Itinerary Details
Scottish Highland Fling With London
Day 1: ARRIVE IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND Welcome to Edinburgh! Enjoy free time upon arrival before meeting your Tour Director and travel companions at 6 pm for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2: EDINBURGH Drummers, Pipes & Precious Jewels Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Enjoy some free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Unpack your plaid for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20 and 24.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as “the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The Castle forms the background of the spectacular Tattoo, an extravaganza of bagpipes and drums performed en masse in August each year.
Day 3: EDINBURGH–ST. ANDREWS–PITLOCHRY–INVERNESS Mulligans & Mountains Travel over the elegant Forth Road Bridge to the university town of St. Andrews, famous also as the home of golf. Enjoy a walk in the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry before a drive through the scenic Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms National Park before arriving in Inverness, the Highland capital. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.
Day 4: INVERNESS–CULLODEN MOOR–DUNROBIN–THURSO Brave Lads & Bonnie Lands Start your day with a visit to the Culloden Battlefield & Visitor Centre to hear the story of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans. Continue further north to follow the coast road to the magnificently situated Dunrobin Castle, the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. Overnight in Thurso, the most northerly town on Britain’s mainland. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
At Culloden Moor, hear the story of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans. On 16 April 1746, the two armies met. Over 1,500 Jacobites were killed or wounded, while British government forces lost about 100 soldiers. The last pitched battle fought on British soil lasted less than an hour.
Day 5: THURSO. EXCURSION TO THE ORKNEY ISLANDS An Ancient Archipelago A fascinating day full of adventure. Head by ferry to the Orkney Islands for a day’s sightseeing including the Old Man of Hoy, Skara Brae and Skaill House, the Ring of Brodgar, and Kirkwall. Enjoy a [LF] guided tour of the Orkney Brewery with a light lunch at the Tasting Hall café, before taking the return ferry back to the mainland in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Orcadian water, the best malt, hops, and yeast are the only four ingredients of hand-crafted ales such as Orkney Dark Island, Northern Light and the world-famous Skull Splitter named after a vicious Orkney earl. Enjoy a guided tour of the brewery and learn the traditions of beer making and a long, long history of brewing quality ales.
Day 6: THURSO–DURNESS–ULLAPOOL–GAIRLOCH Spectacular Sights & A Scottish Chippy A day to sit back and admire breathtakingly wild and unspoiled scenery: rugged beaches, convoluted passes, and ghostly ruins. Drive via Durness and Scourie to Ullapool. Visit this pretty fishing port and enjoy a traditional [LF] fish and chips lunch at a local restaurant. Stay overnight in Gairloch in the North-West Highlands. (B,L,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Walk along the whitewashed cottages with views of lovely Loch Broom in the charming seaport town of Ullapool. Feast on traditional fish & chips, a Scottish favorite that never fails to satisfy.
Day 7: GAIRLOCH–ISLE OF SKYE–FORT WILLIAM–GLENCOE Sea & Skye Drive to the Inner Hebridean Isle of Skye before returning to the mainland by ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig. Spectacular scenery continues as you head to Fort William, the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Thought to take its name from the old Norse term meaning ‘cloud island’ for the often-misty shrouds of ocean clouds, the Isle of Skye stretches 50 miles long as the second largest island of the Scotland’s Inner Hebrides archipelago. The lush moors, rugged mountains, shining lochs, and lofty sea cliffs are everything and more than you’d imagine Scottish beauty to be.
Day 8: GLENCOE. EXCURSION TO THE ISLES OF MULL AND IONA Island Dreams & Scottish Kings A day’s excursion to the best of Scotland’s western isles. Take a ferry to the Isle of Mull for a scenic drive across the island before another crossing to the fascinating Isle of Iona, and a visit to Iona Abbey before returning to the mainland. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Called “Eagle Island” by wildlife watchers, the Isle of Mull is a paradise for birds of prey keeping a watchful eye on the wonderful wild landscapes below. Watch for Scottish red deer, iconic Highland cattle, and rolling hills that paint a picture of quintessential Scotland. The medieval abbey on the Isle of Iona is traditionally regarded as the resting place of many Scottish monarchs and clan chiefs.
Day 9: GLENCOE–LOCH LOMOND–FALKIRK–GLASGOW Glasgow Gems & Gorgeous Glens Travel through the dramatic and intense scenery of Glen Coe, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Experience breathtaking views from the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond before a [LF] visit to a whisky distillery. Visit The Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures en route to Glasgow. There’s time for an orientation drive including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
In Scotland’s most populous city, Glasgow’s uniquely rich architectural heritage ranges from 19th-century masterpieces to the modern designs of the unique style of Glasgow-born Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Discover exciting experiences around every corner!
Day 10: GLASGOW-LONDONWelcome to London!
Travel from Glasgow to London by express train. Your Local Host will meet you at the station and will be on hand to help you make the most of your free time. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
A favorite character in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice noted “London is so diverting; there is so much to entertain!” This is even more true today, from its panoramic views of wide-open spaces and leafy landscapes to its bustling British sense and sensibilities, museums, galleries, and iconic sights. Mingle with the serenity of Hampstead Heath or Kensington Gardens. Be enthralled by a dazzling show at one of the West End’s historic theaters, a fabulous bookend to your time in London.
Day 11: LONDON The Royal Treatment
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, the Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays). (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
See the legendary landmarks of Britain’s historic capital city. Walk where voices have rung out for centuries in Parliament Square and where chimes rise high above you with the ringing of Big Ben’s quarter bells. See Westminster Abbey, where royal coronations, weddings, and funerals have made history.
Day 12: LONDON Kettle’s On!
A whole day to do as you please. Explore more on your own and get better acquainted with this fascinating city or join one of the optional excursions on offer. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Double-decker buses, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge, British pubs, and sweet shops are waiting to be discovered with a leisurely day in London town. Find your hideaway in Hyde Park’s lush gardens or find styles to suit your fancy in some of Britain’s most famous boutiques in Mayfair, Kensington, or Chelsea.
Day 13: LONDON
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
