Scenic Scotland (Small Group, 8 Days)



Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Scotland, where rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture await. From the bustling city of Glasgow to the serene Isle of Iona, each day offers unique experiences and breathtaking sights. Enjoy guided tours, optional excursions, and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that connect you with the local heritage and natural beauty. With comfortable accommodations and delicious meals, this tour promises an immersive and enriching journey through Scotland's most iconic destinations.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners
Transport to/from destinations included as per itinerary.
Voco Grand Central
Voco Grand Central
Ballachulish, Glencoe, Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Center
Hotel B&B, Inverness
Virgin, Edinburgh
Virgin, Edinburgh
Tour guide
4 Dinner (D)
7 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)
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.
Glasgow: Tonight you'll be greeted with genuine Scottish hospitality. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Glasgow's city center as you indulge in a carefully curated selection of local flavors and traditional delights. Let the evening unfold as you connect with fellow guests and embark on a journey of culinary discovery in this bustling Scottish hub.
Edinburgh: Enjoy a dinner of modern Scottish cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh.
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.
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
Ardgowan House: Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home, Ardgowan Estate, and savor 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: Learn from a rewilding expert on the reintroduction of native animal species such as the Scottish red squirrel, lynx and beaver into the wild, and the reforestation of the Caledonian pine forest. Visitors to the rewilding center directly contribute to safeguarding one of the most beautiful and ancient landscape in Europe, that is in a critical condition. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
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.
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.
Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
Destinations
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Glasgow
- Glasgow - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Glasgow, the cultural heart of Scotland. As you arrive in this vibrant city, you'll be tempted by its more than 20 museums and art galleries. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers, and celebrate the start of your journey with a delightful dinner.
Day 2 – Day 2: Glasgow
- Glasgow
- More
Begin your day with a City Tour Orientation drive, exploring Glasgow's grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral. Continue with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Ardgowan House, where you'll be welcomed by Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart. Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea after a walk amid the estate's beech trees.
Day 3 – Day 3: Glasgow to Oban
- Oban
- Glasgow
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Explore the historic Stirling Castle, a symbol of Scottish pride. Discover its halls and admire the Wallace Monument. Later, enjoy an optional cruise and lunch on Loch Lomond. End your day in Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland, where you can savor a local seafood dinner.
Day 4 – Day 4: Oban to Isle of Iona
- Oban
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Take a scenic ferry ride from Oban to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Continue to the Isle of Iona to visit the historic Iona Abbey, a center of Christian worship. Before returning to Oban, visit Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.
Day 5 – Day 5: Oban to Dundreggan
- Inverness
- Oban
- More
Immerse yourself in nature at Dundreggan Rewilding Center. Learn about the ecology of the Highlands and the connection between nature 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, home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Explore its fine 18th-century interiors and beautiful gardens. Continue to Edinburgh, where you can experience Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu Georgian hall with dining and live music.
Day 7 – Day 7: Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
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Explore Edinburgh with a Local Expert, visiting Princes Street, Scott Memorial, and Holyroodhouse. Enjoy a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle. Spend the afternoon at leisure or join an optional Royal Edinburgh experience. End the day with a farewell dinner.
Day 8 – Day 8: Edinburgh
- Edinburgh - Departure day
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As your memorable Scotland tour 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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