Country Roads of Scotland (Classic, 9 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Edinburgh
Duration
9 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Scotland. This multi-day tour is meticulously designed to offer you an immersive experience of Scotland's rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the historic city of Edinburgh to the tranquil Orkney Islands, from the legendary Loch Ness to the majestic landscapes of Skye, every day of this tour promises a unique adventure. Enjoy the company of a knowledgeable Travel Director, indulge in local delicacies, and stay in comfortable accommodations. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour has something for everyone.

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Included

1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Wick: Visit the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum to gain a full picture of this once thriving fishing community and how your visit helps keep the story of this town alive. 

The Wick Society is committed to preserving and promoting Wick's proud heritage for the inspiration of future generations. They collect, collate and display the many artefacts that tell the history of Wick and their community ethos is one of welcome and sharing. Wick Heritage Museum advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities. Alternatively, visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of whisky.

Wick: Whiskys are known for their distinctive flavours, often bursting with the power and subtlety of the sea. Share a wee dram with a master distiller who imparts the age-old techniques.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Glencoe: Join a ranger in the spectacular Valley of Glencoe, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. The Natural Reserve carries out important scientific research and conversation initiatives to protect the fragile biodiversity including rare alpine flowers, mosses, mountain hares, red deer and birdlife such as golden eagles. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Edinburgh: Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts.

Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.

Inverness: See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.

Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Centre, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.

Loch Ness: Drive along the shores in search of the legendary monster.

Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands on a full day guided journey. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy. Visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae.

Isle of Skye: See the dramatic Cuillin Hills and stay in pretty Broadford.

Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.

Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.

Loch Lomond: Enjoy time to explore the beautiful 'Queen of Scottish Lochs'.

Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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6 Dinner with Wine (DW)

8 Breakfast (B)

Edinburgh: Enjoy a relaxing Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers.

Blair Atholl: Visit Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, and tour the ballroom to learn about the history of the estate. Relish a delicious afternoon sipping on freshly brewed coffee or tea and tasting homemade scones with berry jam and sweet cream.

Wick: Whiskys are known for their distinctive flavours, often bursting with the power and subtlety of the sea. Share a wee dram with a master distiller who imparts the age-old techniques.

Glencoe: Your adventure culminates with a wonderful Celebration Dinner. Enjoy the best Highland hospitality and market-fresh ingredients accompanied by delicious wine or beer.

jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Glencoe: Your Travel Director will lead you on an orientation of this Highland village on Loch Leven.

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Highland Hotels: Hotels in the Highlands area are mainly traditional and much simpler in style, typical of the region.

Inverness: Originally the mansion of a prominent local family, today the Kingsmills Hotel is a luxury accommodation in the heart of the Highlands. Renovated with contemporary rooms, the hotel is well-known for it's impeccable hospitality.

Thurso: Centrally located in the heart of Thurso, the Peatland Hotel offers comfortable accommodation and a warm welcome from staff.

Isle of Skye: Boasting an incredible location by Broadford Bay, The Dunollie Hotel is set at the base of outstanding mountains.

Ballachulish: Ballachulish Hotel offers spectacular views over the bay of Oban and the islands of the west coast of Scotland. This hotel is set in some outstanding scenery which can be used for picturesque walks.

Ballachulish: The Isles of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Centre is a modern hotel located at the foot of Glencoe on the side of a peninsula.

Glasgow: Holiday Inn Glasgow - City Centre Theatreland is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Glasgow, just a few minutes from the Royal Concert Hall. It offers bright, elegant rooms.

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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

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Map

Attractions

Tomb of the Eagles, R-375982, R-58446, R-62149Tomb of the Eagles
Ring of BrodgarRing of Brodgar

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh

Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh

Begin your Scottish adventure in the historic city of Edinburgh. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. On select departures, witness the vibrant spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Edinburgh

Day 2: Exploring Edinburgh

Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of Edinburgh. Discover the city's iconic landmarks including the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scott Memorial, and the Edinburgh Castle. Stroll along the Royal Mile and admire the neoclassical Georgian facades of the 18th-century New Town. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps visiting the art treasures in the National Gallery.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to St. Andrews and Spey Valley

Day 3: Journey to St. Andrews and Spey Valley

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to the historic town of St. Andrews. Visit the Old Course, the birthplace of golf, and enjoy free time to explore. You might want to visit West Sands Beach or St. Andrews University. Continue your journey via Blair Atholl, passing the Grampian Mountains to reach the sparkling Spey Valley. Enjoy a delicious cream tea at the Atholl Palace and Gardens.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Loch Ness and Culloden

Day 4: Loch Ness and Culloden

  • Tomb of the Eagles
  • More

Embark on a scenic drive along the legendary Loch Ness. Visit Culloden Moor, the site of a significant battle in Scottish history, and explore the Culloden Visitor Centre. Continue north to the fishing port of Wick. Choose between a visit to the Old Pulteney Distillery for a taste of its award-winning whiskeys or a visit to the Wick Heritage Museum to learn about the town's fishing history.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Orkney Islands Adventure

Day 5: Orkney Islands Adventure

  • Ring of Brodgar
  • More

Board a ferry to the serene Orkney Islands. Visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the old Norse Town of Kirkwall. Explore the mysterious Ring of Brodgar and the Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners during World War II. Enjoy the tranquillity of the islands and the breathtaking countryside.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to Skye

Day 6: Journey to Skye

Travel through pristine landscapes to reach Skye, the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Hear romantic tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie's rescue by young Flora MacDonald and marvel at the dramatic Cuillin Hills. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the island at your own pace.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Skye to Glencoe

Day 7: Skye to Glencoe

Cross to the Kyle of Lochalsh and stop for a photo at the remote Eilean Donan Castle. Visit the WWII Commando Memorial and enjoy a view of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Travel to the Valley of Glencoe and join a ranger to learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous Celebration Dinner with your newfound friends.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Loch Lomond to Glasgow

Day 8: Loch Lomond to Glasgow

Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, often referred to as the 'Queen of Scottish Lochs'. Consider an optional cruise to experience the beauty and tranquillity of the loch. Continue to Glasgow and take an orientation drive through the city, viewing grand public buildings including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Farewell Scotland

Day 9: Farewell Scotland

Today marks the end of your memorable journey through Scotland. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. As you bid farewell to your fellow travelers and the beautiful landscapes of Scotland, carry home memories that will last a lifetime.

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