| Itinerary |
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Day 1 - September 8th - Depart for Glasgow, Scotland's largest city.
Day 2 - Arrive Glasgow. Shortly after arrival we will tour Glasgow Cathedral. The Cathedral is one of
the few to escape destruction during the Scottish Reformation and dates to the 13th century. Enjoy a few
hours of shopping on Sauchiehall Street or just relaxing before our Welcoming Dinner at Two Fat
Ladies Restaurant. Overnight Glasgow. (D)
Day 3 - After a leisurely full Scottish breakfast you will tour the city aboard an Open Top Tour Bus
complete with tour guide. Highlights of the tour will be Glasgow's amazing architecture, University of
Glasgow, George Square and The River Clyde. This afternoon we will visit Glasgow's City
Chambers Building. The City Chambers is truly and architectural delight built in the grandest Victorian
Style and the tour is not to be missed. This evening it is out to Dinner and a Theatrical Performance.
Overnight Glasgow.(B,D)
Day 4 - This morning we make our way towards the Western Highlands and Islands. Our drive will
take us along the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. We'll stop for a cup of tea before heading northward to
Loch Awe where St. Conan's Kirk is spectacularly sited overlooking the loch. I could not imagine
venturing through this area of Scotland without visiting this romanesque church. After our visit we continue
on to Oban, which is known at the Gateway to the Isles. You will have some time to explore Oban before
a good Pub Dinner. Overnight Oban.(B, D)
Day 5 - Today finds us visiting the largest of the Inner Hebridian Isles, Mull. Mull offers rough
moorlands, rocky peaks and splendid beaches as well as Duart Castle, home of the Mcleans. You may
want to visit the castle tearoom before we continue on to the small and very beautiful island of Iona. St
Columba began his crusade here in the year 563 and 48 Scottish Kings are buried in the abbey graveyard.
The end of the day finds us returning to Oban where you may want to check out one of the several good pubs
for dinner. Overnight Oban.(B,L)
Day 6 - This morning we journey on to Dunstaffnage Castle just a short distance outside of Oban.
Dunstaffnage was build in the year 1275 in a strategic spot on the Firth of Lorn upon an immense rock and
the shape of the wall was altered to accommodate the odd shape. We will stop for lunch before we continue to
Glencoe which was the site of the 1692 massacre of the McDonalds. Against a backdrop of craggy peaks and
the tumbling River Coe, the Glen offers some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. Then it is on to one of
my favorite Highland villages, Fort William. Nestled snuggly on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William
is always a favorite stop. Dinner and Overnight near Fort William.(B,D)
Day 7 - This morning we will begin our journey to the Isle of Skye stopping at The Falls of Glomach
first. The Falls of Glomach (Glomach means gloomy) are 375 feet high and as such are the highest
falls in the UK. We continue our journey stopping at Loch Duich. On the banks of Loch Duich sits the
most photographed castle in all of Scotland, Eileen Donan Castle, home to Clan Macrae. The castle is
connected to the land by a causeway and virtually sits out in the Loch! We then cross the Skye Bridge at
Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin on Isle of Skye where our journey takes us past the spectacular
Cuillins, Britain's finest mountain range on our way north. Dinner and Overnight North Skye.(B,D)
Day 8 - This morning we journey round the Trotternish Peninsula with its spectacular coastline. We will
stop at the grave site of Flora MacDonald at Kilmuir. Flora is best known for her brave act in helping
Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the battle of Culloden, We will also visit The Quiraing which is one
of the most exciting natural rock formations anywhere in Scotland. Then we are off to visit Dunvegan
Castle which has been the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years and it remains their
home. Built on a Rock once surrounded entirely by salt water, it is unique in Scotland as the only house of
such antiquity to have retained its family and its roof throughout the centuries. Next on the agenda is Skye's
metropolis, Portree, meaning port of the king. Enjoy an afternoon free to explore this delightful
harbour village. Dinner on your own tonight. Overnight North Skye.(B,L)
Day 9 - It is off to Uig this morning to catch the Ferry to the Isles of Harris and Lewis. Once on Harris
we will stop in Tarbert and visit the Harris Tweed Shop. Next stop is the Callanish Standing Stones.
Dating back over 4000 years, Callanish ranks second in terms of importance only to Stonehenge and is
older. On a headland overlooking part of a huge sea loch, 53 pale grey stones of Lewisian gneiss stand in a
curious cruciform. We will also visit the Arnol Blackhouse Museum which tells the story of the original
crofters native to this area of Scotland. Dinner and Overnight Stornoway.(B,D)
Day 10 - This morning we have a very early Ferry Crossing to Ullapool once again on the Mainland. We
will explore Ullapool for a short time before we make our way northward to Thurso. We travel the scenic
coastal route all the way to Thurso. Dinner and Overnight Thurso.(B,D)
Day 11 - This morning finds us boarding the Ferry to the Orkneys. Our first stop once on the islands is
Skara Brae a neolithic village dating from 2,500 BC which has been hidden under sand dunes, perfectly
preserved, for thousands of years and was only rediscovered 100 years ago. We will also visit the Standing
Stones of Stenness dating from 3,100 BC making the stones complex one of the earliest stone circles in
Britain . We will also visit the Royal Burrough of Kirkwall which is the capitol of the Orkneys. We will
take some time to investigate before we return by ferry to the mainland. Dinner on your own in
Thurso. Overnight Thurso.(B,L)
Day 12 - Today we will make our way to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on mainland Britain and
on a clear day it commands some of the most extensive views you are likely to find anywhere in northern
Scotland. Our next stop is the Castle of Mey, the most northerly inhabited castle on the British mainland.
The Queen Mother renovated and restored it and for almost half a century she spent many happy
summers here and shorter visits at other times of the year. On our way south a must stop is Dunrobin
Castle, seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, this beautiful castle with a French influence sits looking
out across the North Sea and is well worth a visit. With 189 rooms, it is the largest house in the Northern
Highlands. We continue on our way south to Dinner and Overnight near Inverness.(B,D)
Day 13- This morning we will visit Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle to be fought on British
soil on 16th April 1746 when Bonnie Prince Charles Edward Stewart made his last bid for the
Monarchy. This afternoon finds us at Blair Atholl and Blair Castle, set in extensive parklands, including
the recently restored Hercules Garden and Diana's Grove, and with 725 years of history and over 30 rooms
open to the public. Our next stop is Pitlochry where Dinner awaits us. Following dinner we are off to
the Pitlochry Festival Theatre for a live performance. Overnight Pitlochry.(B,D)
Day 14 - This morning we will take a few hours to enjoy Pitlochry before our journey takes us south
toward Edinburgh. On the way to Edinburgh we will stop in Dunfermline and visit Dunfermline
Palace and Abbey. Dunfermline Abbey was founded about 1070 by Queen Margaret, wife of Malcolm
Canmore. Margaret was made a saint, and she and Malcolm were buried here. Robert the Bruce's body
(apart from his heart, which is at Melrose) is buried here as well. The rest of the afternoon and evening
free for shopping on Princes Street and the Royal Mile. Overnight Edinburgh.(B,L)
Day 15 - After breakfast you will take in the sights of Scotland's Capitol City aboard an Open Top Tour
Bus where on your way about the city you will see Holyrood Palace, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon
Brodie' along with Edinburgh Castle. Get on and off at your own pace. After an afternoon of taking
in Princes Street we will gather for a Farewell Dinner and Scottish Evening for our last night in
Scotland. Overnight Edinburgh.(B,D)
Day 16 - This morning we return to the Glasgow International Airport for our journey home.(B)
Day 2 - Arrive Glasgow. Shortly after arrival we will tour Glasgow Cathedral. The Cathedral is one of
the few to escape destruction during the Scottish Reformation and dates to the 13th century. Enjoy a few
hours of shopping on Sauchiehall Street or just relaxing before our Welcoming Dinner at Two Fat
Ladies Restaurant. Overnight Glasgow. (D)
Day 3 - After a leisurely full Scottish breakfast you will tour the city aboard an Open Top Tour Bus
complete with tour guide. Highlights of the tour will be Glasgow's amazing architecture, University of
Glasgow, George Square and The River Clyde. This afternoon we will visit Glasgow's City
Chambers Building. The City Chambers is truly and architectural delight built in the grandest Victorian
Style and the tour is not to be missed. This evening it is out to Dinner and a Theatrical Performance.
Overnight Glasgow.(B,D)
Day 4 - This morning we make our way towards the Western Highlands and Islands. Our drive will
take us along the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. We'll stop for a cup of tea before heading northward to
Loch Awe where St. Conan's Kirk is spectacularly sited overlooking the loch. I could not imagine
venturing through this area of Scotland without visiting this romanesque church. After our visit we continue
on to Oban, which is known at the Gateway to the Isles. You will have some time to explore Oban before
a good Pub Dinner. Overnight Oban.(B, D)
Day 5 - Today finds us visiting the largest of the Inner Hebridian Isles, Mull. Mull offers rough
moorlands, rocky peaks and splendid beaches as well as Duart Castle, home of the Mcleans. You may
want to visit the castle tearoom before we continue on to the small and very beautiful island of Iona. St
Columba began his crusade here in the year 563 and 48 Scottish Kings are buried in the abbey graveyard.
The end of the day finds us returning to Oban where you may want to check out one of the several good pubs
for dinner. Overnight Oban.(B,L)
Day 6 - This morning we journey on to Dunstaffnage Castle just a short distance outside of Oban.
Dunstaffnage was build in the year 1275 in a strategic spot on the Firth of Lorn upon an immense rock and
the shape of the wall was altered to accommodate the odd shape. We will stop for lunch before we continue to
Glencoe which was the site of the 1692 massacre of the McDonalds. Against a backdrop of craggy peaks and
the tumbling River Coe, the Glen offers some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. Then it is on to one of
my favorite Highland villages, Fort William. Nestled snuggly on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William
is always a favorite stop. Dinner and Overnight near Fort William.(B,D)
Day 7 - This morning we will begin our journey to the Isle of Skye stopping at The Falls of Glomach
first. The Falls of Glomach (Glomach means gloomy) are 375 feet high and as such are the highest
falls in the UK. We continue our journey stopping at Loch Duich. On the banks of Loch Duich sits the
most photographed castle in all of Scotland, Eileen Donan Castle, home to Clan Macrae. The castle is
connected to the land by a causeway and virtually sits out in the Loch! We then cross the Skye Bridge at
Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin on Isle of Skye where our journey takes us past the spectacular
Cuillins, Britain's finest mountain range on our way north. Dinner and Overnight North Skye.(B,D)
Day 8 - This morning we journey round the Trotternish Peninsula with its spectacular coastline. We will
stop at the grave site of Flora MacDonald at Kilmuir. Flora is best known for her brave act in helping
Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the battle of Culloden, We will also visit The Quiraing which is one
of the most exciting natural rock formations anywhere in Scotland. Then we are off to visit Dunvegan
Castle which has been the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years and it remains their
home. Built on a Rock once surrounded entirely by salt water, it is unique in Scotland as the only house of
such antiquity to have retained its family and its roof throughout the centuries. Next on the agenda is Skye's
metropolis, Portree, meaning port of the king. Enjoy an afternoon free to explore this delightful
harbour village. Dinner on your own tonight. Overnight North Skye.(B,L)
Day 9 - It is off to Uig this morning to catch the Ferry to the Isles of Harris and Lewis. Once on Harris
we will stop in Tarbert and visit the Harris Tweed Shop. Next stop is the Callanish Standing Stones.
Dating back over 4000 years, Callanish ranks second in terms of importance only to Stonehenge and is
older. On a headland overlooking part of a huge sea loch, 53 pale grey stones of Lewisian gneiss stand in a
curious cruciform. We will also visit the Arnol Blackhouse Museum which tells the story of the original
crofters native to this area of Scotland. Dinner and Overnight Stornoway.(B,D)
Day 10 - This morning we have a very early Ferry Crossing to Ullapool once again on the Mainland. We
will explore Ullapool for a short time before we make our way northward to Thurso. We travel the scenic
coastal route all the way to Thurso. Dinner and Overnight Thurso.(B,D)
Day 11 - This morning finds us boarding the Ferry to the Orkneys. Our first stop once on the islands is
Skara Brae a neolithic village dating from 2,500 BC which has been hidden under sand dunes, perfectly
preserved, for thousands of years and was only rediscovered 100 years ago. We will also visit the Standing
Stones of Stenness dating from 3,100 BC making the stones complex one of the earliest stone circles in
Britain . We will also visit the Royal Burrough of Kirkwall which is the capitol of the Orkneys. We will
take some time to investigate before we return by ferry to the mainland. Dinner on your own in
Thurso. Overnight Thurso.(B,L)
Day 12 - Today we will make our way to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on mainland Britain and
on a clear day it commands some of the most extensive views you are likely to find anywhere in northern
Scotland. Our next stop is the Castle of Mey, the most northerly inhabited castle on the British mainland.
The Queen Mother renovated and restored it and for almost half a century she spent many happy
summers here and shorter visits at other times of the year. On our way south a must stop is Dunrobin
Castle, seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, this beautiful castle with a French influence sits looking
out across the North Sea and is well worth a visit. With 189 rooms, it is the largest house in the Northern
Highlands. We continue on our way south to Dinner and Overnight near Inverness.(B,D)
Day 13- This morning we will visit Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle to be fought on British
soil on 16th April 1746 when Bonnie Prince Charles Edward Stewart made his last bid for the
Monarchy. This afternoon finds us at Blair Atholl and Blair Castle, set in extensive parklands, including
the recently restored Hercules Garden and Diana's Grove, and with 725 years of history and over 30 rooms
open to the public. Our next stop is Pitlochry where Dinner awaits us. Following dinner we are off to
the Pitlochry Festival Theatre for a live performance. Overnight Pitlochry.(B,D)
Day 14 - This morning we will take a few hours to enjoy Pitlochry before our journey takes us south
toward Edinburgh. On the way to Edinburgh we will stop in Dunfermline and visit Dunfermline
Palace and Abbey. Dunfermline Abbey was founded about 1070 by Queen Margaret, wife of Malcolm
Canmore. Margaret was made a saint, and she and Malcolm were buried here. Robert the Bruce's body
(apart from his heart, which is at Melrose) is buried here as well. The rest of the afternoon and evening
free for shopping on Princes Street and the Royal Mile. Overnight Edinburgh.(B,L)
Day 15 - After breakfast you will take in the sights of Scotland's Capitol City aboard an Open Top Tour
Bus where on your way about the city you will see Holyrood Palace, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon
Brodie' along with Edinburgh Castle. Get on and off at your own pace. After an afternoon of taking
in Princes Street we will gather for a Farewell Dinner and Scottish Evening for our last night in
Scotland. Overnight Edinburgh.(B,D)
Day 16 - This morning we return to the Glasgow International Airport for our journey home.(B)
16 days of Castles, Pubs, Spectacular Scenery and Picturesque Villages. Featuring : Glasgow and Glasgow Cathedral, Loch Lomond, Loch Awe, Mull, Iona, Duart Castle, Oban, Dunstaffnage Castle, Glencoe, Loch Linnhe, Fort William, Road to the Isles, Glenfinnan, Caledonian Canal, Mallaig, Skye, Cuillins Mountains, Portree, Dunvegan Castle, Lewis, Harris, Callanish Standing Stones, Arnol Blackhouse, Standing Stones of Stenness, Ullapool, Orkney Islands Dunrobin Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl and Blair Castle, Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle and much more! Nothing captures the Romantic wonder of Scotland more than the Highlands and Islands. This tour is designed to accommodate only 8-10 people for a more personal experience to allow you to get the most of your Scottish holiday. Keeping the tour size small gives us the opportunity to veer from the beaten path and take advantage of accommodations, restaurants and sightseeing venues that would not be available to larger groups. You may find yourself staying in a delightful city guest house, a small country house hotel, a comfortable farmhouse and an old coaching Inn all in the same visit. Our goal is to show you the real Scots people and some of the wonderful sights to be seen all over this beautiful country. You will not be rushed from venue to venue and we spend as little time on the bus as possible. Tour includes all accommodation in 3 or 4 star Scottish Tourist Board Approved accommodations. Full Scottish breakfast each morning, all meals listed in itinerary. 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. $4195US/€2795Euro/£2095GBP per person double occupancy. $795US/€595Euro/£395GBP supplement per person single occupancy. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot on the tour. Deposit By PayPal |
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