Best of Scotland
8 Days from $2,095 per person
The land of the ancients – cliff-top castles, standing stones and Rob Roy. Travel from Scotland's literary capital, Edinburgh, to feisty Glasgow, the heart and home of golf, St. Andrews, and the battlefields of Culloden and Glencoe, as your quest takes you past the lochs and glens of the Scottish Highlands and Glengoyne Whisky Distillery for a well-deserved wee dram.
Overview
The land of the ancients – cliff-top castles, standing stones and Rob Roy. Travel from Scotland's literary capital, Edinburgh, to feisty Glasgow, the heart and home of golf, St. Andrews, and the battlefields of Culloden and Glencoe, as your quest takes you past the lochs and glens of the Scottish Highlands and Glengoyne Whisky Distillery for a well-deserved wee dram.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Edinburgh (2 Nights)
Get lost among the enchanting cobbled 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 exploring 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.
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Day 3: Edinburgh Sightseeing
Join your Local Specialist this morning for an intriguing sightseeing tour of the city. Ascend Castle Rock and visit Edinburgh Castle, watching imposingly over the surrounding cityscape. Meander through the picturesque Old Town along the Royal Mile and see the stunning Palace of Holyroodhouse before enjoying time at leisure to soak up the city's charming atmosphere. If your travel dates coincide with the Edinburgh Festival, your visit will include tickets to the magnificent Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. -
Day 4: Edinburgh – St. Andrews – Pitlochry – Scottish Highlands (2 Nights)
Tread in the footsteps of the world's golfing greats and head to St. Andrews, the home of golf en route to the glorious Scottish Highlands. A scenic drive brings us north and across the Dundee Firth to the picturesque village of Pitlochry. Spend your afternoon rambling through the village's charming river-side setting, browse its woollen crafts or join an Optional Experience to visit Blair Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan Murray. Our day in beautiful surrounds comes to an end over a cozy dinner at our hotel sharing tales of the day with our fellow travelers. -
Day 5: Isle of Skye, Culloden and Scenic Highlands Excursion
Meandering to the coast, we arrive 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 around the breathtaking Sleat Peninsula where we will have some free time to enjoy lunch before crossing a road bridge back to the mainland. The rugged beauty of Eilean Donan Castle will leave you speechless before you continue your journey past the lochs and glens of the Highlands to the tragic battlefield of Culloden. Pay tribute to the brave men who lost their lives in the fierce final battle of the Jacobite Uprising before returning to your hotel this evening. -
Day 6: Scottish Highlands – Glencoe – Glasgow (2 Nights)
Our first stop today sees us commemorate World War II history at the Commando Memorial near Fort William, where we admire spectacular views of Britain's highest peak – Ben Nevis. We journey through the volcanic ruins and precipitous mountains that lie just beyond the quaint village of Glencoe to see the “Glen of the Weeping” and remember the MacDonald clansmen who were massacred in 1692. Continuing towards the River Clyde, we arrive in our final stop for the day – Glasgow. -
Day 7: Glasgow Orientation and Stirling Castle Excursion
Madainn mhath! While your Gaelic may be a little rusty, your fascinating 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 epicenter of shipbuilding. Spend some time at leisure before we travel to visit the hilltop fortress of Stirling Castle. Today a symbol of national pride, the royal residence 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 indulge in a Cultural Insight at Glengoyne Whisky Distillery and enjoy a wee dram before we join the Wood family at their 15th century historical farms on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Be My Guest Farewell Dinner, tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-taping Ceilidh tunes. -
Day 8: Depart Glasgow
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.
Request a Quote
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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.
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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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Definite Departure
- Edinburgh Tattoo
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
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Edinburgh Tattoo
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1 Aug 18 | 8 Aug 18 |
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$2,095pp | Request Quote Book Now |
- 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 $300 p.p.
Triple Room Discount: $10 p.p.
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 9:00 am. 11:30 am and 2:00 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 7:00 am and 9:00 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
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
6 nights, 6 full breakfasts, 4 dinners.
Included Highlights
Be My Guest
- Join the Wood family at their 15th century historical farm on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Scottish dinner, tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping Ceilidh tunes
Authentic Accommodations
- Enjoy Highland hospitality at Laggan Gaskmore Hotel located within Cairngorm National Park in the Scottish Highlands
Cultural Insight
- 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
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- 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 and George Square in Glasgow
Request a Quote
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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.
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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.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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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.
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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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Passports and Visas
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Currency
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.
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Culture
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.
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Cuisine
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.
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Packing
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.
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Tipping
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.
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Baggage
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.
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Health and Fitness
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.
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Insurance
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
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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.
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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.
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
Scottish Show With Dinner
Adult Price: £60.00
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.
Rosslyn Chapel
Adult Price: £18.00
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'.
Scottish Highlands
Pitlochry. Visit Of Blair Castle
Adult Price: £20.00
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.
Highland Farm Experience
Adult Price: £14.00
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.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond Boat Trip
Adult Price: £15.00
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.
Glasgow
Glasgow City Evening
Adult Price: £37.00
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.
Request a Quote
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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.
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 2018 it will take place in Edinburgh from August 3rd to August 25th, 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
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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.
