8 Days Scottish Lochs & Castles

Itinerary

Scottish Lochs & Castles 8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1: Glasgow & Tall ShipTour begins 2:00 PM at your Glasgow hotel with a panoramic tour of central Glasgow including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral, and the River Clyde, once famous for shipbuilding. On the River Clyde, climb aboard a Victorian tall ship. Enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelers before dinner at your hotel.(D)

Day 2: Stirling Castle & TrossachsDrive to the historic Stirling Castle, once home to Mary, Queen of Scots. Learn about the castle's history and enjoy the many interactive displays. Embark on a scenic drive through Trossachs National Park and Glencoe before arriving at your hotel in Fort William. Enjoy dinner with your group in the evening.(B, D)

Day 3: Highlands Train Ride & Loch Ness CruiseTravel along the scenic shores of Loch Linnhe. Board a local train for a ride through some of Scotland's most picturesque scenery, including crossing the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct. Stop for free time in the fishing port of Mallaig with an included lunch. Continue your drive to Loch Ness, where you'll embark on a short cruise to admire enchanting scenic views and perhaps spot the famous monster. Your hotel tonight is in Aviemore.(B, D)

Day 4: Sheepdog Demonstration & Blair CastleContinue your journey through majestic Highland scenery. Visit a farm for a demonstration of trained dogs herding sheep. Travel past the high peaks of the Grampian Mountains to the magnificent Blair Castle, the 700-year-old home of the Atholl family. Travel on to the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry, a gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry.(B, D)

Day 5: Highland Safaris & PitlochryAn interactive nature experience with Highland Safaris will introduce you to the local wildlife and habitat of the region. At the Red Deer Encounter learn about Britain’s largest native land mammal. You will have an opportunity to pet, feed, and photograph the animals and take a trail into the forest with a ranger. Have lunch there before enjoying a free afternoon in Pitlochry, a bustling resort town. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.(B, D)

Day 6: Boat Cruise & Scottish EveningDrive to St Andrews, known as the "Home of Golf", and enjoy some free time. On your way to Edinburgh stop off for a relaxing boat cruise on the Firth of Forth, admiring the beautiful panoramic views of the Edinburgh skyline and the Three Bridges. Later, enjoy a Scottish evening with dinner, haggis, bagpipes, kilts, and Highland dancing.(B, D)

Day 7: Edinburgh Castle & City TourExplore Edinburgh with a guide. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian "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. August 2 and 16 departures watch the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.(B)

Day 8: Tour Ends In EdinburghYour programs ends after breakfast.(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner