2027055 Highlights of Scotland

Day 1

DEPART THE USA.
Board your overnight fl ight to Scotland. Rolling landscapes of green hills and rocky coastlines. Lively ci.. es of friendly locals and the renowned water of life.This is Scotland - where legends live long, and storybook pages come to life.

Day 2

ARRIVE EDINBURGH .. GLASGOW
Arrive in Edinburgh and meet your Tour Director.
Travel to Glasgow, a port city on the River Clyde in Scotland’s western Lowlands. It’s famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a rich legacy of the city’s 18th- 20th century prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 3

GLASGOW .. LOCH LOMOND .. OBAN
Join a local guide for a panoramic tour of Glasgow. See historic George Square and the beautiful Beaux-Arts style architecture that surrounds it, the medieval Glasgow Cathedral, prestigious Blythswood Square, the futuristic looking Science Centre and more. Leave Glasgow behind, traveling towards the Oban area. Enroute, stop in Luss and explore this quaint lakeside village of stone cottages located on Loch Lomond, nestled in the heart of Scotland’s first National Park, is renowned for its sweeping landscapes and diverse wildlife. After enjoying lunch on your own, continue to the Oban area and settle into your hotel for a three-night stay.
Dinner is included this evening.

Day 4

OBAN .. ST. CONAN’S KIRK .. KILCHURN
CASTLE
This morning, embark on a guided walking tour of historic Oban, the Gateway to the Isles. See spectacular views and Victorian architecture, the iconic McCaig’s Tower and more as you traverse the scenic harborside town with a local expert. Afterwards, enjoy some free time for lunch on your own and maybe enjoy some local fish and chips and see why it’s considered the seafood capital of Scotland. Next, enjoy a scenic drive with photo stops at St. Conan’s Kirk and Kilchurn Castle. St. Conan’s Kirk is a unique, eclectic church built in the late 19th century and situated on the shores of Loch Awe offering stunning views of the loch and surrounding landscape. Kilchurn Castle is a historic ruin located just a short distance away and is one of Scotland’s most photographed castles. Return to your hotel to relax and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 5

OBAN .. ISLE OF MULL .. ISLE OF IONA
.. IONA ABBEY
Today we explore the inner Hebridean Islands. Take the ferry from Oban to Craignure on the Isle of Mull, a picturesque island and the largest of the enchanting isles. Cross the Isle of Mull by motorcoach. Boasting spectacular wildlife, scenery and unique castles, Mull is often referred to as ‘Eagle Island’ by some and is the best place in the area to see white-tailed and golden eagles. Next, we take the ferry from Fionnphort to the Isle of Iona. The tiny island, a cradle of Christianity, is a place for pilgrimage for many. Next, visit the medieval Iona Abbey, one of the oldest Christian religious centers in Western Europe. The abbey as a focal point for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland and marks the foundation of a monastic community by St. Columba when he arrived from Ireland. Enjoy dinner this evening.

Day 6

OBAN .. GLENCOE .. LOCH NESS ..
URQUHART CASTLE .. INVERNESS
This morning, we depart Oban and travel to Inverness. Head to the National Nature Reserve in Glencoe and discover the Glencoe Visitor Centre, the perfect starting point for exploring one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes and learn about the spectacular Glencoe Mountain range. The centre off ers a fascinating insight into the area’s rich history, geology, and wildlife. After your visit, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the woodland trails. Continue on to Loch Ness, infamous for the Loch Ness Monster, known affectionately as Nessie, a mythical creature in Scottish folklore that is said to inhabit Loch Ness. Wander the ruins of the egendary Urquhart Castle, magnifi cently situated fortress on the shore of Loch Ness with its present ruins and walls dating from the 13th century. Travel to nverness, capital of the Highlands, and settle into your hotel for a 2-night stay.

Day 7

INVERNESS .. CAWDOR CASTLE
Explore centuries of Scottish history today starting with a visit the haunting Culloden Battlefield where the pivotal 1746 Battle of Culloden was fought, dividing families and clans. Experience the 360-degree battle immersion theater at the visitor center and see artifacts from the conflict. Next, visit the medieval, slate-roofed *Cawdor Castle and Gardens, with its magnificent gardens, woods and connections to Shakespeare’s tragedy of Scottish kings, Macbeth. Return to your hotel in Inverness for an overnight.

Day 8

INVERNESS ..BLAIR CASTLE ..EDINBURGH
This morning, we depart Inverness for our journey to Edinburgh. Visit a country farm for a sheepdog demonstration with an opportunity to meet the
dogs, learn about their training and gain an understanding about the commands used to control them so that they can be individually directed. Travel through the huge granite Cairngorm mountains and the soaring peaks of the Grampian range to Blair Atholl, the site of majestic Blair Castle & Gardens. Blair Castle has been the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. The castle has had a diverse history, witnessing both turbulent and peaceful times, enlarged and adapted over 750 years. Home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneurs, the family history is brought to life against a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scots Baronial architecture, all within its 30 rooms. Head south and arrive in Scotland’s capitol city of Edinburgh. Check into your hotel for a 3-night stay.

Day 9

EDINBURGH .. EDINBURGH CASTLE
.. PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE
Drive along the Royal Mile this morning to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the home of Mary, Queen of Scots and the King’s official residence when in dinburgh (subject to closure). Join a local guide for a panoramic city tour of Edinburgh. Visit the famous Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and a witness to many defining moments in Scottish history including the Stone of Destiny on which Scottish kings were crowned. Edinburgh Castle has been a royal residence, a military fortress, and a prison, playing a vital role in Scottish history. It has been the site of numerous sieges and battles, including those during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The afternoon is at leisure to shop and explore Edinburgh on your own.

Day 10

EDINBURGH AT LEISURE
ST. ANDREW’S OPTIONAL TOUR .. SPIRIT OF
SCOTLAND DINNER SHOW
You have a choice today of remaining in Edinburgh for a full day spent exploring the city’s treasure trove of historic sites, museums, galleries and gardens on your own. Join the optional tour to lovely St. Andrews, an iconic bucket list destination on for any passionate golfer. This beautiful city by the sea is an lmost-holy place, but it will come as no surprise that this historic town has much more to off er than just golfing history. Share memories of your remarkable
Scotland tour with your traveling companions at this evening’s special Farewell Dinner and entertainment at the Spirit of Scotland Show. This delightful evening show offers a journey through the heart and soul of this beautiful country, accompanied by a selection of authentic Scottish cuisine with the resident band and skilled Scottish Dancers delivering performances that entertain and inspire.

Day 11

EDINBURGH .. FLIGHT HOME
Transfer to the Edinburgh Airport for your flight home filled with memories of your Highlights of Scotland tour and adventure.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner