Country Roads of Scotland
This tour is well paced with an initial two-night stay in Edinburgh followed by nights in the Highlands, Thurso, Ullapool, the stunning Isle of Skye and Glasgow. The driving days are of a comfortable length and have frequent stops.
8 Days ~ Scotland
DAY 1 – SAT – EDINBURGH
Welcome to Scotland - land of legend and romance, from the two great cultural cities in the south, to the salmon-filled rivers, dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands! Arrive in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, where there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or start exploring. Perhaps take a stroll around the shops of Princes Street before joining your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink. In the evening, selected departures attend the spectacular Military Tattoo - a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Hotel: Marriott.
DAY 2 – SUN – EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide to see the highlights of ‘Athens of the North’. Drive along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, then visit the 18th century New Town with its classical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, visit the awesome Castle, perched high on its rock. See the house where John Knox, leader of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, spent the last 10 years of his life, and St Giles’ Cathedral, where he preached his fiery sermons. At the bottom of the Royal Mile, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where Mary Queen of Scots lived – it is still the official Scottish residence of the Queen. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at leisure: perhaps research your family tartan in the Tartan Centre or visit the art treasures in the National Gallery. (B)
DAY 3 – MON – EDINBURGH – HIGHLANDS
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St Andrews, where golf was born on the Old Course in the 15th century. After some time to explore, continue to Perth to watch the Caithness glass-blowers at work. Afterwards, visit a whisky distillery, where local water, the best malt and age-old skills combine to produce a ‘wee dram’ for you to taste. A short journey over the Grampian Mountains and you arrive at your Highland hotel for the night. This evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner with haggis and traditional Scottish entertainment.
Hotel: Highlander. (B,HD)
DAY 4 – TUE – HIGHLANDS – THURSO
Travel to the tragic battlefield of Culloden, where in 1746 Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was finally crushed. Drive via the stately town of Inverness, home of world-famous Pringle knitwear, and along the scenic shores of Loch Ness to search for the elusive monster. Now follow the rugged coast north to John O’Groats, the most northerly town of mainland Britain. The coastal road to Thurso then offers splendid views out over the Pentland Firth.
Hotel: Royal. (B,D)
DAY 5 – WED – THURSO – ULLAPOOL
Through stunning and unspoilt landscapes along the northern coastline with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Arrive in the little fishing town of Ullapool on Loch Broom.
Hotel: Caledonian. (B,D)
DAY 6 – THU – ULLAPOOL – ISLE OF SKYE
An exciting day takes you past remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Then it’s over to Skye to hear romantic tales of Flora MacDonald and her daring rescue of the Bonnie Prince. See the island’s most famous feature, the Cuillin Hills on your way to Skye’s quaint capital, Portree, which is situated in a sheltered bay.
Hotel: Tongadale. (B,D)
DAY 7 – FRI – ISLE OF SKYE – GLASGOW
Enjoy a feast of scenic splendour as you return to the mainland and head past Loch Garry into the Great Glen. Stop along the way at the Second World War Commando Memorial which affords fine views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Your route continues past Fort William, along the shores of Loch Linnhe and through infamous Glencoe, its dramatic peaks still echoing with the ghastly cries of massacred clansmen. Your highlight for today is a cruise on the blue waters of Loch Lomond, the 'Queen of Scottish Lakes' and largest in Great Britain. It’s not far now to the Clyde Valley and the vibrant commercial cityof Glasgow.
Hotel: Marriott. (B)
DAY 8 – SAT – GLASGOW
The tour ends after breakfast with complimentary transfers to both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. (B)
| Tour Dates & Prices |
| Departs on |
Returns on |
Land Only |
| 2008 |
| Sat 03 May |
Sat 10 May |
US$1650 |
| Sat 17 May |
Sat 24 May |
US$1650 |
| Sat 24 May |
Sat 31 May |
US$1650 |
| Sat 31 May |
Sat 07 Jun |
US$1650 |
| Sat 07 JunTG |
Sat 14 Jun |
US$1650 |
| Sat 14 JunTG |
Sat 21 Jun |
US$1650 |
| Sat 21 JunTG |
Sat 28 Jun |
US$1650 |
| Sat 28 JunTG |
Sat 05 Jul |
US$1650 |
| Sat 05 JulTG |
Sat 12 Jul |
US$1650 |
| Sat 12 JulTG |
Sat 19 Jul |
US$1650 |
| Sat 19 JulTG |
Sat 26 Jul |
US$1650 |
| Sat 02 AugTG |
Sat 09 Aug |
US$1710 |
| Sat 09 AugTG |
Sat 16 Aug |
US$1710 |
| Sat 16 AugTG |
Sat 23 Aug |
US$1710 |
| Sat 23 AugTG |
Sat 30 Aug |
US$1710 |
| Sat 30 AugTG |
Sat 06 Sep |
US$1650 |
| Sat 06 SepTG |
Sat 13 Sep |
US$1650 |
| Sat 13 SepTG |
Sat 20 Sep |
US$1650 |
| Sat 20 SepTG |
Sat 27 Sep |
US$1650 |
| Sat 27 Sep |
Sat 04 Oct |
US$1650 |
| TG = Guaranteed Departure |
|
