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 Highlights
Land in Glasgow Airport where you'll meet your CIE Tours driver/guide or representative. Take a group transfer to your hotel, departing at 8:00 am, 10:00 am or 12:00 noon. If you arrive later than noon, you must transfer to the hotel at your own expense. At 3:00 pm set out on a city tour to discover the main attractions of Glasgow, a city that flourished in Victorian times due to the shipbuilding industry on the River Clyde. Drive around George Square with its ornate City Chambers and nearby Glasgow Cathedral. Visit the Museum of Transport to view collections of cars, buses and bicycles, many invented in Scotland. Back at your hotel, join your fellow travelers in a welcoming drink before dinner is served. (D)
Day 3: Loch Lomond & Loch Ness Cruise
Depart Glasgow and drive alongside the famous Loch Lomond, renowned in song and also for unsurpassed beauty of the lake and mountains. Travel across the haunting Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, notorious for the Campbell massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Continue through Fort William and stop at Spean Bridge Woollen Mills, which offers a good selection of quality Scottish goods. At Fort Augustus embark on a short cruise on Loch Ness to admire enchanting scenic views and perhaps spot the famous monster. Motor alongside the loch and through Inverness before continuing to Nairn. (B, D)
Day 4: Blair Castle & Distillery
Head through the steep Grampian Mountains to visit 13th century Blair Castle, home of the Earls and Dukes of Atholl. This stately mansion contains a variety of portraits, china and armor to show the life of Scottish nobility. Nearby visit Blair Athol Distillery to learn about the creation of whisky and enjoy a sample. Continue south to Edinburgh, in time to check into your hotel. In the evening attend a Scottish cabaret where you dine on local specialties, including haggis, and enjoy traditional bagpipe music and singing. (B, D)
Day 5: Edinburgh City Tour & Castle
This morning an Edinburgh city guide will point out the principal sights of this interesting capital city. Drive along the bustling Princes Street and through the gracious, wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian New Town. See the compact medieval section along the Royal Mile where some houses reach 11 stories tall. Visit Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city center and contains the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Scone. The balance of the day is free for further sightseeing, shopping and dining. On July 30 to August 20 departures enjoy the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. (B)
Day 6: Depart Edinburgh Airport
Your tour ends with a group transfer to arrive at Edinburgh Airport by 6:30 or 9:00 am. This will allow you plenty of time for check in procedures and duty free shopping before boarding the aircraft for your return to the United States. A transfer to Glasgow Airport will be provided on request at a cost of $65 per person. (B)
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner |
