Itinerary Details
Bonnie Scotland With London
Day 1: ARRIVE IN GLASGOW, SCOTLAND Welcome to Glasgow! Enjoy free time upon arrival before meeting your Tour Director and travel companions at 6 pm for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2: GLASGOW. EXCURSION TO LOCH LOMOND & STIRLING Keys to Scottish Lochs A cruise on beautiful [LF] Loch Lomond from Luss is the ideal start to the day. Visit Stirling Castle, a great symbol of Scottish independence, and favored residence of Scotland’s kings and queens. Enjoy a wee dram at a [LF] whisky distillery before returning to Glasgow for an orientation drive to see Glasgow’s landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares. (B)
94 mi / 151 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES They can take the low road, but we’ll take the high road to Loch Lomond for a stunningly scenic cruise. We’ll raise a wee dram of malt whisky at an historic distillery, distilling in slow Scottish style in the highlands for many years. Slinte Mhath!
Day 3: GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–GLENFINNAN–ISLE OF SKYE–INVERNESS Spectacular in Scotland A scenic drive past Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe brings you to Fort William, the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. At Glenfinnan, see the monument to fallen Jacobite clansmen before taking the ferry to the Isle of Skye and a scenic drive across the Inner Hebridean island. Back to the mainland and the chance to take photos of Eilean Donan Castle, and Loch Ness before arriving in Inverness to enjoy some free time this evening. (B)
269 mi / 434 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the shimmering waters.
Day 4: INVERNESS–CULLODEN MOOR–TOMINTOUL–ABERDEEN Noble Warriors & Natural Wonders Visit Culloden Moor to see the legendary battlefield and visit the visitor center to hear the story of the crushing Hanoverian victory of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you drive through the Cairngorms National Park before a stop at Tomintoul, the highest village in the Scottish Highlands. Overnight in Aberdeen. (B)
111 mi / 178 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT From wild mountain peaks to the heathered moors to idyllic forests and farms, Cairngorms National Park is a Highlands paradise of breathtaking vistas, rivers, and wetlands that offer a haven to rare and endangered species that thrive here. Watch for eagles on the wing for a thrilling photo opportunity.
Day 5: ABERDEEN–PERTH–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH Tees & Drinks with Jam & Bread Travel along the shores of the North Sea to Perth and Scone Palace, home of the Earl and Countess of Mansfield. You will be welcomed with coffee and shortbread before a guided tour where you hear about the crowning of Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. Visit St. Andrews, and enjoy a fun inclusion at the [LF] Golf Practice Centre where you have the opportunity to hit a few balls on the practice range. Cross the elegant Forth Road Bridge before arriving in Edinburgh. (B)
172 mi / 277 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19 and 22.
LOCAL FAVORITE
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.
Day 6: EDINBURGH Crown Jewels & Castle Views Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. There will be some free time to enjoy Edinburgh but then on to a unique experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, explore all 5 decks and see how the Royal Family and crew lived and worked on board. A farewell dinner at a local restaurant rounds off the day. (B,D)
MUSIC & MASTERPIECES Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain”. Here you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The Castle forms the background of the spectacular Tattoo, an extravaganza of bagpipes and drums performed en masse in August each year.
Day 7: EDINBURGH–LONDON Welcome to London! Travel from Edinburgh to London by express train. Your Local Host will meet you at the station and will be on hand to help you make the most of your free time. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS A favorite character in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice noted “London is so diverting; there is so much to entertain!” This is even more true today, from its panoramic views of wide-open spaces and leafy landscapes to its bustling British sense and sensibilities, museums, galleries, and iconic sights. Mingle with the serenity of Hampstead Heath or Kensington Gardens. Be enthralled by a dazzling show at one of the West End’s historic theaters, a fabulous bookend to your time in London.
Day 8: LONDON The Royal Treatment Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, the Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays). (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SITES See the legendary landmarks of Britain’s historic capital city. Walk where voices have rung out for centuries in Parliament Square and where chimes rise high above you with the ringing of Big Ben’s quarter bells. See Westminster Abbey, where royal coronations, weddings, and funerals have made history.
Day 9: LONDON Kettle’s On! A whole day to do as you please. Explore more on your own and get better acquainted with this fascinating city or join one of the optional excursions on offer. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Double-decker buses, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge, British pubs, and sweet shops are waiting to be discovered with a leisurely day in London town. Find your hideaway in Hyde Park’s lush gardens or find styles to suit your fancy in some of Britain’s most famous boutiques in Mayfair, Kensington, or Chelsea.
Day 10: LONDON Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
