Day 1:
Depart for Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. Day 2:
Arrive in Glasgow. Shortly after arrival you will tour the city aboard an open-top tour bus complete with tour guide. You may want to tour Glasgow Cathedral. The Cathedral is one of the few to escape destruction during the Scottish Reformation and dates to the 13th century. You may also want to visit Glasgow's City Chambers Building or enjoy a few hours of shopping on Sauchiehall Street, or just relax before tonight's welcoming dinner at Two Fat Ladies Restaurant. Overnight in Glasgow in a small family owned city guesthouse. (D)
Day 3:
This morning the tour makes its way towards the Western Highlands and islands. A drive will take you along the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. There is time to stop for a cup of tea before heading northward to Loch Awe where St. Conan's Kirk is spectacularly sited overlooking the loch. A visit to this Romanesque church is a must when venturing through this area of Scotland. After the visit the trip continues on to Oban, which is known at the Gateway to the Isles. You will have some time to explore Oban before dinner. Dinner and overnight in Oban in a superior Victorian small hotel. (B,D) Day 4:
Today finds you visiting the largest of the Inner Hebridian Isles, Mull. Mull offers rough moorlands, rocky peaks and splendid beaches, as well as Duart Castle - home of the Mcleans. You may want to visit the castle tearoom before continuing on to the small and very beautiful island of Iona. St Columba began his crusade here in the year 563, and 48 Scottish Kings are buried in the abbey graveyard. The end of the day finds you returning to Oban where you may want to check out one of the several good pubs for dinner. Overnight in Oban. (B,L) Day 5:
This morning you'll journey on to Dunstaffnage Castle, just a short distance outside of Oban. Dunstaffnage was build in the year 1275 and is located in a strategic spot on the Firth of Lorn, upon an immense rock. The wall was altered to accommodate the odd shape. Stop for lunch before continuing to Glencoe, which was the site of the 1692 massacre of the McDonalds. Against a backdrop of craggy peaks and the tumbling River Coe, the Glen offers some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. Then head on to one of Scottish Dream Tours' favorite Highland villages, Fort William. Nestled snuggly on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is always a pleasing stop. Dinner and overnight is spent near Fort William at Spean Bridge in Old Pines Hotel with spectacular views of Ben Nevis. (B,L,D) Day 6:
This morning, begin the journey to the Isle of Skye, stopping at The Falls of Glomach first. The Falls of Glomach (Glomach means gloomy) are 375-feet high and as such are the highest falls in the UK. Continue the journey with a stop at Loch Duich. On the banks of Loch Duich sits the most photographed castle in all of Scotland, Eileen Donan Castle - home to the Clan Macrae. The castle is connected to the land by a causeway and virtually sits out in the loch! You'll then cross the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin on Isle of Skye, where your first stop is Kinloch Lodge - the home of Lord and Lady MacDonald - for a traditional afternoon tea. Following tea, the journey continues past the lovely Cullen Hills to your home for two nights. Dinner and overnight in Skye in a 19th century manse. (B,L,D) Day 7:
This morning's journey travels around the Trotternish Peninsula with its spectacular coastline. A stop will be made at the gravesite of Flora MacDonald at Kilmuir. Flora is best known for her brave act in helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the battle of Culloden. You will also visit The Quiraing, being one of the most exciting natural rock formations anywhere in Scotland. Then you are off to visit Dunvegan Castle, which has been the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years and remains their home. Built on a rock once surrounded entirely by salt water, it is unique in Scotland as the only house of such antiquity to have retained its family and its roof throughout the centuries. Next on the agenda is Skye's metropolis, Portree, meaning "port of the king." Enjoy an afternoon free to explore this delightful harbor village. Dinner is on your own tonight. Overnight in Skye. (B,L)
Day 8:
It is off to Uig this morning to catch the ferry to the Isles of Harris and Lewis. Once on Harris you will stop in Tarbert and visit the Harris Tweed Shop. Next stop is the Callanish Standing Stones. Dating back over 4000 years, Callanish ranks second in terms of importance only to Stonehenge and it is older. On a headland overlooking part of a huge sea loch, 53 pale grey stones of Lewisian gneiss stand in a curious cruciform. You will also visit the Arnol Blackhouse Museum, which tells the story of the original crofters native to this area of Scotland. Dinner and overnight at a small inn in the lochs area of Lewis. (B,D) Day 9:
This morning inludes a very early ferry crossing to Ullapool, once again on the Mainland. Explore Ullapool for a short time before making your way northward to Thurso. Travel the scenic coastal route to Thurso with some of the most spectacular scenery to be found anywhere in Scotland. Have your cameras ready as there will be several wonderful photo ops. Break for a lunch stop at the Elphin Tearoom at Elphin before continuing the journey. Dinner and
overnight in Thurso in a family owned town lodge. (B,L,D) Day 10:
This morning includes a ferry trip to the Orkneys. The first stop once on the islands is Skara Brae, a neolithic village dating from 2,500 BC that has been hidden under sand dunes, perfectly preserved, for thousands of years and was only rediscovered 100 years ago. You will also visit the Standing Stones of Stenness dating from 3,100 BC, making the stone's complex one of the earliest stone circles in Britain. You will also visit the Royal Burrough of Kirkwall, which is the capitol of the Orkneys. Take some time to investigate before returning by ferry to the mainland. Dinner is on your own in Thurso. Overnight in Thurso. (B,L) Day 11:
Today the jouney make its way to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on mainland Britain and, on a clear day, it commands some of the most extensive views you are likely to find anywhere in northern Scotland. The next stop is the Castle of Mey, the most northerly inhabited castle on the British mainland. The Queen Mother renovated and restored it and, for almost half a century, she spent many happy summers here with shorter visits at other times of the year. Lunch is at La Mirage in Helmsdale on your way south before stopping at Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. This beautiful castle with a French influence sits looking out across the North Sea and is well worth a visit. With 189 rooms, it is the largest house in the Northern Highlands. Then continue south to dinner and overnight in Inverness at a traditional Highland guest house.(B,D) Day 12:
This morning you will visit Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle to be fought on British soil on April 16th, 1746 when Bonnie Prince Charles Edward Stewart made his last bid for the Monarchy. This afternoon finds you at Blair Atholl and Blair Castle, set in extensive parklands, including the recently restored Hercules Garden and Diana's Grove, and with 725 years of history and over 30 rooms open to the public. The next stop is Pitlochry where dinner awaits. Following dinner, you are off to the Pitlochry Festival Theatre for a live performance. Overnight in Pitlochry in a beautiful Victorian country house.(B,D) Day 13:
Today, following breakfast, the first stop is The Queen's View. This spot was named after Robert The Bruce's wife, Isabel, but made popular by Queen Victoria. It is one of the most breathtaking sights in Scotland and will become a favorite of yours. You can't stop here without visiting the tearoom and having a piece of millionaires shortbread! Next, you'll visit Edradour Distillery, which is Scotland's smallest distillery. After a tour of the distillery it's time to return to Pitlochry for afternoon tea at Atholl Palace. This afternoon you will want some free time to investigate Pitlochry, which Queen Victoria called the loveliest spa town in all of Europe! Dinner is on your own in Pitlochry. Overnight in Pitlochry.(B,L)
Day 14:
This morning, take a few hours to enjoy Pitlochry before your journey travels south toward Edinburgh. On the way to Edinburgh, a stop will be made in Dunfermline where you'll visit Dunfermline Palace and Abbey. Dunfermline Abbey was founded in about 1070 by Queen Margaret, wife of Malcolm Canmore. Margaret was made a saint, and she and Malcolm were buried here. Robert the Bruce's body (apart from his heart, which is at Melrose) is buried here as well. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for shopping on Princes Street and the Royal Mile. Overnight in Edinburgh in an 18th century mansion house.(B,L) Day 15:
After breakfast you will take in the sights of Scotland's capitol city aboard an open-top tour bus where, on your way about the city, you will see Holyrood Palace, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon Brodie', along with Edinburgh Castle. Get on and off at your own pace. After an afternoon of taking in Princes Street the group will gather for a farewell dinner and traditional Scottish evening for this last night in Scotland. Overnight in Edinburgh.(B,D) Day 16:
This morning you'll return to the Glasgow International Airport for the journey home.(B) |
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