8 Days Scottish Dream

Itinerary

Scotland tours compared

Scottish Dream - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1: Glasgow City Tour

Tour begins at 2:30 PM at your Glasgow hotel. Set out on a tour of central Glasgow's highlights including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral, and the River Clyde, once famous for shipbuilding. Visit extensive and varied art collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Chat with your tour director and fellow travelers over a welcome drink.

Day 2: Loch Lomond Cruise & Inveraray Castle

Embark on a short cruise of Loch Lomond to appreciate the beauty of this famous loch and admire panoramic views. Browse around the town of Inveraray and have lunch on your own before taking a guided tour of Inveraray Castle, featured in the "Downton Abbey" series. Journey across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland's most spectacular and beautiful places. Continue to Ballachulish on the shore of Loch Leven.(B, D)

Day 3: Road to the Isles & Isle of Skye

Take the "Road to the Isles" through some of Scotland's loveliest scenery, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the Isle of Skye and Visit the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Keep your camera handy as you travel the shores of Loch Ness on your way to Nairn.(B, D)

Day 4: Culloden Battlefield & Sheepdogs Trials

A short distance from Nairn is the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre where the British Government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, popularly named Bonnie Prince Charlie. Walk around the moorland 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 gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry.(B, D)

Day 5: Blair Castle & Whisky Tasting

Visit Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Delve into the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and 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 gardens, hotel museum, or browsing around Pitlochry.(B, D)

Day 6: Glamis Castle & St Andrews

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. Head to St Andrews, the "Home of Golf," to see the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course. Enjoy free time to browse through the medieval town. In Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, enjoy a traditional Scottish evening with dinner, haggis, bagpipes, kilts, and Highland dancing.(B, D)

Day 7: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour

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 Edinburgh. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping, and dining. July 28 to August 18 departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Castle Esplanade.(B)

Day 8: Tour Ends in Edinburgh

Your tour ends after breakfast.(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner