Overview
Scotland's small size doesn't mean is has little to offer. Actually this scenic country has so much to offer from Castles, Natural beauty, gold courses, waterfalls, lakes and hidden gems. Take a road trip through the famous landscapes, ancient ruins and old settlements where Scotland’s greatest stories come to life. This journey includes some of Scotland’s most famous sights and routes, from the capital city to the rugged Highlands. Experience the beautiful Isle of Skye and other legendary places, such as Loch Ness, Glenfinnan, and the Trossachs National Park, along with the historical cities of Edinburgh and Inverness.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore some of Scotland’s top sights on the famous and breathtaking Isle of Skye
Stay at unique properties & enjoy gourmet local cuisine
Sail on the mysterious Loch Ness to admire the surroundings
Discover Scotland's historic capital Edinburgh and stroll up the Royal Mile
Experience the striking natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands
Enjoy some quiet time in nature at the Trossachs National Park
Taste the flavor of the country at a local whisky distillery
Itinerary
Day 1: June 14 – Welcome to Scotland - Arrive at the Edinburgh Airport
Transfer assistance be set up according to your arrival. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure as your hotel has a central location and is within walking distance to many sites. Enjoy a tour of Edinburgh Castle. Walk along the scenic Royal Mile exploring the Old and New Towns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit within the city center.
Welcome dinner tonight to meet the group. Hotel Apex Waterloo Palace for 2 nights (D)
Day 2: June 15 – Glasgow City tour
Today you are whisked away via train to visit Glasgow city. Tour Queens Street, Merchants square, Theatre Royal and other key sites. Enjoy some free time before taking the train back to Edinburgh.
Dinner at leisure in town tonight. (B,L)
Day 3: June 16 - Depart for Pitlochry
Visit Blair Castle and gardens, The paintings, furniture and other contents of the rooms in Blair Castle reflect the lives, history and interests of the dukes of Atholl. Continue to Tay Forest park a wonderfully varied patchwork of forests across the most scenic parts of Highland Perthshire, featuring some of the country’s best loved viewpoints and tallest trees. Enjoy wonderful woodland trails with unforgettable loch and mountain views. Enjoy a Hermitagge walk with scenic waterfalls, and we end our day. Check into hotel Fonab Castle for 1 night Dinner tonight. (B,D)
Day 4: June 17 - Depart for Inverness
Depart for Inverness stopping for a cruise on the Loch Ness to admire the views of the loch and try to catch a glimpse of Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. Visit the Urquhart Castle ruins. Continue to Inverness with a walking tour of the town.
Hotel Culloden House for 3 nights. (B,L)
Day 5: June 18 – Isle of Skye
Drive along Loch Ness to the village of Ivermorisston passing the 5 sisters mountains. Arrive at Isle of Skye and enjoy a walk to the crystal-clear Fairy Pools at the foot of the Black Cuillin Hills. Pass Glen Suardal to see Red Collen hills with views. Stop at Loch Slappin beach. Visit Eilean Donan Castle, a sight you will surely recognize from many films and TV shows. Return to Iverness via Black Isles. (B)
Day 6: June 19 – North coast 500
One of Scotland’s most scenic driving routes we are off to the Old man of storr with the beautiful Kilt Rock waterfalls. A visit to the Clava Cairns the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Bulnuaran of Clava are a group of three Bronze Age cairns located near Inverness. A hugely significant and exceptionally well-preserved prehistoric site, Clava Cairns is a fantastic example of the distant history of Highland Scotland, dating back about 4,000 years. Next we head to Cowdar Castle, Inverness Cathedral, and then Ness Island. After this full day we return back to our hotel for an evening at leisure. (B, L)
We return to the hotel with time to explore this amazing estate. Dinner tonight at leisure. (B, D)
Day 7: June 20 – Depart for Edinburgh
We make our way back towards Edinburgh driving through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, where you could stop to take a walk-in nature. For a fun photo opportunity, don’t miss Doune Castle, featured in Monty Python & the Holy Grail and Outlander. Visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top attractions. On arrival check into our hotel the Apex Waterloo Palace for 1 night. (B,L )
Day 8: June 21 – Departure Day. Transfer to the Edinburgh airport for your return flight home. (B)
Tour Details
Cost: $3700.00 based on Double Occupancy. (Roommates can be provided)
Single Supplement $858.00
SAVE 3% on the tour cost if you pay the full amount via check
Deposit $500
Booking/final payment deadline is 60 days prior to departure.
Included:
7 nights’ hotel in 4* hotels with taxes
Daily breakfast
3 Dinners
4 lunches
Entrance fees to all sites visited as per itinerary
Private transfers to all included sites and cities visited
Local Tour Guide/Private driver
Welcome Gift
Not Included:
- International airfare into Edinburgh
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Gratuities for driver/guide
-
- Room charges such as calls, mini bar, laundry, room service.
- All personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Any additional tours or expenses not listed in the itinerary.
- Airport transfers. We can arrange a private transfer or taxi
- Pre/Post nights in Edinburgh. Please inquire
FAQ
Entry Requirements: Visitors from the US, Canada and Australia need a valid passport, but visas are not required for Americans, Canadians or Australians visiting for less than 3 months. If you are a citizen of another E.U. country, you do not need a passport, only an identity card. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you intend to leave the European Union. Make sure you check your passport expiry date at least 2 months prior to travel. Before traveling abroad it's a good idea to make two photocopies of your passport, driver's license and credit cards. Leave one copy at home with a friend or family member and another bring with you.
Weather: The weather in Scotland can be a bit unpredictable at times. Scotland's high latitude means that during the summer months, the days are long, with an extended sunshine. Temperatures of an average 66°F.
Time Zone: Scotland follows Greenwich Mean Time (1 hr. earlier than Central European Time). It is 4 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States. Ireland has daylight savings time which lasts from late March to late September.
Currency: The currency of Scotland is the British Pound. The best way to get cash in the local currency is from an ATM. Keep in mind that most banks impose a fee every time a card is used at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions ($5 or more) so try and withdraw as few times as possible. Credit cards are accepted by most shops and restaurants however check with your credit card company regarding foreign exchange fees. You will also have a better chance making deals at local shops if paying with cash.
Electricity: The Scottish electric system operates on 240 volts nearly twice the voltage in North America, which is 115 to 120 volts AC. Type G is the universal standard outlet in Scotland, which has two in-line horizontal slits and one vertical slit.
Health: No special vaccinations are required to enter Ireland. Water is safe to drink.
Activity Level: This is a pretty easy tour for the average person. During the tour, we will travel by private bus. At each stop we will be walking quite a bit. To be able to fully enjoy the tour and participate in scheduled activities, you need to be able to walk, at a leisurely pace, up to 3 or so miles on some days. You should be able to stand unassisted for up to 30 minutes at times during the tours. You will need be able to climb stairs, without any assistance. At times you will need manage your own luggage. This trip is pretty easy for the average person however if you can't or choose not to participate in certain activities this is at your own discretion. However it cannot affect the groups participation nor can any tours or activities or refunds be offered or changed due to an individual not being able or not wanting to participate.
