A great tour taking in the Scottish Highlands and Islands as well as all the major cities.
Day 1- Depart USA
Overnight flight to Edinburgh.
Day 2 - Arrive Edinburgh (3 nights)
Trafalgar welcomes you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel.
Time to relax before we get together with our Tour Director and fellow
passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Jurys Inn (3 nights)
Day 3 - Edinburgh sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour visits Princes Street, the New Town and
the Royal Mile plus a trip to the Castle for a guided visit of the
apartments and views of Holyrood House, former residence of Mary Queen
of Scots, as well as Arthur’s seat. You may wish to join in an
excursion to visit the Rosslyn Chapel – made famous by the ‘Da Vinci
Code’. During the Festival, tickets for the Edinburgh Tattoo are
included. (Full Breakfast)
Day 4 - Edinburgh – Excursion to the Borders
First along the coast to the seaside resort of North Berwick which is
popular for its beaches and golf courses. Then to Jedburgh with its
impressive 12th century ruined Abbey . We have the chance to visit the
woollen mills before continuing to Melrose where we see the Abbey which
is said to contain the casket wherein lies the heart of Robert the
Bruce. Finally, we follow the valley of the river Tweed back to
Edinburgh. (Full Breakfast)
Day 5 - Edinburgh – St. Andrews – Glamis Castle – Aberdeen
Our Tour Director will reveal a Hidden Treasure to us today! But first
we cross the Forth Bridge to St Andrews famous golf course. We take a
picture at the 18th hole before continuing via Dundee to visit Glamis
Castle – childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Then we head to our
hotel at Aberdeen with a late afternoon arrival. This evening, we will
enjoy a dinner of Scottish cooking in a local restaurant. (Full
Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Thistle Altens
Day 6 - Aberdeen – Scottish Highlands (Laggan)
Today's drive takes us through classic Scottish landscapes along the
valley of the River Dee. From here, we drive past Ballater and Royal
Balmoral Castle through the rugged Cairngorm Mountains to Speyside. On
our arrival we enjoy a visit to one of the famous whisky distilleries
to learn how Scotland 's national drink is made. Next, we head to our
hotel in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Laggan Country Hotel
Day 7 - Scottish Highlands (Laggan) – Thurso (2 nights)
This morning we're off to Culloden Moor , scene of the 1746 defeat of
the Stuarts. Then via Inverness we stop to visit the Dunrobin Castle,
ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland. Time to stroll in the formal
gardens before heading to our hotel in Thurso for dinner and our
overnight stay. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Royal (2 nights)
Day 8 - Orkney Islands Excursion
We board a ferry today from John O'Groats to South Ronaldsay where we
overlook Scapa Flow and visit the Italian Chapel . We move on to Scara
Brae to see the remains of a Neolithic village, before passing the
pre-history Ring of Brodgar to Viking Kirkwall. Late afternoon, we
reboard our ferry back to the mainland and Thurso. (Full Breakfast /
Dinner)
Day 9 - Thurso – Isle of Skye
We enjoy a drive through stunning and unspoilt landscapes along the
northern coastline with its sandy beaches. Then further inland to misty
valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters before our arrival in
Ullapool on Loch Broom. More scenic wonders as we head to the Kyle of
Lochalsh where we cross over the sea to Skye. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Tongadale
Day 10 - Isle of Skye – Eilean Donan Castle – Loch Ness – Ballachulish (2 nights)
We drive past Eilean Donan Castle through Glen Shiel and along the
shores of Loch Cluanie. On through Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch
Ness to Fort William, glimpsing Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.
Next, to Glencoe to see the site of the famous 1692 massacre and to
beautiful Ballachulish for our two-night stay. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Ballachulish (2 nights)
Day 11 - Mull & Iona Excursion
After a short drive this morning we will board our ferry at Oban and
cruise across the mouth of Loch Linnhe to Craignure on the Isle of
Mull. From here we drive to Fionnphort for a short sea crossing to the
island of Iona. On arrival we visit the Cathedral before returning to
Oban. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 12 - Ballachulish – Glasgow (2 nights)
Today we travel via Tyndrum to the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond.
Here there's time for a picture-stop or maybe to take a cruise on the
Loch. Later, we arrive at Glasgow for two nights. On arrival an
orientation tour of this – the largest Scottish city – includes George
Square, Clydeside, the City Chambers and a visit of St Mungo’s
Cathedral. Then time at leisure for shopping. (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Crowne Plaza (2 nights)
Day 13 - Robert Burns Excursion
Today we head into 'Robbie Burns' country to visit Culzean Castle and
enjoy its beautiful grounds. Next on to Alloway, to view the Burns'
monument and cottage before returning to Glasgow. Tonight, we enjoy a
Farewell Dinner together with our Tour Director. (Full Breakfast /
Farewell Dinner)
Day 14 - Glasgow – Return USA
Time to bid a fond farewell to Scotland and its Isles as we are
transferred to the airport for the return flight home. (Full Breakfast)
Departure Dates and Pricing
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