| Highlights include: Scone Palace, Speyside Heather Centre, Elgin and Elgin Cathedral, Lossiemouth, Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness Cruise and Drumnadrochit, Culloden Battlefield, Strathpeffer and Spa Pavilion, Beauly, Pipe band Performance, Afternoon Tea at Cringletie House, Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford House, Whisky Tasting, Glasgow and Glasgow Cathedral, Dumfries and the Globe Tavern, Robert Burns Burial Tomb, Robert Burns House, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle and a Highland Dinner and Show and much, much more! A small intimate tour of Edinburgh and the Borders, Glasgow and Dumfries and Galloway, the Cairngorms, Pitlochry, Nairn, Inverness, the Highlands and beautiful Scottish Countryside. This tour is designed to accommodate only 10 - 12 people for a more personal experience and to allow you to get the most of your Scottish holiday. You will not be rushed from venue to venue and we spend as little time on the bus as possible. You will spend one week each in a luxurious Scottish Country House in the Borders and in the Highlands. Itinerary includes 13 nights luxury accommodation in fine Scottish country houses, breakfast each morning, 11 lunches including sumptuous afternoon teas and garden picnics, 11 dinners including three course Gourmet Dinners and barbecues at home. Porterage of one suitcase per person. Minibus travel including tour guide and driver. Knowledgeable guide for all tourist venues. All sightseeing and entertainment as indicated in itinerary including any entrance fees. All taxes and service charges. $4595US per person double occupancy. Limited singles available. $500 per person deposit required to book your tour. 2 Spots available! To make your deposit with PayPal |
| Scottish Dream Tours Presents A Heart of Scotland Luxury Country House Tour Experience June 27th - July 10th, 2010 |
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Day 1 - June 27th - You will be met at Edinburgh International Airport on but your Scottish adventure begins in the
Highlands of Scotland just outside the town of Nairn. For your first week you will enjoy a traditional Georgian family
mansion stay on the Moray Firth near Nairn. Geddes House is an elegant yet unpretentious family home which you'll soon
make your own. Its rich history is obvious in every room, with fine period decor, antiques, hunting trophies and family
portraits through the ages. Every object tells a fascinating story (the house was recently featured in Country Life magazine).
But it's also a place where you'll quickly feel comfortable enough to kick off your shoes and put your feet up. From the tall
windows there are restful views of the estate in every direction. Enjoy The 18th Century Italian Drawing Room, the
Elegant Morning Room, the Billiard Room and the Traditional Highland Dining Room.
On the way to Geddes House we will stop in Perth to visit Scone Palace. Scone is the home of the Earls of Mansfield.
Once the crowning place of Scottish Kings, Scone Palace occupies a unique position in Scotland's history. A breathtakingly
beautiful place of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone, Scone Palace is regarded as a
national treasure and is revered as the historic jewel in Scotland's crown. Our next stop will be Perth for Afternoon Tea
at the Royal George Hotel overlooking the River Tay. Upon your arrival to Geddes House you will be met with fresh
scones, shortbread and tea in the drawing room before you are shown to your room. You will have some time to investigate
your new home before a lovely Welcoming Dinner in the Formal Dining Room followed by a get acquainted
reception . Life for the next two weeks will be a leisurely and pampered existence with breakfast served each morning
between 8:30 and 9:30 with your day starting at 9:30. Each evening that we are dining at home you will be served tea and
scones in the drawing room at 4:00 to tide you over until a later three course gourmet dinner. (L,D)
Day 2 - This morning we visit Cawdor Castle, a superb fairy-tale Castle with Scottish history that you can touch and see
and sense for yourself. Cawdor Castle is not another cold monument, but a splendid house and the home of the Cawdor
family to this day. Then on to Forres, one of Scotland's oldest small towns and also one of its most attractive. The town's
impressive parks and gardens with outstanding floral sculptures have led to many awards from the prestigious Britain and
Scotland in Bloom competitions. After some time to look around we will meet for lunch before we continue on to Elgin
for a visit to Elgin Cathedral. Elgin Cathedral is one of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval buildings, and the inspiration
for many an artist. The imposing yellow sandstone ruin is also one of the most important architectural legacies from that
bygone age. While in Elgin you can either visit Johnston's Cashmere making beautiful knitware since 1797. Pub Dinner
in Nairn followed by Whisky Tasting back at Geddes House. (B,L.D)
Day 3 - This morning Culloden Battlefield is our first stop. A desolate stretch of moorland, Culloden looks much as it did
on 16 April 1746, the date of the last battle to be fought on British soil. Here Bonnie Prince Charlie made his last stand for
the Stewart cause. We then take the spectacular drive around Loch Ness hoping for a Nessie Sighting! We will stop in
Dores for a wonderful view over the east side of Loch Ness. We next stop at the south end of the loch at Fort Augustus
before we continue to the Glengarry Castle Hotel for Afternoon Tea. Our next stop will be the wee village of
Drumnadrochit. Drumnadrochit lies at the head of Urquhart Bay on Loch Ness and is the focal point for interest in the
Loch Ness Monster but is also a delightful wee village. Dinner back at Geddes House followed by a Musical
Evening. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Today you will have a free day to explore Geddes House and grounds. Enjoy the freedom of the 1,000 acre estate,
yours to explore during your stay. Within the peaceful grounds there is a walled garden, the Geddes Trout Lochs and an area
of Highland wilderness which lead to some interesting walks. Organically grown fruit and vegetables are available on the farm
and their free range laying hens provide free range eggs. Late this afternoon we will have a Garden Barbecue followed by
an evening at the theatre. (B,D)
Day 5 - This morning we drive to Fortrose and Fortrose Harbour. St Andrew's Episcopal Church, whose grounds
extend right to the top of the low cliffs gives wonderful views around to Chanonry Point to the east and across the
Moray Firth. We will continue the lovely coastal drive around the Cromarty Firth on our way to Strathpeffer.
Strathpeffer developed as a spa town in the 1800s as a result of its waters, which became known for their healing powers.
With its Victorian splendour and charming atmosphere, Strathpeffer is lovely spot. We will visit the Spa Pavilion to
sample some of the healing powers for yourselves! Afternoon Tea in Strathpeffer before a visit to Beauly.
Beauly lies on the north bank of the River Beauly close to the point at which it enters the Beauly Firth. The settlement
grew up around Beauly Priory, which was established here in 1230. It seems highly likely that the monks from the
Burgundy region of France who came here in 1230 attempted to produce wine here, despite the northern climate. This
tradition continues today at the Moniack Castle Winery which produces and sells a wide range of country wines. We will
visit the winery before returning to Beauly for Pub Dinner and Pipe Band performance in the square. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - This morning we visit Huntly Castle, a magnificent ruin of a castle, from the 12th century motte to the palace
block erected in the 16th and 17th centuries by the Gordon family. The architectural details and heraldic enrichments are
particularly impressive. From here we journey to Dufftown, the home to nine of Scotland's many distilleries. Dufftown is
unique in the world. There is nowhere else, even in Scotland, with such a concentration of distilleries, And we can't pass up a
tour to Glenfiddich Distillery. William Grant & Sons Ltd is one of the very few Scotch whisky companies to remain in
the hands of the family who founded it. Glenfiddich is the only Highland single malt to be distilled, matured and bottled at its
own distillery. Lunch at the Grouse Inn, probably the best-stocked Whisky Bar in Scotland with over 225
whiskies on optic and a whisky collection of over 700 bottles. We will also visit the smallest working distillery in Speyside,
Benromach, founded in 1898. Sit in the 'wee nook' at the Malt Whisky Centre and watch a video depicting the history of
Gordon & MacPhail. Enjoy guided tours from friendly staff or browse round the gift shop, enjoy a tutored nosing, wander
through the museum or bottle your own unique bottle of Benromach. Dinner on your own this evening. (B,L)
Day 7 - On our way south today we visit my favorite Highland village of Pitlochry. We will have some time to
investigate what Queen Victoria called the loveliest spa village in all of Europe. We will lunch at Atholl Palace
Hotel in Pitlochry before heading to Stirling and Stirling Castle. Stirling is a Fairy Tale Castle with the star features
being The Palace and the Chapel Royal. The castle dates from the 12th century. Then off to our next accommodation
where your Scottish adventure continues in the Borders region of Scotland just outside the village of Biggar. You will spend
your second week in Toftcombs House, a truly delightful classic country house with views across the stunning Scottish
countryside. This wonderful Baronial style red sandstone country house was once the former home of the Gladstone
Family made famous by Prime Minister William Gladstone. Set in 10 acres of grounds, the beautifully furnished home
has a classic country house that still retains the period features of when it was built in 1832 and provides elegant
surroundings with all the luxury and comfort of a stately country home. Dinner at Toftcombs followed by a Games
Night in the Game Room. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - This morning we first visit one of my favorite places, Abbotsford House, home to Sir Walter Scott. Abbotsford
house's many of Scott's collection including items of Rob Roy MacGregor who he immortalized in word. As we are in
Abbey Country we will take in a couple of the Borders Abbeys including Melrose, probably Scotland's most well know
ruin. King Robert the Bruce's heart is buried in the abbey courtyard. Next is Dryburgh Abbey, which enjoys a mystical
setting on the River Tweed. Sir Walter Scott is interned here. Our last visit of the day will be to Jedburgh Abbey. The
Abbey was founded, initially as a priory, by King David I in 1138. His intention was partly to demonstrate to the English that
the Scots could build on a grand scale so close to the oft disputed border between the two countries. Pub Dinner in Biggar
this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Today we journey to Scotland's capitol city, Edinburgh. You will be put aboard and Open Top Bus for a Tour of
the City. On your way around the city you will see Palace of the Holyrood, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon Brodie'
along with Edinburgh Castle. Get on and off at your own pace. Before an afternoon of taking in Princes Street and
the Royal Mile we will gather for Afternoon Tea at Miss Benson's Tearoom in Juniper Green. This evening we
will be out to a Highland Dinner and Scottish Evening complete with Bagpipes, Song, Dance and the
Ceremony of the Haggis! (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Today you will have the day free to explore Toftcombs and the grounds of the house. The Drawing
Room with bay windows has views over the garden and an open fireplace. There is a full sized snooker table in the
magnificent Games Room and a Music Room with drum kit and electric piano along with a small study with broadband
connection. The fully enclosed and Gated Garden has wide terraced lawns ideal to sit and enjoy the views. There are a further
10 acres of paddocks and grounds for you to enjoy. We will have a lovely Garden Picnic this afternoon. The pretty village
of Biggar is a short walk away with traditional pubs, restaurants and quaint shops. Dinner on your own
this evening. (B,L)
Day 11 - Today will find us in Scotland's largest city, Glasgow. Upon arrival in Glasgow we will visit Glasgow City
Chambers building. The City Chambers is truly an architectural delight in the grandest Victorian Style. After some
shopping time on Sauchiehall Street we will meet at Bradford's Tearoom for Afternoon Tea. Later this afternoon
before we leave Glasgow behind we will visit Glasgow Cathedral. The Cathedral is one of the few to escape destruction
during the Scottish Reformation and dates to the 13th century. There had been a religious site here since the 6th century and
Glasgow's Patron Saint, St. Mungo is buried in a crypt in the cathedral basement. Dinner at home this evening
followed by a Murder Mystery. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Today we spend in county Dumfries and Galloway. On our way to the town of Dumfries we will stop at the
Moffat Woollen Mills Outlet. Once in Dumfries we will stop at the Globe Pub which was a regular haunt of
Robert Burns. Dumfries was founded as a Royal Burgh in 1186 on the east side of the lowest crossing point of the River
Nith and grew rapidly as a market town and port. You will have some time to investigate Dumfries and find a bit of lunch on
your own before we visit the churchyard where Burns is Buried and visit the Robert Burns House Museum.
The end of the day finds us returning to Toftcombs for Dinner and a Musical Evening. (B,D)
Day 13 - Today we are off to Ayrshire to learn a little more about Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns. We will
visit Alloway where in a two-room thatched cottage, baby Robert, the first child of Agnes and William Burns, was
delivered on January 25, 1759. Living in poverty, with livestock in an adjoining room, the boy learnt traditional songs from
his mother, absorbed tales of the supernatural from Betty, his elderly cousin, and inherited a love of books from his father.
East of Alloway is the village of Mauchline and the red-brick Burns House where the poet lived from 1788 with his wife and
greatest love, Jean Armour. It was about this time that his poems were first published. Pub Lunch at Poosie Nancy's before
we visit Drumlanrig Castle at Thornhill. Drumlanrig Castle is the ancient Douglas stronghold and Dumfriesshire
home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. Set on the spectacular 80,000 acre Queensberry
Estate complete with Country Park and Victorian Gardens, Drumlanrig Castle is brimming with centuries-old heritage and
culture, period furnishings, fine art and antiques. Farewell Dinner back at Toftcombs. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - July 10th - After a final Scottish Breakfast we head for Edinburgh International Airport for the journey
home. (B)
Highlands of Scotland just outside the town of Nairn. For your first week you will enjoy a traditional Georgian family
mansion stay on the Moray Firth near Nairn. Geddes House is an elegant yet unpretentious family home which you'll soon
make your own. Its rich history is obvious in every room, with fine period decor, antiques, hunting trophies and family
portraits through the ages. Every object tells a fascinating story (the house was recently featured in Country Life magazine).
But it's also a place where you'll quickly feel comfortable enough to kick off your shoes and put your feet up. From the tall
windows there are restful views of the estate in every direction. Enjoy The 18th Century Italian Drawing Room, the
Elegant Morning Room, the Billiard Room and the Traditional Highland Dining Room.
On the way to Geddes House we will stop in Perth to visit Scone Palace. Scone is the home of the Earls of Mansfield.
Once the crowning place of Scottish Kings, Scone Palace occupies a unique position in Scotland's history. A breathtakingly
beautiful place of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone, Scone Palace is regarded as a
national treasure and is revered as the historic jewel in Scotland's crown. Our next stop will be Perth for Afternoon Tea
at the Royal George Hotel overlooking the River Tay. Upon your arrival to Geddes House you will be met with fresh
scones, shortbread and tea in the drawing room before you are shown to your room. You will have some time to investigate
your new home before a lovely Welcoming Dinner in the Formal Dining Room followed by a get acquainted
reception . Life for the next two weeks will be a leisurely and pampered existence with breakfast served each morning
between 8:30 and 9:30 with your day starting at 9:30. Each evening that we are dining at home you will be served tea and
scones in the drawing room at 4:00 to tide you over until a later three course gourmet dinner. (L,D)
Day 2 - This morning we visit Cawdor Castle, a superb fairy-tale Castle with Scottish history that you can touch and see
and sense for yourself. Cawdor Castle is not another cold monument, but a splendid house and the home of the Cawdor
family to this day. Then on to Forres, one of Scotland's oldest small towns and also one of its most attractive. The town's
impressive parks and gardens with outstanding floral sculptures have led to many awards from the prestigious Britain and
Scotland in Bloom competitions. After some time to look around we will meet for lunch before we continue on to Elgin
for a visit to Elgin Cathedral. Elgin Cathedral is one of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval buildings, and the inspiration
for many an artist. The imposing yellow sandstone ruin is also one of the most important architectural legacies from that
bygone age. While in Elgin you can either visit Johnston's Cashmere making beautiful knitware since 1797. Pub Dinner
in Nairn followed by Whisky Tasting back at Geddes House. (B,L.D)
Day 3 - This morning Culloden Battlefield is our first stop. A desolate stretch of moorland, Culloden looks much as it did
on 16 April 1746, the date of the last battle to be fought on British soil. Here Bonnie Prince Charlie made his last stand for
the Stewart cause. We then take the spectacular drive around Loch Ness hoping for a Nessie Sighting! We will stop in
Dores for a wonderful view over the east side of Loch Ness. We next stop at the south end of the loch at Fort Augustus
before we continue to the Glengarry Castle Hotel for Afternoon Tea. Our next stop will be the wee village of
Drumnadrochit. Drumnadrochit lies at the head of Urquhart Bay on Loch Ness and is the focal point for interest in the
Loch Ness Monster but is also a delightful wee village. Dinner back at Geddes House followed by a Musical
Evening. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Today you will have a free day to explore Geddes House and grounds. Enjoy the freedom of the 1,000 acre estate,
yours to explore during your stay. Within the peaceful grounds there is a walled garden, the Geddes Trout Lochs and an area
of Highland wilderness which lead to some interesting walks. Organically grown fruit and vegetables are available on the farm
and their free range laying hens provide free range eggs. Late this afternoon we will have a Garden Barbecue followed by
an evening at the theatre. (B,D)
Day 5 - This morning we drive to Fortrose and Fortrose Harbour. St Andrew's Episcopal Church, whose grounds
extend right to the top of the low cliffs gives wonderful views around to Chanonry Point to the east and across the
Moray Firth. We will continue the lovely coastal drive around the Cromarty Firth on our way to Strathpeffer.
Strathpeffer developed as a spa town in the 1800s as a result of its waters, which became known for their healing powers.
With its Victorian splendour and charming atmosphere, Strathpeffer is lovely spot. We will visit the Spa Pavilion to
sample some of the healing powers for yourselves! Afternoon Tea in Strathpeffer before a visit to Beauly.
Beauly lies on the north bank of the River Beauly close to the point at which it enters the Beauly Firth. The settlement
grew up around Beauly Priory, which was established here in 1230. It seems highly likely that the monks from the
Burgundy region of France who came here in 1230 attempted to produce wine here, despite the northern climate. This
tradition continues today at the Moniack Castle Winery which produces and sells a wide range of country wines. We will
visit the winery before returning to Beauly for Pub Dinner and Pipe Band performance in the square. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - This morning we visit Huntly Castle, a magnificent ruin of a castle, from the 12th century motte to the palace
block erected in the 16th and 17th centuries by the Gordon family. The architectural details and heraldic enrichments are
particularly impressive. From here we journey to Dufftown, the home to nine of Scotland's many distilleries. Dufftown is
unique in the world. There is nowhere else, even in Scotland, with such a concentration of distilleries, And we can't pass up a
tour to Glenfiddich Distillery. William Grant & Sons Ltd is one of the very few Scotch whisky companies to remain in
the hands of the family who founded it. Glenfiddich is the only Highland single malt to be distilled, matured and bottled at its
own distillery. Lunch at the Grouse Inn, probably the best-stocked Whisky Bar in Scotland with over 225
whiskies on optic and a whisky collection of over 700 bottles. We will also visit the smallest working distillery in Speyside,
Benromach, founded in 1898. Sit in the 'wee nook' at the Malt Whisky Centre and watch a video depicting the history of
Gordon & MacPhail. Enjoy guided tours from friendly staff or browse round the gift shop, enjoy a tutored nosing, wander
through the museum or bottle your own unique bottle of Benromach. Dinner on your own this evening. (B,L)
Day 7 - On our way south today we visit my favorite Highland village of Pitlochry. We will have some time to
investigate what Queen Victoria called the loveliest spa village in all of Europe. We will lunch at Atholl Palace
Hotel in Pitlochry before heading to Stirling and Stirling Castle. Stirling is a Fairy Tale Castle with the star features
being The Palace and the Chapel Royal. The castle dates from the 12th century. Then off to our next accommodation
where your Scottish adventure continues in the Borders region of Scotland just outside the village of Biggar. You will spend
your second week in Toftcombs House, a truly delightful classic country house with views across the stunning Scottish
countryside. This wonderful Baronial style red sandstone country house was once the former home of the Gladstone
Family made famous by Prime Minister William Gladstone. Set in 10 acres of grounds, the beautifully furnished home
has a classic country house that still retains the period features of when it was built in 1832 and provides elegant
surroundings with all the luxury and comfort of a stately country home. Dinner at Toftcombs followed by a Games
Night in the Game Room. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - This morning we first visit one of my favorite places, Abbotsford House, home to Sir Walter Scott. Abbotsford
house's many of Scott's collection including items of Rob Roy MacGregor who he immortalized in word. As we are in
Abbey Country we will take in a couple of the Borders Abbeys including Melrose, probably Scotland's most well know
ruin. King Robert the Bruce's heart is buried in the abbey courtyard. Next is Dryburgh Abbey, which enjoys a mystical
setting on the River Tweed. Sir Walter Scott is interned here. Our last visit of the day will be to Jedburgh Abbey. The
Abbey was founded, initially as a priory, by King David I in 1138. His intention was partly to demonstrate to the English that
the Scots could build on a grand scale so close to the oft disputed border between the two countries. Pub Dinner in Biggar
this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Today we journey to Scotland's capitol city, Edinburgh. You will be put aboard and Open Top Bus for a Tour of
the City. On your way around the city you will see Palace of the Holyrood, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon Brodie'
along with Edinburgh Castle. Get on and off at your own pace. Before an afternoon of taking in Princes Street and
the Royal Mile we will gather for Afternoon Tea at Miss Benson's Tearoom in Juniper Green. This evening we
will be out to a Highland Dinner and Scottish Evening complete with Bagpipes, Song, Dance and the
Ceremony of the Haggis! (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Today you will have the day free to explore Toftcombs and the grounds of the house. The Drawing
Room with bay windows has views over the garden and an open fireplace. There is a full sized snooker table in the
magnificent Games Room and a Music Room with drum kit and electric piano along with a small study with broadband
connection. The fully enclosed and Gated Garden has wide terraced lawns ideal to sit and enjoy the views. There are a further
10 acres of paddocks and grounds for you to enjoy. We will have a lovely Garden Picnic this afternoon. The pretty village
of Biggar is a short walk away with traditional pubs, restaurants and quaint shops. Dinner on your own
this evening. (B,L)
Day 11 - Today will find us in Scotland's largest city, Glasgow. Upon arrival in Glasgow we will visit Glasgow City
Chambers building. The City Chambers is truly an architectural delight in the grandest Victorian Style. After some
shopping time on Sauchiehall Street we will meet at Bradford's Tearoom for Afternoon Tea. Later this afternoon
before we leave Glasgow behind we will visit Glasgow Cathedral. The Cathedral is one of the few to escape destruction
during the Scottish Reformation and dates to the 13th century. There had been a religious site here since the 6th century and
Glasgow's Patron Saint, St. Mungo is buried in a crypt in the cathedral basement. Dinner at home this evening
followed by a Murder Mystery. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Today we spend in county Dumfries and Galloway. On our way to the town of Dumfries we will stop at the
Moffat Woollen Mills Outlet. Once in Dumfries we will stop at the Globe Pub which was a regular haunt of
Robert Burns. Dumfries was founded as a Royal Burgh in 1186 on the east side of the lowest crossing point of the River
Nith and grew rapidly as a market town and port. You will have some time to investigate Dumfries and find a bit of lunch on
your own before we visit the churchyard where Burns is Buried and visit the Robert Burns House Museum.
The end of the day finds us returning to Toftcombs for Dinner and a Musical Evening. (B,D)
Day 13 - Today we are off to Ayrshire to learn a little more about Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns. We will
visit Alloway where in a two-room thatched cottage, baby Robert, the first child of Agnes and William Burns, was
delivered on January 25, 1759. Living in poverty, with livestock in an adjoining room, the boy learnt traditional songs from
his mother, absorbed tales of the supernatural from Betty, his elderly cousin, and inherited a love of books from his father.
East of Alloway is the village of Mauchline and the red-brick Burns House where the poet lived from 1788 with his wife and
greatest love, Jean Armour. It was about this time that his poems were first published. Pub Lunch at Poosie Nancy's before
we visit Drumlanrig Castle at Thornhill. Drumlanrig Castle is the ancient Douglas stronghold and Dumfriesshire
home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. Set on the spectacular 80,000 acre Queensberry
Estate complete with Country Park and Victorian Gardens, Drumlanrig Castle is brimming with centuries-old heritage and
culture, period furnishings, fine art and antiques. Farewell Dinner back at Toftcombs. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - July 10th - After a final Scottish Breakfast we head for Edinburgh International Airport for the journey
home. (B)
