Scotlands Highlands and History
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Scotlands Highlands and History
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Scotlands Highlands and HistoryPrice
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8 days,
7 nights
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Take eight days to explore central Scotland and the highlands, the nations rich history and the whisky country of the East coast. Visit some of the nation’s oldest castles, Braveheart’s battlefield’s, malt distilleries a famous Royal Residence and the spiritual home of one of the world’s best loved sports at St Andrews. Not to mention the country’s capital city with its host of iconic landmarks.  The TourDay 1Landing in Edinburgh immediately head north to the town of Stirling which has been the scene of many of Scotland’s historic battles with the English and is closely associated with a number of Scotland’s great heroes. It was here at the Battle of Stirling Bridge that ‘Braveheart’ William Wallace routed the English and it was here at Bannockburn that Robert the Bruce defeated the English and gained independence for Scotland. Visit Stirling Castle, once a royal seat that rivalled Edinburgh, the Wallace Monument and Bannockburn Heritage Centre and learn more about Scotland’s battles with the ‘auld enemy’. Overnight near Stirling. Day 2Continue north into central Scotland and spend the day exploring a number of quaint little Scottish towns along the way including Aviemore and Pitlochry stopping off at Blair Atholl and Blair Castle. Then enjoy a journey through some of the UK’s most beautiful and unique countryside in the Cairngorm National Park which is home to moorlands, forests, rivers, lochs and glens, not to mention an array of wildlife including many endangered species of birds. Arriving in Inverness, Capital of the Highlands, take time to explore this charming city nestling on the banks of the River Ness visiting Inverness museum and Castle. Overnight Inverness. Day 3Today you have the perfect opportunity to explore some of Scotland’s most famous sights surrounding Inverness including the eerie battlefield on the moors of Culloden where Bonnie Prince Charlie made his last stand. Continue to Fort George an imposing structure whose fearsome fortifications are testament to impressive Scottish 18th century military engineering. Finally return west of Inverness enjoying the highland countryside and follow the river Ness upstream to Scotland’s most famous Loch where you can walk the shoreline or maybe take a boat ride on the murky waters. Don’t forget to take your camera to try and catch a snap of the famous monster himself. Overnight Inverness. Day 4Day four takes you east into the picturesque Grampian Highlands and yet another region of outstanding natural beauty. The route between Inverness and Aberdeen is known as the whisky trail due to a number of malt distilleries throughout the region including that of Glen Moray in Elgin and the famous Cragganmore near the tiny town of Ballindalloch. There will be a different photo opportunity at every turn today as the Grampians are also home to an abundance prehistoric stone-circles and some of the most spectacular castellated architecture in the UK. From classic forts to fairy tale castles, to grand country manor houses with sweeping gardens the Grampians have it all and all are well sign-posted throughout the region on the castle trail. If you are a fan of the British Royals don’t miss out on a visit to the remote Balmoral Castle near Ballater one of Her Majesty the Queen’s more preferred Royal Residences. Overnight Aberdeen. Day 5On day 5 take the morning to explore Scotland’s third largest city; Aberdeen has some classic Georgian architecture and a rich maritime history. From here journey south along the stunning coastline where you may recognize some of the landscapes as you pass some of Scotland’s famous golf courses including Montrose and Carnoustie, before heading inland to Forfar and Glamis Castle located in the rolling hills of Angus. Glamis Castle features in one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, Macbeth. It also has Royal connections and its magnificent architecture of towers, spires and turrets, makes Glamis one of Scotland’s most impressive attractions which harbours tales and myths to include the Grey Lady and even the devil himself. Return to Dundee for a meal in one of the fashionable restaurants before bed. Overnight Dundee. Day 6From Dundee make the short journey south crossing the Firth of Tay in to the county of Fife towards the world’s home of Golf in St Andrews. This is where the game was born and the Old Course has been host to the British Open a number of times over the last decades. Once you have seen the course itself visit the British Golf Museum next door to discover the history of the sport. Take time to stroll around the streets of St Andrews visiting the quaint town square, the cathedral and of course St Andrews Castle. After lunch journey onwards in to the Scottish Capital to check in to your hotel and return the rental vehicle. Spend this afternoon exploring Edinburgh on foot wandering through the wide avenues and garden squares of the Georgian new town down to Princes Street for a bit of shopping beneath the Scot Monument. Return to your hotel in the evening for a traditional Scottish dish. Overnight Edinburgh. Day 7On day seven, jump on the City Sightseeing Tour that will give you a great insight into the city and its rich history. Visit the Palace of Holyrood and the impressive Scottish parliament buildings before wandering up the Royal Mile through the meandering streets of Edinburgh’s old town with its quaint boutiques and gift shops. Edinburgh Castle awaits at the top of the Royal Mile offering spectacular views over the city. Explore the castle grounds including St Margaret’s chapel, the stone of destiny and the Palace which is still home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. Afterwards enjoy a visit to the spirit of the tattoo visitor centre where you can learn about the internationally famed festival’s history and watch the operation of traditional looms weaving tartans of all different Scottish clans. You can even have your picture taken dressed as a traditional Scottish highlander. Finally explore the history of the famous Scotch Whisky with a visit to the interactive exhibition “The Whisky Experience”. Overnight Edinburgh. Day 8Return to the US with the sound of bagpipes still echoing in your ears. Whats Included?
Optional Extras
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