The Idea Travel Company
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Collette Vacations Arrow Europe Arrow Discover Scotland
Discover Scotland
A pastoral wonderland, Scotland abounds with rolling green hills, sea-sprayed islands, and stately ancient castles. Begin your tour in the beautiful city of Edinburgh where you'll see the famous Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish crown jewels. History buffs and golfers alike will enjoy a visit to St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, to see the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. In Pitlochry, a vibrant Victorian town surrounded by the most glorious mountain scenery in Europe, visit the smallest distillery in Scotland and enjoy a tasting of Highland malt whisky. Travel along the beautiful coast to Dunrobin Castle, built in 1275, where you can visit the formal gardens overlooking the North Sea and enjoy a spectacular falconry display. During a ferry ride to the Orkney Islands look out for porpoises, seals, and the adorable otters that live in Gill's Bay! You'll also see the remains of a Neolithic village which was built at the same time as Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Revel in the beauty and legend of Loch Ness, one of Britain's most scenic bodies of water; and learn about Scottish farming during a delightful sheep dog demonstration.
Details
Tour OperatorCollette Vacations
OfferOffer valid through 7/31/2008
Duration
10 Days
Itinerary
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1Overnight FlightOvernight Flight : An overnight flight transports you to a country of stunning landscapes, lively cities, stirring history and distinct myths and stories!
Day 2EdinburghEdinburgh, Scotland - Tour Begins : Cead Mile Failte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes. Your tour begins in Edinburgh. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Today dinner is included.

Day 3EdinburghEdinburgh : During a morning tour of the regal city of Edinburgh enjoy a visit to the famous Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city and home of the Scottish crown jewels. Also enjoy a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse*, the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh and the former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. After the tour you will have free time to explore the museums, shop for a kilt, or strike up conversations with the locals to hear stories told in their distinctive brogue.

Today breakfast is included.

Day 4AviemoreEdinburgh - St. Andrews - Aviemore : This morning you travel to St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf. See the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Your next stop is at Pitlochry, a vibrant Victorian town surrounded by the most glorious mountain scenery in Europe. There is time to explore before visiting the Edradour Whisky Distillery, the smallest distillery in Scotland. Taste and see for yourself why Highland malt whisky is considered the world's finest. Continue to Aviemore, Scotland's premiere highland resort.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 5ThursoAviemore - Thurso : Stop at Culloden Battlefield where, in April 1746, a half-hour battle changed the course of history and the lives of the Highland people. Next, visit the majestic Dunrobin Castle*, built in 1275. Enjoy a fascinating falconry display in the beautiful formal gardens overlooking the North Sea. This afternoon, a scenic coastal drive brings you to Thurso, the gateway to the Orkney Islands.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 6ThursoThurso - Orkney Islands - Thurso : A full-day of adventure awaits in the Orkney Islands. Traveling to Gill's Bay, you'll board a ferry for the short trip to St. Margaret's Hope. On the crossing you will see seabirds, perhaps porpoises and seals, and if you are very lucky, the family of otters that live in Gill's Bay! Visit the Italian Chapel and Skara Brae, where you will discover the remains of a Neolithic village which was built at the same time as Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Next, pass the prehistoric Ring of Brodgar, reported to be older than Stonehenge. Visit the town of Viking Kirkwall before returning to the mainland.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 7BallachulishThurso - Loch Ness - Ballachulish : Today, enjoy stunning and unspoiled landscapes as you travel through Inverness, known for people who delight in the craic - Gaelic for "light hearted chat." Take in the panorama of Loch Ness, one of Britain's most scenic bodies of water, where you will enjoy a visit to Urquhart Castle. Keep your eyes open - you never know when Nessie will appear! Travel through the Great Glens, famous for its many lochs (lakes), and the charming waterside town of Fort William before arriving at your hotel situated on lovely Loch Linnhe, an inlet to the Atlantic Ocean.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 8BallachulishBallachulish - Isle of Skye - Ballachulish : This morning, take the stunningly beautiful ride along the "Road to the Isles" and over the Skye Bridge to the legendary Isle of Skye, also known in poetry and song as Eilean a' Cheo (The Misty Isle). Enjoy dramatic views of the Cuillin Hills. Then, visit Armadale Castle Gardens and the Museum of the Isles*, where you will learn about island life and the history of Skye. Conclude your visit taking in views of the isle from yet another vantage point during a ferry crossing back to the mainland. On your return to Ballachulish, stop at Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied the clansmen for battle during the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 9Falkirk Ballachulish - Falkirk : Your first stop this morning features a delightful sheep dog demonstration and the opportunity to learn about Scottish farming at the Scottish Wool Centre in Aberfoyle. Continue on to Stirling Castle, first erected 900 years ago and formerly used as a royal residence for the House of Stewart - his is where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned in 1543. Join your fellow travelers tonight for a farewell dinner where you will enjoy a traditional Scottish meal.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 10Falkirk Falkirk - Tour Ends : This morning your tour of Scotland comes to a close in Falkirk.

Today breakfast is included.

Dates/Pricing
Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
August 09, 2008Quote
August 16, 2008Quote
September 01, 2008Quote
September 15, 2008Quote
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Dining
Total meals - 15Breakfasts - 8
Lunches - 0Dinners - 7
Disclaimer
Base Rates Per Person
Air rates are based from the following airport: New York

Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on double occupancy and include fuel surcharges and internal flights, these rates are subject to change. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Taxes and fees are additional, for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices above.

*All special offers are valid on non-group and new bookings only. Special offers can not be combined with any other offer, except AARP discounts.

 
 
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