Scottish Highlands Islands & Cities 2009

From Jedburgh to the Orkney Islands, explore Scotland's picturesque cafestles, grand cities, quaint villages and dramatic landscapes. Sample Scottish whisky and watch the tradition of "piping in the haggis".

Highlights

  • Edinburgh
  • Berwick-upon-Tweed
  • Jedburgh
  • Selkirk
  • St. Andrews
  • Glamis Castle
  • Speyside
  • Culloden
  • Dunrobin Castle
  • Orkney Islands
  • John O' Groats
  • South Ronaldsay
  • Scara Brae
  • Ullapool
  • Isle of Skye
  • Kyle of Lochalsh
  • Glencoe
  • Iona
  • Culzean Castle
  • Alloway

    Whats Included

    Sightseeing Highlights

  • Edinburgh: Castle visit, views of Holyrood House, Arthur's Seat, Princes Street, New Town, Royal Mile and Scottish Parliament.
  • North Berwick: Visit the pretty seaside resort.
  • Jedburgh: See the abbey, visit the woollen mill shop.
  • St. Andrews: See the famous golf course.
  • Glamis Castle: Visit the childhood home of the Queen Mother.
  • Speyside: Visit one of the famous whisky distilleries.
  • Culloden: See the battle site of Bonnie Prince Charlie's defeat.
  • Dunrobin Castle: Visit the majestic cafestle and formal gardens.
  • Orkney Islands: Excursion to the remote isles (subject to weather conditions).
  • John O' Groats: Britain's most northerly point.
  • South Ronaldsay: Visit the Italian chapel.
  • Scara Brae: See the remains of the neolithic village.
  • Ullapool: Visit this pretty village.
  • Isle of Skye: See the island of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
  • Kyle of Lochalsh: See the Eilean Donan Castle.
  • Glencoe: See the site of the famous massacre.
  • Mull: Excursion to this once volcanic island.
  • Iona: Visit this tiny island, burial place of Scottish Kings and Queens.
  • Culzean Castle: Visit the 18th century Robert Adam Castle.
  • Alloway: See Burns birthplace and Monument.
  • Glasgow: Orientation tour seeing George Square, Clydeside City Chambers and visiting St. Mungo's Cathedral.

    Dining Highlights

  • 12 full Scottish breakfasts.
  • 6 three-course dinners.
  • Local highlight dinner with whisky in the Scottish Highlands.
  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Glasgow.

    20 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

    First Class Travel Highlights

  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
  • The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional Tour Directors.
  • A qualified local city guide in Edinburgh.
  • Stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
  • Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the Edinburgh Festival.
  • Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 14.
  • A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.

    Edinburgh Tattoo:
    7-29 August 2009 Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the Festival. Applicable to departures 9-23 August.

    London-Edinburgh / Glasgow-London train connection:
    For passengers wishing to join this tour in London, Trafalgar are pleased to be able to offer either one-way train service from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh or return from Glasgow.

    • Call 800-747-0368 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8202195

    Tour Operator
    Trafalgar Tours
    Duration
    14 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1Depart USADepart USA :
    Overnight flight to Edinburgh.
    Day 2EdinburghArrive Edinburgh (3 nights) :
    After hotel check-in, time to relax before we get together with our Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.

    Hotel: Jurys Inn (3 nights)
    Day 3EdinburghEdinburgh sightseeing & at leisure :
    Our morning sightseeing tour visits Princes Street, the New Town and the Royal Mile plus a trip to the cafestle for a guided visit of the apartments and views of Holyrood House, former residence of Mary Queen of Scots, as well as Arthur's Seat. You may wish to join in an excursion to visit the Rosslyn Chapel - made famous by the "Da Vinci Code". During the Edinburgh Festival, tickets for the Edinburgh Tattoo are included. (Full breakfast)
    Day 4EdinburghEdinburgh - Excursion to the Borders :
    First along the coast to the seaside resort of North Berwick which is popular for its beaches and golf courses. Then to Jedburgh with its impressive 12th century ruined abbey. We have the chance to visit the woollen mills before continuing to Melrose where we see the abbey which is said to contain the cafesket wherein lies the heart of Robert the Bruce. Finally, we follow the valley of the River Tweed back to Edinburgh. (Full breakfast)
    Day 5AberdeenEdinburgh - St. Andrews - Glamis Castle - Aberdeen :
    Our Tour Director will reveal a Hidden Treasure to us today! But first we cross the Forth Bridge to St. Andrews*apos; famous golf course. We take a picture at the 18th hole before continuing via Dundee to visit Glamis Castle - childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Then we head to our hotel at Aberdeen with a late afternoon arrival. This evening, we will enjoy a dinner in our hotel. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Thistle
    Day 6Scottish Highlands (Laggan)Aberdeen - Scottish Highlands (Laggan) :
    Today's drive takes us through classic Scottish landscapes along the valley of the River Dee. From here we drive past Ballater and along Royal Deeside then through the rugged Cairngorm Mountains to Speyside. On our arrival we enjoy a visit to one of the famous whisky distilleries to learn how Scotland's national drink is made. Next we head to our hotel in the heart of the Scottish Highlands where we enjoy a traditional Highlight Dinner including "piping in the haggis"! (Full breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

    Hotel: Laggan Country Hotel
    Day 7ThursoScottish Highlands (Laggan) - Thurso (2 nights) :
    This morning we're off to Cullodden battlefield, scene of the 1746 defeat of the Stuarts. Then via Inverness we drive along the shores of Loch Ness before heading north to Dunrobin Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland. Time to stroll in the formal gardens before heading to our hotel in Thurso for dinner and our two-night stay. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Royal (2 nights)
    Day 8ThursoOrkney Islands Excursion :
    We board a ferry today from John O'Groats to South Ronaldsay where we overlook Scapa Flow and visit the Italian Chapel. We move on to Scara Brae to see the remains of a Neolithic village before passing the pre-historic Ring of Brodgar to Viking Kirkwall. Late afternoon, we reboard our ferry back to the mainland and Thurso. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
    Day 9Isle of SkyeThurso - Isle of Skye :
    We enjoy a drive through stunning and unspoilt landscapes along the northern coastline with its sandy beaches. Then further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters before our arrival in Ullapool on Loch Broom. More scenic wonders as we head to the Kyle of Lochalsh where we cross over the sea to Skye. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Tongadale
    Day 10BallachulishIsle of Skye - Eilean Donan Castle - Loch Ness - Ballachulish (2 nights) :
    We have some leisure time in Portree before driving past Eilean Donan Castle, through Glen Sheil and along the shores of Loch Cluanie. Over the mountains to view Loch Garry on the way to Fort William glimpsing Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Next to beautiful Ballachulish for our two-night stay. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Ballachulish (2 nights)
    Day 11BallachulishMull & Iona Excursion :
    After a short drive this morning we will board our ferry at Oban and cruise across the mouth of Loch Linnhe to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. This island is the fourth largest Scottish island with a population of 2,667 and the capital is the town of Tobermory. From here we drive to Fionnphort for a short sea crossing to the island of Iona. On arrival we visit the abbey before returning to Ballachulish. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
    Day 12GlasgowBallachulish - Glasgow (2 nights) :
    Today we travel through stunning Glencoe, site of the infamous 1692 massacre and on via Tyndrum to the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond. Here there's time for a picture stop or maybe take a cruise on the Loch. Later we arrive in Glasgow for two nights. We enjoy an orientation tour of the largest Scottish city including George Square, the impressive City Chambers and a visit to St. Mungo's Cathedral. Then time for leisure or shopping. (Full breakfast)

    Hotel: Crowne Plaza (2 nights)
    Day 13GlasgowRobert Burns Excursion :
    Today we head into Robbie Burns country to visit Culzean Castle and enjoy its beautiful grounds. Next on to Alloway to view the Burns Monument and Burns Cottage before returning to Glasgow. Tonight, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner together with our Tour Director. (Full breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
    Day 14Return USAGlasgow - Return USA :
    Time to bid a fond farewell to Scotland and its isles and our Tour Director and new-found friends as we are transferred to the airport for the return flight to America. (Full Breakfast)
    Dates/Pricing

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    Disclaimer
    * This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
    ** For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
    For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
    The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.

    - These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
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