Overview
Bonnie Scotland
Rolling hills and rugged coastlines, mythical creatures, and elusive monsters, quiet fairways, and boisterous bagpipes, this tour of Scotland is a study in stark contrasts among the most beautiful of classrooms. Hitting the highpoints of the Highlands from Glasgow to Edinburgh, you’ll cruise on beautiful Loch Lomond, ferry to the dramatic Isle of Skye, and visit the home of golf, St. Andrews. More lush landscapes await as you search for the mysterious Nessie along the banks of Loch Ness, stand before the famous Glenfinnan viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films, and swoon over the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle nestled on a tidal island and featured in numerous films. If green means go, you have the go-ahead to pack your tams, tartans, and knickers for vibrant and verdant Scotland.
Highlights of Bonnie Scotland
City Highlights
Price Details US
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour:• Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels• Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19 and 22 departures)• Scenic cruise on Loch Lomond• Visit to Stirling Castle• Visit to a Whisky Distillery• Orientation drive in Glasgow• Scenic drive across the Isle of Skye• Visit to Culloden Moor Visitor Centre and battlefield• Scone Palace visit with coffee and shortbread• Practice golf at St. Andrews
Notes
This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.
Transportation
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $2,388*18 guests in a party: $516*
Product Group
Bonnie Scotland
UNESCO Sites
Forth Bridge|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
Meals
6 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
Itineraries
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 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)94 mi / 151 kmLOCAL 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. Slàinte 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 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 kmTOUR 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) 111 mi / 178 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE 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 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19 and 22. 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)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)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central | DoubleTree by Hilton - Glasgow is a luxury hotel in Glasgow city center. It is ideally located for the Central Train Station and for all the sights and special events that make Glasgow so unique. The hotel is within a short distance of the fashionable boutiques and restaurants of Princes Square, the roar of Hampden Park for football or music events and the 'Armadillo' for concerts. | Glasgow | Cambridge Street | Superior First-Class |
| 2 | Mercure Inverness Hotel | Enjoy warm Highland hospitality in Old Town Inverness at Mercure Inverness Hotel. Rebuilt on the site of the original Caledonian Hotel, the modern hotel is just 200 meters from Inverness train station and a caber toss from the city's numerous pubs and restaurants. All 121 guest bedrooms have HD TV and complimentary high speed WiFi. Enjoy panoramic views of the River Ness in the hotel's riverside restaurant or explore The 33 Church Street Bar & Brasserie signature menue. | Inverness | Church St, | First-Class |
| 3 | Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa | Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa is offering accommodation in Aberdeen. Among the various facilities are a shared lounge, a bar, on-site fitness area, luxury spa and 24-hour shop. Free Wi-Fi is available. At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, mini fridge and microwave. The private bathroom is fitted with a shower. All units feature a private bathroom and free toiletries. Breakfast is available daily, and includes buffet options. Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Bon Accord & St Nicholas. The nearest airport is Aberdeen Airport, 8 km from Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa. | Aberdeen | St Andrew Street, Aberdeen, Scotland | Superior First-Class |
| 4 | Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel | The Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel lies in the historical heart of the city, right next door to Haymarket station and a vast array of cafés, bars and restaurants. Discover the numerous sights and events in this lively city. | Edinburgh | 1 Morrison Link | First-Class |
