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Scotland's Highlands, Islands & Cities

Operated By:
Tour Pace: Comfortable
Rugged Scottish Highlands
Tour Style: First Class
14 Days from $2,858 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 see Glamis Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth.

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  1. Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included).

  2. Relax or explore this fascinating capital city. This evening, meet your companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Reception, which includes a true Scottish welcome with local specialties.
    meal(s):WR
    hotel:Novotel City Center

  3. This morning, your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city. See the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and the new Scottish Parliament building. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town. During the Edinburgh Festival, your visit will include tickets to the dazzling Edinburgh Tattoo.
    meal(s):FB

  4. This morning view the remarkably intact ruins of the 12th century Jedburgh Abbey as well as the neighbouring Melrose Abbey, where the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce is said to rest, before following the River Tweed back to Edinburgh.
    meal(s):FB

  5. Travel across the Firth of Forth to St. Andrews to view the celebrated ancient university and the home of golf. Visit Glamis Castle, former home of the Queen Mother, birthplace of Princess Margaret, and the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and free time to enjoy the beautiful gardens. Later arrive in Dundee, a waterfront city in the Tay Estuary which is the UK's first UNESCO City of Design?
    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Apex City Quay

  6. This morning, gain a Cultural Insight into whisky distilling by visiting a local distillery for a tour and a ‘wee dram'. Travel through untamed Scottish landscapes and the rugged Cairngorm Mountains. Visit the site of the Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's army was defeated in 1746. Lately, the site has featured in Diane Gabaldon's fictional novel 'Outlander'. Arrive later in Inverness.
    meal(s):FB
    hotel:The Columba

  7. Admire the beauty of Loch Ness, home of the fabled monster, en route to visit Dunrobin Castle. Dunrobin Castle is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland and resembles a French château with its towering conical spires. Stroll through the formal gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Dine tonight at your hotel.
    meal(s):FB, D
    hotel:Royal

  8. Visit John O'Groats, then take the ferry from Gills Bay across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Island of South Ronaldsay. See the Churchill Barriers, built as part of naval defense to protect the anchorage at Scapa Flow during World War II. Visit the ornate Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war. Visit Skara Brae and walk through the remains of the famous Neolithic village. See the prehistoric Ring of Brodgar en route to visit Viking Kirkwall before crossing the sea back to the mainland. Dine tonight at your hotel.
    meal(s):FB, D

  9. Enjoy a scenic drive along the stunning north west coastline. Visit the quaint fishing village of Ullapool. View the impressive Eilean Donan Castle before crossing to the picturesque Isle of Skye. Dine tonight at your hotel.
    meal(s):FB, D
    hotel:Kings Arms

  10. Enjoy a scenic drive to take your ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig. See the Glenfinnan Viaduct which featured in the Harry Potter films. At Fort William, see Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, in all its glory before arriving in Ballachulish for the next two nights.
    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Ballachulish

  11. Sail from Oban, across the mouth of Loch Linnhe, to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Enjoy a scenic drive across the remote island to Fionnphort for a short ferry crossing to the island of Iona. Visit Iona Abbey, a beautifully preserved medieval abbey, and the ancient burial ground of many Scottish Kings at Rèilig Odhrain. Dine tonight at your hotel.
    meal(s):FB, D

  12. This morning, travel south through Glencoe, ‘Glen of the Weeping', site of the infamous massacre of the Macdonald clan by the Campbells in 1692. Journey along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, immortalized in the well-known Scottish song, before arriving in Glasgow. Your orientation tour includes views of the magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry, as well as a visit to St. Mungo's Cathedral.
    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Vacation Inn Theatreland

  13. This morning enjoy a guided visit of the historic Stirling Castle and explore the Royal Palace of King James V. See the Stirling Heads making your way to nearby Bannockburn – the site of the famous battle between King Robert Bruce of Scotland and Edward II of England. Enjoy a Be My Guest Farewell Lunch on a working Scottish farm with your companions and Travel Director and after you'll have free time to further explore Glasgow.
    meal(s):FB, BG

  14. Say a fond farewell to bonnie Scotland as your wonderful vacation draws to a close. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
    meal(s):FB
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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.

2018 Preview

Preview itineraries and content are based on selected vacations featured in our 2017 Collection, however, items such as (but not limited to), hotels, meals, sightseeing inclusions, trip destinations, transfers and transportation, are subject to change. The final composition of your trip will be published in our 2018 Collection due out in September. By paying your deposit, you are agreeing to accept the finalized version of your trip itinerary.

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

Meal Summary

12 nights, 12 full breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners, On-trip transport.

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 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
  • Definite Departure
  • Edinburgh Tattoo
Depart Date Return Date Price Discount Availability Price
Edinburgh Tattoo
 20 Aug 17 2 Sep 17 checkmark $3,550pp Call 1-877-622-9109
3 Sep 17 16 Sep 17 checkmark $3,175pp Call 1-877-622-9109
10 Sep 17 23 Sep 17 checkmark $3,175pp Call 1-877-622-9109
6 May 18 19 May 18 checkmark $3,175$2,858pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
13 May 18 26 May 18 checkmark $3,175$2,858pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
27 May 18 9 Jun 18 checkmark $3,175$2,858pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
10 Jun 18 23 Jun 18 checkmark $3,175$2,858pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
17 Jun 18 30 Jun 18 checkmark $3,175$2,858pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
1 Jul 18 14 Jul 18 checkmark $3,275$2,948pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
15 Jul 18 28 Jul 18 $3,275$2,948pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
29 Jul 18 11 Aug 18 $3,395$3,056pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
Edinburgh Tattoo
 3 Aug 18 16 Aug 18 checkmark $3,550$3,195pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
Edinburgh Tattoo
 5 Aug 18 18 Aug 18 checkmark $3,550$3,195pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
Edinburgh Tattoo
 10 Aug 18 23 Aug 18 checkmark $3,550$3,195pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
Edinburgh Tattoo
 12 Aug 18 25 Aug 18 checkmark $3,550$3,195pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Call 1-877-622-9109
Edinburgh Tattoo
 17 Aug 18 30 Aug 18 checkmark $3,550$3,195pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
Edinburgh Tattoo
 19 Aug 18 1 Sep 18 checkmark $3,550$3,195pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
24 Aug 18 6 Sep 18 $3,550$3,195pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
2 Sep 18 15 Sep 18 checkmark $3,175$2,858pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
7 Sep 18 20 Sep 18 checkmark $3,175$2,858pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
9 Sep 18 22 Sep 18 checkmark $3,175$2,858pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
14 Sep 18 27 Sep 18 $3,175$2,858pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 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 $540 p.p.

Triple Discount: $10 p.p.

Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $92 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.

Early Payment Discount: Pay in full to save the amount listed above. For details, click here.

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.

Frequent Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the price of the vacation.

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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 48 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.

Reviews

Thursday, July 13, 2017
Scotlands Highlands, Islands & Cities
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Itinerary and tour director
Vacation : driver too - every thing finr
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Scotlands Highlands, Islands & Cities
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Not good. Would not do again.
Vacation : Not what expected. Once GET had my money they didn't care. Never heard from Randy after I paid. Discriminated as a single traveler. Given the WORST rooms even after paying a premium of $540! Next to the elevator, on third floor (with no elevator), at one point fellow travelers went down to request a better room for me. Will do my own next time. Treated as second class on bus and spent most of the tour in the back where it was cramped and my knees were jammed by the person in front of me reclining their seat when I only had 1/2 inch clearance and I am only 5'8"!
Friday, August 26, 2016
Scotlands Highlands, Islands & Cities
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The guide and driver let me relax and enjoy myself.
Vacation : Good balance of destinations. The optional events were worthwhile.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place every year in August and is included on six departures in 2017:

August 4, August 6, August 11, August 13, August 18 and August 20.

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 2017 it will take place in Edinburgh from August 4th to August 26th, 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!

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

Dinner And Ghost Walk

Adult Price: £39

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.

Rosslyn Chapel

Adult Price: £18

We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where you’ll hear the inside story on the famous Rosslyn Chapel. You’ll also visit one of Scotland's most unusual 15th century buildings, famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Adult Price: £17

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 Show With Dinner

Adult Price: £58

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.

Glasgow

Doune Castle

Adult Price: £24

Enjoy a visit to this famous castle, featured in film and television shows such as Monty Python, Outlander, and Game of Thrones.

Glasgow City Evening

Adult Price: £36

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.

Scottish Highlands

Cawdor Dinner Evening

Adult Price: £37

Join us for dinner at a traditional country pub in the charming village of Cawdor, home to Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Highland Farm Experience

Adult Price: £14

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 pups and discover his training techniques. Weather permitting.

Loch Ness Cruise

Adult Price: £23

Sailing from Clansman Hotel, you'll experience a scenic one-hour cruise on Scotland's most famous waterway, Loch Ness. View beautiful Urquhart Castle from the lake while enjoying tea or coffee. The management regrets to inform you that Nessie sightings are not guaranteed!

Isle Of Skye Drive

Adult Price: £14

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.

Jacobite Steam Railway

Adult Price: £40

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.

Ballachulish Dinner and Drive

Adult Price: £36

Enjoy a scenic drive on Loch Linnhe for dinner.

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