DAY 1, Thursday - Arrive in Glasgow
Arrive in the vibrant port city of Glasgow, an emerging center of new and stylish sophistication; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with this friendly city on your own. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM followed by a Welcome Dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 PM, or earlier if possible
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2, Friday - Glasgow City Tour, Stirling Castle, Whisky Distillery
Today’s tour of Glasgow reveals views of this 1400-year-old city with its rich and diverse history. View the splendid Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture before continuing to magnificent George Square and the bustling River Clyde, the center of the city’s famed shipbuilding industry. Stop at timeless St. Mungo's Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint and founder of the city. Continue with a visit to the historically-important Stirling Castle, favored residence of the Stewart kings and queens. Knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors once flocked to Stirling Castle to revel in its grandeur with its superb sculptures and beautiful gardens. Tour the halls, chapels, and bedrooms of this imposing castle. Before returning to Glasgow, view the Wallace Monument from the castle walls, dedicated to Sir William Wallace. Afterward, learn the many steps involved in whisky making on your tour of a local whisky distillery and enjoy a tasting. In the evening, discover Glasgow’s rollicking pubs and nightlife on your own
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Saturday – Glencoe, Fort William, Culloden Battlefield, Travel to Inverness
Begin the drive towards Glencoe, Scotland's most scenic and most historic glen, site of the infamous massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692 on the orders of King William. Glencoe is one of the places in the country that has been featured in many of the Harry Potter movies. Continue to Fort William, nestled on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Admire the magnificent panoramas from this town situated at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak and the lush Glen Nevis Valley. Later, arrive at the site of the famous Culloden Battlefield near Inverness where the Jacobite forces faced the British army in 1746. This final battle marked the decisive collapse of the Jacobite uprisings and the beginning of the integration of the Highlands into the United Kingdom. A Visitor's Center has been established to help preserve the battlefield and educate visitors about the battle through films and exhibitions. Travel to Inverness for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Inverness
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Sunday – Scenic Drive, St Andrews, Edinburgh
Depart Inverness this morning and head south towards Edinburgh. Marvel at the outstanding scenery and the dramatic landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Arrive at the charming town of St Andrews, celebrated for its golf courses and internationally renowned St Andrews University, where Prince William studied. Then, it’s on to dramatic Edinburgh, the country’s capital city with its exquisite Georgian and Victorian architecture. The balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps attend the optional Scottish Dinner with traditional entertainment
Optional: Scottish Dinner & Show (PM)
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Monday – Edinburgh City Tour, Edinburgh Castle
This morning join a local guide for a city tour of historic Edinburgh. The route will take you past the Scottish Parliament, the Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile, Georgian New Town and Princes Street. Afterward, visit Edinburgh Castle where you can see the Crown Room, St. Margaret's Chapel, and much more! The afternoon is at leisure or, join the optional tour to the former Royal Yacht Britannia. Learn about life aboard this elegant ship which has seen so many historic occasions
Optional: Half Day Royal Yacht Britannia & Holyrood Palace
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Tuesday – Full Day in Edinburgh
Today, discover this spirited city on your own or, join the optional tour to Thistle Chapel, St Giles & Rosslyn Chapel. St. Giles Cathedral, is the official church of the Church of Scotland and is renowned for its ornate Thistle Chapel, a neo-Gothic structure, considered to be one of Scotland’s architectural jewels. Afterward, travel into the Scottish countryside to visit the 15th century mysterious Rosslyn Chapel, which attained worldwide fame through the novel, The Da Vinci Code. View the exquisite ancient carvings adorning the chapel and hear about the myths and legends of the Knights Templar and the ‘Holy Grail’. Tonight, bid a fond farewell to Scotland and your newfound friends at the Farewell Dinner in your hotel
Optional: Thistle Chapel, St Giles & Rosslyn Chapel (AM)
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Wednesday - Depart Scotland
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
***End of Tour***
SPECIAL FEATURES:
· Visit historic Stirling Castle, favored residence of the Stewart kings and queens
· At a Whisky Distillery, learn the art of Scotch whisky making and enjoy a tasting
· Travel to Fort William, fabulously situated at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak
· Visit Culloden Moor Battlefield, where the Jacobite forces faced the British army in 1746
· A day of outstanding scenery en route to St Andrews, celebrated for its golf courses and famed university
· View Scotland’s crown jewels on a tour of stately Edinburgh Castle perched high above the city
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