The Sunday Post (Inverness)

It’s not too late for a getaway this year...

- WORDS CLAIRE MCPHILLIMY

It’s been a year of staycation­s, as Scottish holidaymak­ers have enjoyed travelling within the UK for a much-needed break. And for coach tour operator Eclipse Breaks, UK holidays are already proving popular for 2022. So much so, it’s now released a preview of its planned trips for next year, as it gears up to return to some of its favourite destinatio­ns.

“It’s been a good, safe summer season.we’re still asking customers to wear face masks at the moment. Most, if not all, of our customers are double-vaccinated and in all of our UK destinatio­ns, there’s no need for pre or post travel testing,” explains Kevin Miller, who has run Eclipse with Claire Macdonald since it was launched in 2013.“Due to popular

demand, 2022 tours are now on sale.we’re also hoping to run European tours next year.”

Travellers familiar with Eclipse will be pleased to see the return of old favourites like the Scenic Scotland tour. Discover what makes Scotland such a beautiful country from a base in Montrose, as you explore Glamis Castle, St Andrews, Arbroath and Royal Deeside.

Also coming back next year is the ever-popular Scottish Highland Railways tour. Soak up the views during three iconic train journeys: the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig, the Strathspey Steam Railway and Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh.

Or why not leave Scotland to see other famous beauty spots in the UK? When it comes to stunning views and holiday vibes, the Welsh coast has lots to offer. Book the Llandudno and Portmeirio­n tour, also returning next year, and you’ll enjoy excursions from the seaside town of Llandudno to Chester, Snowdonia and the iconic Portmeirio­n (designed in the style of an Italian village).

AUTUMN ADVENTURES

With interest already strong, booking in advance is a great way to ensure you can get away next summer, especially if you’re looking for a single room which tend to fill up quickly. But if you can’t wait that long, the good news is there’s still some availabili­ty for Eclipse Breaks this year.

Scotland is beautiful all year round, and with the leaves changing colours and the weather cooling, autumn is no exception.this October, take a trip to the wild side and book into one of Eclipse’s newest Scottish tours to Strathpeff­er, based at the Highland Hotel.

“Our excursions include the chance to see the world’s most northerly population of bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth on our Dolphin Spirit Cruise, enjoy two of the most popular and picturesqu­e points on the North Coast 500 – Ullapool and Gairloch – and take in the Black Isle to see a mysterious corner of Scotland,” describes Kevin.

WINTER WONDERLAND­S

Eclipse tours also run during winter too, so if October doesn’t work, there’s still plenty of opportunit­y to enjoy a holiday before the year comes to a close. In fact, you can spend Christmas and New Year with Eclipse. Make up for lost time and experience­s last year by celebratin­g this festive season with a staycation.

Enjoy a perfect Christmas with the Scottish Christmas tour (running for five days from December 23), at the Ben Nevis Hotel in Fort William.the tour includes travel, an excursion to Oban, a glass of bubbly with the Queen’s speech and much more. Or, ring in the new year during Hogmanay in Harrogate tour. You’ll leave on December 30 for four days of fun, kicking off when you get there with arrival drinks and continuing as you experience live music, a trip to York on Hogmanay, drinks and dinner.

Whether you manage to get away this autumn or winter, or book ahead to explore more of Scotland and the UK next year, having an adventure to look forward to is always exciting. Get your countdown started and book in with Eclipse Breaks; check out the brochure and website at www.eclipsebre­aks.com.

 ?? ?? Visit Valley Gardens in Harrogate on the Hogmanay in Harrogate tour
Visit Valley Gardens in Harrogate on the Hogmanay in Harrogate tour

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