Scotland
Itinerary
Depart the USA
We begin our discovery trip today with our flight to Scotland. Sit back, relax and enjoy all the in-flight amenities. (In-flight meals)
Arrival in Scotland
Arrive in Scotland today, where we will enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh with a visit to Edinburgh Castle and spend some leisure time exploring Calton Hill and its unbeatable view of Edinburgh before transferring to our hotel in Edinburgh. Few cities make such a strong impression on the visitor as Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and elegant cities in Europe. Join us for a Welcome Drink at the hotel this evening before venturing out for dinner on your own.
Edinburgh
After breakfast, delve into Scotland’s rich history and heritage on this full-day excursion to Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle. Head from the Royal Mile over the UNESCO–listed Forth Bridge to Dunfermline, and explore the Abbey Kirk — burial place of Robert the Bruce. See where the Battle of Bannockburn raged and learn of Scotland’s struggle for independence. Rosslyn Chapel came to worldwide prominence through the Da Vinci Code; see where the 2006 movie was filmed. Tonight, you have the option to enjoy a traditional Scottish night’s dinner & show. (B)
St. Andrews - Inverness
We begin this morning with a trip to the town of St. Andrews, home of one of the oldest universities in the world. Visit the ruins of St. Andrews Castle and St. Andrews Cathedral, both historical monuments to Scotland’s past. We will then take a scenic drive around St. Andrews Links, the home of golf since 1552. Have a chance to visit the Old Course Shop and enjoy lunch near the Old Course. (For those of you interested in getting an up close and personal view of the course, we’d be happy to show you around following lunch.) Then, we’ll travel on to Inverness, the capital of the highlands. (B, L)
Inverness
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Inverness where you may wish to visit the Inverness Castle and visit the Cathedral or meander alongside the loch. Or you have the option to join us for a ¾ day tour to the Dunrobin Castle and Falconry Excursion; the ancestral home of the Dukes of Southerland. (B)
Inverness-Glasgow
After breakfast we will enjoy a city tour of Inverness before traveling to Glasgow. This morning we will explore the famous Loch Ness. This loch has become known worldwide for its mysterious inhabitant, Nessie. As you travel south, you will see magnificent views and the surrounding mountains of the Scottish Highlands. We’ll visit the ruins of one of Scotland’s grandest castles, Urquhart Castle. Time and weather permitting, we’ll visit Glenfinnan & view the Harry Potter Bridge, before continuing on to Glasgow for the evening. (B)
Glasgow
After breakfast take part in an included tour of Glasgow, which is Scotland’s largest city and the third most populous city in the United Kingdom. Glasgow is situated on the River Clyde in Scotland’s west central lowlands. Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, one of Scotland’s most popular museums. You will also visit Glasgow Cathedral of St. Mungo. Scots have been worshiping in this stone cathedral for more than 800 years. It is the best-preserved example of a large church to have survived from Scotland’s medieval period. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to shop on the world-famous Buchanan Street District or explore the city on your own. Tonight, be "treated like a local" enjoy dinner and drinks at a 200 year old pub on the River Clyde! (B, D)
Scotland - USA
Breakfast at your hotel Our Scotland trip comes to an end as we travel to the airport for our flight home. For those extending to Belfast, enjoy a morning Ferry ride to Belfast! (B, In-flight meals)Extensions
Belfast
Join our Optional 3 night post-tour to Belfast and enjoy a guided tour of the city (be sure to sign the peace wall) with a self-guided tour of the Titanic Museum (with headset) followed by free time to explore this magnificent city on your own. This option includes a 2 1/2 hour Ferry Ride on Stena Line from Cairnryan to Belfast, 3 nights hotel accommodation in a city-center hotel, with breakfast included, a full day excursion to the Giant’s Causeway with lunch at leisure in Bushmill’s (where you may choose to take a distillery tour & tasting on your own) and transportation to the Belfast airport for your flights home.Accommodations
Edinburgh
Apex Waterloo
Inverness
Glen Mhor
Glasgow
Apex City
Accommodations
Edinburgh
Apex Waterloo
Inverness
Glen Mhor
Glasgow
Apex City