Scottish Highlands, Islands. Cities

14 Days
Featuring: London, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Aberdeen, Scottish Highlands, Thurso, Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye, Oban, Isle of Mull, Iona, Glasgow, Ayrshire

---

Day 1- Depart USA
Overnight flight to Edinburgh.

Day 2 - Arrive Edinburgh (3 nights)
Trafalgar welcomes you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Time to relax before we get together with our Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome dinner and drink. (Welcome Dinner)
Hotel: Novotel Centre (3 nights)

Day 3 - Edinburgh sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour visits Princes Street, the New Town and the Royal Mile plus a trip to the Castle for a guided visit of the apartments and views of Holyrood House, former residence of Mary Queen of Scots, as well as Arthur’s seat. We will also enjoy a short walking tour along the Royal Mile visiting the nooks and alleys along the way! Yoy may wish to join in an excursion to visit the Rosslyn Chapel – made famous by the ‘Da Vinci Code’. During the Festival. (Full Breakfast)

Day 4 - Edinburgh – Excursion to the Borders
First along the coast to the seaside resort of North Berwick which is popular for its beaches and golf courses. Then to Jedburgh with its impressive 12th century ruined Abbey. We have the chance to visit the woollen mills before continuing to Melrose where we see the Abbey which is said to contain the casket
wherein lies the heart of Robert the Bruce. Finally we follow the valley of the river Tweed back to Edinburgh. (Full Breakfast)

Day 5 - Edinburgh – St. Andrews – Glamis Castle – Aberdeen
After breakfast this morning, we drive across the mighty Forth Bridge to St. Andrews' famous Golf Links. We see the Ecclesiastical ruins and stop to take a picture at the famous 18th hole of the golf course before continuing via Dundee to visit Glamis Castle – childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Then we head to our hotel at Aberdeen with a late afternoon arrival. This evening, we will enjoy a dinner of Scottish cooking in a local restaurant. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Holiday Inn

Day 6 - Aberdeen – Scottish Highlands (Laggan)
Today's drive takes us through classic Scottish landscapes along the valley of the River Dee. From here, we drive past Ballater and Royal Balmoral Castle through the rugged Cairngorm Mountains to Speyside. On our arrival we enjoy a visit to one of the famous whisky distilleries to learn how Scotland's national drink is made. Next, we head to our hotel in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Laggan Country Hotel

Day 7 - Scottish Highlands (Laggan) – Wick (2 nights)
This morning we're off to Culloden Moor, scene of the 1746 defeat of the Stuarts as we hear of the bloody defeat of the Jacobites by the Duke of Cumberland Then via Inverness we stop to visit the Dunrobin Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland. Time to stroll in the formal gardens before heading to our hotel in Wick for dinner and our overnight stay. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Norseman (2 nights)

Day 8 - Orkney Islands Excursion
We board a ferry today from John O'Groats to South Ronaldsay where we overlook Scapa Flow and visit the Italian Chapel. We move on to Scara Brae to see the remains of a Neolithic village, before passing the pre-history Ring of Brodgar to Viking Kirkwall. Late afternoon, we reboard our ferry back to the mainland and Wick. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 9 - Wick – Isle of Skye
We enjoy a drive through stunning and unspoilt landscapes along the northern coastline with its sandy beaches. Then further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters before our arrival in Ullapool on Loch Broom. More scenic wonders as we head to the Kyle of Lochalsh where we cross over the sea to Skye. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Kings Arms

Day 10 - Isle of Skye – Eilean Donan Castle – Loch Ness – Oban (2 nights)
We drive past Eilean Donan Castle through Glen Shiel and along the shores of Loch Cluanie. On through Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William, glimpsing Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Next, to Glencoe to see the site of the famous 1692 massacre and to beautiful Oban for our two-night stay (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Caledonian (2 nights)

Day 11 - Mull & Iona Excursion
This morning we will board our ferry and cruise across the mouth of Loch Linnhe to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. From here we drive to Fionnphort for a sea hop to the island of Iona. On arrival we visit the Cathedral before returning to Oban. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 12 - Oban – Glasgow (2 nights)
Today we travel via Tyndrum to the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond. Here there's time for a picture-stop or maybe to take a cruise on the Loch. Later, we arrive at Glasgow for two nights. On arrival an orientation tour of this – the largest Scottish city- includes George Square, Clydeside, the City Hall and a visit of St Mungo’s Cathedral. Then time at leisure for shopping. (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Crowne Plaza (2 nights)

Day 13 - Robert Burns Excursion
Today we head into 'Robbie Burns' country to visit Culzean Castle and enjoy its beautiful grounds. Next on to Alloway, to view the Burns' monument and cottage before returning to Glasgow. Tonight, why not join us for a traditional Burns supper? (Full Breakfast)

Day 14 - Glasgow - Return USA
Time to bid a fond farewell to Scotland and its Isles as we are transferred to the airport for the return flight to America. (Full Breakfast)