Scottish Wonders
10 Days in Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands
 
Edinburgh - Stirling – Perthshire – Glenturret - Trossachs – Dunrobin – Loch Ness – Hadrian’s Wall

Day 1 We arrange the departure from your gateway for the overnight flight to Scotland

Day 2 Arrive in Scotland. Our group is transferred by our friendly guide in our motor coach to the city of Stirling, a short distance from Edinburgh. Step out this evening for a stroll of the city and our first taste of the land of Scots.

Day 3 Enjoy a hearty breakfast before our motor coach tour will show us the highlights of the region. We depart for Perthshire, which is situated on the border of the Scottish Highlands. The first stop is Scone Palace, site of the famous Coronation Stone of Scone. Here we see a magnificent collection of porcelain, furniture, Ivories, 16^th century needlework and 18^th century clocks. Depart Crieff through the velvet-green rolling hills to Stirling.

Day 4 A full-day panoramic motor coach tour introduces us to Stirling and the Trossachs. We learn of Stirling’s role in Scotland’s turbulent history. It was the setting of many battles for independence including the battle of Stirling Bridge where William Wallace defeated the English in 1296. Visit the Wallace monument, which stands on the hill where the great Wallace charged down on the English army. On a clear day we can see Edinburgh in the distance. The Trossachs are next. This is reputed to be one of the most beautiful regions of the British Isles. A steamer boat delivers us to Loch (lake) Katrine. The setting is priceless in its grandeur. Continue west to the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. This lake has been written about by many poets including Robert Burns.

Day 5 Transfer by motor coach north to Dunrobin Castle. See the amazing collection of very old furniture and fine furnishings. A special treat awaits, as we see a display of the ancient art of falconry. Continue to Glemorangie Distillery (or similar) for a guided tour to learn of the ancient art of producing Scotch. A nature walk this afternoon introduces us to the incredible beauty of the Highlands. See the falls of Rogie, on the Blackwater River, near Strathpeffer. Hike through pine forest along Loch Grave. In season, we may see Salmon jumping and other wildlife. Overnight Inverness.

Day 6 Enjoy breakfast and tour the city of Inverness which has many buildings that date back to the 17^th century. Depart for Loch Ness and a cruise on the Loch to search for the great hidden beast below. See the actual site of the Battle of Culloden where the army of bonnie Prince Charles was crushed in 1746. Continue along the Caledonian Canal to Fort William. Nearby is the sight of the massacre of the MacDonald clan by the Campbells. Motor through Glencoe and on to Edinburgh.

Day 7 A panoramic tour of Edinburgh provides us with an ideal introduction to this colorful and lively city. We step inside the 12^th century Edinburgh Castle (make sure to visit the dog cemetery here) overlooking famous Princes Street and the fascinating Royal Mile the heart of Edinburgh’s Medieval Old Town. Continue past St. Giles Cathedral to Holyrood House, official royal residence in Scotland. In 18^th century Georgian New Town we take in the architectural splendor of ancient buildings in the elegant crescents and tree-lined squares. We will be taken down to Leith, which is located by the city docks and then visit the Magic Eye. This amazing device, invented many decades ago, has a bowl you look into and see the city outside. We may see the Royal Yacht Britannia and enjoy time for shopping on Princes Street or a visit to the world’s oldest privately owned department store, Jenners.

Day 8 Enjoy a free day for shopping and exploring the great Scottish city of Edinburgh.

Day 9 Depart on day 9 or continue the tour with a visit to Hadrian’s Wall to the south of Edinburgh. We also tour a woolen mill in Jedburgh to learn of the production of sweaters and other fine goods. The Abbey in Jedburgh is well worth a visit.

Day 10 Transfer to the airport for the flight home or we can arrange one or two nights in London.