London •
Edinburgh • St. Andrews • Inverness •
Loch Ness • Isle of Skye •
Loch Lomond • Glasgow • Ayrshire
From the elegance of Edinburgh to the rugged Scottish Highlands. Castles,
lochs and lowlands. Lively cities and stunning scenery. Fine food, whisky,
woolens and tartans. All at a 'canny' price.
First Class Hotels
Day 1 Depart USA Overnight
flight to London.
Day 2 Arrive London After checking into your Trafalgar hotel, the rest of
the day is to acclimate to your exciting new surroundings. Hotel: Holiday Inn London Kensington South
Day 3 London – Edinburgh (2) A warm welcome from our Tour Director as we
begin a full day's drive through English countryside and the Northumberland
National Park on our journey to the Scottish border. Our first stop
in Scotland is Jedburgh, famous for its beautiful Abbey. Later, we have
a chance to visit the Woollen Mills before we continue to Edinburgh
– Scotland's elegant capital. We enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour
Director this evening. Hotel: Edinburgh Marriott (2 nights)
Day 4 Edinburgh sightseeing This morning after breakfast we savor the
history and elegance of one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Our sightseeing
tour visits Edinburgh Castle and views Holyrood Palace, once home
of Mary Queen of Scots. Later, we explore the Royal Mile and Princes Street.
Then with time on your own maybe take an excursion to a nearby Stately Home.
This evening, why not join in an optional Scottish evening with dinner,
Highland dancing and bagpipes?
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Day 5 Edinburgh – Inverness (2) After breakfast today we drive over the Forth
Bridge to the Fife Coast and St. Andrews, a picturesque University
town and home of the famous golf course. From here we continue our
journey over the River Tay, through Dundee and Perth to Pitlochry. Then
we drive through rugged scenery via Blair Atholl to visit one of the
famous whisky distilleries en route to Culloden Moor scene of the
1746 defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Finally, we arrive in the Highland
capital, Inverness for two nights. Hotel: Inverness Thistle (2 nights)
Day 6 Highlands & Isle of Skye Excursion This morning we travel to the
banks of Loch Ness, keep your eyes open for 'Nessie'. We continue along
the shores of Loch Cluanie and through Glen Shiel where the Five Sisters of
Kintail surge up to heights of 3,000 feet. We visit Eilean Donan Castle
before crossing to the Isle of Skye where we stop for lunch and have a
chance to see some of this beautiful island.
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Later, we return to the mainland
and travel via Loch Carron and Achnasheen back to Inverness for the night. We
dine at our hotel this evening.
Day 7 Inverness – Glasgow (2) This morning the beautiful landscapes
continue as we journey past Fort William at the head of Loch Linnie. We
view Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak, before reaching Glencoe. This
breathtaking glen is the site of the famous Macdonald massacre in 1692 where
many of the Macdonald Clan were killed by the troops of William the Third. We
have a chance to see the Clan Memorial before we drive along the 'bonnie
banks' of Loch Lomond. Perhaps enjoy a cruise on this romantic lake
before we arrive in Glasgow. Tonight, we enjoy Scottish hospitality
at dinner in a local restaurant. Hotel: The Millennium Copthorne (2 nights)
Day 8 Lowlands Excursion This morning after breakfast we enjoy an
excursion to Ayrshire. Our first stop is at Alloway to see the
thatched cottage where the famous Scottish poet Robbie Burns was born in 1759.
Across the road is the roofless ruins of Alloway church where Robbie's
father is buried and made famous in his poem Tam O'Shanter. Afterwards we
visit Culzean Castle seat of the Kennedys' since the 15th century. The
castle was remodeled in 1777 taking 15 years to complete. Walk the oval
staircase, and enjoy the spectacular views and if time allows explore the
country park surrounding the Castle. We return to Glasgow with
time on your own to further explore or shop.
Day 9 Glasgow – London This morning we travel south stopping to visit Gretna
Green, renowned for allowing eloping couples to wed against their parents'
wishes. Then once back into England, we pass the mountains of Cumbria
and on through the Midlands arriving back in London early evening. Hotel: Holiday Inn London Kensington South
Day 10 London – USA This morning after breakfast we transfer to the
airport for our return flight to America.
