Day 1:
Depart for Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. Day 2:
Arrive Glasgow. Following lunch you will board an open-top bus for a tour of the city. The bus service offers "hop on and hop off" service all day. This afternoon you will visit the Museum of Transport. The museum uses its collections of vehicles and models to tell the story of transport by land and sea, with a unique Glasgow flavor. Here you will find the oldest surviving pedal cycle and the finest collection in the world of Scottish-built cars. You will then have some free time on your own before the group gathers for a Welcoming Dinner. You may want to visit Glasgow Cathedral or the Glasgow City Chambers building. Overnight in Glasgow. (L,D) Day 3:
This morning you will have some free time in Glasgow before journeying south to Loudoun Castle Theme Park. With parkland and the imposing ruins of Loudoun Castle as a stunning backdrop, the theme park has rides and attractions to suit all ages. Experience everything from roller coasters to dodgems, pirate swing boats to log flumes, some unusual and friendly animals in a rare breeds farm, birds of prey demonstrations, and big top daily theatre performances featuring acrobats and jugglers. You then return to Glasgow for dinner and overnight in Glasgow. (B,D) Day 4:
This morning, leave the city behind and journey alongside Loch Lomond on your way to Dunstaffnage Castle, just a short distance outside of Oban. Dunstaffnage was built in 1275 in a strategic spot on the Firth of Lorn upon an immense rock, and the wall was altered to accommodate the odd shape. Stop for lunch before continuing on 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 it is on to a favorite Highland village, Fort William. Nestled snuggly on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is always a favorite stop. Dinner and overnight in Fort William. (B,L,D) Day 5:
This morning you take a train ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the Hogwart's Express. Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world, this 84-mile roundtrip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. It starts near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis; visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station at Arisaig; passes the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar; and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar; and finally arrives next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. After crossing the world famous 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, which has been used in the Harry Potter movies, the train stops at the station giving you time to stretch your legs. Dinner and overnight in Fort William. (B,D) Day 6:
This morning you travel east toward Loch Ness with a first stop in Fort Augustus and the Caledonian Canal. To the north the canal enters Loch Ness, and within the village itself is a flight of locks that provide a fascinating place to watch the world go by. You then continue on to Drumnadrochit on the west coast of Loch Ness. Following lunch you will take a cruise on the Loch for a possible Nessie sighting. Before continuing to Inverness you'll visit Urquhart Castle. As a romantic ruin, Urquhart Castle is the envy of romantic ruins the world over with its intriguing shape reflecting the irregular outcrop of rock on which it was built. Dinner and overnight in Inverness. (B,L,D) Day 7:
This morning you'll visit the 14th century Cawdor Castle. Cawdor is romantically linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth. It is a superb fairy-tale castle that you can touch and see and sense for yourself. It is a splendid house and is the home of the Cawdor family to this day. From here you travel to Lossiemouth on the Moray Firth for a fish and chips lunch. After lunch you can take a stroll along the beautiful beach. You are then off to Elgin and evocative ruins Elgin Cathedral. Sadly, the Lantern of the North, as Elgin is still affectionately known, fell victim to the Reformation of 1560, but much remains of Scotland's second largest cathedral. Dinner and overnight in Inverness. (B,L,D) Day 8:
Today, journey south to Kingussie and Kincraig Highland Wildlife Park. Experience Scottish wildlife as well as international endangered animals of mountains and tundra in a spectacular setting. You will ride around the park first and then investigate the walk-round area by foot, looking out for the new Amur tigers! Further south you'll find Blair Atholl and Blair Castle. The castle offers over 700 years of history with more than 30 rooms open to the public. Before reaching Scottish Dream Tours' favorite highland village of Pitlochry, a stop will be made at the Queen's View. Made famous by Queen Victoria, this magnificent view over Loch Tummel and towards the Glencoe Mountains is unrivaled. Dinner and overnight in Pitlochry. (B,D) Day 9:
This morning a visit is scheduled to Birnum and the Beatrix Potter Garden in honor of Beatrix who spent many happy summers here. You will also visit the 1,000 year old Birnum Oak which is sadly all that remains of the Birnum Wood. Then a visit will be made to Dunkeld and Dunkeld Cathedral. The church in Dunkeld has been around a long time – over 1400 years – dating from the time when Celtic monks set up a base for a mission where the River Braan joins the River Tay. Since then it has seen many changes and turbulent times, eventually becoming the beautiful, peaceful place of worship it is today. Following lunch, return to Pitlochry where you will have the rest of the afternoon and evening free. Overnight in Pitlochry. (B,L) Day 10:
Today you travel south to Perth and Scone Palace. Once the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, Scone Palace occupies a unique position in the history of Scotland. It is a breathtakingly beautiful place of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone - also known as the Stone of Destiny. The unique Murray Star Maze, designed by the world renowned maze designer Adrian Fisher, and the children’s play area provide a more energetic diversion. Highland cattle graze on pasture nearby, joined by Scottish rare breeds and goats. Following lunch you'll journey to Doune and Doune Castle. Doune is a delightful 14th century castle best known for its association with Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It is a favorite as it gives wonderful insight into the day-to-day living during this time period. Dinner and overnight in Stirling. (B,L,D) Day 11:
This morning you visit the fairy-tale Stirling Castle, one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here and the Great Hall and Chapel Royal are wonderful highlights. Its location rivals even Edinburgh Castle's for sheer magnificence as it sits on its high volcanic rock, visible for many miles in every direction. Following lunch in Linlithgow you will visit Linlithgow Palace, birth place of Mary Queen of Scots and also home to the 750-year-old Church of St. Michaels where Mary was baptized. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for shopping on Princes Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Dinner is on your own tonight. Overnight in Edinburgh. (B,L) Day 12:
After breakfast you will take in the sights of Scotland's Capitol City aboard an open-top tour bus. On your way about the city you will see Holyrood Palace, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon Brodie's. Edinburgh Castle is a must stop as is The Royal Mile. You will have entrance tickets for both the Castle and Holyrood Palace. After an afternoon of taking in Princes Street the group will gather for a farewell dinner and a Scottish evening for your last night in Scotland. The evening is complete with Highland dances, song, bagpipes and, of course... the dreaded Haggis. Overnight in Edinburgh. (B,D) Day 13:
This morning you'll make your back to Glasgow International Airport for the journey home. (B) |
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