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Day 1: Glasgow City Tour
Arrive in Glasgow Airport where your CIE Tours tour director or representative will greet you. Complimentary group transfers depart Glasgow Airport at 8:00 am, 10:00 am or 12:00 noon. Passengers arriving later will transfer to the hotel at their own expense. Your hotel is centrally located within easy reach of major attractions and the shops of Buchanan Street. At 3:00 pm take a coach tour to see the main attractions of Glasgow including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral and the River Clyde, once famous for shipbuilding. Visit extensive collections in Kelvinqrove Art Gallery and Museum, originally opened in 1901 and recently refurbished. Chat with your tour director and fellow travellers over a welcome drink before dinner. (D)
Day 2: Loch Lomond Cruise & Loch Ness
Depart Glasgow and drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond with views of Ben Lomond and other Highland peaks. At Tarbet embark on a short cruise to appreciate the beauty and peacefulness of this famous loch and admire panoramic views. Then journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Campbells’ massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Travel beside Loch Ness and pause for photos at the huge ruins of Urquhart Castle before continuing to your hotel in the centre of Inverness. (B,D)
Day 3: Sheepdog Trials & Culloden Battlefield
Enjoy a leisurely day of discovery in the lovely countryside and majestic Highland scenery. Just south of Aviemore visit Leault Farm to see a team of dogs herd sheep and ducks through various obstacles. Learn how each dog responds to individual whistles and meet collie puppies, bottle-feed orphan lambs and see sheep-shearing. Drive to Culloden Moor to tour the Visitor Centre. Walk around the battlefield where, on 16th April 1746, British Government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart in just one hour and ended hopes of restoring the Jacobite Stuarts to the British throne. Return to Inverness mid-afternoon to relax or browse around on your own before dinner. After dinner enjoy a special ceilidh, traditional Scottish entertainment with singers, piper and Highland dancers in your hotel. (B,D)
Day 4: Glenfiddich Whisky Distillery & Shortbread
Drive along the coastal route through Nairn and Elgin and head south into Speyside, the region where many of Scotland’s famous distilleries are located. Stop in Craigellachie to visit the family-owned Speyside Cooperage which produces fine casks from American Oak using traditional methods and tools. Although shipped around the world, most of the casks provide a vital component in Scotland’s whisky making process. A few miles further on tour the Glenfiddich Distillery and enjoy a “wee dram.” In Huntly visit Dean’s to watch staff make Scottish shortbread and learn about its history. Continue to Blairs on the outskirts of Aberdeen to your elegant 19th century mansion in time for dinner. (B,D)
Day 5: Crathes Castle & Royal Deeside
Visit Crathes Castle, a fairytale Renaissance castle completed in 1594 with a wealth of fine furnishings. Take time to walk through the wonderful gardens. Drive along the charming River Dee Valley, called “Royal Deeside” as it was first favoured by Queen Victoria. Stop in Braemar, where Highland games are held each summer and the Royal Family attend. Return through Royal Deeside passing Balmoral Castle where the Royal Family vacations during August and visit their lovely Crathie Church. Near the village of Banchory stop at the Falls of Feugh, a charming tea shop, which is popular with people in the area. Sample afternoon tea with delicious freshly-baked scones and enjoy a talk by a local ghillie. Return to Blairs for some free time to relax before dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Day 6: St. Andrews & Coast of Fife
Travel south through the lush countryside of Aberdeenshire and cross the modern Tay Bridge to St. Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course and enjoy free time to visit the British Golf Museum or browse through the medieval town with its cathedral and castle. Take the coastal route south through the picturesque “East Neuk” fishing villages. While fishing is no longer the main industry, the towns retain an old-world charm. Stop for a walk around the cobbled streets of Anstruther, a rabbit-warren of alleyways and wynds. Continue south into Edinburgh and check in to your hotel in the New Town. In the evening walk across the Grassmarket to the cosy Beehive Inn for an informal pub dinner and then join a local guide for a fun walking tour to discover the haunts of Edinburgh’s many colourful characters. (B,D)
Day 7: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour
This morning discover Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Drive along Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city, and together forming a World Heritage Site. Learn about many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors and writers. Finish your tour at the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you can see historic buildings and enjoy a splendid view of Edinburgh. In the afternoon take an open-top hop-on hop-off independent bus tour to see more of this great city. On August 01 to August 22 departures enjoy the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. (B)
Day 8: Depart Edinburgh Airport or Extend your Stay
Check-out after breakfast and transfer to Edinburgh airport at either 6.30 or 9 a.m.
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