Royal Liverpool — or Hoylake, as it is usually known — is the second-oldest seaside links golf course in England, and was the first course in North-West England to host The Open. Built on the racecourse of the Liverpool Hunt Club, it retained a dual role as horse racing venue and golf course for the first few years of its life.

After the 1967 Open, it seemed unlikely that the Championship would ever return to Hoylake. Yet in 2006, following years of work undertaken to create the space needed for a modern Open, the event returned — and it did so in style. In a week of wonderful weather on a superb, fast golf course, Tiger Woods produced an imperious display of intelligent golf — during which he only once used his driver!

Perched next to the famous Liver Birds is the 4 star Malmaison’s first purpose built hotel in Liverpool, at the heart of the city’s stylish docklands. Look one way and you’ll find stunning sea views. Look the other way from your Liverpool hotel and you’ll find the city centre, awash with shops, bars, concert venues and a city that’s always ready to party. Begin with cocktails in MALBAR, enjoy dinner in the Brasserie, then brace yourself for a brisk walk along the riverside, or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, jump from your Liverpool Mal into the city centre with both feet and enjoy one of the most memorable nights of your life.

Included in your package price is:

• 5 nights accommodation sharing a twin/double room in the 4 star Malmaison Liverpool Hotel (16th – 20th July)
• Full English Breakfast daily
• 2 dinners in your hotel (simply advise the hotel which nights you would like to dine)
• Packed lunches for the four championship days (17th – 20th July)
• Return standard class rail tickets (Liverpool Lime Street Station/Hoylake 30 minute journey) on the four championship days (17th – 20th July)
• Season ticket for the 2014 Open Championship (16th – 20th July)
• VAT @ 20%

Day 1
The Royal Mile, at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, is best explored on foot from the Castle, at the highest point, downhill to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Nearby Victoria Street, leading down to the historic Grassmarket, also invites exploration. Overnight Edinburgh.

Day 2
Train or bus leads north to Perth (around an hour), with a short excursion by bus(or on foot, if fit!) to Scone Palace. Tours are self guided at your own pace, and the grounds are also interesting, with lawns, formal garden, pine-wood (the Pinetum) and wild garden. Overnight Perth.

Day 3
Continue north by train or bus, with Inverness around two and a half hours. Either take an organised tour or go by bus to Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness in the Great Glen. There are visitor centres dedicated to the LochNess ‘phenomenon’ here. Urquhart Castle, close to the village, is a popular monster spotting vantage point. Overnight Inverness.

Day 4
From Inverness, good bus links connect with the Isle of Skye. You can also go by train to Kyle of Lochalsh, within sight of the Skye Bridge linking the island with the mainland, and connect with local bus services. The route across the backbone of Scotland is a magnificent introduction to the landscapes of the west. On arrival at Portree on Skye, there will be time either to take in some of the local attractions such as the Aros heritage and wildlife centre or to take a local bus service round the Trotternish peninsula to the north. Overnight in Portree.

Day 5
Lovers of magnificent rugged scenery should travel back to Broadford to link with the bus service to Elgol, with its peerless views across Loch Scavaig to the famous Cuillin Hills. Alternatively, buses also connect Portree with Dunvegan Castle, seat of the chief of the Clan MacLeod. Overnight Portree.

Day 6
Buses from Portree connect with the ferry at Armadale for Mallaig on the mainland. From the fishing and ferry port of Mallaig, there are train and bus connections to Fort William. A summer season highlight is the Jacobite service, hauled by a vintage steam locomotive. On the approaches to Fort William, Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, is conspicuous to the east. Overnight Fort William.

Day 7
For an overview of Lochaber (the area around Fort William) pick up a local bus (from the train/bus station) in Fort William and visit the ski centre at Nevis Range, then take the gondola up the mountain. Later, take the bus to Oban(about one and a half hours away), with highlights on the way including Castle Stalker on its offshore islet and great views across the widening Loch Linnhe to the mountains of Ardgour. Another day of scenic delights. Overnight Oban.

Day 8
With its handsome waterfront along a sheltered bay, shopping choice and lots of pubs and cafes – and a distillery – Oban offers plenty to do and is the gateway to exploring the western seaboard. Day cruises from the town offer an insight into this superb landscape with its special wildlife and stunning scenery. Overnight in Oban.

Day 9
With the high peak of Ben Cruachan a landmark on the way, take the bus eastwards through the pass of Brander and by Loch Awe (Scotland’s longest) to reach Inveraray, a town built by the 3rd Duke of Argyll in the mid 18th century.
Inveraray Castle is close by, while Inveraray’s elegant facades and handsome buildings make strolling around a pleasure. Overnight in Inveraray.

Day 10
The bus journey to Glasgow takes less than two hours and has lots of interest – up and over the high pass called ‘The Rest and Be Thankful’ and into the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, with superb panoramas across to high Ben Lomond and the Loch Lomond islands. Overnight Glasgow.

Included in this package

• 9 nights hotel accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis
• VAT at 20%

For bookings and further information please contact us
E-mail: lesley@best-of-scotland.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1592 752990
Fax: +44 (0)1592 758966
Toll Free: 1-888 678 1567 USA/Canada

Winners of previous Muirfield Opens include golf’s biggest names, Nick Faldo (1987, 1992), Tom Watson (1980), Lee Trevino (1972), Jack Nicklaus (1966) and Gary Player (1959) have all lifted the Claret Jug there over the last 50 years. Other winners include Harry Vardon (1896), James Braid (1901, 1906), Walter Hagen (1929) and Henry Cotton (1948).

There are only two occasions when Edinburgh is beautiful: day and night. It’s a city that wears its history as a badge, making sure that it’s always looking its best and welcoming visitors to its festivals and events with a warmth that’s uniquely Scottish.

Jurys Inn Edinburgh hotel, just off the famous Royal Mile on Jeffrey Street, is located in the Old Town and central to much of its beautiful architecture. It is within walking distance of all the major tourist attractions, shops and only a few minutes walk to Waverley station to catch your train to watch the 142nd Open golf championship.

Check out out everything on our website.

Covering the scenic west coast, magnificent lochs and glens of the highlands, and spectacular cityscapes of the lowlands, it’s time to discover Scotland enjoying the freedom only two wheels can offer!

All accommodation included in this self-guided tour is biker-friendly, so you are assured a warm welcome. Check out our website for further information.

Winners of previous Muirfield Opens include golf’s biggest names, Nick Faldo (1987, 1992), Tom Watson (1980), Lee Trevino (1972), Jack Nicklaus (1966) and Gary Player (1959) have all lifted the Claret Jug there over the last 50 years. Other winners include Harry Vardon (1896), James Braid (1901, 1906), Walter Hagen (1929) and Henry Cotton (1948). For further information please visit our website.

There are so many ways to get involved in The Gathering Ireland 2013. From family reunions to community festivals and twin towns to alumni gatherings, everyone is encouraged to work together to organise and host get-togethers. Reach out to your networks and connections and invite them to come and visit in 2013. Here are some ideas…

Tracing your Roots
Ireland has a wealth of excellent genealogy centres all over the country. These centres can organise unique events and activities with an interest to tracing your roots.

Celebrate Local Heroes
Ireland’s diaspora has influenced the world of art, literature, sport, music, industry and politics.  From Admiral William Brown, founder of the Argentine Navy to American President John F Kennedy and celebrated actor and Cultural Ambassador Gabriel Byrne, Ireland has a wealth of successes to celebrate around the world.

Family Gatherings
Reunions will play an integral part of The Gathering Ireland 2013.  The year-long programme of festivals and events, from community led to large scale, will provide an opportunity for family, friends and communties scattered throughout the world, who have an irish connection, to reunite in Ireland and participate in a special event in their honour.

School and Work Reunions
For many years Ireland has hosted large numbers of short term immigrant workers, professionals and students.  Many of these individuals and groups have developed close ties with Ireland.  2013 could be the year to come back and visit.

Heritage Gatherings
The country boasts heritage sites and interpretive centres, such as those at The Cliffs of Moher or Connemara National Park, and historic sites like the Ceide Fields and Glendalough, as well as national institutions like the many sites of The national Museum of Ireland.

Special Interest/Hobby Groups
If you’re involved in a club, organisation or group with a special interest, The Gathering 2013 could be the perfect time to make a visit to like minded Irish folk

Have a look at our website for further information.

Winners of previous Muirfield Opens include golf’s biggest names, Nick Faldo (1987, 1992), Tom Watson (1980), Lee Trevino (1972), Jack Nicklaus (1966) and Gary Player (1959) have all lifted the Claret Jug there over the last 50 years. Other winners include Harry Vardon (1896), James Braid (1901, 1906), Walter Hagen (1929) and Henry Cotton (1948).

There are only two occasions when Edinburgh is beautiful: day and night. It’s a city that wears its history as a badge, making sure that it’s always looking its best and welcoming visitors to its festivals and events with a warmth that’s uniquely Scottish.

Jurys Inn Edinburgh hotel, just off the famous Royal Mile on Jeffrey Street, is located in the Old Town and central to much of its beautiful architecture. It is within walking distance of all the major tourist attractions, shops and only a few minutes walk to Waverley station to catch your train to watch the 142nd Open golf championship. Have a look at our website for further information.

Winners of previous Muirfield Opens include golf’s biggest names, Nick Faldo (1987, 1992), Tom Watson (1980), Lee Trevino (1972), Jack Nicklaus (1966) and Gary Player (1959) have all lifted the Claret Jug there over the last 50 years. Other winners include Harry Vardon (1896), James Braid (1901, 1906), Walter Hagen (1929) and Henry Cotton (1948).

There are only two occasions when Edinburgh is beautiful: day and night. It’s a city that wears its history as a badge, making sure that it’s always looking its best and welcoming visitors to its festivals and events with a warmth that’s uniquely Scottish.

Jurys Inn Edinburgh hotel, just off the famous Royal Mile on Jeffrey Street, is located in the Old Town and central to much of its beautiful architecture. It is within walking distance of all the major tourist attractions, shops and only a few minutes walk to Waverley station to catch your train to watch the 142nd Open golf championship. Check out our website.

Best of Scotland Holidays will custom build this package to suit your wishes and budget, check out our website.