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Day 1 - August 25th - Depart for Edinburgh, Scotland's capitol city.
Day 2 - Arrive Edinburgh but our journey takes us out of the city and into the Scottish Countryside. First
things first, so we stop for Afternoon Tea. We will spend the next 2 days in The Trossachs, a beautiful
region of craggy hills and sparkling lochs and the meeting place of the Lowlands and Highlands. Our first
destination is Callander with its many shops and woollen mill outlets. This area was made famous by Rob
Roy MacGregor and there is a Rob Roy Visitors Centre as well. This afternoon we'll get settled into our
accommodation and adjust to the time change if necessary. On our way to a Welcoming Dinner we'll drive
along Scotland's only lake, The Lake of Menteith. Pub Dinner this Evening at The Lion & Unicorn, a
400 year old Country House Hotel and Pub which is ranked in the top ten pubs to eat at in the UK.
Overnight The Trossachs.(L,D)
Day 3 - After a good Scots breakfast this morning we are off to Stirling and Stirling Castle. Stirling is a
Fairy Tale Castle with the star features being The Palace and the Chapel Royal. This afternoon we
Stop for Tea at the Boll Tearoom before a visit to Doune Castle, a 14th century stronghold which
offers a unique view into the life of the medieval royal household. Before dinner we visit Dunblane and
Dunblane Cathedral, one of the few surviving medieval churches in Scotland and always worth the visit!
Dinner on your own tonight in Stirling. Overnight The Trossachs.(B,L)
Day 4 - This morning we are off to Pitlochry, one of the most delightful Highland villages in Scotland. Our
first stop is The Queen's View named after Robert The Bruce's wife Isabel but made popular by Queen
Victoria. This is one of the most breathtaking sights in Scotland and will become a favorite of yours. You
can't stop here without Visiting the Tearoom and having a piece of millionaires shortbread! Next we visit
Castle Menzies, a spectacular sixteenth century castle, seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400
years and importantly situated, it was involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands and here Bonnie
Prince Charlie rested on his way to Culloden in 1746. An Afternoon Free in Pitlochry to visit the
many shops that line Main Street. This evening's highlight will be Dinner and a Performance at the
Pitlochry Festival Theatre! Overnight Pitlochry.(B,D)
Day 5 - Today following breakfast we visit Edradour Distillery, which is Scotland's smallest distillery.
After a Tour of the Distillery we return to Pitlochry for Tea. This afternoon we journey to Perth and the
Caithness Glass Factory. Caithness Glass is known throughout the world for high quality paperweights
and artglass. After a visit to the factory you will have some free time to explore the downtown area of
Perth. Dinner on your own in Pitlochry. Overnight Pitlochry.(B,L)
Day 6 - This morning we head far north to just outside of Inverness. We will first stop in Blair and visit
Blair Castle. Bonnie Prince Charlie spent 2 days here in this 700 year old rambling, turreted castle
with over 32 rooms open to the public. We'll stop for Lunch in Blair Atholl before continuing our journey
to Inverness. We will stop along the shores of Loch Ness on our way north. Dinner and Overnight near
Inverness.(B,L,D)
Day 7 - 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. Then on to Forres where we find Dallas
Dhu Historic Distillery. This is a nonworking distillery and the tour gives excellent insight into the
whisky making process and of course followed by "a wee dram". Afternoon Tea at Chimes Tearoom in
Forres before we continue on to Elgin for a visit to Elgin Cathedral, the superb ruin of what was
perhaps the most beautiful cathedral in Scotland. Pub Dinner at Skerry Brae overlooking the Morey
Firth. Overnight Near Inverness.(B,L,D)
Day 8 - 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. 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. Glenfiddich is the world's favourite single malt Scotch whisky. Dinner and Overnight near
Aberdeen.(B,D)
Day 9 - Today we drive through The Cairngorms and the Spittal of Glenshee on our way to Angus
and the small village of Forfar. While here we will have to sample some Forfar Bridies from one of the
Local Tearooms. Then it is on to Glamis and Glamis Castle, the childhood home of The Queen
Mother and the legendary setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth. We continue on to the Kingdom of Fife
and to a lovely fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife. Dinner on your own tonight. Overnight
Fife.(B,L)
Day 10 -Today we'll enjoy a day of sightseeing in and around St. Andrews. Sightseeing will include St.
Andrews Castle and Cathedral. The Castle was the former Bishops' Palace, the residence of the
Archbishops of St Andrews. The Cathedral itself dates from around 1160, and was consecrated in the
presence of Robert the Bruce in July 1318. From here we journey to Falkland and will take Afternoon
Tea at Kind Kyttock's Tearoom before a visit to Falkland Palace. The Royal Palace of Falkland was
the country residence of Stuart Kings and Queens when they hunted deer and wild boar in the Fife forest.
Mary Queen of Scots spent some of the happiest days of her tragic life here. Dinner and Overnight
Fife.(B,L,D)
Day 11 - This mornings journey will take us south toward Edinburgh but not before stopping in
Dunfermline and visiting Dunfermline Palace and Abbey. Dunfermline Abbey was founded about
1070 by Queen Margaret, wife of Malcolm Canmore. Margaret was made a saint, and she and
Malcolm were buried here. Robert the Bruce's body (apart from his heart, which is at Melrose) is buried
here as well. This afternoon will find us stopping in Linlithgow to visit Linlithgow Palace birth place of
Mary Queen of Scots. We will Lunch at The Four Mary's Pub before our journey to Edinburgh. The rest
of the afternoon and evening free for shopping on Princes Street and the Royal Mile.
Overnight Edinburgh.(B,L)
Day 12 - After breakfast you will take in the sights of Scotland's Capitol City aboard an Open Top Tour
Bus where on your way about the city you will see Holyrood Palace, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon
Brodie' along with Edinburgh Castle. Get on and off at your own pace. After an afternoon of taking in
Princes Street we will gather for a Farewell Dinner and Scottish Evening for our last night in Scotland.
Overnight Edinburgh.(B,D)
Day 13 - After a hearty Scots breakfast we will take one final look at this beautiful city before our journey to
Edinburgh International for your journey home.(B)
Day 2 - Arrive Edinburgh but our journey takes us out of the city and into the Scottish Countryside. First
things first, so we stop for Afternoon Tea. We will spend the next 2 days in The Trossachs, a beautiful
region of craggy hills and sparkling lochs and the meeting place of the Lowlands and Highlands. Our first
destination is Callander with its many shops and woollen mill outlets. This area was made famous by Rob
Roy MacGregor and there is a Rob Roy Visitors Centre as well. This afternoon we'll get settled into our
accommodation and adjust to the time change if necessary. On our way to a Welcoming Dinner we'll drive
along Scotland's only lake, The Lake of Menteith. Pub Dinner this Evening at The Lion & Unicorn, a
400 year old Country House Hotel and Pub which is ranked in the top ten pubs to eat at in the UK.
Overnight The Trossachs.(L,D)
Day 3 - After a good Scots breakfast this morning we are off to Stirling and Stirling Castle. Stirling is a
Fairy Tale Castle with the star features being The Palace and the Chapel Royal. This afternoon we
Stop for Tea at the Boll Tearoom before a visit to Doune Castle, a 14th century stronghold which
offers a unique view into the life of the medieval royal household. Before dinner we visit Dunblane and
Dunblane Cathedral, one of the few surviving medieval churches in Scotland and always worth the visit!
Dinner on your own tonight in Stirling. Overnight The Trossachs.(B,L)
Day 4 - This morning we are off to Pitlochry, one of the most delightful Highland villages in Scotland. Our
first stop is The Queen's View named after Robert The Bruce's wife Isabel but made popular by Queen
Victoria. This is one of the most breathtaking sights in Scotland and will become a favorite of yours. You
can't stop here without Visiting the Tearoom and having a piece of millionaires shortbread! Next we visit
Castle Menzies, a spectacular sixteenth century castle, seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400
years and importantly situated, it was involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands and here Bonnie
Prince Charlie rested on his way to Culloden in 1746. An Afternoon Free in Pitlochry to visit the
many shops that line Main Street. This evening's highlight will be Dinner and a Performance at the
Pitlochry Festival Theatre! Overnight Pitlochry.(B,D)
Day 5 - Today following breakfast we visit Edradour Distillery, which is Scotland's smallest distillery.
After a Tour of the Distillery we return to Pitlochry for Tea. This afternoon we journey to Perth and the
Caithness Glass Factory. Caithness Glass is known throughout the world for high quality paperweights
and artglass. After a visit to the factory you will have some free time to explore the downtown area of
Perth. Dinner on your own in Pitlochry. Overnight Pitlochry.(B,L)
Day 6 - This morning we head far north to just outside of Inverness. We will first stop in Blair and visit
Blair Castle. Bonnie Prince Charlie spent 2 days here in this 700 year old rambling, turreted castle
with over 32 rooms open to the public. We'll stop for Lunch in Blair Atholl before continuing our journey
to Inverness. We will stop along the shores of Loch Ness on our way north. Dinner and Overnight near
Inverness.(B,L,D)
Day 7 - 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. Then on to Forres where we find Dallas
Dhu Historic Distillery. This is a nonworking distillery and the tour gives excellent insight into the
whisky making process and of course followed by "a wee dram". Afternoon Tea at Chimes Tearoom in
Forres before we continue on to Elgin for a visit to Elgin Cathedral, the superb ruin of what was
perhaps the most beautiful cathedral in Scotland. Pub Dinner at Skerry Brae overlooking the Morey
Firth. Overnight Near Inverness.(B,L,D)
Day 8 - 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. 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. Glenfiddich is the world's favourite single malt Scotch whisky. Dinner and Overnight near
Aberdeen.(B,D)
Day 9 - Today we drive through The Cairngorms and the Spittal of Glenshee on our way to Angus
and the small village of Forfar. While here we will have to sample some Forfar Bridies from one of the
Local Tearooms. Then it is on to Glamis and Glamis Castle, the childhood home of The Queen
Mother and the legendary setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth. We continue on to the Kingdom of Fife
and to a lovely fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife. Dinner on your own tonight. Overnight
Fife.(B,L)
Day 10 -Today we'll enjoy a day of sightseeing in and around St. Andrews. Sightseeing will include St.
Andrews Castle and Cathedral. The Castle was the former Bishops' Palace, the residence of the
Archbishops of St Andrews. The Cathedral itself dates from around 1160, and was consecrated in the
presence of Robert the Bruce in July 1318. From here we journey to Falkland and will take Afternoon
Tea at Kind Kyttock's Tearoom before a visit to Falkland Palace. The Royal Palace of Falkland was
the country residence of Stuart Kings and Queens when they hunted deer and wild boar in the Fife forest.
Mary Queen of Scots spent some of the happiest days of her tragic life here. Dinner and Overnight
Fife.(B,L,D)
Day 11 - This mornings journey will take us south toward Edinburgh but not before stopping in
Dunfermline and visiting Dunfermline Palace and Abbey. Dunfermline Abbey was founded about
1070 by Queen Margaret, wife of Malcolm Canmore. Margaret was made a saint, and she and
Malcolm were buried here. Robert the Bruce's body (apart from his heart, which is at Melrose) is buried
here as well. This afternoon will find us stopping in Linlithgow to visit Linlithgow Palace birth place of
Mary Queen of Scots. We will Lunch at The Four Mary's Pub before our journey to Edinburgh. The rest
of the afternoon and evening free for shopping on Princes Street and the Royal Mile.
Overnight Edinburgh.(B,L)
Day 12 - After breakfast you will take in the sights of Scotland's Capitol City aboard an Open Top Tour
Bus where on your way about the city you will see Holyrood Palace, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon
Brodie' along with Edinburgh Castle. Get on and off at your own pace. After an afternoon of taking in
Princes Street we will gather for a Farewell Dinner and Scottish Evening for our last night in Scotland.
Overnight Edinburgh.(B,D)
Day 13 - After a hearty Scots breakfast we will take one final look at this beautiful city before our journey to
Edinburgh International for your journey home.(B)
| Itinerary |
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Highlights Include: The Trossachs, Stirling Castle, Dunblane Cathedral, Doune Castle, Lion and Unicorn Pub Outing, Queen's View & Tearoom, Castle Menzies, Blair Castle, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Culloden Battlefield, Dallas Dhu Distillery, Huntly Castle, Glennfiddich Distillery, Kingdom of Fife, St. Andrews, Kind Kyttock's Tearoom, Falkland Palace, Dunfermline Palace and Abbey, Linlithgow Palace, Edinburgh Castle, Open Top Bus Tour Of Edinburgh, Shopping on the Royal Mile and Princes Street in Edinburgh, Scottish Evening Dinner & Show and more! A small intimate tour of Edinburgh, The Trossachs, Stirlingshire, Pitlochry, Inverness-shire, Cairngorms, Castle Trail, Whisky Trail, Kingdom of Fife, St. Andrews, The Highlands and Countryside. Our tearoom tours are always so much more - filled with castles, historic sights and entertainment of all kinds. Tea is a way of life in Scotland with more tearooms than any other country on earth. And you have to eat someplace anyway, so we try to incorporate as many of these tearooms into our tours as possible. Each tour is designed to accommodate only 8 - 10 people for a more personal experience and to allow you to get the most of your Scottish holiday. Keeping the tour size small gives us the opportunity to veer from the beaten path and take advantage of accommodations, restaurants and sightseeing venues that would not be available to larger groups. You may find yourself staying in a delightful city guesthouse, a small country house hotel, a comfortable farmhouse and an old coaching Inn all in the same visit. Our goal is to show you the real Scots people and some of the wonderful sights to be seen all over this beautiful country. You will not be rushed from venue to venue and we spend as little time on the bus as possible. Tour includes all accommodation in 3 or 4 star Scottish Tourist Board Approved accommodations. Full Scottish breakfast each morning. All lunches and dinners as listed in itinerary. Porterage of one suitcase per person. Minibus travel including tour guide. Knowledgeable guide for all tourist venues. All sightseeing as indicated in itinerary including any entrance fees. All taxes and service charges. $3795USD/€2535Eur/£1895GBP per person double occupancy. $695USD/€490Eur/£290GBP single occupant supplement. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot on the tour. Deposit by PayPal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - August 25th. We will arrange a night in Edinburgh at the Tattoo for those who would like to take advantage of this opportunity. |