Overview
9 Days
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Classic Tour
4 Star
Premium
8-99 Years
44
Fully Guided
Itinerary
Your tour departs from your Glasgow hotel at 2:00 PM on a panoramic tour of central Glasgow's highlights, including red sand-stone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral, and the River Clyde, once important for shipbuilding. Visit the extensive and varied art collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Chat with your tour director and fellow travelers over a welcome drink. Your evening is free to dine independently.
Embark on a cruise of Loch Lomond to appreciate the beauty of this famous loch and admire panoramic views. Browse around Inveraray and have lunch on your own before taking a guided tour of Inveraray Castle, featured in “Downton Abbey”. Journey across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland's most beautiful places. Continue to Ballachulish on the shore of Loch Leven. (B/D)
Travel on the scenic “Road to the Isles”, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Ferry to the Isle of Skye to visit Armadale Castle, a romantic ruin surrounded by magnificent gardens. Back on the mainland, travel along the shores of Loch Ness before arriving at your hotel. (B/D)
A short distance from Nairn is the Culloden Battlefield where the British government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, popularly known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Walk around the battlefield and the visitor center. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to a local farm for a demonstration of trained dogs herding sheep. Travel through the high peaks of the Grampian mountains to your hotel. (B/D)
Visit Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Delve into the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how Queen Victoria's famous stay led to the creation of Europe's only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Go behind the scenes at Blair Athol Distillery for a tour and sample of the finished product. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the hotel gardens and museum or shopping in Pitlochry. (B/D)
Travel through lush countryside to visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth” and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. This majestic building is filled with priceless artifacts and furnishings. Enjoy free time exploring the medieval town of St Andrews, the “Home of Golf,” including the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course.
After arrival at your hotel near Edinburgh, enjoy a Scottish evening with traditional food, music, and dancing. Departures which include the Edinburgh Military Tattoo enjoy an evening free to explore and dine independently. (B/D)*
Explore Edinburgh to compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle with its splendid views of the city. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping, and dining. Select departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B)
Spend the day on an independent Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour of Edinburgh. You will receive a taxi voucher to bring you from your hotel to the city center. Explore and dine as you wish in this fascinating city. (B)
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Edinburgh Castle: Walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens, and even the odd pirate or two, in this medieval-era royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, alive with many exciting tales.
- Loch Lomond Cruise: Enjoy the exquisite eye candy on the largest lake in Scotland.
- Inveraray Castle: Live out your Downton Abbey dreams when you visit this turreted fairy-tale castle that was featured in the show.
- St Andrews: Explore the legendary Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course at the birthplace of golf.
- Scottish Sheepdog Demonstration: Watch highly experienced sheepdogs mind their flocks at a charming Scottish farm.
- Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Select departures get to enjoy the precision and performance of pipe and drum corps from around the world.
- Isle of Skye: Enjoy the dramatic mountainous landscapes of the largest Inner Hebrides island.
- Blair Athol Distillery: Sip a wee dram or two of Scotch whisky after you discover the secrets to crafting it.
- Blair Castle: This ancient castle has been the home of nineteen generations of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. The 30 rooms are rich in period detail, with ornate plasterwork, luxurious tapestries, and beautifully carved furniture.
- Culloden Battlefield: Explore the battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end.
- 8 Breakfasts (B) and 5 Dinners*(D)
- Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel (4 Stars)
- Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel (4 Stars)
- Ballachulish Hotel (4 Stars)
- Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport (4 Stars)
- Muthu Newton Hotel (4 Stars)
- Atholl Palace Hotel (4 Stars)
- Crieff Hydro Hotel (4 Stars)
- Dalhousie Castle Hotel (4 Stars)
- Norton House Hotel & Spa (4 Stars)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- *Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.
Operator
Our outstanding local tour directors are ready to share their knowledge, stories, passion for their home places - they are our greatest assets. Many of our tours spend 2 nights in each location, and our flexible itineraries include a great balance of escorted and free time. We include full breakfasts, most dinners and some evening entertainment. No one has to worry about paying for optional extras on the trip. It’s all included, no hidden extras.
We know how much these trips mean to you and we want to ensure that this is a trip you will treasure forever.
Each of our vacations are stress-free, with no surprise hidden fees, and plenty of fun for all ages. Read more
CIE Tours could not exist without our great locally employed tour directors - they are the envy of the travel industry. Read more
CIE Tours uses three classes of hotels – first class, superior first class & deluxe properties. Read more
Dates & Pricing
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by CIE Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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