Scottish Highlands, Islands and Cities
Tags:
Sightseeing; Loch Lomond; Edinburgh Castle; Italian Chapel; Woollen Mills; Glamis Castle; Whisky Distilleries; Dunrobin Castle; Kyle of Lochalsh; Iona; St. Mungo Cathedral; Culzean Castle; Robbie Burns;
Enjoy 13 Days Scottish Highlands Islands and Cities Escorted tour featuring sightseeing and many activities in Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Glamis Castle, Aberdeen, Scottish Highlands, Orkney Islands, Isle Of Skye, Loch Ness, Ballachulish, Glasgow and Iona.
Read Full Description- Destination:
- Trip Length:
- 13 days
- Price Range:
- From $2935 to $3060 per person See what this includes and what this excludes
- Best Time to Go:
- April, May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended for:
-
Infants (under 2)
Children (2 - 5)
Children (6 - 8)
Children (9 - 11)
Children (12 - 14)
Children (15 - 17)
Adults (18 - 20)
Adults (25 - 29)
Family Trip, Group Retreat, Trip Around the World
Detailed Trip Description
Enjoy 13 Days Scottish Highlands Islands and Cities Escorted tour featuring sightseeing and many activities in Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Glamis Castle, Aberdeen, Scottish Highlands, Orkney Islands, Isle Of Skye, Loch Ness, Ballachulish, Glasgow and Iona.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - On the Plane
Commercial Flight
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 - Edinburgh
Arrival In Edinburgh, Scotland.
You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Food and Dining
Time to relax before meeting your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel
Stay at Jurys Inn (F).
Day 3 - Edinburgh
Sightseeing
A morning sightseeing tour visits Princes Street, the New Town and the Royal Mile plus a trip to Edinburgh Castle for a guided visit of the apartments, and views of Holyrood House, former residence of Mary Queen of Scots, and Arthur''s seat.
Sightseeing
You may wish to visit the Rosslyn Chapel just south of Edinburgh, long associated with the Knights Templar, but more recently as an important feature of the Da Vinci Code. Note: Tickets to the Military Tattoo are included on Aug 03-17 departures.
Nightlife
Later, why not see a traditional Scottish cabaret? (B)
Day 4 - Edinburgh
Borders Excursion.
Sightseeing
Start your day touring along the coast to the seaside resort of North Berwick, popular for its beaches and golf courses.
Sightseeing
Afterward travel to Jedburgh to see the ruins of the 12th-century Abbey. Next, visit
the woollen mills before continuing to Melrose to see the Abbey, said to contain the casket holding Robert the Bruce''s heart. Finally, follow the valley of the River Tweed back to Edinburgh. (B)
Day 5 - Aberdeen
Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Glamis Castle - Aberdeen.
Golfing
This morning drive across the mighty Forth Bridge and head northeast to St. Andrews. See the ecclesiastical ruins and stop to take a picture at the famous 18th hole of the golf course.
Sightseeing
Continue via Dundee to visit Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Then arrive in Aberdeen in the late afternoon.
Food and Dining
This evening, sample Scottish cooking in a local restaurant. (B,D)
Hotel
Stay at Thistle Altens (F).
Day 6 - Scotland
Aberdeen - Scottish Highlands.
Sightseeing
Spend the morning touring the classic Scottish landscapes of the River Dee Valley. From here, wind your way through the rugged Cairngorm Mountains with views of Balmoral Castle.
Wine
At Speyside, enjoy a visit to one of the famous whisky distilleries and learn how Scotland''s national drink is made. (B,D)
Hotel
Stay at Laggan Country Hotel (F) in Laggan.
Day 7 - Scotland
Scottish Highlands - Thurso.
Sightseeing
This morning head to Culloden Moor, scene of the 1746 defeat of the Stuarts. Then via Inverness, stop to visit Dunrobin Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland. There is time to stroll in the formal gardens before heading to the seaside town of Thurso. (B,D)
Hotel
Stay at Royal (F).
Day 8 - United Kingdom
Orkney Islands Excursion.
Board a ferry at John O'Groats and set sail to South Ronaldsay.
Sightseeing
From here enjoy views over Scapa Flow, one of Britains most historic stretches of ocean, and visit the Italian Chapel. Move on to Skara Brae to see the remains of a Neolithic village before passing the historic Ring of Brodgar and on to Viking Kirkwall.
Late this afternoon, board the ferry back to the mainland. (B,D)
Day 9 - Isle Of Skye
Thurso - Isle Of Skye.
Bus
A scenic drive this morning through beautiful landscapes and along the northern coast with its pretty beaches.
Sightseeing
Then further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters before arriving in Ullapool on Loch Broom.
Sailing
Next, drive to Kyle of Lochalsh where you will cross the sea to the Isle of Skye. (B,D)
Hotel
Stay at Tongadale (F).
Day 10 - Isle Of Skye
Isle Of Skye - Loch Ness - Ballachulish.
Sightseeing
Drive past Eilean Donan Castle, through Glen Shiel and along the shores of beautiful Loch Cluanie. On through Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William, with glimpses of mighty Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Your final stop today is Glencoe where you will learn about the famous 1692 massacre. (B,D)
Hotel
Stay at Ballachulish (SF).
Day 11 - United Kingdom
Mull & Iona Excursion.
This morning board a ferry and cruise across the mouth of Loch Linnhe to Craignure on the Isle of Mull.
Bus
Then drive to Fionnphort for a quick sea-hop to the island of Iona.
Sightseeing
On arrival, visit the cathedral before returning to Ballachulish. (B,D)
Day 12 - Glasgow
Ballachulish - Glasgow.
Ocean Cruise
Travel via Tyndrum and Loch Lomond. Perhaps take a cruise on the Loch.
Sightseeing
Later, arrive in Glasgow for a tour including George Square, Clydeside, City Hall and St. Mungo''s Cathedral. There is free time later. (B)
Hotel
Stay at Crowne Plaza (F).
Day 13 - Glasgow
Robert Burns Excursion.
Sightseeing
Journey into “Robbie Burns” country today and visit Culzean Castle and enjoy its beautiful grounds. Next is Alloway, to view the Burns monument and cottage before returning to Glasgow.
Food and Dining
Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner. (B,D)
Day 14 - Glasgow
Depart Glasgow.
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay. (B)
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