Scottish Highlands
for groups with fewer than 25 persons
 

Day 1 We arrange flight from your gateway to Glasgow, Scotland.

Day 2  We arrive in Glasgow and transfer to our hotel on our own.  We have the remainder of the day free to acclimate and explore our hotel vicinity.

Day 3 Our tour of Scotland starts in earnest this morning with an orientation drive through Glasgow, taking in the fine 12th century cathedral, imposing university buildings and elegant Georgian squares built by the wealthy tobacco barons.  We explore the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond and enter the highlands.   Follow the road known as "Rest and be Thankful" to Inverary, Loch Awe and Loch Etive before arriving in pretty Oban for the night (BD)

Day 4 Our exploration of the Scottish way of life leads us in the direction of the Isles of Mull and Iona.  Our ferry departs to Mull and we land in Craignure.  A very scenic drive of the island and a second ferry takes us across to beautiful Iona.  This is the burial place of many Scottish kings and chiefs including MacBeth.  It is here in 563 AD that St. Columbia established one of the first Christian monasteries in the British Isles.  Time to visit the cathedral and explore the religious settlement before returning to Oban.  (BD)

Day 5  We roll through spectacular Highland scenery and follow the shore of Loch Linnhe to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.  Follow the "Road of Isles" to Eilean Donan Castle where must stop to take photographs.   Continue along the shores of Loch Carron.  Our guide will explain the ancient art of converting barley, water and yeast into whiskeys.  At Loch Ness we'll have the chance to test our vision as we search for the famous monster before arriving in Inverness, the Highland capital.  (BD)

Day 6  After a hearty breakfast we stop at the battlefield of Culloden Moor, with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie, and at Royal Deeside, where the Queen is an annual visitor.  We enjoy a break in Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games for over 900 years.  This afternoon, our deluxe motor coach takes us via Dundee to St. Andrews whose royal and ancient golf course, founded in 1754, has given the world the great game we love.  Continue through Fife and over the mighty Forth Road Bridge to spend the next two nights in the Scottish Capital, Edinburgh. (B)

Day 7 We have a full day to explore the Prince of Cities.  Our colorful expert local guide will show us Princes Street.  We'll hear tales of  the Royal Mile, with its tales of some truly intriguing characters such as the Bodysnatchers, Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde and Greyfriar's Bobby.  History is displayed before us as we tour Edinburgh Castle.  We can arrange an optional Scottish night out with authentic music, kilts and food.   (BD)

Day 8  Today we have many terrific photo opportunities.  First stop at Stirling and the historic sight of Braveheart fame, then on to the Trossachs, an area of outstanding natural beauty celebrated in Sir Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake.  Enjoy a break in the pretty resort of Aberfoyle.  Back in Glasgow we have a chance to see the museum of transport to see the impressive collection of cars  and learn of the cities great shipbuilding past.  We'll be surprised at the names of many great ships built here.  We have a little time for shopping for souvenirs and have our last dinner together with our new friends and traveling companions.  (BD

Day 9 Depart to Glasgow International Airport for the flight home

Includes hotel, transportation, 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners,  free teacher, tour guide, taxes, tips.
Entrance fees & tours included:  Oban, Isle of Iona, Culloden Battlefield, Braemar, St. Andrews Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Aberfoyle, Glasgow's Museum of Transport, ferries to Mull and Iona
Not included: are optional tours, airport transfers, beverages, other meals, Items not indicated as included.
Airfare, tax and insurance from your gateway quoted separately on request.  
Typically, airfares from Eastern North America are $500 and from Western North America $700+tax.
Motor coach equipment and tour guide services provided by one of the largest tour operators in the world.
All tours are subject to change and availability and tours may be modified without notice.

April  $785USD ($1217CAD)
May   $799USD ($1237CAD)
 June and July   $828USD ($1279CAD)
 Add to the above: airfare, air tax and insurance.  
Recommended spending money is $500 per person