July 10 – 17, 2022
8 DAYS – 12 MEALS
Grab your kilt and warm up your bagpipes! We’re all dreaming about Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and magnificent castles; the buzz of activity in Edinburgh and Glasgow; culture and history at every turn. Walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens, and even the odd pirate or two, in the Edinburgh Castle–medieval-era royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, alive with many exciting tales. Enjoy the exquisite eye candy on the largest lake in Scotland, Loch Lomond. Live out your Downton Abbey dreams when you visit this turreted fairy-tale castle that was featured in the show. Explore the legendary Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course at the birthplace of golf. Immerse yourself in farm life to see how a farmer works with highly skilled dogs to herd sheep on a charming Scottish farm. Enjoy the dramatic mountainous landscapes of the largest Inner Hebrides islands. Check the must-sees off of your wish list on this good-value Scotland tour, which is an ideal introduction to the bustling cities and breathtaking landscapes!
Special Features
- Loch Lomond Cruise
- Inveraray Castle (of Downton Abbey)
- St. Andrews
- Scottish Sheepdog Demonstration
- Isle of Skye
- Blair Athol Distillery
Pricing
Double – $3,845 pp
Single – $4,545
***Includes airfare from Springfield, MO***
Deposit: $250 pp (due at time of booking)
Final Payment due May 20, 2022
Day 1
Your tour begins at your Glasgow hotel. Set out on a panoramic tour of central Glasgow’s highlights including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral, and the River Clyde, once important for shipbuilding. Visit the extensive and varied art collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Chat with your tour director and fellow travelers over a welcome drink. Your evening is free to dine independently.
Day 2
Embark on a short cruise of Loch Lomond to appreciate the beauty of this famous loch and admire panoramic views. Browse around the town of Inveraray and have lunch on your own before taking a guided tour of Inveraray Castle, featured in “Downton Abbey”. Journey across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular and beautiful places. Continue to Ballachulish on the shore of Loch Leven. (B, D)
Day 3
Travel on the scenic “Road to the Isles”, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Ferry to the Isle of Skye to visit Armadale Castle, a romantic ruin surrounded by magnificent gardens. Back on the mainland, travel along the shores of Loch Ness. End the day at your hotel in Nairn, a lovely manor house set on spacious grounds near the North Sea. (B, D)
Day 4
A short distance from Nairn is the Culloden Battlefield where the British government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, popularly known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Walk around the battlefield and the visitor center. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to a local farm for a demonstration of trained dogs herding sheep. Travel through the high peaks of the Grampian Mountains to your gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry. (B, D)
Day 5
Visit Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Delve into the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and how Queen Victoria’s famous stay led to the creation of Europe’s only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Go behind the scenes at Blair Athol Distillery for a tour and sample of the finished product. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the hotel gardens and museum or browsing around Pitlochry. (B, D)
Day 6
Travel through lush countryside to visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth” and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. This majestic building is filled with priceless artifacts and furnishings. Head to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf,” to see the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course. Enjoy free time to browse around the medieval town. Head to your hotel near Edinburgh, where you will enjoy a Scottish evening with traditional food and music. (B, D)
Day 7
Explore Edinburgh to compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle with its splendid views of the city. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping, and dining. (B)
Day 8
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)