Scotland's Highlands, Islands & Cities
14 Days from $3,395 per person
Scotland's arresting natural beauty and centuries-old heritage are the highlights of this adventure that will see you visit the isles of Skye and Mull, the Orkney Islands and the beauty of Loch Ness. View the remarkably intact ruins of Melrose Abbey, where the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce is said to rest, and visit Glamis Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Overview
Scotland's arresting natural beauty and centuries-old heritage are the highlights of this adventure that will see you visit the isles of Skye and Mull, the Orkney Islands and the beauty of Loch Ness. View the remarkably intact ruins of Melrose Abbey, where the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce is said to rest, and visit Glamis Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Edinburgh (3 Nights)
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. Enjoy your day at leisure before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception to kick start your turas through an unimaginably beautiful part of the world.
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Day 3: Edinburgh Sightseeing
Let your Local Specialist take you on an informative sightseeing tour of Edinburgh, stopping to view the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse and nearby new Scottish Parliament Building. We ramble down the Royal Mile, before visiting Edinburgh Castle, from whose Castle Rock vantage point we can admire beautiful cityscapes. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. If your visit coincides with the Edinburgh Festival, tickets for the rousing Edinburgh Tattoo will be included. -
Day 4: Excursion to The Borders
A scenic day's excursion brings us to the ruins of the 12th century Augustinian Jedburgh Abbey, which we will have an opportunity to view before admiring the ornate decorations that adorn the façades of nearby Melrose Abbey.
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Day 5: Edinburgh – St. Andrews – Glamis Castle – Dundee
This morning we cross the Firth of Forth to the celebrated home of golf, St. Andrews, where we will view its ancient university and the course that golfing greats have clamored to play for centuries. Shakespeare’s Macbeth takes center stage as we visit Glamis Castle next, also once the home of the beloved Queen Mother and birthplace of Princess Margaret. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and explore its beautiful gardens before we travel to the waterfront city of Dundee, distinguished for its status as the first UNESCO City of Design, and the original home of marmalade.
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Day 6: Dundee – Pitlochry – Culloden – Inverness
Indulge in a Cultural Insight into local whisky production at a famous distillery, which includes a tasting of Scotland's much-loved golden nectar. Hearts and hands warmed, we wind our way to visit the tragic battlefield and Visitor Center at Culloden past rugged landscapes and the imposing Cairngorm Mountains. Our final stop for the night is Inverness. -
Day 7: Inverness – Loch Ness – Thurso (2 Nights)
The mystical haunt of Nessie is our first stop today en route to Dunrobin Castle. Spend your afternoon exploring its château-like façades and picturesque setting that was once home to the Clan Sutherland. Arriving in Thurso, our home for the next two nights, we enjoy dinner at our hotel. -
Day 8: Orkney Islands Excursion
We board a ferry across the Pentland Firth to South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, viewing the 1.5 mile stretch of WWII causeways known as the Churchill Barriers. Delve into the stories of the Neolothic Skara Brae village, which was ‘lost' for millennia, before seeing the prehistoric free-standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar. En route to our hotel for dinner, we stop at beautiful Kirkwall Cathedral for a photo opportunity. -
Day 9: Thurso – Ullapool – Isle of Skye
Visit the remote village of Ullapool on the shores of Loch Broom, then journey to the magical setting that is the 13th century Eilean Donan Castle, before continuing to the Isle of Skye where we'll enjoy a delicious dinner in our hotel. -
Day 10: Isle of Skye – Ballachulish (2 Nights)
The breathtaking scenery of the Isle of Skye behind us, we travel back to the mainland following a beautiful route that takes us past the Glenfinnan Viaduct along which Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express would journey to his beloved school of magic. We pass Fort William, renowned as the gateway to Ben Nevis, before continuing to Ballachulish, our Highland home for the next two nights. -
Day 11: Mull and Iona Excursion
Set sail from the resort town of Oban to the vacation retreat that is the Isle of Mull, where we disembark at Craignure. We cross the pretty countryside of this small island to catch a ferry from Fionnphort to the island of Iona. Before our journey back to Ballachulish, we'll have the chance to view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place for many of Scottish kings.
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Day 12: Ballachulish – Glasgow (2 Nights)
A solemn reminder of the MacDonald clansmen who were massacred at the Glen of the Weeping in 1692 marks our morning meander south to Glasgow. We follow the banks of picturesque Loch Lomond, before arriving in the edgy city of Glasgow. Enjoy an orientation tour that will see us view George Square with its statues of Britain's famous sons, and St. Mungo's Cathedral. -
Day 13: Stirling Castle and Bannockburn Excursion
Enjoy a visit to Stirling Castle's grounds. Then visit the splendidly decorated Royal Palace of King James V and view the renowned Stirling Heads, before venturing to Bannockburn. We join the Wood family this afternoon for a memorable Be My Guest lunch at their 15th century historical farm on the shores of Loch Ard where we'll enjoy tales of Rob Roy.
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Day 14: Depart Glasgow
It's time to say a fond farewell to our travel companions and Travel Director as our memorable vacation comes to an end. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Glasgow Airport at 7 am and 9 am. Conditions apply.
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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
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Sep 18 | 22 Sep 18 |
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$3,395pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 |
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: $580 p.p.
Triple Discount: $10 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $124 per person.
Airport transfers: On arrival to 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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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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VIP Access
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Hotel Tips
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Personal Flight Options
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Most Meals
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
12 nights, 12 full breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 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
Cultural Insight
- Enjoy a whisky tour and tasting at a local distillery
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Edinburgh
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Edinburgh
- Orientation of Dundee, Inverness, Orkney Islands, Stirling, Glasgow
- Visit Edinburgh Castle, Glamis Castle, the battlefield and Visitor Center of Culloden, Dunrobin Castle, John O'Groats, Skara Brae, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, St. Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow, Stirling Castle
- View Jedburgh Abbey, the 18th green at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe
- See Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, the Battlefield at Bannockburn
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
-
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
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'.
Edinburgh
Dinner And Ghost Walk
Adult Price: £39.00
Work up an appetite discovering some of Edinburgh's most haunted places with your Local Specialist, who’ll share ghoulish tales before you enjoy a three course meal in a local restaurant.
Edinburgh
Royal Yacht Britannia
Adult Price: £23.00
You’ll explore this magnificent ship, which has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. Now berthed in Leith, you’ll be welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences – the former honeymoon sanctuary for four royal couples.
Scottish Highlands
Cawdor Dinner Evening
Adult Price: £37.00
Join us for dinner at a traditional country pub in the charming village of Cawdor, home to Shakespeare's Macbeth.
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.
Scottish Highlands
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.
Scottish Highlands
Isle Of Skye Drive
Adult Price: £13.50
An opportunity to travel around the Isle of Skye with your Local Specialist. You’ll hear about the way of life on this remote inner Hebridean Island and discover its stories and legends.
Scottish Highlands
Loch Ness Cruise
Adult Price: £23.00
Sailing from Clansman Hotel, we'll experience a scenic cruise on Scotland's most famous waterway, Loch Ness. We'll also see beautiful Urquhart Castle, founded in the 13th-century, from the lake. The management regrets to inform you that Nessie sightings are not guaranteed!
Scottish Highlands
Jacobite Steam Railway
Adult Price: £40.00
"Take one of the world’s most spectacular steam train rides across the Glenfinnan viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter movies. You’ll enjoy beautiful coastal and mountain scenery as you relax on this once in a lifetime journey. This optional involves the pre-purchase of non-refundable tickets. In the unlikely event of cancellation due to bad weather, a 50% cancellation charge will be incurred."
Scottish Highlands
Ballachulish Dinner and Drive
Adult Price: £36.00
Enjoy a scenic drive on Loch Linnhe for dinner.
Glasgow
Doune Castle
Adult Price: £24.00
Enjoy a visit to this famous castle, featured in film and television shows such as Monty Python, Outlander, and Game of Thrones.
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.
