Country Roads of Scotland Sample Itinerary- 9 day Guided Tour

DAY 1 | WELCOME TO EDINBURGH

Join your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant. On select departures, during your time in Edinburgh you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the oodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Meals: Dinner

DAY 2 | EDINBURGH, THE CAPITAL OF CULTURE

Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. In the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the ofcial Scottish residence of the King. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is at leisure; why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery? Meals: Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability:

Royal Edinburgh - We’ll enjoy views of the Queen's Park and take in a spectacular panorama of Scotland’s Capital before arriving at Holyrood Palace - the King’s ofcial home in Scotland. Our Local Expert will bring its ancient stories to life before a leisurely visit through the ofcial rooms of the palace. Adult: 46.00 GBP

Edinburgh - The Untold Story - Walk Edinburgh's heart with your Local Expert, to hear about the ultimate loyal dog, grave robbers, executions and other untold stories. Stroll through the Wynds and Closes of the real Edinburgh and enjoy a drink in one of this city's most famous pubs. Adult: 30.00 GBP

Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu - Experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu, where we'll be welcomed by a Scottish piper and enjoy a welcome drink before settling in for a delicious three-course meal and live Ceilidh music. And you can't miss the iconic Piping in the Haggis ceremony, a true highlight of the Scottish experience.* Adult: 88.00 GBP

*This experience is subject to seasonal availability and will only be offered during the summer months April - October.

DAY 3 | TO ST. ANDREWS AND THE HIGHLAND CAPITAL OF INVERNESS

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course, home of golf since its creation in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was lmed? Alternatively, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Atholl Palace and Gardens for a delicious cream tea. Originally opened in Victorian times, the hotel retains many traditional features. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Afternoon Tea

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Pitlochry, Visit of Blair Castle - Set in its own grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery, we'll discover the ancient home of the Dukes of Atholl, home to Europe's last remaining private army. Unique amongst Scottish castles, Blair has hosted royalty from Mary, Queen of Scots, to Queen Victoria. Adult: 31.00 GBP

DAY 4 | CULLODEN, LOCH NESS AND ONTO THURSO

Keep your eyes peeled for the Loch Ness monster this morning during a scenic drive along the legendary lake. See Culloden Battleeld in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Center. Next, with Brendan Choice discover the shing port of Wick. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskies. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum and hear about the past of this once thriving shing community. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5 | A DAY IN THE ORKNEY ISLANDS

Start the day by boarding the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquillity supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water.’ Your Travel Director accompanies you as you visit the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II, the old Norse Town of Kirkwall, 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6 | OVER THE SEA TO SKYE

Travel through stunning, pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie and see the dramatic Cuillin Hills. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7 | THROUGH THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS TO GLENCOE

Take in this wild and beautiful landscape before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there is a ne view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe. Join a ranger for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its ora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy market-fresh Scottish ingredients and wine, as you get together with your newfound friends for a sumptuous dinner. Don't be surprised if, by the end of the evening, you're 'Toasting to the Lassies' or singing 'Auld Lang Syne'. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Isle Of Skye Tour - A wonderful opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula with a Local Expert. Hear about the way of life on this remote inner Hebridean island, steeped in myth and legend. While touring the 'Isle of Mist' see the Old Man of Storr, the red and black Cuillin Mountains and picturesque Portree, the largest town on the Island. This is an opportunity not to be missed. Adult: 25.00 GBP

DAY 8 | ALONG THE BONNIE BANKS OF LOCH LOMOND TO GLASGOW

Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to Sir Walter Scott and the largest in Great Britain. Perhaps experience the beauty and tranquillity of the loch with an optional cruise before continuing to Glasgow? An orientation drive through the city will show you the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Then the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Loch Lomond Boat Trip - Discover the wild beauty of the 'Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond'. As we cruise across the loch, the skipper will share stories of the area and point out Rob Roy's cave as you relax and savor the stunning scenery. Adult: 23.00 GBP

DAY 9 | DEPART GLASGOW

Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of Scotland as you transfer to the airport. Meals: Breakfast