9 Day Scottish Dream Tour

2018 SCOTTISH DREAM 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS

Day 1: GLASGOW CITY TOUR
Tour begins at 2:30 pm, Glasgow hotel. Set out on a tour of central Glasgow’s highlights including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral and the River Clyde, once famous for shipbuilding. Visit extensive and varied art collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Chat with your tour director and fellow travellers over a welcome drink before dinner in your hotel.
(D)

Day 2: LOCH LOMOND CRUISE & INVERARAY CASTLE
Embark on a short cruise of Loch Lomond to appreciate the beauty of this famous loch and admire panoramic views of the Highlands. Browse around the town of Inveraray before taking a guide tour of Inveraray Castle which you may recognize from the Downton Abbey series. Journey across Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular and beautiful places. Continue to Ballachulish on the coast.
(B, D)

Day 3: ROAD TO THE ISLES & ISLE OF SKYE
Take the “Road to the Isles” through some of Scotland’s loveliest scenery, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Board a ferry to the Isle of Skye to visit the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle. Discover the history of the Lords of the Isles and the most powerful clan of the Isle of Skye. Return to the mainland, stopping for photos at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Keep your camera handy as you travel the shores of Loch Ness on your way to Nairn.
(B, D)

Day 4: CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD & SHEEPDOG TRIALS
A short distance from Nairn is the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre where the British Government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, popularly named Bonnie Prince Charlie. Walk around the moorland and the Visitor Centre which explains how events led to the conflict ending the clan system in Scotland. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to a local farm for a demonstration of trained dogs herding sheep. Travel through the high peaks of the Grampian Mountains to your gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry.
(B, D)

Day 5: BLAIR CASTLE & WHISKY TASTING
Visit Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Delve into the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and how Queen Victoria's famous stay led to the creation of Europe's only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Go behind the scenes at Blair Athol Distillery for a whisky making tour and a sample of the finished product. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the gardens, hotel museum and other facilities or browse around the town of Pitlochry.
(B, D)

Day 6: GLAMIS CASTLE & ST ANDREWS
Travel through lush countryside to visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth” and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. This is a majestic building filled with priceless artefacts and furnishings. Head to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf”, to see the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course. Enjoy free time to browse through the medieval town. In Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, enjoy a traditional Scottish evening with dinner, haggis, bagpipes, kilts and Highland dancing.
(B, D)

Day 7: EDINBURGH CASTLE & CITY TOUR
Explore Edinburgh to compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle with its splendid views of Edinburgh. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping and dining. On July 29 to August 19 departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Castle esplanade.
(B)

Day 8: EXTEND YOUR STAY IN EDINBURGH
Spend the day on an independent hop-on hop-off bus tour of Edinburgh; there are a number of different routes that you may choose to explore distinct areas of the city. Also enjoy a walking tour around parts of the city’s historic areas – you will have a selection of different tours and routes.
(B)

Day 9: TOUR ENDS IN EDINBURGH
Your tour ends after breakfast.