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Country Roads of Scotland

Operated by: Insight Vacations

9 Days from $3,425 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Scotland Tartan Bagpipes Closeup

Countries Visited

Scotland ...more Scotland

Locations Visited

Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness, Wick, Thurso, Orkney Islands, Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow ...more Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness, Wick, Thurso, Orkney Islands, Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Edinburgh

    Welcome to Scotland - land of legends and romance, from the great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands. On arrival at Edinburgh airport, transfers depart for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00. Then the rest of the day is yours to relax before joining your Travel Director at 16:30 for a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. On select departures, during your time in Edinburgh you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

    meals Dinner with Wine
    hotel Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh.
  2. Day 2 Edinburgh, The Capital of Culture

    Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. In the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the King. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.The rest of the day is at leisure; why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh.
  3. Day 3 To St. Andrews and the Highland Capital of Inverness

    Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course, home of golf since its creation in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Alternatively, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Tour the magnificent ballroom and learn about the history of the estate. During your visit relish a delicious cream tea. Continue to Inverness, where your luxury hotel is set within four acres of manicured grounds.

    meals Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness., Pentahotel Inverness.
  4. Day 4 Culloden, Loch Ness and onto Thurso

    See Culloden Moor in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre before continuing along the shores of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary monster! Next, follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Explore Wick with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskeys. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum and hear about the past of this once thriving fishing community.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel The Pentland Hotel, Thurso.
  5. Day 5 A Day in the Orkney Islands

    Start the day by driving to the most northerly inhabited village in mainland Britain, John O’Groats. Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquillity supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water.’ Your Local Expert accompanies you as you visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel The Pentland Hotel, Thurso.
  6. Day 6 Over the Sea to Skye

    Travel through stunning, pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie and see the dramatic Cuillin Hills.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford.
  7. Day 7 Through the Scottish Highlands to Glencoe Relaxed Start

    Travel through the ever changing scenery of this beautiful island, before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there is a fine view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe. Join a ranger for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy market-fresh Scottish ingredients and wine, as you get together with your newfound friends for a sumptuous Celebration Dinner. Don't be surprised if, by the end of the evening, you're 'Toasting to the Lassies' or singing 'Auld Lang Syne'.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Ballachulish Hotel, Glencoe., Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Centre.
  8. Day 8 Along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond to Glasgow Relaxed Start

    Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to Sir Walter Scott and the largest in Great Britain. Perhaps experience the beauty and tranquillity of the loch with an optional cruise before continuing to Glasgow? An orientation drive through the city will show you the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Then the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.
  9. Day 9 Depart Glasgow

    Departure transfers arrive at Glasgow airport at 06:30 and 09:00.

    meals Breakfast
Country Roads of Scotland Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 6 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Wick: Visit the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum to gain a full picture of this once thriving fishing community and how your visit helps keep the story of this town alive.  The Wick Society is committed to preserving and promoting Wick's proud heritage for the inspiration of future generations. They collect, collate and display the many artefacts that tell the history of Wick and their community ethos is one of welcome and sharing. Wick Heritage Museum advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities. Alternatively, visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of whisky.
  • Wick: Whiskys are known for their distinctive flavours, often bursting with the power and subtlety of the sea. Share a wee dram with a master distiller who imparts the age-old techniques.

Additional Included Highlights

  • : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Authentic Dining

  • Edinburgh: Enjoy a relaxing Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers.
  • Blair Atholl: Visit Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, and tour the ballroom to learn about the history of the estate. Relish a delicious afternoon sipping on freshly brewed coffee or tea and tasting homemade scones with berry jam and sweet cream.
  • Wick: Whiskys are known for their distinctive flavours, often bursting with the power and subtlety of the sea. Share a wee dram with a master distiller who imparts the age-old techniques.
  • Glencoe: Your adventure culminates with a wonderful Celebration Dinner. Enjoy the best Highland hospitality and market-fresh ingredients accompanied by delicious wine or beer.

Insight Experiences

  • Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands on a full day guided journey. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy. Join a Local Expert for a fascinating journey into the history of this remote part of the world.

Make Travel Matter

  • Wick: Visit the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum to gain a full picture of this once thriving fishing community and how your visit helps keep the story of this town alive.  The Wick Society is committed to preserving and promoting Wick's proud heritage for the inspiration of future generations. They collect, collate and display the many artefacts that tell the history of Wick and their community ethos is one of welcome and sharing. Wick Heritage Museum advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities. Alternatively, visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of whisky.
  • Glencoe: Join a ranger in the spectacular Valley of Glencoe, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. The Natural Reserve carries out important scientific research and conversation initiatives to protect the fragile biodiversity including rare alpine flowers, mosses, mountain hares, red deer and birdlife such as golden eagles. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
  • Edinburgh: Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg.
  • Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
  • St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
  • Pitlochry: Visit this town, famous for its salmon leap.
  • Inverness: See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.
  • Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Centre, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
  • Loch Ness: Drive along the shores in search of the legendary monster.
  • John o' Groats: Visit Britain's most northerly, yet tiny, mainland village.
  • Isle of Skye: See the dramatic Cuillin Hills and stay in pretty Broadford.
  • Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
  • Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
  • Glencoe: Your Travel Director will lead you on an orientation of this Highland village on Loch Leven.
  • Loch Lomond: Enjoy time to explore the beautiful 'Queen of Scottish Lochs'.
  • Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

Well-being

  • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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June 2023
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Jun 26 Mon
Jul 4 Tue
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Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,475
July 2023
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Jul 1 Sat
Jul 9 Sun
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Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,475
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 10 Mon
Jul 18 Tue
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,475
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 15 Sat
Jul 23 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,475
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 31 Mon
Aug 8 Tue
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Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,425
August 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 21 Mon
Aug 29 Tue
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Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,850
September 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 23 Sat
Oct 1 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,425
Optional Add-Ons

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

Available on Day 2

Edinburgh - The Untold Story

Walk Edinburgh's heart with your Local Expert, to hear about the ultimate loyal dog, grave robbers, executions and other untold stories. Stroll through the Wynds and Closes of the real Edinburgh and enjoy a drink in one of this city's most famous pubs.
Adult Price: £ 25

Available on Day 2

Royal Edinburgh

We’ll enjoy views of the Queen's Park and take in a spectacular panorama of Scotland’s Capital before arriving at Holyrood Palace - the King’s official home in Scotland.  Our Local Expert will bring its ancient stories to life before a leisurely visit through the official rooms of the palace.
Adult Price: £ 39

Available on Day 2

Scottish Dinner & Cabaret

Join us for a lively and memorable evening of traditional Scottish song, dance, tartan and bagpipes. In addition to wine and dinner, your kilted hosts will lead you through some of the best-loved Scottish music and songs. You'll learn a Highland dance or two and sample Scotland’s national dish - haggis. An exceptional Scottish experience!
Adult Price: £ 72

Thurso

Available on Day 4

An Evening of Scots-Gaelic Culture

A rare opportunity to enjoy an introduction to the Gaelic culture that is so unique to the Highlands. Stories, song, music and Highland history await you in the warm atmosphere of a centuries-old Highland hostelry
Adult Price: £ 26

Skye

Available on Day 6

Isle Of Skye Tour

A wonderful opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula with a Local Expert. Hear about the way of life on this remote inner Hebridean island, steeped in myth and legend. While touring the 'Isle of Mist' see the Old Man of Storr, the red and black Cuillin Mountains and picturesque Portree, the largest town on the Island. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
Adult Price: £ 19

Glasgow

Available on Day 8

Glasgow Dinner

In recent years, Glasgow has developed a fearsome culinary reputation. With its elegant and chic atmosphere, this restaurant is very much at the forefront. In the hub of Glasgow's vibrant cosmopolitan capital, enjoy an evening of Scottish fayre and experience the unique atmosphere of the city at night.
Adult Price: £ 45

Loch Lomond

Available on Day 8

Lake Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing cruise around picturesque Loch Lomond - the largest stretch of inland water to be found in the British Isles. Settle with a complimentary cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the flawless natural beauty, while all the history and legend is brought to life by on-board commentary.
Adult Price: £ 17

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Review date: Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Service
They did a great job redoing everything when the trip was postponed for a year due to covid. They answered my questions or got back to me with the answer quickly.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your patience and sticking with us during a very frustrating time. We are glad you finally made it to Scotland and enjoyed your trip.
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Vacation
The tour director was very knowledgeable and added much to what we were doing. Our bus driver was very friendly and handled the bus masterfully.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Service
Had a difficulty reaching an agent after expressing interest online.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We apologize for the wait and difficulty in speaking to an agent during this unusually busy time. We have noted your comments and will pass them on to our call center management to review for improvement. Thank you
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Vacation
Scotland was fabulous. The tour director, Melissa was great great and the driver, Arthur was extremely skillful the way he navigated the country roads.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Sunday, July 17, 2022
Service
In spite of pandemic related issues they remained friendly and helpful.
Response from Grand European Travel:
It sounds like you had a great time exploring the Country Roads of Scotland. We hope you were able to come home with memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for your feedback. We certainly do appreciate it!
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Vacation
All the local people were extremely friendly . Tour director was outstanding. Loved every minute of the tour!
Trusted Customer
Review date: Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Service
Better hotels and food.
Vacation
I have taken several Insight Country Roads tours before and enjoyed them. I have also taken one Trafalgar trip to Ireland. This trip is on Trafalgar level. Hotels were about 3 stars, except for one, starting the Malmaison in Edinburgh (actually it was in Leith); there are several good hotels in Edinburgh. Leith is hard to get to especially with the construction which has been going on for years and probably will take more. The Malmaison food service does not do a good job handling large groups, the food was all overcooked (group of 23 people). The bath tubs were slippery and dangerous; you had to call the desk for a tub mat. Need to find hotels with stand alone showers. Except for Glasgow all other hotels had no elevators (hard on us old folks.) Food everywhere was terrible. So, provide fewer included meals and let us fend for ourselves. I ate in several restaurants in Scotland that were quite good.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your honest review. We will share your feedback with the team at Insight Vacations and ask them to review all areas for improvement.
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Trusted Customer
Review date: Sunday, July 3, 2022
Service
All went as expected
Vacation
I loved everything we saw Hotels were very average so not luxury as touted Food was boring and bland as well as repetitive
Trusted Customer
Review date: Sunday, July 3, 2022
Service
They fulfilled my needs preparing for my trip
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are so happy we were able to help you plan your vacation to Scotland. It sounds like your trip went well and you made some lasting memories. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We appreciate your business and your feedback!
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Vacation
A trip I wanted to make. Scotland was a country that I wanted to see,
Trusted Customer
Review date: Sunday, July 3, 2022
Service
The attitude of the booking agent was negative and she was not helpful. When contacted, she acted put out. (Tess Diaz) Other agents were very nice though, particularly Michelle G.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your honest feedback. We will address this with these agents immediately.
Friday, July 8, 2022
Vacation
Beautiful scenery and knowledgeable travel director. Accommodations were mixed; food was good about half the time. Excellent driver of coach.
Unspecified
Howard Robinson
Review date: Friday, July 1, 2022
Service
This was our 4th GET tour. The other 3 were a good tour for the money. This started with Malmaison Hotel broken elevator (old problem). And they did not offer to take our bags up. Next the Isle of Skye was poor. We did it 14 years back & it is the high lite of Scotland. The Dunollie Hotel is a dump! We used the Kinloch, which is great. Our option here was drive across the island. Poor. There are two good places: The Armadale Castle & just off the island, the Eilean Donan Castle. Cam Wilson was the poorest group leader we have had in many years. We had a missing bag (airline) & ask him to call Iceland Air (we did not have their number) & on line was not helping. We learn 3 days later his bag report was just what we saw on line. We learned when he did call, the airline agent never entered the report in the computer. Days lost.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry to hear about your disappointment with the hotels and Travel Director on your trip. We will be share to share this information with the operating company Trafalgar and ask them to review the standards immediately. We appreciate you bringing these shortcomings to our attentions so we can help to correct them.
Friday, July 8, 2022
Linda Young
Review date: Sunday, June 19, 2022
Service
GET extremely helpful throughout the whole process.
Vacation
Not worth the extra cost when compared to other tour companies. Food lousy except for 2 meals, accommodations so so.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry to hear about your disappointment with the food and hotels. We will pass this along to the operating company for immediate review.
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Deborah Tewes
Review date: Sunday, June 12, 2022
Service
I would but would ask more detailed questions next time. There was confusion over what I thought were prepaid gratuities
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry for the confusion regarding the prepaid gratuities, but it sounds like you really enjoyed your Country Roads of Scotland trip. That makes us so happy! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We appreciate your feedback.
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Vacation
It was the fulfillment of a long held dream to see Skara Brae and a bit of the Orkneys. Scotland exceeded my imagination. Absolutely stunning scenery and learned so much history of which I only had a superficial knowledge.
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