Scenic Scotland, a Women-Only Tour (Small Group, 8 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Scotland, designed exclusively for women. From the bustling streets of Glasgow to the historic castles and serene lochs, this journey offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Enjoy unique experiences, including dining with a Baronet, exploring ancient abbeys, and participating in traditional Scottish workshops. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour promises an enriching and memorable adventure through Scotland's most iconic destinations.
Included
4 Dinner (D)
7 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)
Edinburgh: Full of curiosities, the world of sheepdog training will inspire the mind of any curious traveller. Meet Julie Hill, the first and only woman to have won the Supreme International Sheepdog Championships. Over dinner, learn how Julie trains Border Collies in some of the remotest and most rugged hill terrain in the UK, single-handedly tending to sheep that graze over 600 acres.
7 night accommodation
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise on one of Scotland's most famous lakes.
Scottish Highlands: Learn the fascinating process of Scottish whisky production at a local distillery and malting facility. Glen Ord Distillery was founded in 1838 and has been a major distillery since the mid-1960s and is the perfect place to get an in-depth look at this Scottish drop, complete with a ‘wee dram’ to compete your visit.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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.
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Stirling Castle: Delve into the insights of Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland dating back to the 13th century. Learn how the castle has endured eight sieges and has witnessed the crowning of Scottish Kings and Queens including Mary Queen of Scots.
Ardgowan House: Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home, Ardgowan Estate, and savour a traditional Scottish tea made from local ingredients. Hear more about centuries of history onthe beautiful grounds during the Make Travel Matter experience. Your visit helps support the estate, helping keep Scottish history alive. The Estate educates its visitors and the local rural community about their sustainability initiatives, reducing food waste and sourcing all ingredients locally to support the local economy. Ardgowan Estate invests in renewable projects including a wood bio mass boiler, a gas plant and wind turbines, to create a greener, more sustainable future. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 12: Affordable and Clean Energy & Responsible Consumption and Production.
Inverness: Over a visit to Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, your rewilding expert shares information about the reintroduction of native tree species such as the Caledonian Pine, and animal species such as the lynx, red squirrel and beaver into the wild. Your visit directly contributes to safeguarding one of the most beautiful and ancient landscapes in Europe that is in a critical condition. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
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.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
Edinburgh: Get up close and personal with the culture and crafts of Scotland over an Islander Edinburgh Handbag Workshop, creating your very own Islander Harris Tweed® Handbag. Embrace the spirit of Scotland step–by–step as you select the body colour of the bag, your favourite Harris Tweed® cloth lid and decorative strap. Once you’ve chosen the different components, construct your bag with a set of tools prepared for you. Take a piece of Edinburgh home with you in your very own bespoke Harris Tweed® Islander Handbag.
Edinburgh: Alternatively known as the Maidens’ Castle until the 16th century, Edinburgh Castle offers dramatic vistas and historic insights. Walk with your Local Expert within the walls of the castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts.
Edinburgh: Meet Louise, Piper to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh since 2006. Louise has played for Queen Elizabeth II and the Pope, and many celebrities to events. She has performed on ITV This Morning, the Olympics, and even provided a bagpipe lesson to legendary Queen guitarist Dr. Brian May. Celebrate the heritage and sounds of Scotland over a demonstration and bagpipe workshop from "Scotland's National Piper."
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Isle of Mull: Embark on a day trip to the Isles of Mull and Iona, an ideal way to explore the sights and insights of the Scottish Highlands. At Iona Abbey, your Travel Director reveals its history, beginning with Columba’s monastery until the end of the 12th century followed by a Benedictine abbey. Iona Abbey Museum also houses Scotland’s finest collection of early medieval carved stones and crosses. Then visit the Reilig Odhrain, a sacred burial ground of 48 Scottish Kings.
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.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom or 40 seats may be used on occasion. 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.
Destinations
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Glasgow
- Glasgow - Arrival day
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Welcome to Glasgow, the vibrant heart of Scottish culture. As Scotland's largest city, Glasgow is home to over 20 museums and art galleries. After meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers, celebrate your first night with a delightful Welcome Dinner, complete with wine.
Day 2 – Day 2: Glasgow
- Glasgow
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Begin your day with an orientation drive through Glasgow, uncovering its grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral. Later, enjoy a unique experience at Ardgowan House, where Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart hosts you for a sumptuous afternoon tea.
Day 3 – Day 3: Glasgow to Oban
- Oban
- Glasgow
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Explore the historic Stirling Castle, once home to Scottish royals. Afterward, enjoy an optional cruise and lunch on Loch Lomond. Conclude your day in Oban, renowned for its seafood, where you can opt for a delectable Seafood Dinner.
Day 4 – Day 4: Oban and the Isles
- Oban
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Experience the rugged beauty of Scotland with a ferry ride from Oban to the Isle of Mull. Visit the historic Iona Abbey and the ancient cemetery of Rèilig Odhrain before returning to Oban.
Day 5 – Day 5: Oban to Dundreggan
- Inverness
- Oban
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Delve into Scotland's natural beauty at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Learn about the local ecosystem and Gaelic cultural heritage. In the afternoon, choose between a relaxing Loch Ness Cruise or a tour of Glen Ord Distillery.
Day 6 – Day 6: Oban to Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
- Inverness
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Discover the rich history of Blair Castle and its stunning gardens. Continue to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, where you can enjoy a traditional Scottish evening at Ghillie Dhu with dining, live music, and Ceilidhs.
Day 7 – Day 7: Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
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Explore Edinburgh with a Local Expert, visiting Princes Street, Scott Memorial, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Tour the iconic Edinburgh Castle and participate in an Islander Edinburgh Handbag Workshop. Enjoy a bagpipe playing workshop before a memorable dinner with sheepdog herding champion Julie Hill.
Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell Edinburgh
- Edinburgh - Departure day
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As your unforgettable journey through Scotland comes to an end, bid farewell to your newfound friends and Travel Director. Depart from Edinburgh with cherished memories of your Scottish adventure.
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