Scottish Highlands Islands and Cities

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)

Prices

Departure Dates and Pricing

What's Included

• 1 Welcome Drink with our Tour Director in Edinburgh
• 12 full Scottish breakfasts on tour
• 6 three-course dinners
• 1 local pub restaurant dinner in Aberdeen
• Farewell Dinner with wine in Glasgow
• Escorted by one of Trafalgar's top professional Tour Directors whilst touring.
• A qualified local city guide in Edinburgh..
• Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the Edinburgh Festival.
• Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar's luxury air-conditioned coaches with onboard washroom.
• Stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges, tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.

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