Itinerary for: Country Roads of Scotland (2012/13) (B905)
Day 1 : EDINBURGH
Welcome to Scotland - land of legend and romance, from the great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands! On arrival at Edinburgh Airport, transfers depart for the tour hotel at 09:00, 11:00 & 13:00. Then the rest of the day is yours to relax before joining your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and light informal meal. In the evening, selected departures attend the spectacular Military Tattoo - a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.(Welcome Reception)
Accommodation : Roxburghe/Hilton Grosvenor
Day 2 : EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide to see the highlights of ‘Athens of the North’. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then tour the 18th century New Town with its classical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, visit the castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and Scotland’s glittering crown jewels. See the house where John Knox lived and St Giles’ Cathedral, where he preached his fiery sermons. At the bottom of the Royal Mile, stands the
Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city. Perhaps research your family tartan in the Tartan Centre or visit the art treasures in the National Gallery.(Full Breakfast)
Day 3 : EDINBURGH – HIGHLANDS
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St Andrews, where golf was born on the Old Course in the 15th century. After some time to explore, cross the Tay and drive to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon leap. Continue via Blair Atholl (whose castle is the home of Britain’s only private army) and over the Grampian Mountains to your Highland hotel. This evening, you are invited to a rousing Highland style dinner with haggis and bagpipes.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Accommodation : Highlander/Laggan Gaskmore
Day 4 : HIGHLANDS – LOCH NESS – THURSO
Travel through the sparkling Spey Valley to Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was finally crushed in 1746.Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre before driving via the stately town of Inverness and along the shores of Loch Ness. Now follow the rugged coast before continuing to Thurso which looks out over the Pentland Firth towards the ‘Old Man of Hoy’.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Accommodation : Station/St. Clair
Day 5 : ORKNEY ISLANDS EXCURSION
This morning drive to the most northerly town on the British mainland, John O’Groats, where you board a ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands. Begin with a wee dram at the Highland Park Whisky Distillery and learn about the production of the national drink. Sightseeing here includes visits to the prehistoric village of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the Italian Chapel. Head back to the mainland for the evening.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6 : THURSO – ISLE OF SKYE
Through stunning and pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince
Charlie, and see the island’s most famous feature, the Cuillin Hills on your way to Skye’s capital, Portree.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Accommodation : Dunollie/Tongadale
Day 7 : ISLE OF SKYE – GLASGOW
Enjoy a leisurely start today before driving to the southern tip of the island for your ferry back to the mainland. Now board ‘The Jacobite’ the famous steam train featured in the Harry Potter films. Cross the landmark Glenfinnan viaduct and enjoy a feast of scenic splendour as you travel along the route used by the Hogwarts Express all the way to Fort William. Back on board your coach, continue through the Valley of Glencoe, its dramatic peaks still echoing with the ghastly cries of massacred clansmen and drive along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to arrive early evening in Glasgow.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Accommodation : Marriott
Day 8 : GLASGOW SIGHTSEEING
An orientation drive shows you the city’s grand public buildings this morning, including George Square and St Mungo’s cathedral. Then visit the ‘Tenement House’, an authentic time capsule of domestic life during the early 20C. The afternoon is entirely at leisure for your own personal pursuits. This evening, get together with your friends and enjoy a glass of wine with your tour finalé Celebration Dinner at a lively Glasgow restaurant.(Full Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)
Day 9 : GLASGOW
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Glasgow Airport at 07:00 & 09:00.(Full Breakfast)