Country Roads of Scotland (Classic, 9 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Scotland, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await. From the vibrant city of Edinburgh to the serene Orkney Islands, this journey offers a perfect blend of guided tours, leisure time, and unique experiences. Discover ancient castles, picturesque valleys, and the legendary Loch Ness. Enjoy local cuisine, visit historical sites, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Scotland. Whether you're exploring bustling cities or tranquil islands, this tour promises an adventure filled with unforgettable memories.
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. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Wick: Whiskies are known for their distinctive flavours, share a wee dram with a master distiller.
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. . Your visit directly supports United Nations 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: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
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 built on an island in the Loch.
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.
6 Dinner (D)
8 Breakfast (B)
Edinburgh: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers.
Pitlochry: Atholl Palace, built as a Victorian Baronial retreat, is over 130 years old. The Palace plays host to your afternoon tea. You are welcomed into the banqueting room to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by sandwiches, scones, Scottish shortbread and traditional Scottish tablet.
Wick: Whiskies are known for their distinctive flavours, share a wee dram with a master distiller.
Glencoe: Your adventure culminates with a wonderful evening enjoying the best Highland hospitality and market-fresh ingredients.
jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
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.
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.
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.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Edinburgh
Day 1: Edinburgh
Kick off your adventure with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant in Edinburgh. Depending on your departure date, you might also witness the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a vibrant display of pipes, drums, dance, and performance set against the illuminated backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Day 2 – Day 2: Edinburgh
Day 2: Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh with a local expert, starting with the historic Old Town and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Drive along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial and the neoclassical New Town. Ascend the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland's Crown Jewels. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps visiting the National Gallery.
Day 3 – Day 3: St. Andrews, Blair Atholl, Spey Valley
Day 3: St. Andrews, Blair Atholl, Spey Valley
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf. Enjoy free time to explore, perhaps visiting West Sands Beach or St. Andrews University. Stop at Atholl Palace and Gardens for a delightful cream tea. Continue through Blair Atholl and the Grampian Mountains to the picturesque Spey Valley.
Day 4 – Day 4: Spey Valley, Wick
Day 4: Spey Valley, Wick
- Tomb of the Eagles
- More
Embark on a scenic drive along Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the legendary monster. Visit Culloden Battlefield and its Visitor Centre. In Wick, choose between a tour of the Old Pulteney Distillery or a visit to the Wick Heritage Museum to learn about the town's fishing history.
Day 5 – Day 5: Wick, Orkney Islands
Day 5: Wick, Orkney Islands
- Ring of Brodgar
- More
Board a ferry to the enchanting Orkney Islands, where you'll visit the ancient village of Skara Brae, the Norse town of Kirkwall, and the mystical Ring of Brodgar. Discover the Italian Chapel, built by WWII prisoners, and soak in the serene beauty of the islands.
Day 6 – Day 6: Orkney Islands, Skye
Day 6: Orkney Islands, Skye
Travel through stunning landscapes along the northern coast and inland to the misty valleys and glens. Cross 'Over the Sea to Skye,' the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Hear tales of Flora MacDonald and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and admire the dramatic Cuillin Hills.
Day 7 – Day 7: Broadford, Kyle of Lochalsh
Day 7: Broadford, Kyle of Lochalsh
Explore the wild beauty of Skye before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at Eilean Donan Castle and visit the WWII Commando Memorial with views of Ben Nevis. Enjoy the scenic drive to the Valley of Glencoe and join a ranger to learn about the ecosystem and conservation efforts.
Day 8 – Day 8: Kyle of Lochalsh, Glasgow
Day 8: Kyle of Lochalsh, Glasgow
Spend time around the serene Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Great Britain. Consider an optional cruise before heading to Glasgow. An orientation drive will introduce you to the city's grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
Day 9 – Day 9: Departure
Day 9: Departure
Bid farewell to your Scottish adventure as you transfer to the airport for your journey home.
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