Scotland and the Isles

A 14 day tour to explore Scotland in depth from its historic cities through the spectacular highlands to the tranquility of the Scottish Isles. We take in Edinburgh and Glasgow, the isles of Mull and Skye and both the Orkney and the Shetland Islands for a look at part of Scotland's extensive history.

Day 1 - Arrive Glasgow

Welcome to Scotland! After hotel check-in, time to relax and unwind. Later this evening you will meet with your Tour Director and fellow travellers to learn more about your tour over a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Radisson SAS

Day 2 - Glasgow Ballachulish

On this morning's orientation tour our Tour Director shows us George Square, Clydeside, the City Chambers and St. Mungo's Cathedral. Then we drive along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to Loch Fyne, famous for its oysters. We stop at Inverary to visit the castle which was the home of the Dukes of Argyll. From here we continue to Ballachulish. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Ballachulish

Day 3 - BALLACHULISH Isle of Mull excursion and trip to Iona Fort William

We drive to Oban to take the ferry across to Craignure on the Isle of Mull.
Watch out for seals as we dock in the harbour! We start with a tour of this large Hebridean Island, which was formed by ancient volcanoes, including a visit to Tobermory - the largest village on the island. Then we drive to Fionnphort where we board the ferry for Iona, often referred to as the cradle of Christianity in Scotland as it was here that Columba first landed after being banished from Ireland in 563 AD. We will see the monastery that Columba founded, and also the highest point of the island which affords wonderful views over Mull, Staffa and beyond. We will also visit the St. Columba Centre before returning to Mull and back to the mainland and then to Fort William where we enjoy a visit to one of the famous whisky distilleries to learn how Scotland's national drink is made! (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Alexandra

Day 4 - Fort William Isle of Skye (2 nights)

Today we take the Road to the Isles and stop to take pictures of the ruins of nearby Inverlochy Castle before proceeding along this stunningly beautiful route via Glenfinnan - where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Royal Standard on the 19th August 1745 and began his attempt to regain the British throne,
an attempt that ended with the defeat of his Jacobite army at Culloden on the 16th April 1746. We will see the Jacobite steam train viaduct used in some of the Harry Potter films and at Mallaig we will cross by ferry to Armadale on Skye and our hotel. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Kings Arms (2 nights)

Day 5 - Isle of Skye Excursion

Make sure you're ready with your cameras today as the awe-inspiring scenery of the isle of Bonnie Prince Charlie is unforgettable! With a local guide we will undertake an in-depth tour of the island starting at the capital Portree. Then we will follow the spectacular coastline dotted with waterfalls, cliffs and gorges to the Museum of Island Life. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

Day 6 - Isle of Skye Loch Ness Ullapool

We drive back to the Scottish mainland over the Kyle of Lochalsh and then inland towards Invermorriston to the end of the country's most famous loch Loch Ness. We stop at the ruins of Urquhart Castle before leaving the loch to travel north through Highland scenery to Ullapool, a charming fishing port on Loch Broom. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Caledonian

Day 7 - Ullapool John O'Groats THURSO

A day of incredible scenery on our journey along the northernmost coast of the British Isles. This remote coastal drive is dramatic and lined with small inlets and sandy beaches. It will take us to the very northernmost point of Britain John O'Groats. We check into our hotel in Thurso later this afternoon. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Royal

Day 8 - Thurso Orkney Islands at sea

We cross to the Orkney Islands via a short ferry crossing and visit some of the islands in the group. First we will see the Standing Stones at Stenness and then visit the best preserved neolithic village in Europe at Skara Brae. We'll have time in the island capital, Kirkwall, with its Viking atmosphere and impressive St. Magnus Cathedral. We will visit the Italian chapel, adapted from Nissen huts by prisoners of war who were on Orkney helping to build the Churchill barriers in World War ll. And before a Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant, we will visit the Bishop's and Earl's palaces dating back to the 12th and 17th centuries. After dinner we will board our overnight ferry for Lerwick in the Shetlands. (Full breakfast / Highlight dinner)

Day 9 - Shetland Islands (Lerwick)

We arrive in Lerwick where we meet our local guide who will show us round the island. We will visit Lerwick town including the town hall and Shetland Museum, which covers all aspects of over 5,000 years of island life. Then we will drive south to Sumburgh Head to see the seabird colonies and then continue to Jarlshof, one of the islands best preserved archaeological sites dating back 4,200 years. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Shetland

Day 10 - Shetland Islands at sea

A day of further exploration of these unique islands we'll see Scalloway Castle at Scalloway harbour; we'll drive to the north of the island to hear of the importance of Sullom Voe during the Second World War. Then you have time to perhaps try some delicious Shetland lamb for lunch and shop for sweaters later this afternoon. Finally we will board our ship for our overnight cruise back to the Scottish mainland. We will enjoy dinner and a drink onboard before a pleasant overnight sailing. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

Day 11 - Aberdeen Braemar Balmoral Aboyne

Today our Tour Director will reveal a Hidden Treasure to us but first we enjoy an orientation of Aberdeen. Then on via Alford into Royal Deeside and along the valley of the River Don to Ballater the village where the Royal Family do their shopping! Next we stop at Crathie Church to see where Princess Anne was married for the second time in 1992, then continue to Balmoral Castle, which we will visit when the Queen is not in residence. We make a stop in beautiful Braemar where the Highland Games take place annually. Then we head back to Aboyne and our hotel where we dine tonight. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Huntly Arms

Day 12 - Aboyne Dundee St Andrews Edinburgh (2)

We follow the coast this morning from Stonehaven to Arbroath driving via Carnoustie before crossing the impressive Firth of Tay Bridge at Dundee. We arrive in St. Andrews famous for its university and, of course, its golf course where we will stop at the 18th hole. Finally across the magnificent Forth Bridge to Edinburgh for the last two nights of our Scottish sojourn. During the Festival, tickets for the Edinburgh Tattoo are included. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Holiday Inn (2 nights)

Day 13 - Edinburgh sightseeing and at leisure

After breakfast our guided sightseeing tour includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle and views of Holyrood House and Arthur's Seat at either end of the Royal Mile. We also visit Princes Street and see the new Scottish Parliament before free time to perhaps take an excursion to the Rosslyn Chapel. Long associated with the Knight Templars and the Freemasons, it has come to notoriety through the 'Da Vinci Code'. This evening we enjoy a Farewell Dinner together with our Tour Director and travelling companions. (Full breakfast / Farewell dinner)

Day 14 - Depart Edinburgh

Today after breakfast time to bid farewell to new-found friends and your Tour Director as your tour comes to an end. (Full breakfast)

Tour Itinerary

Prices

Dates and Rates

Departs Edinburgh. Dates coming soon.

Prices are per person land only based on 2 people sharing a twin room.

Please ask for flight quotes from your preferred airport of departure.

Guests arriving from other destinations can join the tour in Britain on day two. Please ask your Britain Vacation Specialist for a quotation in your currency.

What's Included

• 13 nights hotel accommodation staying in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
• The services of one of a professional Tour Director.
• A qualified local city guide in Edinburgh, Isle of Skye and Shetland.
• Cruise from Oban to Mull. Short ferry crossings to Oban, Iona and Orkney.
• 2 Overnight ferry crossings from Orkney to Shetland and from Shetland to Aberdeen.
• A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.
• Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 15.
• Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the Festival.
• 24 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary: 13 full Scottish breakfasts, 9 three-course dinners, Local highlight restaurant dinner with wine in Kirkwall, Orkney.
  Farewell Dinner with wine in Edinburgh).

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