Scenic Scotland with Edinburgh
Discover historic Edinburgh, learn about the game of golf and Scotch whisky before setting out to travel around one of the most scenic places in the world, the Scottish Highlands, from the Isle of Skye to Loch Ness, Glencoe and to Loch Lomond.
Day 1 – Edinburgh Arrival
Arrive
in Edinburgh, capital of Scotland since the 15th century and one of
the world's finest cities. Meet with your tour guide at the airport
and on the way to the hotel and check-in get your first views of the
Edinburgh World Heritage Site, the medieval Old Town, Royal Mile and
the Georgian New Town, all overlooked by Edinburgh Castle. Later visit
the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in
Scotland.
Overnight Edinburgh
Day 2 – Edinburgh
This
morning visit the medieval fortress that is Edinburgh Castle, built on
an extinct volcano in the centre of Edinburgh. Within the Castle see
collections of weapons and armour, visit the Royal apartments and the
room where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to the boy who was to
become King James VI of Scotland and James 1 of England. Take in the
magnificent views across the old and new towns from the battlements
and watch the traditional firing of the One O'clock Gun. This evening
enjoy a traditional Scottish banquet to the accompaniment of
Bagpipers, Ceilidh Dancers and a local Scottish band.
Overnight Edinburgh
Day 3 – Edinburgh
A tour
of the Royal Yacht Britannia, permanently moored at Leith after
decades of service to the Queen and Royal family, is on the agenda for
today. Britannia sailed over one million miles, 968 official voyages,
and accompanied the Royals on many of their most memorable state
tours. In the afternoon visit Rosslyn Chapel, built in the 15th
Century and well known for centuries for its carvings in particular
but now perhaps more famous for its association with Dan Brown and his
book The Da Vinci Code.
Overnight Edinburgh
Day 4 – Whisky and Golf
Enjoy a
short excursion to St Andrews the home of golf, this morning and visit
the Golf Museum to learn about the story of British golf from its
origins in the Middle Ages through to the present day. Return to
Edinburgh and at the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre enjoy a guided tour
and tutored whisky tasting of 4 single malt whiskies from the main
whisky producing regions
Overnight Edinburgh
Day 5 – Perthshire and Fort Williamf
Visit a
Scottish Bagpipes workshop this morning and see how these
extraordinary musical instruments are made before leaving Edinburgh
behind and heading for Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. En
route enjoy the wild beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Overnight Fort William area
Day 6 – Isle of Skye
A full day guided excursion in
to the park, take a steam train journey and arrive at the coast for a
visit to Whitby, associated with Captain Cook and Count Dracula.
Overnight York
Day 7 – Scottish Highlands
Spend
the day with a knowledgeable and passionate guide travelling the
Scottish Highlands over heather covered mountains and sparkling
streams. Look out for eagles and deer over a home-made Scottish picnic
along with a tutored outdoor whisky tasting. Visit legendary Loch Ness
for a short cruise (to find "Nessie"?).
Overnight Fort William area
Day 8 – Glencoe to Glasgow
Leave
Fort William and head south through the spectacular scenery of Glencoe
steeped in 5000 years of history and most famous for a tragic night in
February 1692 - the Glencoe Massacre. Visit Glencoe Village in Upper
Carnoch to see the monument to the fallen MacDonald's
before visiting the Glencoe Visitor Centre where
"Living on The Edge" explores the
landscape, wildlife and history of this special place. Continue south
to Loch Lomond for a cruise amidst the wonderful scenery then visit a
real Scottish Smokehouse where they only use Scottish salmon and
produce, to see the traditional way of smoking food.
Overnight Glasgow
Day 9 – Glasgow
Start
the day with a tour of Kelvingrove Museum which for generations of
Glaswegians has deep and personal significance. Time is then at
personal leisure to visit the shops, Sauchiehall Street and the
Buchanan Galleries to name but two areas, for those last purchases and
souvenirs. A farewell dinner in a local Glasgow restaurant ends the
day.
Overnight Glasgow
Day 10 – Departure
An executive motorcoach is provided for the transfer to the airport.9 Nights Hotel
Meals:
9 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Sightseeing:
Panoramic Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh, Palace of Holyroodhouse,
Edinburgh Castle, Traditional Scottish Banquet, Royal Yacht
Britannia, Rosslyn Chapel, St Andrews Golf Museum, Scotch Whisky
Heritage Centre, Scottish Bagpipes Workshop, Armadale Castle
Gardens, Museum of the Isles, Loch Ness Cruise, Glencoe Visitors
Centre, Scottish Smokehouse in Loch Lomond, Kelvingrove Museum Wall
Also Included:
Airport-hotel transfers, hotel and local taxes, baggage handling, touring by deluxe private motorcoach, services of a professional tour manager.
