Highlands, Lochs, Castles & Culture
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10 Days | Small Group Journey | Limited to 24 guests
Journey with us to Scotland, where the natural beauty simply dazzles, the echo of bagpipes can be heard across the glens and history is uncovered in every turn. Discover new places together!
Day 1 - Glasgow
Steeped in history yet defined by innovation, Glasgow's breathtaking Victorian architecture and traditional welcoming embrace have provided a stately inheritance for the city's commercial resurgence and cultural vigor. Our local guide will provide a walking tour of Glasgow, one of Britain's intriguing metropolises.
Visit Glasgow Cathedral - built in the 15th Century, its timeless gothic architecture, which survived the turmoil of the Reformation. Enjoy a visit to Glasgow botanic Gardens, founded in 1817, by Thomas Hopkirk, a distinguished Glasgow botanist. Step inside Kibble Palace, a 19th century wrought iron-framed glasshouse originally designed for John Kibble on his home at Coulport on Loch Long in the 1860's. The glasshouse was dismantled and brought up the river Clyde by barge to the Botanic Gardens where it was full erected.
This evening join your group for a Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Dakota Hotel, Glasgow, or similar (2 nights)
Included Visits: Walking Tour of Glasgow, Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Day 2 - Glasgow - Stirling
Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. The castle sits atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. Not only a strategic military post due to its geographic location in the Highlands but also the home to such important Scottish monarchs like King James VI and Mary, Queen of Scots. Experience for yourself as we enter the world of Scotland's Renaissance kings and queens.
Next, you will learn about Scotland's Oldest Working distillery, as we tour Glenturret Distillery. The distillery is packed full of fascinating history. Learn about its traditional, hand crafted whisky making process - tasting included!
Meals: Breakfast
Included Visits: Stirling Castle, Glenturret Distillery Tour and Tasting
Day 3 - Glencoe - Fort Williams - Oban
As we make our way to Oban, we take a short detour taking the road through Glen Coe, the heart of an ancient volcano. The road was carved and one of the most beautiful and other worldly places in Scotland. The deep valley and towering mountains of Glen Coe were carved out centuries ago by ice glaciers and volcanic explosions. The area is known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK. The area has been featured in films such as James Bond's Skyfall and several Harry Potter films. Onwards to Fort Williams, a town in the western Scottish Highlands, on the shores of Loch Linnhe. It's known as a gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak. The evening is at leisure.
Accommodation: Perle Hotel, Oban, or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Isle of Skye
After breakfast we travel to Mallaig to embark on a ferry to the Isle of Skye. Explore the islands spectacular scenery shaped by volcanoes and glaciers, abound with a natural waterfalls and fairy pools. Enjoy a bit of leisure time in the picturesque Village of Portree, the main town of the Isle of Skye. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: The Cuillin Hotel, or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Inverness
We make our way to Inverness - undoubtedly one of the most wonderful places to visit in Scotland. It has all the benefits of city life but with all the beauty and nature of the Scotland Highlands on its doorstep. Aptly names "the Capital of the Highlands", Inverness is a Gaelic word meaning "mouth of the River Ness". A compact, cosmopolitan city with a lot of heart. Inverness still retains a market town feel dating back to its early development located along the River Ness at the northern end of the Great Glen.
Our day includes a visit to Eilean Donan Castle. Built in the 13th Century, Eilean Donan is recognized as one of the most iconic images of Scotland. The castle will take you on a journey through time and history.
Journey by boat on the Loch Ness, and experience the home of Scotland's greatest legends! The mysteries and myths of the famous Loch Ness are revealed as your captain sails to Urquhart Castle, a castle which magnificently sits on the shores of Loch Ness. One of Scotland's oldest castles, Urquhart has seen great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Urquhart's iconic ruins remain, offering glimpses into medieval times and the lives of its noble residents.
Accommodation: Kingsmill Hotel or similar (2 nights)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Visits: Eilean Donan Castle, Boat Cruise on Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle
Day 6 - Inverness
We set out today and explore the highlands. Learn of the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, which came to a brutal head on one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Stand on the windswept moor where the Jacobites made a final stand. Experience The Culloden Battlefield, where the battle of Culloden took place. Visit Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves. A significant and exceptionally well-preserved prehistoric site, with a fine example of distant history of Highland Scotland, dating back 4,000 years. This afternoon you'll enjoy free time in the historic centre of Inverness.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Visits: Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns
Day 7 - St. Andrews - Edinburgh
This morning we depart for Edinburgh, Scotland's cosmopolitan capital city - a city of natural beauty, captivating rich history and universally praised for being truly breathtaking - a city that invites you to discover and explore.
Visit Scone Palace - experience the colourful history of one of Scotland's most important stately homes. In the intervening centuries, it has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of Kings of Scots. The Palace houses an outstanding collection of artifacts and the grounds are renowned throughout the world.
We make our way to St. Andrews, a place of history, learning and culture - a small seaside town known for its religious centre and a place of pilgrimage, then as Scotland's oldest university town and also known for its golf courses including the Old Course, the landmark Swilcan Bridge at the 18th hole. We will visit the ruins of St. Andrews Castle and give you some free time to enjoy the seaside town known for its many golf courses.
Accommodation: Apex City Hotel Edinburgh or similar (3 nights)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Visits: Scone Palace, St. Andrews Castle Ruins
Day 8 - Edinburgh
We begin our day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, the world-famous historic fortress which dominates the skyline of Edinburgh city - recently voted top UK Heritage attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland's number one attraction. Enjoy a guided tour provided by the castle stewards who will explain its architecture and tell the dramatic history. Discover the beauty of Edinburgh as we tour the city, with a visit to the Royal Mile and St. Giles Cathedral - the historic City Church of Edinburgh that dates from the 15th century and resorted in the 19th century. Experience Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official residence in Scotland - and explore 14 magnificent historic and State apartments, the romantic ruins of the 13th century Holyrood Abbey and the remarkable royal gardens. Evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Visits: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral, Holyrood Palace
Day 9 - Edinburgh
Enjoy a day at leisure in Edinburgh, one of the most unique and memorable cities in Europe. Edinburgh has a rare charm with narrow and cobbled passageways, called closes in Scots. The town is known for its majestic buildings and gardens and countless fascinating museums which are free to visit. Join your group this evening for a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 10 - Edinburgh - Home City
Early morning transfer to Edinburgh airport for you flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
I
ncluded: Group transfer to the Edinburgh airport
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED
Glasgow Cathedral and Botanic Gardens
Stirling Castle
Glenturret Distillery Tour and Tasting
Eilean Donan Castle
Urquhart Castle
Boat Cruise on Loch Ness
Culloden Battlefield
Clava Cairns
Scone Palace
St. Andrews Castle Ruins
Edinburgh Castle
St. Giles Cathedral
Holyrood Palace
INCLUSIVE SERVICES
Professional Local Guide, Joe Fahy, will connect you to the people and places of Ireland
Guidance of Tour Leader, Sandy Lidka, managing the details of your tour, arranging priority access, ensuring seamless hotel check-in and taking care of the details so you can simply enjoy. Your friend while overseas.
Luxury Coach - travel in comfort
Taxes included
Complimentary Wifi in hotels
Complimentary transfers in destination at end of the tour*
*one group transfer will be provided at end of tour
Inquire if you require arrival transfer.
EXCLUSIVE SMALL GROUP TOUR
Limited to 24 guests available exclusively to Further Afield Travel and Tours
Exclusive Further Afield Travel and Tours Private Small Group
10 | Days | Activity Level - Leisurely | Small Group Journey | limited to 24 guests
Land Only: C$5,980 per person based on twin accommodation | Early Booking Savings - $150 per person |
Pay C$5,830 per person - Book by October 31, 2022 to receive the early booking savings.
Solo Supplement: C$2,190
Deposit: C$750 deposit per person
Balance Due: February 22, 2023
Add Prepaid Gratuities: C$198 per person
Personalize your Vacation: There is plenty of opportunity to personalize your travel arrangements. Further Afield Travel and Tours can provide group airfare, additional nights at the beginning or end of your tour and prepaid gratuities. Please inquire.
Travel Insurances: Please inquire for individual rates.
The advertised price is in Canadian Dollars and includes security & local taxes per the itinerary.
Group price is based on minimum of 18 guests. Trips with less than 18 guests may be subject to cancellation.
We reserve the right to deviate from the tour itinerary, inclusions or hotels should circumstances dictate.
Travel insurance is required for all guests covering all applicable dates of travel. This insurance must cover, trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation coverage including during pandemic events. Insurance should include emergency coverage for covid-19 related complications and quarantine expenses. Proof of insurance is required.
Cancellations: 180 - 91 days prior to departure – loss of per person deposit, 90 – 61 days prior to departure – 50% per person of the total trip cost, 60 – 31 days prior to departure 75% per person of the total trip cost, 30 – Day of departure/no show – 100% per person of the total trip cost.
Additional supplier penalties may apply depending on the date of cancellation.
Amendments: An administration fee of $125 per person may apply to any changes made to your booking once confirmed, including but not limited to changes in pre/post trip accommodation and transfers. Please note that name changes are not allowed and flight changes are subject to availability and airline policies.
Refunds: No refund is available if cancellations occur after the trip has commenced or in respect to any trips, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilized.
Itinerary Changes & Trip Cancellation: Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to vary itineraries should circumstances dictate, as well as cancel or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements, or circumstances beyond its control. The advertised tours require minimum numbers to depart. Should these not be met, Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to cancel arrangements.
Trip Membership: Any person aged 12 or more is eligible, through if less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The Travel Director may at his/her discretion, require any person to withdraw from any trip if he or she deems the person’s acts or conduct offensive or a nuisance to other passengers, and we shall have no further liability.
Air: Airfare is NOT included and is an additional cost.
Baggage Allowance & Porterage: Porterage of one suitcase per person is included in the trip price for arrival & departure from hotels in Europe. Due to limited coach capacity, the dimensions must not exceed 30” x 18” x 10” (76x46x25cm) and weight should not exceed 23km (50 Lbs). Charges may be levied in the event these limits are exceeded & the promise to transport you may be invalidated.
We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you again soon.