Discover Scotland
| Resort: | Discover Scotland |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Europe, Scotland, UK & Ireland, United Kingdom |
| Price From: | £1429.00 |
OverviewFrom its rugged sea-sprayed islands to its stately castles rich in history, Scotlands treasures are as diverse as they are compelling. Learn how to play the bagpipes and enjoy dinner at the National Piping Centres farm-to-table restaurant. Take a cruise on famed Loch Lomond. Visit a local family on their working farm for tea and meet their sheepdogs. Marvel at the stunning Isle of Skye, the magnificent landscapes of the Highlands and the panoramic shores of Loch Ness. Explore the magical Orkney Islands ancient Skara Brae and prehistoric Ring of Brodgar. Visit Dunrobin Castle for a falconry display. Sample Scotch whisky during a distillery tour. Stop in St. Andrews, home of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Explore the regal city of Edinburgh. Put a modern twist on traditional Scottish ingredients during an interactive cooking experience. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightAn overnight flight transports you to a country of stunning landscapes, lively cities and stirring history. Day 2: Glasgow, Scotland – Tour BeginsYour tour opens in Glasgow, Scotlands Victorian capital city. Start your Scottish adventure with a visit to the National Piping Centre. After a demonstration and lesson with a renowned piper, its your chance to give it a go! Then, join your fellow travelers for a lively welcome dinner at the Centres farm to table restaurant. Day 3: Glasgow – BallachulishBegin your day with a cruise on famed Loch (Lake) Lomond, the largest lake in the United Kingdom. Afterward, meet a local farmer and his family when you visit a working Scottish farm. Over tea and scones, share tales from the farms rich history before meeting their adorable working Border Collies. Continue on to the Highlands, through the breathtaking scenery of Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, before arriving at your hotel situated on lovely Loch Linnhe. Day 4: Ballachulish – Isle of Skye – BallachulishTake a stunning drive along the Road to the Isles and over the Skye Bridge to the legendary Isle of Skye, also known in poetry and song as Eilean a’ Che (The Misty Isle). Enjoy dramatic views of the Cuillin Hills. Then, visit Armadale Castle & Gardens* and the Museum of the Isles to learn about island life and the history of Skye. Conclude your visit with views of the isle from yet another vantage point during a ferry crossing back to the mainland. Returning to Ballachulish, see Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied the clansmen for battle during the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. Day 5: Ballachulish – Loch Ness – ThursoToday, enjoy stunning and unspoiled landscapes as you journey further into the Highlands. Take in the panorama of Loch Ness, one of Britains most scenic bodies of water. Keep your eyes open you never know when Nessie will appear! Soak up the awe-inspiring view at the striking ruins of Urquhart Castle. Travel through the Great Glen, famous for its many lochs. Your day concludes in Thurso. Day 6: Thurso – Orkney Islands – ThursoA day of adventure awaits as you voyage by ferry to the Orkney Islands** once a Viking stronghold off the coast of Scotland. On the crossing youll see abundant bird life and, if you are lucky, porpoises and seals. A local guide introduces this magical place that very few visitors to Scotland get to experience. Visit Skara Brae where you will discover the remains of a Neolithic village built at the same time as the Great Pyramids in Egypt. Next, pass the prehistoric Ring of Brodgar, reported to be older than Stonehenge. Visit the town of Viking Kirkwall before returning to the mainland. Day 7: Thurso – Eastern HighlandsToday you will visit Culloden Battlefield. On this spot in April 1746, a half-hour battle changed the course of Scotlands history. We also stop at the majestic Dunrobin Castle*** which dates back to the 1300s. Experience a fascinating falconry display in the formal gardens overlooking the North Sea. Take in the breathtaking views as you drive along the windswept cliffs of Scotlands east coast. Enjoy an overnight stay in the Eastern Highlands. Day 8: Eastern Highlands – Pitlochry – St. Andrews – EdinburghBegin your day with a visit to one of Scotlands renowned whisky distilleries. Taste and see for yourself why Highland malt whisky is considered the worlds finest. Enjoy time at leisure in the vibrant Victorian town of Pitlochry before traveling to St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf. See the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. End your day in Scotlands capital city of Edinburgh. Day 9: EdinburghToday its your choice! Perhaps youll choose to get acquainted with this regal capital on a locally guided panoramic city tour; explore both the Old and New towns before visiting the Palace at Holyroodhouse,**** the Queens official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary Queen of Scots. Or, for a different perspective, maybe youd rather join a local expert and explore the Old Town and Royal Mile on foot; descend into the citys vast underground vaults and uncover a world unchanged since the 18th century. Both choices include a visit to Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels. This evening, give traditional Scottish ingredients a modern twist. Enjoy a lively and interactive cooking experience at one of Scotlands premier culinary institutions. With a wee dram in hand, toast the end of a wonderful journey. Day 10: Edinburgh – Tour EndsYour tour of Scotland comes to a close today. |
