boat. Canoes, kayaks and bicycles are also at your disposal.

Your hotel: Our excellent three-star hotel is situated peacefully above the attractive little town of Pitlochry. It is a fine Victorian building with cosy public rooms, a homely bar, and a tastefully-furnished diningroom. The swimming pool, the sauna and the modern sports and leisure centre are available to you free of charge. The bedrooms, with ensuite shower/bath/WC, are modern, comfortably furnished and have TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Meals: The meals included in the price consist of a plentiful breakfast each day and five excellent evening dinners. The chef is delighted to cook vegetarian dishes and attend to your dietary needs. One can buy a good, low-cost packed lunch for walks and other outings.

Leisure opportunities: Make use of the many different leisure opportunities in the neighbourhood. Choose from a great variety of sporting and creative activities and the wealth of cultural experiences on offer. Sporting acitivities range from excellent cycling and mountain biking, to swimming, sailing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, to golf, tennis, pony trekking, fishing, mountain climbing and so on.

Extensive cultural choices include the ducal seat of Blair Castle, whisky distilleries, museums of Scottish and Perthshire life and history, medieval castles, churches and cathedrals, as well as the potteries and galleries of local artists. Drama at Pitlochry¹s Festival Theatre, the Highland Games, and other events where you can chat with the locals, enhance the wealth of holiday experiences. You can organise your own individual outings to discover more of Scotland¹s tourist highlights.

Pitlochry meets all the requirements of the landscape painter or photographer. Materials can be obtained locally. Interesting little shops lend themselves to leisurely souvenir- hunting.

Guided Walks Perthshire is one of Scotland¹s most beautiful walking areas where you will take peaceful strolls through woods and beside lochs and go on a mountain walk which will be adapted to the abilities of the group. Off the beaten track you will encounter a romantic world of mountain, waterfall and loch where the intensity of ever-changing greens, blues and greys gives a new dimension to an already varied landscape. You need to be fit and to have the enthusiasm and stamina to walk for at least three to four hours.

Brief Summary of the Tour Programme:

Day One: Arrival, please, by 16.30. Scenic drive by bus to the hotel, introductions, welcome drink, dinner together.

Day Two: All-day walk. Discover the neighbourhood, picturesque River Tummel, Loch Faskally, River Garry, Pass of Killiecrankie and the Soldier¹s Leap. The walk can be extended to Blair Atholl with a visit to Blair Castle (additional cost). Dinner.

Day Three: The half-day walk takes you to Scotland¹s smallest whisky distillery, Edradour. This scenic excursion and sampling of Scotland¹s "water-of-life" is included in the tour price. The afternoon is free for your choice of activity.

Day Four: All-day walk. A varied walk through woods and with fine views to Loch Tummel and the Queen¹s View which for Queen Victoria was alone worth a separate journey. Dinner.

Day Five: Arrange your own outing or choose an organised excursion such as those described below (additional cost): a) By bus. A Highland excursion: Loch Ness, Inverness, Clava Cairns, Fort William, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor and the Trossachs.

b) By train. To Edinburgh for an interesting city sightseeing tour or an amusing treasure hunt in the Old Town. Free afternoon.

c) By bus. Royal Deeside with the Queen¹s castle at Balmoral, Aberdeen, the North Sea coast, romantic Dunnottar Castle, Dundee and Perth.

Day Six: A varied and beautiful mountain walk on Ben Vrackie (841 m). Dinner.

Day Seven: The walk will be adapted to the wishes and abilities of the group. On request we can also offer an organised excursion. Scottish evening. Dinner.

Day Eight: Airport transfer to Edinburgh and departure (Flight from 11.00 hours please) or connection to the next tour programme.

Would you like a detailed description of the tour including each day's itinerary?