Itinerary Details
Bonnie Scotland With London
Day 1 ARRIVE IN GLASGOW, SCOTLANDWelcome to Glasgow! Free time the remainder of the day. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2 GLASGOW. EXCURSION TO LOCH LOMOND & STIRLINGKeys to Scottish Lochs LOCH LOMOND [LF] Enjoy a scenic cruise on the lake.
STIRLING Visit Stirling Castle. [LF] Join a guided tour of a whisky distillery.
GLASGOW 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–INVERNESSSpectacular in Scotland Take a scenic drive past Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe.
FORT WILLIAM See the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak.
GLENFINNAN See the monument to fallen Jacobite clansmen.
ISLE OF SKYE Take a scenic drive across the Inner Hebridean island.
EILEAN DONAN Drive past a picturesque castle on the small tidal island.
LOCH NESS Stop at the lake.
INVERNESS Free time in the 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–ABERDEENNoble Warriors & Natural Wonders CULLODEN MOOR Visit the Culloden battlefield site and visitor center. Take a scenic drive through the Cairngorms National Park.
TOMINTOUL Stop at the highest village in the Scottish Highlands. (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–EDINBURGHTees & Drinks with Jam & Bread PERTH Enjoy coffee with shortbread and take a guided visit at Scone Palace, the stately home of the Earls of Mansfield for over 400 years.
ST. ANDREWS See the home of golf and [LF] practice on the golf range.
EDINBURGH Free time. (B)
172 mi / 277 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures July 27, 31, August 3, 7, 10, 14 and 17.
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 EDINBURGHCrown Jewels & Castle Views EDINBURGH Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, the Old Town, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Visit the former Royal Yacht Britannia. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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–LONDONWelcome to London! Travel from Edinburgh to London by express train. In London your Local Host is on hand to help you make the most of your time. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS 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 8 LONDONThe Royal Treatment Morning guided sightseeing includes a drive past London’s famous landmarks including sights of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horse guards, the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Visit St. Paul's Cathedral (except on Sundays). (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SITES 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 9 LONDONKettle’s On! Full day at leisure for you to enjoy the very best of London. Your Local Host has many recommendations. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE 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 10 LONDONSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
