Day 1: Depart U.S. for Scotland
Depart U.S. on your overnight flight to Glasgow, either traveling direct or via London.
Day 2: Glasgow Arrival
Arrive in Glasgow Airport where your CIE Tours guide or representative will greet you. Complimentary group transfers depart Glasgow Airport at 8:00 am, 10:00 am and 12:00 noon. Passengers arriving later will transfer to the hotel at their own expense. Your hotel is centrally located near Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow's main pedestrianized shopping thoroughfare. At 3:00 pm take a coach tour to see the main attractions of Glasgow including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral and the River Clyde, once famous for shipbuilding. Visit extensive collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, originally opened in 1901 and recently refurbished. Chat with your guide and fellow travelers over a welcome drink before dinner. (D)
Day 3: Loch Lomond Cruise & Glen Coe
Depart Glasgow and drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond with views of Ben Lomond and other Highland peaks. Pause at the quaint village of Luss with charming cottages, which stretch to the lochside. At Tarbet embark on a short cruise to appreciate the beauty and peacefulness of this famous loch and admire panoramic views. Return to your coach and journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor. Drive through Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Campbells' massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Arrive at Loch Linnhe, an inlet of the sea, and check into your hotel in Ballachulish, where you can enjoy the magnificent views or relax in the swimming pool. (B, D)
Day 4: Isle of Mull & Duart Castle
Drive down the coast to Oban and take a ferry to the Isle of Mull, one of the Inner Hebrides. Visit Duart Castle, one of Scotland's oldest castles overlooking the Sound of Mull. For centuries the Castle was, and is once again, home to the Chief of Clan Maclean. It fell into ruin but was extensively restored in 1911. Travel through the island to see open hills and delightful coastal views to the Sound of Mull. Drive to the colorful harbor town of Tobermory and enjoy some leisure time to look around. Take a ferry to discover the scenic Morvern Peninsula and another short ferry to return to Ballachulish on the mainland. (B, D)
Day 5: The Great Glen & Culloden Battlefield
Drive to Fort Augustus, which sits at the southern end of the famous Loch Ness. Travel beside Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the famous monster and enjoying the scenic views of Scotland's largest inland body of water. Take a break in Inverness, capital city of the Highlands, and drive to Culloden Moor to tour the Visitor Centre. Walk around the battlefield where, on 16th April 1746, Government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart in just one hour and ended hopes of restoring the Jacobite Stuarts to the British throne. The brutal measures imposed after the battle signaled the end of the distinctive Highland way of life and culture. Drive to Blairs on the outskirts of Aberdeen to your elegant 19th century mansion in time for dinner. (B, D)
Day 6: Crathes Castle & Aberdeen Angus Farming
Depart your hotel mid-morning to visit Crathes Castle, a fairytale Renaissance castle completed in 1594 with a wealth of fine furnishings. See the wonderful gardens before driving along the River Dee Valley, favored by Queen Victoria and most of the Royal Family since her era. Stop in the attractive town of Ballater where many shops show a royal warrant, indicating patronage by the Royal Family. Visit a specialist Aberdeen Angus breeder and farmer to learn about raising cattle in this region while you sample freshly baked scones and tea. Return to Blairs in time to relax before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)
Day 7: Glamis Castle & St. Andrews
Travel south through the lush countryside of Aberdeenshire to visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of "Macbeth" and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Drive across the modern Tay Bridge to St. Andrews, the home of golf. See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course and enjoy free time to visit the British Golf Museum or browse through the medieval town with its cathedral and castle. Drive south into Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. At this evening's cabaret sample Scottish specialties, including haggis, and enjoy bagpipes, traditional music, singing and dancing. (B, D)
Day 8: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour
This morning discover Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Drive along Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old New Town with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city, and together forming a World Heritage Site. Learn about the many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors and writers. Finish your tour at the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you can see many historic buildings and enjoy a splendid view of Edinburgh. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities. On July 28 to August 18 departures enjoy the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. (B)
Day 9 – Sun: London Arrival
Transfer to Edinburgh Airport to arrive by 6:30 am or 9:30 am for the one-hour flight to London. (As this flight to London flight is not included in land only price, please ensure that you have an airline ticket for this segment.) Take an independent coach transfer to your hotel, located in Kensington. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the nearby attractions such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, Hyde Park or Harrods. (B)
Days 9, 10 & 11 – Sun, Mon & Tue: London
You may schedule your time as you wish for these three days. London has many attractions to choose from whatever your interests – history, art, theater, sports, shopping – it’s all waiting for you. Take a half-day sightseeing tour by doubledecker bus to see the main attractions and find your way around the city. Use the included theater pass to choose from a selection of exciting shows in the West End, London’s theater area. Your “ London for Less” pass offers discounts on a variety of attractions and eateries in central London. (CB)
Day 12 – Wed: Depart for Home
As this is the final day of your vacation, transfer from your hotel to your departure airport. Use the independent voucher for the coach service and be sure to allow plenty of time to reach the airport and check in for your flight back to the United States. (CB)
B=Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, D=Dinner |
