13 Day Scottish Highlands, Islands and Cities Escorted Coach Tour
Step back in time with this epic tour. Pagan monuments, Roman ruins, majestic cathedrals, medieval castles, geological wonders, famous universities, Highland glens, and Scotland's historic cities and majestic scenery will grip your imagination! This fantastic tour departs on Mondays from mid May to mid September.
Tour Highlights: Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Jedburgh Abbey, St Andrews, Glamis Castle, Aberdeen, The Whisky Trail, Cairngorm National Park, Culloden Moor, Inverness, Dunrobin Castle, Orkney Islands, Italian Chapel, Skara Brae, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, Isles of Mull and Iona, Glen Coe, Glasgow, Glasgow Cathedral, Culzean Castle and Alloway
Day One
Welcome to Edinburgh (3 nights)
Welcome to bonnie Scotland! There are airport transfers from Edinburgh Airport at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00 hrs. Conditions apply. Relax after your journey. This evening, meet and get to know your companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Pub Reception, which includes a typical Scottish pub meal and drinks.
Overnight: Novotel City Centre Hotel, Edinburgh (or similar)
Day Two
Discovering Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a rugged and beautiful city. See Princes Street, the New Town, the Royal Mile, Scottish Parliament and Arthur's Seat during your morning sightseeing tour with an expert Local Guide. Visit the apartments at the historic castle with views of Holyrood House, the former residence of Mary Queen of Scots. During the Edinburgh Festival, tickets for the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are also included.
Day Three
The Scottish Borders
This morning see the impressive 12th century ruined Abbey at Jedburgh. Admire Melrose Abbey, where the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce is said to rest, before following the valley of the River Tweed back to Edinburgh.
Day Four
Edinburgh - St Andrews - Aberdeen
Cross the spectacular Forth Bridge to St. Andrews, considered by many as the home of golf, Take a photograph at the famous 18th green or enjoy discovering the ancient University there is so much to enjoy. Later visit Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Arrive this afternoon in Aberdeen, a city with a rich history and a strong industrial heritage. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Overnight: Thistle Altens Hotel, Aberdeen (or similar)
Day Five - The Whisky Trail
Marvel at the wonderful Scottish landscapes along the valley of the River Dee, past Ballater and Royal Deeside, through the rugged Cairngorm Mountains to Speyside. The area around the River Spey in Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey is renowned for producing some of the best malt whiskies in the World. Tonight, at your hotel in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, enjoy a traditional Highlight Dinner including the ‘piping in of the haggis’!
Overnight: Four Seasons/Aviemore Highland Hotel, Aviemore (or similar)
Day Six - Aviemore - Loch Ness - Thurso (2 nights)
It is a short drive to see the site of the Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army was defeated in 1746. Drive through Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands to admire the beauty of Loch Ness, home of the fabled monster. Visit Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland, which resembles a French chateâu with its towering conical spires. Stroll through the formal gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Enjoy wonderful sea views as we travel northwards to Thurso, our home for the next two nights.
Overnight: Royal Hotel, Thurso (or similar)
Day Seven
Discovering the Orkneys
Take the ferry (weather permitting) from John O'Groats to South Ronaldsay. Our drive through Orkney will take us back through man’s history. These fascinating islands boast countless reminders of the people who have lived here. See Scapa Flow, one of the world's great natural anchorages. Visit the Italian Chapel and see the remains of a Neolithic village at Skara Brae. Pass the pre-historic Ring of Brodgar to Viking Kirkwall. Later, take the ferry back to Thurso on the mainland.
Day Eight - Thurso to the Isle of Skye
The landscape along the northern coastline is stunning! See misty valleys and glens and visit the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool, which sits on Loch Broom. Continue via the Kyle of Lochalshand over the sea to Skye, following in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie!
Overnight: Tongadale Hotel, Portree (or similar)
Day Nine - Isle of Skye - Fort William – Glen Coe (2 nights)
The main town on the island is Portree, which sits overlooking its attractive harbour. There is time to enjoy Portree for yourself before driving past iconic Eilean Donan Castle. You’ll see the towering Five Sisters mountain range as we travel through Glen Sheil and then along the shores of Loch Cluanie. Cross the mountains to view Loch Garry on your way to Fort William, where you see Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, in all its glory. Dine this evening at your hotel in Ballachulish.
Overnight: Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish (or similar)
Day Ten - Explore Mull and Iona
Cruise from Oban across the mouth of Loch Linnhe to Craignure on the Isle of Mull, the fourth largest Scottish island and a jewel of moorlands, forests and cliffs. Drive to Fionnphort for a short ferry crossing to the island of Iona. It was here that St Columba built a monastery in 563. Visit the Abbey, one of the oldest and most important religious sites in Western Europe, before returning to Ballachulish.
Day Eleven
Ballachulish - Glen Coe - Glasgow (2 nights)
Enter dramatic Glen Coe, known as the Glen of the Weeping after the tragic massacre of 1692 of the resident MacDonald Clan. The beautiful scenery continues as we make our way over Rannoch Moor and via Tyndrum to Loch Lomond, where you can stop for photographs and perhaps take a cruise on the Loch. Enjoy Scottish hospitality with a very special Be My Guest lunch on a working farm in the Trossachs National Park. Later your orientation of Glasgow includes views of George Square, the impressive City Chambers and a visit to St. Mungo’s Cathedral.
Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow (or similar)
Day Twelve - Robert Burns Country
Today we travel through the rolling Ayrshire countryside to visit Culzean Castle a magnificent neoclassical mansion overlooking the Firth of Clyde. The castle boasts extensive grounds that form a splendid country park. See the monument to Robbie Burns in Alloway and Burns Cottage, where Scotland’s famous poet was born! This afternoon enjoy an included visit to the beautiful Glengoyne malt whisky distillery to sample a 'wee dram'. Tonight, celebrate with your companions and Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner in Glasgow.
Day Thirteen
Homeward Bound!
Say a fond farewell to bonnie Scotland as your wonderful holiday draws to a close. Airport transfers are available at 07:00 hrs and 09:00 hrs. Conditions apply.
Inclusions
• 12 nights accommodation in twin rooms with private bath/shower
• 12 full Scottish breakfasts
• 6 x table d’hote dinners
• Welcome Pub Reception in Edinburgh
• Local highlight dinner with whisky
• Home cooked lunch on a farm
• Farewell dinner with wine
• Excursions as detailed in itinerary
• Tickets are included for the World-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo on 5 to 19 August departures
• Admission to Edinburgh Castle, Glamis Castle, Culloden Moor, Dunrobin Castle, Italian Chapel, Skara Brae, Glasgow Cathedral and Culzean Castle
• Transportation by luxury air-conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats and washroom onboard
• Ferry charges to the Islands of Mull and Iona
• Ferry charges to the Orkney Islands
• Tour of Edinburgh with a local expert guide
• Complimentary group photograph
• All hotel service charges including baggage handling fees
• Services of a tour host
• Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
• Admission charges unless otherwise stated in the itinerary
• Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
• Gratuity to your driver and guide
The Little Details
- Minimum Age: Age 5+
- Min Age: 5 years
- Tour Vehicle Type: Coach
- Months of Operation: May, June, July, August, September
- Duration of Tour: 13 days
- Departure Point: Edinburgh
- Departure Point: Novotel Edinburgh City Centre Hotel, 80 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9DE
- Departure Time: Check In: 14:15 Departs: 14:30
- Expected return Time: Returns: 09:00 (day 13)
- Duration of Tour: 13 days
Rates & Dates
The tour departs on Mondays from 12 May to 15 September 2014
| Tour (Per Person in GB Sterling ) | ||
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Hotel Package per person |
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Mondays 8 September, 15 September 2014 |
Sharing a Twin/Double Room: £2225.00 Single Room: £2615.00 |
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Mondays |
Sharing a Twin/Double Room: £2250.00 Single Room: £2640.00 |
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Mondays |
Sharing a Twin/Double Room: £2299.00 Single Room: £2689.00 |
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Mondays |
Sharing a Twin/Double Room: £2499.00 Single Room: £2939.00 |
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Mondays |
Sharing a Twin/Double Room: £2399.00 Single Room: £2789.00 |
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Cancellation Policy: For cancellations more than 30 days prior to departure date - 90% refund. 30 to 15 days - 50% of tour cost will be refunded. 14 days or less - no refund.
Full payment is required at the time of booking. We strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance to cover any need to cancel.
Booking Notes
- Prices are quoted per person per tour
- We regret that children under the age of 5 are not carried on this tour.
- Customers must provide a valid credit card number.
- Limited availability : advanced booking required.
- Any booking is subject to our Booking Terms.
- Your Edinburgh hotel accommodation will be confirmed at time of booking.
- Left luggage facilities are available at the hotel if you wish to check-in earlier.
- Please note - your room may not be available until the standard check-in time.
Click on the "Book Now" button to make your reservation. Enter your dates and requirements and complete the booking. Scottish Tours will confirm availability to you immediately or very soon thereafter. Rest assured no payment will be taken if they cannot confirm the booking to you.
Full tour operator information including local contact telephone numbers and departure details will appear on your tour voucher/confirmation.
Some Places We Will Visit
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Jedburgh
Visitor guide to Jedburgh in Scottish Borders includes info on what to to see and do and even great nuggets on sports and festivals celebrated here. Also include hotels and Accommodation in Jedburgh.
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St Andrews
St Andrews is not just about the golf, the place has a medieval charm with beautiful sights and also an ancient university where the rich and the famous study.
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Aberdeen
Our Visitor guide to Aberdeen, Scotland's granite city. Isolated on Scotland's North East coast, Aberdeen is a city of contradictions, at times windswept and rain wet, in the sunlight it glistens and appeals. Includes what to see and do, hotels and history...
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Aviemore
Aviemore was once a sleepy village which was later developed into a ski and tourism resort and has fallen victim to profiteering developers who have scant regard for the local community here. However, Aviemore is great for the services being offered here for visitors.
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Thurso
Thurso is the most northerly town on the British mainland and by far the largest on the north coast. Our quick guide includes all info on getting there, eating and sleeping, transport and what to see and do.
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John O'Groats
If you still feel inclined to visit this old tourist trap, then that's your prerogative, but don't say we didn't warn you. It's kind of boring at best and pretty miserable most of the time. It gets its name from the Dutchman Jan de Groot, who was commissioned by King James IV to run a ferry service to Orkney in 1496. Ferries still operate from here to Burwick in Orkney (see Transport below). There's a Tourist Information Centre here (Tel. 611373, open April-October Monday-Saturday 0900-1700), as well as a post office, craft shops and a chippie.
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Ullapool
The attractive little fishing port of Ullapool, on the shores of Loch Broom, is the largest settlement in Wester Ross.
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Ballachulish
Small village to the west of Glencoe just off the A82. Ideal location to stay if you are exploring Glencoe area.
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Glasgow
Scotland's largest city and the centre for visual arts culture with a strong sense of belonging.
Castle Visited
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Glamis Castle
Family home to the Queen Mother and ancestral home to the Countess of Strathmore and family. It is open to the public throughout the summer. Won Best Attraction in the UK 2015!
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Dunrobin Castle
Scottish baronial castle that thinks it is a chateau on the Loire. One of a kind in Scotland and the ancestral home to the Dukes of Sutherland and family.
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Culzean Castle & Country Park
Superb castellated house overlooking the sea with wonderful history of visitors. Stunning and worth visiting to time with setting sun in the west.