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Best of Scotland

7 Days from $1,950 per person

Style: First Class | Pace: Comfortable

Travel from Scotland's literary capital, Edinburgh and Glasgow to the battlefields of Culloden and Glencoe, as your quest takes you past the lochs and glens of the Scottish Highlands.

Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.

Best of Italy also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!

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Overview

Travel from Scotland's literary capital, Edinburgh and Glasgow to the battlefields of Culloden and Glencoe, as your quest takes you past the lochs and glens of the Scottish Highlands.

Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.

Best of Italy also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!

  1. Get lost among the narrow lanes of Edinburgh—the quirky Scottish capital with a mystical air that combines ancient heritage with the verve of a modern city. On arrival to Edinburgh Airport transfers will operate at 9 am, 11:30 am and 2 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Spend your day at leisure delving into its rich history and embracing the warm culture of the Scots, before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception with a light meal and drinks.

    meal(s):Welcome Reception
    hotel:Novotel Centre/Apex Haymarket

  2. Join your Local Specialist this morning for an intriguing sightseeing tour of the city. Ascend Castle Rock and visit Edinburgh Castle, which watches over the surrounding city from its elevated vantage point. Stroll through the Old Town along the Royal Mile and see the stunning Palace of Holyroodhouse before enjoying time at leisure to soak up the city's festive atmosphere. Tickets to see the Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates from August 2 - 24, 2019.

    meal(s):Full Breakfast

  3. Tread in the footsteps of the world's golfing greats and head to St. Andrews en route to the glorious Scottish Highlands. A scenic drive takes us north and across the Firth of Tay, past the city of Dundee to Pitlochry. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore its river-side setting or join an Optional Experience to Blair Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan Murray. Our day in beautiful surrounds comes to an end with a cozy dinner at our hotel located within the Cairngorm National Park in the Scottish Highlands.

    meal(s):Full Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel:Laggan Gaskmore/Carrbridge

  4. Journey to the coast, arriving in Mallaig where we'll board our ferry and cross to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. Heather-clad peaks provide a stunning backdrop for our scenic drive across the Sleat Peninsula. Indulge in some free time for lunch before crossing the bridge back to the mainland. The rugged beauty of Eilean Donan Castle will leave you speechless before you continue your journey past Scotland's infamous Loch Ness to the tragic battlefield of Culloden. Pay tribute to the brave men who lost their lives in the Jacobite Uprising, then return to your hotel this evening.

    meal(s):Full Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Our first stop today sees us commemorate World War II history at the Commando Memorial near Fort William, from which we admire spectacular views of Britain's highest peak—Ben Nevis. We journey through the volcanic ruins and precipitous mountains that lie just beyond Glencoe to see the 'Glen of the Weeping.' Here we remember the MacDonald clansmen who were massacred in 1692. Continuing towards the River Clyde, we arrive at our final stop for the day—Glasgow.

    meal(s):Full Breakfast
    hotel:Crowne Plaza

  6. Madainn mhath! While your Gaelic may be a little rusty, your orientation tour around this edgy city will be anything but. Begin your day seeing Glasgow's iconic sights. Enjoy views of the People's Palace and Winter Gardens, the regal George Square and River Clyde, for over 200 years the center of shipbuilding. Journey to Stirling, to see its hilltop fortress, which stands as a symbol of national pride. Stirling Castle was once the seat of Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. View the Wallace Monument from the castle walls, paying tribute to the Scottish hero who fought for Scotland's independence. Later, we dive into culture at Glengoyne Whisky Distillery and enjoy a wee dram before joining the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard to connect with locals over a home-cooked Farewell Be My Guest Dinner, amidst tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping Ceilidh tunes.

    meal(s):Full Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

  7. The rugged beauty and warmth of Scotland's people forever in your memories, we enjoy one last hearty breakfast with our travel companions before wishing them and your Travel Director a fond farewell. Return transfers will arrive at Glasgow Airport at 7 am and 9 am. Conditions apply.

    meal(s):Full Breakfast
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  • 30 Day Refund Guarantee

    We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

  • Add air to your reservation

    Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.

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  • Edinburgh Tattoo
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2 Jun 19 8 Jun 19 checkmark $1,950pp AARP members save an additional $100 Call 1-877-622-9109
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20 Jun 19 26 Jun 19 checkmark $1,995pp AARP members save an additional $100 Request Quote
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Edinburgh Tattoo
 11 Aug 19 17 Aug 19 checkmark $2,195pp AARP members save an additional $100 Request Quote
25 Aug 19 31 Aug 19 checkmark $2,095pp AARP members save an additional $100 Request Quote
29 Aug 19 4 Sep 19 checkmark $1,995pp AARP members save an additional $100 Request Quote
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6 Oct 19 12 Oct 19 checkmark $1,950pp AARP members save an additional $100 Request Quote
  • Edinburgh Tattoo: This departure includes the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo event.

Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.

Single Room Supplement: from $340 per person

Triple Room Discount: $10 per person

Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $67 per person

Airport transfers: On arrival at Edinburgh Airport transfers will operate at 9 am. 11:30 am and 2 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Glasgow Airport at 7 am and 9 am.

AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift!  Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.

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  • Professional Travel Director Professional Travel Director
  • Sightseeing with Local Experts Sightseeing with Local Experts
  • VIP Access VIP Access
  • Expertly Selected Hotels Expertly Selected Hotels
  • Cultural Enrichment Cultural Enrichment
  • Hotel Tips Hotel Tips
  • Most Meals Most Meals
  • Personal Flight Options Personal Flight Options
  • WIFI on Coach and in Hotels WIFI on Coach and in Hotels

Meal Summary

10 meals: 6 full breakfasts, 4 dinners.

Insider Experiences

Connect with Locals

  • Join the Wood family at their 15th-century historical farm on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Scottish Be My Guest dinner, tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping Ceilidh tunes

Stays with Stories

  • Enjoy Highland hospitality at Laggan Gaskmore Hotel located within Cairngorm National Park in the Scottish Highlands

Dive into Culture

  • Visit Glengoyne, known as Scotland's most beautiful whisky distillery, for a tour and a tasting of their unique Highland single malt whisky

Local Specialist

  • For included sightseeing in Edinburgh

Sightseeing Experiences

  • City tour in Edinburgh
  • Orientation of Glasgow, Stirling
  • Visit Edinburgh Castle, Pitlochry, the Isle of Skye, Culloden Battlefield, Stirling Castle
  • View the 18th green at St Andrews, the Glenfinnan Monument, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Glencoe, People's Palace and Winter Gardens, George Square in Glasgow
  • Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the Edinburgh Festival
  • Ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye
 Request a Quote

  • 30 Day Refund Guarantee

    We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

  • Add air to your reservation

    Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.

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Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Edinburgh

Rosslyn Chapel

We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where you’ll hear the inside story on the famous Rosslyn Chapel. One of Scotland's most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Adult Price: £21

Dinner And Drive To Historic Torphichen

Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen, associated with Scottish kings and Knights Hospitaller. At the haunted Torphichen Inn your arrival will be toasted by our convivial host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and entertainment.
Adult Price: £46

Scottish Show With Dinner

Tonight is your chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing at an internationally famous venue. You’ll enjoy delicious food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. There's even a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish – haggis.
Adult Price: £60

Scottish Highlands

Pitlochry. Visit Of Blair Castle

Set in its own grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery, we'll discover the ancient home of the Dukes of Atholl, home to Europe's last remaining private army. Unique amongst Scottish castles, Blair has hosted royalty from Mary Queen of Scots to Queen Victoria.
Adult Price: £20

Highland Farm Experience

Visit a real Highland sheep farm and meet Neil the Shepherd and his border collies. He’ll show you how he uses different whistles to command each dog to carry out different tasks. You’ll also have the opportunity to try your hand at sheep shearing, feeding the lambs and discover his training techniques. Weather permitting.
Adult Price: £14

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Boat Trip

Discover the wild beauty of the 'Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond'. As we cruise across the loch, the skipper will share stories of the area and point out Rob Roy's cave as you relax and savour the stunning scenery.
Adult Price: £15

Glasgow

Glasgow City Evening

You'll enjoy a chance to experience a night out in the city of Glasgow. Your Travel Director will take you for an evening of good food, a drink, and undoubtedly interesting conversation.
Adult Price: £37

 Request a Quote

  • 30 Day Refund Guarantee

    We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

  • Add air to your reservation

    Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.

Similar Trips

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place every year in August.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, often referred to as "the most spectacular show on earth," is an exciting celebration showcasing the best of Scottish music, dance, and military pageantry.  In 2019 it will take place in Edinburgh from August 2nd to August 24th, and is sure to draw entertainers and spectators from around the world. 

Tickets and arrangements have been included on these select departures. Book early as they will sell out quickly!

 Request a Quote

  • 30 Day Refund Guarantee

    We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

  • Add air to your reservation

    Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.

Similar Trips

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Reviews

Saturday, May 18, 2019
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Every aspect of the trip was handeled perfectly. The tour director was outstanding and the trip exceeded our expectations!
Vacation : As previously mentioned, everything went well. It was our first trip overseas and we will be going again with your tours.
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Best of Scotland
Jacqueline Stack
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Excellent....full of energy tour director Kate Allen. Great hotels....comfortable bus and interesting travel agenda.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your feedback. We are ecstatic you were able to enjoy the beauty of Scotland on your trip. We hope you think of us the next time you want to book a guided vacation. All the best!
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Vacation : Excellent value in all areas
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Best of Scotland
Nicolina Salupo
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : We liked the tour director Malcolm. The driver Nigel was amazing--narrow roads navigated so well. We plan to go back to Scotland some other time.
Vacation : The Highland hotel, Carrbridge, was not up to the standards that we expected from Trafalgar.
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Best of Scotland
Deborah Iemmiti
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The agent Barbara is great. She’s really knowledgeable and friendly.
Vacation : The trip was very good. However the we didn’t get to experience Glasgow at all, arriving late and only went out to a dinner in town and the next day we were out all day. Would of liked to seen Glasgow.
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Best of Scotland
Eleanor Yee
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The tour guide Simone Maclennan and driver Nigel Cook made the trip very enjoyable and would travel with them again. The different places were what we wee looking for in Scotland.
Vacation : We had gotten to see places that the other tour did not go last year.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Tour guide and driver were excellent! However, there was one memorably bad experience with a late (so late we gave up and went to bed) meal. Also the coach seemed cramped to me. We have been on coach tours in the past and not felt so cramped. When one is spending a great deal of time in the coach, it really needs to be comfortable—otherwise the trip is ruined. We won’t be doing anymore coach tours with Trafalger.
Vacation : Fairly expensive—good tour if not for how cramped it felt in the coach and the one really bad meal experience
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The tour director and bus driver were both excellent. Our hotels were very nice. However, 8 hours a day on the bus is far to long even with a short stop every 2 hours.
Vacation : To much time on bus, would have given five stars if bus was limited to 4 hours a day.
Monday, September 3, 2018
Best of Scotland
Linda Parziale
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : It was ok
Vacation : Loved Scotland because of th guide Kevin and the bus driver Stuart. The knowledge of Kevin and the skill of Stuart mage this an A++trip
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The entire tour was fantastic, and Rachel Thomas, our tour director, was most organized and informative about all the sites that we were seeing. The only problem came the afternoon of August 8th, as we were driving towards the Ferry going to the Isle of Skye, the bus began putting out heat, instead of air conditioning, and they had to call for a mechanic to do the repairs, which took over 2 hours. That, unfortunately, ate up the time that was allotted for our stop at the Culloden Battleground, giving us only 35 minutes to spend there. This, besides the wonderful night at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, were the two sites that I particularly wanted to see on this tour. Everything else went like clock work - the rooms and food were all very good.
Vacation : It was well worth the price.
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Tour director was not up to par as experienced on previous trips. Poorly organized. Novotel Hotel in Edinburgh was below usual standard for Grand European Tours.
Vacation : Was overall not up to par with previous trips on Grand European Tours.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry to hear about your disappointment. Thank you for brining this to our attention.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Telephone communication excellent
Vacation : Great value, trip and itinerary exactly as listed
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Jordana was a great tour guide. She offered a lot of information about the sites we visited and also answered questions about transportation, policies, and regional information extremely well. Stuart was also great. He was an excellent driver and also very personable.
Vacation : Trip was everything we had hoped for and more
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Best of Scotland
Ruth Nimmo
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The tour was very good, however the hotel location in Glasgow was not in city center and that made it more complicated to see some of the city. Tour director Jordana was very good and very helpful to all members of the group.
Vacation : Good, but Glasgow hotel location was not the best.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Best of Scotland
Lynn Mitchell
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : My trip ran very smoothly. The tour guide was very informative telling us all the history and stories before getting to our destination. We had a lot of hidden treasures added. Hotels and food were excellent. We had a lot to see but still had time to rest and shop at our leisure. Our days were full but not over tiring. Would definitely use you again and recommend you. Thank you
Response from Grand European Travel:
We're beyond happy to know your Scotland vacation was fantastic and that you had a great time. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and for your recommendations. Happy travels!
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Vacation : A lot of travel for your money.
Monday, August 27, 2018
Best of Scotland
Carole Washa
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Guides on tours. We were let out of the bus & on our own..I will never book anything with Trafager again!! We came late because of our airline & our room was sold! This should never happen!
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry to hear about your delayed arrival into Scotland. It looks as if you made your own flight arrangements and arrived one day late on the tour. We are sorry to see that you had to wait to get into your room upon arrival. We will be sure to share your feedback with Trafalgar's quality control team for immediate review.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Vacation : Good plan but our tour guide wasn’t very helpful Trafalgar is not good. No guides at stops. We were on our own at interesting sites. They sold our room when we got there late because of airlines... guide should have been on that!!
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Best of Scotland
Claudia Morley
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : I really enjoyed Andrew, Tour Director, in Scotland. He is professional and very attentive to all of the people.
Vacation : Good variety of activities and nice hotels.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Best of Scotland
Juanita Carter
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The bus trips were too long without a break, hated the time regulations. Disliked being told where to sit, I travel alone to be alone. The only thing that made it bearable was the tour hostess who did her best to accommodate all of us, not an easy job! I travel to Europe every year and this was my first and last bus tour. No chance to relax. Hotels were too far to walk by yourself to any main area. I paid 25 pounds one way to shop because my luggage was lost.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are terribly sorry to hear that this trip did not meet your expectations. Hopefully there were some happy memories made along the way despite the issues you mentioned.
Monday, August 27, 2018
Vacation : Not worth the money that was carefully saved to see Scotland. A trip on my bucket list for years,
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Best of Scotland
Diane Hinds
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : I did not like the assigned seating on the bus, I was traveling with friends and had to sit apart from them every day. I did not like the aggressive way the leader told people to stop talking when he was talking. (I was not talking). It was just uncomfortable. It was nice to have luggage delivered to our room. The group size was too large. We traveled long distances and most of our stops were tourist traps rather than things of interest. When a stop had to be eliminated, it was a sight of interest and we stopped at the tourist trap.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear that there were issues on your trip. We do try to provide a positive experience for all guests. We hope that there were some high points for you along the way.
Monday, August 27, 2018
Vacation : Not sure how this differs from previous question
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Best of Scotland
Margaret Ross
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The tour was everything that was promised. Tour guide and driver were both exceptional. Their attitude and knowledge made the tour a great success.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We're so happy to hear you had a wonderful time on your Scotland vacation! Thanks for sharing.
Friday, August 24, 2018
Vacation : see above comments re services and attaitude
Friday, August 17, 2018
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Great planning of places to visit
Vacation : We absolutely saw so much. Althoughvery hectic, we got a flavor of everything
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Best of Scotland
Margaret Atkin
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : I recently went on a Trafalgar bus tour of the Best of Scotland. It was jam packed with fun and great activities. Our tour guide Denanne and bus driver Johhnny were extremely knowledgeable and fun. It was terrific.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We're so happy to hear this and appreciate your business and taking the time to write. Thank you!
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Response from Grand European Travel:
We're so happy to hear this and appreciate you taking the time to write. Thank you!
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Vacation : EXCELLENT, it was a fantastic trip
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Best of Scotland
Grace Mcgowan
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Loved the entire tour.The guide Deanne was a wonderful story teller,You had the feeling that you were back in time.The details of the battles,the castles,the royalty and poets and authors were all covered.She never missed a beat and was able to answer all questions or would promise to get an answer. The country itself was magnificent.Most beautiful country with lovely scenery. The food was very good with several choses and quite plentiful.I have never been to Europe so this was the perfect introduction to your beautiful land.Thanks also to Johnny our tour bus driver.He got us to our destinations without incident each and ever day with a smile.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We're delighted to hear you had such a wonderful time in Scotland! It really is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing your comments, we'll certainly pass on your praises. Happy travels!
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Vacation : I am not familiar with this types of trips but all whom I shared with stated that this was an excellent return on your money.I loved it.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Best of Scotland
Susan Spath
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : I was very happy with the accommodations, the food all was great.
Vacation : reasonable for what you received for your money
Monday, August 13, 2018
Best of Scotland
Brian Borden
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The booking process was very smooth, and we really enjoyed our tour guide. Also our coach bus driver was amazing!
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for sharing and for your comments. We're happy to know you enjoyed your vacation in Scotland. Our team will also be glad to hear your booking process went smoothly, as it's our passion to make your travel as hassle-free and as fun as possible. Thanks for choosing us to help plan this trip and for being a part of our travel family.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Vacation : It was a really good mix of Scotland's history and current happenings. We really enjoyed the farm visits. The only drawback was Holyrood Castle. Didn't actually visit the castle, just drove through the grounds.
Monday, August 6, 2018
Best of Scotland
Lance Anderson
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Jordana & Ian were excellent representatives for GET. Both were knowledgeable and friendly, not an easy task when herding 45-50 people through cities, hotels and exhibits. We encountered no issues with any of our trip arrangements, everything went as anticipated and communicated. Highly recommend.
Vacation : My wife and I both thought this a great value for the money spent. We enjoyed ourselves immensely and took hundreds of pictures of our travels. Scotland is a beautiful country and the weather was perfect for our visit (Jul 1 - Jul 7)
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are so happy to see how much you enjoyed your trip to Scotland. Be sure to share some of those photos with us!
Monday, August 6, 2018
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Everything went very smoothly and according to plan! The trip was very beautiful and educationa! I would recommend it to everyone. I’ve experienced travel with GET before and would do it again!!
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you so much. We appreciate your kind words and your recommendation and look forward to helping you plan your next trip very soon.
Monday, July 23, 2018
Vacation : Trip was beautiful and very informative! Country side was breathtaking and the people we’re very accommodating,friendly and lovely!!
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Best of Scotland
Donna Anderson
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The reps we spoke with regarding purchasing our trip, as well as answering follow-up questions, were all very polite and helpful. All questions were answered fully, and making the purchase was relatively easy. Regarding the airfare purchase through GET - I wish they had mentioned up-front that they could offer both economy and first class tickets. I had purchased economy, planning to upgrade seats later. When I called GET and discovered I couldn't upgrade until very close to our departure date, the rep mentioned they could switch us to first class and provided a quote of price difference. My husband and I did decide to make this upgrade (a once-in-a-lifetime experience) and are very happy we did.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We love hearing feedback like this. Thank you so much for your comments and for allowing us to help you plan your trip of a lifetime. Sounds as if you had an absolutely wonderful time!
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Vacation : The Trafalgar tour was a great value! We saw not only the big highlights (Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Culloden, etc.), but some out-of-the-way sights and experiences, such as the Clava Cairns near Culloden, visiting a sheepdog trainer in the Highlands, enjoying a group dinner in the Surgeon's Hall in Edinburgh. Along the way, both Jordana (our tour guide) and Ian (our driver) made the drives as enjoyable as possible, with historical information, Scottish music, regular stops for breaks and pictures, and the occasional treat (Scottish candy or shortbread). The two of them had a great working relationship; at one point saw them by the side of the road picking heather and bog cotton (both in bloom) for us to enjoy. Ian is a wonderful driver - to see him maneuver the large coach through the narrow Highlands roads, under low bridges, and especially meeting other large vehicles - we never felt the least concern that anything bad would occur. Ian even went so far as to mark up a map of Scotland with our itinerary and sent that around the bus so we could all copy it down or snap pics of it. Wish we had been more alert to the fact that most hotels in Europe/UK don't provide A/C. Our room at Novotel in Edinburgh was very uncomfortable due to the high temps in the city. We could open the window, but got little relief. The internal fan system was pretty wimpy as well. Would have liked a ceiling fan or an desktop fan to make it easier to sleep.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Mistakes made in booking. We had to keep contacting GET to get things finalized.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Please accept our apologies for the difficulties you faced during the booking process. We have reviewed your booking and shared it with our Reservation Manager in order to use this as a training opportunity for our team. Thank you for letting us know and we do hope you enjoyed your trip overall.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Vacation : Wonderful and we really enjoyed Tom Lang our tour guide
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Best of Scotland
Theresa Nibblett
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The guide, Tom Lane, was excellent: he was very knowledgeable and handled all the arrangements expertly. Our accommodations were excellent as were all meals provided. The reason for the Good rating was because we both thought the tour group was too big and that we spent too much time on the bus and not enough time viewing the sights on the itinerary. The optional dinner at the Club 29 in Glasgow was a bit of a disappointment as it was not as described in the brochure. The final evening provided meal was a fun, enjoyable way to end the tour, but again, because there was so many people on our tour, we were packed into the venue, shoulder to shoulder making it uncomfortable for everyone.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We appreciate you sharing your experience and will be passing this on to the Quality Control teams for immediate review. Thank you.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Vacation : Same as prior evaluation.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The trip was at a good pace. Tour guide and driver were excellent.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for sharing! We're pleased to know you enjoyed your Scotland vacation. Happy travels!
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Vacation : Would have preferred fewer people on the trip.
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Best of Scotland
Thomas Cummings
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : your staffs service was excellent, it was parts of the trip that were poor.
Vacation : Novatel was a poor choice, cooling system was poor and hotel was undergoing renovation. Tour broken into two groups and our group seemed to get the short end of the stick on time at Sterling Castle, a hotel upgrade and who knows what else. A drive across a bridge to a restaurant for lunch, I do not consider a visit to the Isle of Skye. Tour guide and driver were both very good
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry to see you were disappointed with parts of your trip. We do try to provide clean. comfortable and convenient accommodations and appreciate the feedback when those criteria are not met. We will share your experience with the Quality Control team at Trafalgar.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Randy was very helpful and it was easy to arrange
Vacation : I was disappointed with a number of things. No time spent in Glasgow with tour. Farewell dinner was good but no room to move, too many people on the tour for that particular venue. Welcome dinner was very poor. Some listed things did not happen and no explanation of why. All hotels good. This was my 2nd Trafalgar tour, probably my last.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for bringing these issues to our attention.  We will be certain to share them with Trafalgar's Quality Control team and ask them to review for immediate improvement.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : James Thompson our tour director was excellent!
Vacation : James Thompson our tour director was excellent!
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : This was our first ever guided bus tour so we didn't know what to expect. We enjoyed the sights, the special little amenities, but most importantly we believe we were extremely fortunate to travel with a great group of people.
Vacation : The price seemed on par with other travel groups, but going through AARP provided a sense of quality and the discounts were helpful.
Monday, September 18, 2017
Best of Scotland
Martha Mccormick
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Tour Guide and bus driver were excellent - well organized and ready to provide assistance. Tour Guide had to step in the last minute as the scheduled guide had a family emergency and he was up to the task.
Vacation : Only did one but thoroughly enjoyed the meal and entertainment.
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Best of Scotland
Sarabeth D.
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : We had a wonderful time, beyond all expectation. The itinerary was a well planned experience of history, culture, and beauty. Aryan the guide was very knowledgable and attentive and the driver Katrina was a a master at maneuvering our big bus. We are already planning another Grand European tour for next year. The US support people beforehand could have been more helpful when I had questions.
Vacation : The optional experiences that we bought enhanced our immersion in the Scottish culture
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Good driver, clean bus, well versed and pleasant tour director, plenty rest stops, not too fast lunch breaks giving time to shop, good lodgings, interesting itinerary. I especially liked the final diinner at a local citizen's sheep farm who also entertained us with stories and music.
Vacation : I'm assuming you mean the optional trips.
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Guide was excellent and food good. Probably won't travel again due to our ages.
Vacation : Saw all the highlights of Scotland. Highlands were beautiful!
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Too many optionals that could have been included. Inexperienced, disorganized tour director.
Vacation : I expected more for the money. Too little substance.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Best of Scotland
Glenn Letts
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Tour director attention to detail, in keeping guests happy and tour running smoothly
Vacation : Was able to show my wife most of the places that I went to while stationed in the Navy in Scotland, and with the extra days booked was able to do the rest.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Best of Scotland
Rosemary Toohey
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable. Sights seen and ground covered excellent for the money spent.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your feedback. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your Best of Scotland vacation and the service of your Travel Director. The Edinburgh Tattoo is indeed a fantastic experience, and the Scottish Highlands should be on everyone's bucket list! 
Friday, September 1, 2017
Vacation : The military tattoo in Edinburgh was wonderful, but my favorite part was the drive through the Highlands and the stay at the picturesque Laggan Hotel. The Laggan needed just a few touches to be absolutely perfect...small things, for example a decent size mirror in the room, a hook on the bathroom door for clothes and a small table in the bathroom for toiletries. Food and drink service at the Laggan was excellent.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Josh was always available to answer any questions, etc.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your review. We're glad you enjoyed your trip to Scotland and the service Josh provided.
Friday, September 1, 2017
Vacation : Excellent trip, tour guide, and bus driver. Would have liked more time at Loch Ness, and in Glasgow on our own.
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Best of Scotland
Trusted Customer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Everything went very smoothly from the time I booked the trip up to and receiving all my documents.
Vacation : Although the trip was very interesting I was very disappointed in the hotels.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Best of Scotland
James Niser
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Trip was hectic but a lot of fun. Seen a great deal of Scotland in a single week.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thanks for taking the time to write.  Glad to hear that, despite (or perhaps due to) the packed schedule, you enjoyed your Best of Scotland trip!
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Vacation : Fun, interesting, busy, many excursions should be avoided. Dinner and best served with the locals, not the tour.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Best of Scotland
Kay Wideman
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Met us at the airport when we arrived. Excellent guide. Excellent hotels. Loved Scotland!
Response from Grand European Travel:
Scotland is a truly wonderful destination.  Glad to hear your trip was a success!
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Vacation : I'm not sure what you mean by purchases? We didn't have a lot of shopping time. If you are referring to the purchase of the trip, it was fine.
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    We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

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  • U.S. citizens traveling to Scotland must have a current passport that is valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering Scotland.

  • The currency in Scotland is the Pound (£). While it’s a good idea to bring some pounds for when you first arrive in Scotland, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination.  The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling.  It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.

  • Scotland’s culture is based on the country’s rich and colorful past, with a long-standing passion for festivals, myths, bagpipes, art, castles, and literature.  Highlights to explore include the city of Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Glasgow, and Stirling Castle.

  • Food and drink in Scotland goes far beyond haggis, porridge, and whiskey.  Other specialties to try include kippers, fish and chips, Scotch broth, smoked salmon, sausages, shortbread, and Dundee cake.  For a meal that’s inexpensive and authentic, try a pub meal with a pint of Scottish ale.

  • The weather in Scotland is mild, moist, and quickly changeable. We suggest packing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Important items to bring include sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket with a hood. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.

  • Tipping is less common in Scotland than in the U.S. When dining in a restaurant, it’s appropriate, although not required, to leave a tip of 5-10 percent.  Leave your gratuity on the table rather than adding it to your credit card receipt to ensure that your waiter receives it.

    At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend £2.50 per person/per day for your driver and £4.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director.  Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 pounds per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit.  A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.

  • Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.

  • You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions.  All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers.  In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group. 

    If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.

  • We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.

 Request a Quote

  • 30 Day Refund Guarantee

    We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

  • Add air to your reservation

    Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.

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