Scottish Dream

Day 1: Glasgow City Tour

Welcome to Scotland! After you arrive in Glasgow Airport you will receive group transfers depart Glasgow Airport at 8:00 am, 10:00 am or 12:00 noon. Anyone who arrives later than these times will need to organise their own transfer.

After lunch you can sit back and relax as you take a coach tour where you will find the main attractions of Glasgow including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral and the River Clyde, once famous for shipbuilding. Next you will visit the wonderful art collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It opened originally in 1901 but was refurbished recently. Enjoy a nice welcome drink before settling down to dinner. (D)

Day 2: Loch Lomond Cruise & Inveraray Castle

You will depart Glasgow today and drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond where you will experience the views of Ben Lomond and other Highland peaks. At Tarbet you will embark on a short cruise. You will find yourself submerged in the beauty of the area and peacefulness of this famous loch.  You will then travel across the mountain pass of “Rest and Be Thankful” to visit Inveraray Castle. A guided tour is next on the agenda and will reveal the history of the family and region as you view the elegant Armoury Hall. With its grand rooms, tapestries, porcelains and portraits, this is a must see. Explore the nearby town which was planned by the Campbell family. You will then journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe. There is an interesting story behind this particular glen as it was made famous by the Campbells’ massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692.  Continue to Ballachulish on the coast before settling back into your hotel and enjoying a great meal. (B, D)

Day 3: Isle of Skye & Clan Donald Centre

On the morning of day 3 you will head north via Fort William and take the “Road to the Isles” where you will be driven through some of Scotland’s loveliest scenery, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. At Mallaig cross by ferry to the Isle of Skye which is sometimes called the Misty Isle. Visit the Clan Donald Centre where you will discover the history of the Clan Donald, Lords of the Isles and the most powerful clan of the Isle of Skye. You will then drive through part of the island and return to the mainland by bridge, stopping for photos at the peaceful Eilean Donan Castle. Drive along the beautiful shores of Loch Ness, famous for its monster before continuing to your hotel. Enjoy a special cabaret with traditional Scottish Music and dance in the evening.(B, D)

Day 4: Culloden Battlefi eld & Distillery

Today drive to Culloden Moor to tour the Visitor Centre. Walk around the famous battlefield where a significant fight took place. On 16th April 1746, British Government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charles Edward Stuart in just one hour and ended hopes of restoring the Jacobite Stuarts to the British throne. Following that you will continue into Speyside to tour the Speyside Cooperage and and also Glenfiddich Distillery to view Whisky making and sample a delightful “wee dram”.  You will reside in impressive form tonight as you continue to your 19th Century Mansion Hotel in Blairs before settling down to dinner. (B, D)

Day 5: Royal Deeside & Afternoon Tea

On the fifth day drive along “Royal Deeside” which is an area that came into favour with Queen Victoria during the 19th century. You will then pass the Royal Family’s Balmoral Castle and visit the Lovely Crathie Church Near the village of Banchory stop at the Falls of Feugh, a charming tea shop, which is popular with local people. Sample some afternoon tea with delicious freshly baked scones and enjoy a talk on bagpipes, fishing or other aspects of Highland life. Continue on to Blairs where you will find your impressive 19th century mansion - just in time for a scrumptious dinner! (B, D)

Day 6: Glamis Castle & St. Andrews

Day 6 begings by travelling south through the stuning countryside of Aberdeenshire to visit Glamis Castle. This is the famous setting of “Macbeth” and in fact the childhood residence of the late Queen Mother. You will then drive across the modern Tay Bridge to St. Andrews which is the “Home of Golf.” Visit the renowned Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course and enjoy free time to visit the British Golf Museum or browse through the medieval town with its cathedral and castle. Drive south into Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. Later in the evening take a tour of Edinburgh’s hidden gems before sitting down to some amazing Italian food at a restaurant. (B, D)

Day 7: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour

On the morning of day 7 explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Take in the sights as you view the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town”.  The narrow lanes from the era are still here today and discover the wonderful medieval townhouses. All of this can be found along the Royal Mile which is the oldest part of the city.

For shopaholics, Princes Street is a main attraction. The area is famous for its shopping facilities. You will hear all about Scottish inventors, doctors and writers throughout the tour. The tour will finish at the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you will see historic buildings and enjoy splendid views of Edinburgh. The remainder of the day is free – choose between exploring, shopping and dining. The July 29 to August 19 departures will enjoy the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. (B)

Day 8: Depart Edinburgh Airport or Extend your Stay

Unfortunately, if you are on an 8-day tour the tour finishes today. A group transfer to arrive at Edinburgh Airport by 6:30 am or 9:00 am will be arranged.  B)

For the lucky ones booked on our 9-day tour you will get to spend an additional day in Edinburgh. You are free to do as you wish on your own today. Remember you have a voucher for an open-top bus tour which you are fully entitled to use today.

Day 9: Homeward bound

A shuttle bus transfer to Edinburgh Airport will be arranged for you. (B)

2013 Scottish Dream - 8 Days/7 Nights

What's Included

• Group transfers on arrival and departure
• Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
• Edinburgh open-top bus tour (9-day tour only)
• Services of a professional tour director
• Superior fi rst class hotels with private bath/shower for 7 or 8 nights
• Full Scottish breakfast daily (B) except Day 1
• 6 dinners (D) including:
• Dinner at Prezzo Italian Restaurant in
• Leith, near Edinburgh
• Scottish Highland Cabaret
• 4 table d’ hote dinners
• Welcome get-together drink
• Sightseeing tours of Glasgow and Edinburgh
• Scenic cruise of Loch Lomond
• Ferry to the Isle of Skye
• Whisky tasting and tour at Glenfi ddich Distillery
• Scottish afternoon tea and scones at Falls of Feugh
• Twilight tour of Edinburgh
• Reserved seats for Edinburgh Military
• Tattoo on July 29 to August 19 departures
• Visits and admissions to Kelvingrove Art
• Gallery & Museum, Inveraray Castle,
• Clan Donald Centre, Culloden Battlefield
• Visitor Centre, Speyside Cooperage,
• Crathie Church , Glamis Castle, St. Andrews and Edinburgh Castle
• Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person

YOUR HOTELS

• Stay at the following (or similar):
• Menzies Hotel, Glasgow (1 night)
• Isles of Glencoe, Ballachulish (1 night)
• The Newton Hotel, Nairn (1 night)
• Ardoe House Hotel, Blairs (2 nights)
• Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh (2 or 3 nights)

Images

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