Itinerary Details
Bonnie Scotland
Day 1 ARRIVE IN GLASGOW, SCOTLAND Welcome to Glasgow! 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 GLASGOW. EXCURSION TO LOCH LOMOND & STIRLING Keys to Scottish Lochs A cruise on beautiful [LF] Loch Lomond from Luss to the picturesque town of Balmaha is the ideal start to the day. Visit Stirling Castle, a great symbol of Scottish independence, and favored residence of Scotland’s kings and queens. Enjoy a wee dram at a [LF] whisky distillery before returning to Glasgow for an orientation drive to see Glasgow’s landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares. (B)
81 mi / 131 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES They can take the low road, but we’ll take the high road to Loch Lomond for a stunningly scenic cruise. We’ll raise a wee dram of malt whisky at an historic distillery, distilling in slow Scottish style in the highlands for many years. Slinte Mhath!
Day 3 GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–GLENFINNAN–ISLE OF SKYE–INVERNESS Spectacular in Scotland A scenic drive past Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe brings you to Fort William, the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. At Glenfinnan, see the the monument to fallen Jacobite clansmen before taking the ferry to the Isle of Skye and a scenic drive across the Inner Hebridean island. Back to the mainland and the chance to take photos of Eilean Donan castle, and Loch Ness before arriving in Inverness to enjoy some free time this evening. (B)
269 mi / 434 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the shimmering waters.
Day 4 INVERNESS–CULLODEN MOOR–TOMINTOUL–ABERDEEN Noble Warriors & Natural Wonders Visit Culloden Moor to see the legendary battlefield and visit the visitor center to hear the story of the crushing Hanoverian victory of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you drive through the Cairngorms National Park before a stop at Tomintoul, the highest village in the Scottish Highlands. Overnight in Aberdeen. (B,D)
111 mi / 178 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT From wild mountain peaks to the heathered moors to idyllic forests and farms, Cairngorms National Park is a Highlands paradise of breathtaking vistas, rivers, and wetlands that offer a haven to rare and endangered species that thrive here. Watch for eagles on the wing for a thrilling photo opportunity.
Day 5 ABERDEEN–PERTH–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH Tees & Drinks with Jam & Bread Travel along the shores of the North Sea to Perth and Scone Palace, home of the Earl and Countess of Mansfield. You will be welcomed with coffee and shortbread before a guided tour where you hear about the crowning of Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. Visit St. Andrews, and enjoy a fun inclusion at the [LF] Golf Practice Centre where you have the opportunity to hit a few balls on the practice range. Cross the elegant Forth Road Bridge before arriving in Edinburgh. (B)
172 mi / 277 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS 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 6 EDINBURGH Crown Jewels & Castle Views 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. There will be some free time to enjoy Edinburgh but then on to a unique experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, explore all 5 decks and see how the Royal Family and crew lived and worked on board. A farewell dinner at a local restaurant rounds off the day. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20 and 23.
MUSIC & MASTERPIECES 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 7 EDINBURGH Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
