| Scottish Dream Tours Presents A Highlands Hogmanay and New Years Adventure Featuring: Pitlochry, Queens View, House of Bruar, Atholl Palace Afternoon Tea, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of the Holyroodhouse, Dalhousie Castle Afternoon Tea, Rosslyn Chapel, 3 night Highlands Hogmanay Celebration and New Years Festivities, Melrose Abbey, New Lanark World Heritage Site, Oban, Glencoe, Dunoon, Robert Burns House, Kirkcudbright, Caerlaverock Castle, Cruck Cottage, 3 night Castle Venlaw Stay, Melrose Abbey, Border Textile Tower House, Eyemouth and Eyemouth Harbour and more! A small intimate tour of Edinburgh, the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, West Coast, Argyll and Oban, Pitlochry, The Highlands and Countryside. This tour is designed to accommodate only 8 - 12 people for a more personal experience and to allow you to get the most of your Scottish holiday. You will not be rushed from venue to venue and we spend as little time on the bus as possible. Luxury accommodation including one of Pitlochry's Finest Victorian Houses, a 17th Century Drovers Inn, a Victorian Seaside Villa, a 300 year Old Country House Farmhouse, a Wee Luxury Boutique Castle in the Borders and a Luxury Boutique Edinburgh Guest House. Tour includes all accommodation in 4 star Scottish Tourist Board Approved accommodations. Full Scottish breakfast each morning, 11 lunches and 11 dinners including Gala Hogmanay Dinner. Porterage of one suitcase per person. Minibus travel including tour guide. Knowledgeable guide for all tourist venues. All sightseeing as indicated in itinerary including any entrance fees. All taxes and service charges. $5295US per person double occupancy. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot on the tour. While on this tour we have chosen to offer our 3 day Hogmanay Celebration in the traditional Highlands manner by staying in a historic 17th Century Drovers Inn complete with a Piped in Gala Dinner, a Ceilidh Dance, Bringing in the "Bells" at Midnight followed by Singing Auld Lang Syne and a Fireworks Display over Loch Awe! |
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Day 1 - December 28th - Arrive into Edinburgh International but our Scottish adventure will begin in the Highland
village of Pitlochry. We will take the scenic route with a Lunch Stop in Muthill at the wee Barley Bree
Restaurant before we continue to Crieff. In Crieff we find the Stuart Crystal Factory outlet and the Nutcracker
Christmas Shop. We then continue on our way to Pitlochry. Welcoming Dinner in Pitlochry. Overnight
Pitlochry in a beautiful early Victorian House. (L,D)
Day 2 - December 29th - This morning we take a drive to one of my favorite scenic spots, the Queens View. Made
popular by Queen Victoria's visit in 1866, the view is probably named after King Robert the Bruce's wife Isabel. We
will continue this lovely drive on to Blair Atholl. Along the way we will see a very interesting sight. I believe there is no
other place in the UK where you can cross a bridge over a river while driving under a rail bridge. Before we reach Blair
Atholl we will stop at the House of Bruar, the Home of Country Clothing and to check the after Christmas sales.
After a short stop in Blair Atholl we will return to Pitlochry for Afternoon Tea at the Atholl Palace. You will have
plenty of time to enjoy more of Pitlochry before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Pitlochry. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - December 30th - This morning we are off to the wonderful 17th Century Drover's Inn nestled alongside
Loch Awe where we begin our Hogmanay Festivities. On the way we will visit Aberfeldy and take a gorgeous drive along
Loch Tay. We continue to Killin and the beautiful Falls of Dochart where we Stop for Lunch at the 200 year old
Falls of Dochart Inn. Then we are on to Kilchrenan on Loch Awe and the Taychreggan Hotel where homemade
scones and shortbread await us. Once you have settled into your room overlooking Loch Awe we will Meet for Cocktails
before a Five Course Candlelight Dinner. Coffee and Carols in the lounge after dinner. Dinner and Overnight
Kilchrenan in a 17th Century Drovers Inn. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - December 31st. Happy New Years Eve! Following breakfast we will take some time to explore the lovely
coastal village of Oban, the seafood capitol of Scotland. We'll see Dunollie Castle, McCaig's Tower and the lovely
harbour. After Lunch at Cuan Mor on the waterfront, we return to Taychreggan where we find an Afternoon Tea of
Homemade Mince Pies, Scones and Shortbread served in the lounge. You will then have some time to enjoy the
surroundings before a Champagne and Canapé Reception in the Bar. Then a Piper will lead us to the Restaurant
where a Gala Hogmanay Dinner will be served. Then join the fun of the Ceilidh Band which will play until we Bring in
the “Bells” at Midnight with a round of Old Lang Syne followed by a Midnight Loch Side Firework Display that
will announce the New Year. The rest your dancing feet and enjoy traditional Scottish Stovies with Oatcakes, and then
party until the “wee sma hours “. Overnight Kilchrenan. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - January 1st - This morning a late Champagne Brunch will be served. Following brunch we will dive to
Glencoe and to the site of the Glencoe Massacre. I think Glencoe is beautiful any time of the year but if we are lucky
enough to see it snow covered, it is truly breathtaking! Glencoe is also called "the Valley of the Weeping" and we will
learn the true story of the Massacre that happened on 13th February 1692. Then we return to Taychreggan where you can
kick back and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of the hotel and its stunning
setting. Afternoon Tea of Homemade Scones and Shortbread served in the lounge. This evening we will feast on a
Five Course Ne’er Day Banquet before retiring to the lounge for lovely Petit Fours and Coffee with festive carols to
follow. Overnight Kilchrenan. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - January 2nd - Today we are on our way to Dunoon, the Seaboard Gateway to the Scottish Highlands.
This area offers spectacular mountain scenery, gentle burns trickling through rugged glens, cosy shoreside inns and
dramatic Seascapes. On the way we will stop at the historic pristine white washed village of Inveraray. The town features
many interesting shops including Inveraray Woollen Mill and the Loch Fyne Whisky Shop. We will also stop at the
picturesque ruins of the 15th Century Castle Lachlan. The road north from Tighnabruaich is one of the most
beautiful in Scotland, as it climbs steeply to a viewpoint above the romantic Kyles of Bute. From there the drive through the
picturesque forests and valley hillsides of Glendaruel brings you back over the hill to Strachur. We then make our way to
the lovely coastal village of Dunoon. Dinner and Overnight Dunoon in a lovely Victorian Seaside Villa. (B,D)
Day 7 - January 3rd - This morning we take the ferry across to Gourock on our travels past Glasgow to the New
Lanark World Heritage Site, a beautifully restored 18th century cotton mill village nestled in the spectacular south
Lanarkshire valley in southern Scotland. As you wander around the village it is easy to imagine how people lived and worked
in this time. We continue to Moffat where we eat at the Wee Pub at the Black Bull Inn. We then visit the Moffat
Woollen Mill Outlet. Moffat Woollen Mill is famous for the very best in Scottish Knitwear. Their wonderful knitwear
collection extends from Arans to the Finest Lambswool and Cashmere Knitwear. They also have a selection of
traditional and unusual gifts along with butter-rich shortbread, traditional marmalade, pure heather honey and much more.
From her we journey to just outside of Dumfries. Dinner and Overnight near Dumfries in a 300 year old
Farmhouse Country House set in 700 acres.(B,L,D)
Day 8 - January 4th - This morning we will visit Robert Burns House where spent the last years of his brilliant life.
Now a place of pilgrimage for Burns enthusiasts from around the world, the house retains much of it's eighteenth century
character and contains many relics of the poet. We then take a drive to the wee seaside village of Kirkcudbright.
Kirkcudbright is a delightful artist community and home to MacLellan's Castle built in the town centre in 1582 by the
Provost of Kirkcudbright. Lunch in Kirkcudbright before we journey to Caerlaverock Castle. With its moat, twin
towered gatehouse and imposing battlements, Caerlaverock Castle is the epitome of the medieval stronghold and one of
Scotland’s great medieval fortresses. For 400 years it stood on the very edge of the kingdom. We then return to Dumfries
where we will have the Pub Dinner at the Globe in Dumfries. The Globe was a frequent haunt of Robert Burns.
Overnight Dumfries. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - January 5th - Before leaving Dumfries behind we will visit Cruck Cottage. The cottage was originally
constructed in the mid 18th century. It is of the ‘cruck’ construction common at that time meaning that the main supports
consist of oak crucks or trunks, which support the roof. The roof consists of counter tie beams and branch rafters, laid with
heather turf, and thatched with rye straw. The original walls would be of clay or turf. This cottage is unique to the area, and
is the only remaining example of this type of construction which would be common in the 18th and 19th century. We are
then on our way to the lovely wee Scottish Borders Castle that will be our home for the next 3 nights. We will have
Afternoon Tea at Cringletie House before we reach Castle Venlaw. You will have some time to enjoy this lovely spot
in Scotland before we meet for dinner. Dinner and Overnight in a Historic Castle in Peebles. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - January 6th - This morning we travel to Melrose and Melrose Abbey. The Abbey is a magnificent ruin on a
grand scale with lavishly decorated masonry. The Abbey is also the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, marked with
a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds. Visitors can also visit a small museum housing a display of
artifacts found within the abbey. After a lovely drive we will stop at the 17th century Cross Keys Inn in Selkirk for
Lunch. Our next stop is the Border Textile Tower House in Hawick. The heritage and the future of Scotland’s
premier textile manufacturing region is presented within a beautifully restored 16th Century Tower House. We then return
to Peebles where you will be Free for Dinner. Overnight Peebles. (B,L,)
Day 11 - January 7th - This morning we visit Eyemouth and Eyemouth Harbour and Fish market. One of the
few East Coast harbours which is still fully working with its new fish market where auctions are still carried out. •We then
visit Eyemouth Maritime Museum. It is in the Old Fishmarket, which has been adapted to represent the exterior of
an 18th century frigate. It displays some of the 700 craft belonging to the International Sailing Craft Association. We stop
for a Fish and Chip Lunch on the harbour before visiting Gunsgreen House. Once described as a “Splendid Palace”
built by a smuggler, Gunsgreen House dominates the fishing town of Eyemouth. Built in the early 1750s by John Nisbet,
an Eyemouth man who made his money from smuggling, this outstanding House was designed by Scotland’s leading
architect of the day, John Adam. Dinner and Overnight Peebles. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - January 8th - We make our way this morning to Edinburgh today. On the way we take in Rosslyn Chapel,
properly named the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, was founded on a small hill above Roslin Glen as a Roman Catholic
collegiate church in the mid 15th century. Stretching 69 feet in length and standing nearly 42 feet high, practically every
surface of Rosslyn Chapel is carved in an outstanding display of craftsmanship. There are literally hundreds of individual
figures and scenes carved in the chapel. From here we travel to Dalhousie Castle for Afternoon Tea. We then
make our way to Edinburgh where you have the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy Scotland's Capitol. Overnight
Edinburgh in a lovely small Boutique Guest House. (B,L)
Day 13 - January 9th - This morning we will take in Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle is a majestic landmark which
dominates the capital city's skyline just as it has dominated Scotland's long and colourful history. The Crown, Sceptre
and Sword used at Mary, Queen of Scot's Coronation can be viewed here and Edinburgh Castle is also the
birthplace of King James VI of Scotland and James I of England. Following our visit we will have pub lunch before
we visit the Palace of the Holyroodhouse. Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of the Holyroodhouse is The
Queen's official residence in Scotland. The Palace is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and as the
setting for many of the dramatic episodes in her turbulent reign. Farewell Dinner and Overnight Edinburgh. (B,D)
Day 14 - January 10th - We return to Edinburgh International for the journey home. (B)
village of Pitlochry. We will take the scenic route with a Lunch Stop in Muthill at the wee Barley Bree
Restaurant before we continue to Crieff. In Crieff we find the Stuart Crystal Factory outlet and the Nutcracker
Christmas Shop. We then continue on our way to Pitlochry. Welcoming Dinner in Pitlochry. Overnight
Pitlochry in a beautiful early Victorian House. (L,D)
Day 2 - December 29th - This morning we take a drive to one of my favorite scenic spots, the Queens View. Made
popular by Queen Victoria's visit in 1866, the view is probably named after King Robert the Bruce's wife Isabel. We
will continue this lovely drive on to Blair Atholl. Along the way we will see a very interesting sight. I believe there is no
other place in the UK where you can cross a bridge over a river while driving under a rail bridge. Before we reach Blair
Atholl we will stop at the House of Bruar, the Home of Country Clothing and to check the after Christmas sales.
After a short stop in Blair Atholl we will return to Pitlochry for Afternoon Tea at the Atholl Palace. You will have
plenty of time to enjoy more of Pitlochry before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Pitlochry. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - December 30th - This morning we are off to the wonderful 17th Century Drover's Inn nestled alongside
Loch Awe where we begin our Hogmanay Festivities. On the way we will visit Aberfeldy and take a gorgeous drive along
Loch Tay. We continue to Killin and the beautiful Falls of Dochart where we Stop for Lunch at the 200 year old
Falls of Dochart Inn. Then we are on to Kilchrenan on Loch Awe and the Taychreggan Hotel where homemade
scones and shortbread await us. Once you have settled into your room overlooking Loch Awe we will Meet for Cocktails
before a Five Course Candlelight Dinner. Coffee and Carols in the lounge after dinner. Dinner and Overnight
Kilchrenan in a 17th Century Drovers Inn. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - December 31st. Happy New Years Eve! Following breakfast we will take some time to explore the lovely
coastal village of Oban, the seafood capitol of Scotland. We'll see Dunollie Castle, McCaig's Tower and the lovely
harbour. After Lunch at Cuan Mor on the waterfront, we return to Taychreggan where we find an Afternoon Tea of
Homemade Mince Pies, Scones and Shortbread served in the lounge. You will then have some time to enjoy the
surroundings before a Champagne and Canapé Reception in the Bar. Then a Piper will lead us to the Restaurant
where a Gala Hogmanay Dinner will be served. Then join the fun of the Ceilidh Band which will play until we Bring in
the “Bells” at Midnight with a round of Old Lang Syne followed by a Midnight Loch Side Firework Display that
will announce the New Year. The rest your dancing feet and enjoy traditional Scottish Stovies with Oatcakes, and then
party until the “wee sma hours “. Overnight Kilchrenan. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - January 1st - This morning a late Champagne Brunch will be served. Following brunch we will dive to
Glencoe and to the site of the Glencoe Massacre. I think Glencoe is beautiful any time of the year but if we are lucky
enough to see it snow covered, it is truly breathtaking! Glencoe is also called "the Valley of the Weeping" and we will
learn the true story of the Massacre that happened on 13th February 1692. Then we return to Taychreggan where you can
kick back and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of the hotel and its stunning
setting. Afternoon Tea of Homemade Scones and Shortbread served in the lounge. This evening we will feast on a
Five Course Ne’er Day Banquet before retiring to the lounge for lovely Petit Fours and Coffee with festive carols to
follow. Overnight Kilchrenan. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - January 2nd - Today we are on our way to Dunoon, the Seaboard Gateway to the Scottish Highlands.
This area offers spectacular mountain scenery, gentle burns trickling through rugged glens, cosy shoreside inns and
dramatic Seascapes. On the way we will stop at the historic pristine white washed village of Inveraray. The town features
many interesting shops including Inveraray Woollen Mill and the Loch Fyne Whisky Shop. We will also stop at the
picturesque ruins of the 15th Century Castle Lachlan. The road north from Tighnabruaich is one of the most
beautiful in Scotland, as it climbs steeply to a viewpoint above the romantic Kyles of Bute. From there the drive through the
picturesque forests and valley hillsides of Glendaruel brings you back over the hill to Strachur. We then make our way to
the lovely coastal village of Dunoon. Dinner and Overnight Dunoon in a lovely Victorian Seaside Villa. (B,D)
Day 7 - January 3rd - This morning we take the ferry across to Gourock on our travels past Glasgow to the New
Lanark World Heritage Site, a beautifully restored 18th century cotton mill village nestled in the spectacular south
Lanarkshire valley in southern Scotland. As you wander around the village it is easy to imagine how people lived and worked
in this time. We continue to Moffat where we eat at the Wee Pub at the Black Bull Inn. We then visit the Moffat
Woollen Mill Outlet. Moffat Woollen Mill is famous for the very best in Scottish Knitwear. Their wonderful knitwear
collection extends from Arans to the Finest Lambswool and Cashmere Knitwear. They also have a selection of
traditional and unusual gifts along with butter-rich shortbread, traditional marmalade, pure heather honey and much more.
From her we journey to just outside of Dumfries. Dinner and Overnight near Dumfries in a 300 year old
Farmhouse Country House set in 700 acres.(B,L,D)
Day 8 - January 4th - This morning we will visit Robert Burns House where spent the last years of his brilliant life.
Now a place of pilgrimage for Burns enthusiasts from around the world, the house retains much of it's eighteenth century
character and contains many relics of the poet. We then take a drive to the wee seaside village of Kirkcudbright.
Kirkcudbright is a delightful artist community and home to MacLellan's Castle built in the town centre in 1582 by the
Provost of Kirkcudbright. Lunch in Kirkcudbright before we journey to Caerlaverock Castle. With its moat, twin
towered gatehouse and imposing battlements, Caerlaverock Castle is the epitome of the medieval stronghold and one of
Scotland’s great medieval fortresses. For 400 years it stood on the very edge of the kingdom. We then return to Dumfries
where we will have the Pub Dinner at the Globe in Dumfries. The Globe was a frequent haunt of Robert Burns.
Overnight Dumfries. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - January 5th - Before leaving Dumfries behind we will visit Cruck Cottage. The cottage was originally
constructed in the mid 18th century. It is of the ‘cruck’ construction common at that time meaning that the main supports
consist of oak crucks or trunks, which support the roof. The roof consists of counter tie beams and branch rafters, laid with
heather turf, and thatched with rye straw. The original walls would be of clay or turf. This cottage is unique to the area, and
is the only remaining example of this type of construction which would be common in the 18th and 19th century. We are
then on our way to the lovely wee Scottish Borders Castle that will be our home for the next 3 nights. We will have
Afternoon Tea at Cringletie House before we reach Castle Venlaw. You will have some time to enjoy this lovely spot
in Scotland before we meet for dinner. Dinner and Overnight in a Historic Castle in Peebles. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - January 6th - This morning we travel to Melrose and Melrose Abbey. The Abbey is a magnificent ruin on a
grand scale with lavishly decorated masonry. The Abbey is also the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, marked with
a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds. Visitors can also visit a small museum housing a display of
artifacts found within the abbey. After a lovely drive we will stop at the 17th century Cross Keys Inn in Selkirk for
Lunch. Our next stop is the Border Textile Tower House in Hawick. The heritage and the future of Scotland’s
premier textile manufacturing region is presented within a beautifully restored 16th Century Tower House. We then return
to Peebles where you will be Free for Dinner. Overnight Peebles. (B,L,)
Day 11 - January 7th - This morning we visit Eyemouth and Eyemouth Harbour and Fish market. One of the
few East Coast harbours which is still fully working with its new fish market where auctions are still carried out. •We then
visit Eyemouth Maritime Museum. It is in the Old Fishmarket, which has been adapted to represent the exterior of
an 18th century frigate. It displays some of the 700 craft belonging to the International Sailing Craft Association. We stop
for a Fish and Chip Lunch on the harbour before visiting Gunsgreen House. Once described as a “Splendid Palace”
built by a smuggler, Gunsgreen House dominates the fishing town of Eyemouth. Built in the early 1750s by John Nisbet,
an Eyemouth man who made his money from smuggling, this outstanding House was designed by Scotland’s leading
architect of the day, John Adam. Dinner and Overnight Peebles. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - January 8th - We make our way this morning to Edinburgh today. On the way we take in Rosslyn Chapel,
properly named the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, was founded on a small hill above Roslin Glen as a Roman Catholic
collegiate church in the mid 15th century. Stretching 69 feet in length and standing nearly 42 feet high, practically every
surface of Rosslyn Chapel is carved in an outstanding display of craftsmanship. There are literally hundreds of individual
figures and scenes carved in the chapel. From here we travel to Dalhousie Castle for Afternoon Tea. We then
make our way to Edinburgh where you have the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy Scotland's Capitol. Overnight
Edinburgh in a lovely small Boutique Guest House. (B,L)
Day 13 - January 9th - This morning we will take in Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle is a majestic landmark which
dominates the capital city's skyline just as it has dominated Scotland's long and colourful history. The Crown, Sceptre
and Sword used at Mary, Queen of Scot's Coronation can be viewed here and Edinburgh Castle is also the
birthplace of King James VI of Scotland and James I of England. Following our visit we will have pub lunch before
we visit the Palace of the Holyroodhouse. Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of the Holyroodhouse is The
Queen's official residence in Scotland. The Palace is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and as the
setting for many of the dramatic episodes in her turbulent reign. Farewell Dinner and Overnight Edinburgh. (B,D)
Day 14 - January 10th - We return to Edinburgh International for the journey home. (B)