A Right Scottish Fling
Date: July 25-Aug 3, 2024
Price: $1950
Tour Information
What’s Included
❖ 8 nights dinner, bed & breakfast.
❖ Nights with entertainment.
❖ Great excursions
❖ Paid Entrance
❖ Luxury coach travel
Day One: You'll be picked up in central Edinburgh by executive coach and your adventure begins. We'll head for Oban, known as the "Gateway to the Isles," this picturesque port town on the west coast of Scotland is situated on a bay overlooking the Firth of Lorn and surrounded by rolling hills and mountains. First, we are off to the banks of Loch Lomond for a 1-hour guided boat trip round the Loch to enjoy views of the magnificent Ben Lomond and pass Loch Lomond's stately homes and castles along the shoreline. We pass from one Loch to another as we head to Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne where you will be given time in this charming town. We then head to the Hotel with time to settle before dinner.
Day Two: Fort William is our destination today, situated at the bottom of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. The town has a rich history, dating back to the 17th century, when it was built as a military garrison to control the Highlands. Fort William played an important role in the Jacobite uprising of 1745 and was also home to a number of famous Scottish regiments, including the Black Watch and the Queen's Own Highlanders. We will also be taking in the stunning valley of Glen Coe, known for its dramatic mountain scenery, including the Buachaille Etive Mor and the Three Sisters, this mountain range never fails to impress. With a quick visit to Neptune's Staircase, a dramatic flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal, known for its engineering and stunning scenery. This day will be full of beautiful views, so be sure to have your camera fully charged to capture this uniquely Scottish day.
Day Three: You'll have a leisurely day in Oban. Popular attractions include McCaig's Tower, a Victorian folly offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding area; Oban Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest whisky distilleries as well as the harbour front town itself, or why not jump on the ferry from the ferry port to Mull, just a 5 minute walk from the hotel. Popular attractions on Mull include Tobermory, the island's main town, with a colorful harbor and a variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs. Duart Castle, a 13th-century castle with stunning views of the Sound of Mull; Calgary Bay, a beautiful white sand beach with turquoise waters; Iona Abbey, a 6th-century monastery that is one of the most important religious sites in Scotland; Ben More, the island's highest mountain, offering panoramic views of Mull and the surrounding islands.
Day Four: After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we head to the picturesque Highland Village of Strathpeffer, known for its Victorian spa town heritage and stunning natural scenery. The village is also home to a number of historic buildings and attractions, such as the Strathpeffer Pavilion and the Strathpeffer Pump Room and small museum. Strathpeffer is a great place to relax and unwind and to experience the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
On the way, we will be stopping for lunch in the village of Fort Augustus located at the tip of Loch Ness, known for its 18th-century fort, Caledonian Canal locks and stunning scenery.We then move onto the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle, positioned on the banks of Loch Ness, known for its dramatic setting and rich history. The castle grounds offer stunning views of Loch Ness and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also see the remains of the castle's towers, walls, and other features. The castle was built in the 13th century and played an important role in the Scottish Wars of Independence. It was also the site of several clan battles and was eventually destroyed by government forces in the 17th century. From here you will get the perfect vantage point to look over Loch Ness, so have your camera at the ready because you never know when the infamous Loch Ness monster might pop her head up to say hello.
Day Five: Today we take in the bronze age burial site of Clava Cairns, which consists of three passage cairns and four standing stones, all of which are arranged in a cruciform pattern. The cairns were built around 4,000 years ago and were used to bury the cremated remains of the dead. They were the inspiration for Craigh Na Dun in Outlander. We then head to the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, a modern and interactive museum that tells the story of the Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle on British soil, in 1746 between the Jacobite army of Charles Edward Stuart and the Duke of Cumberland. It features a range of exhibits, including artifacts, multimedia displays, and a 360-degree battle immersion theatre. We then spend the afternoon in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. This charming city nestled on the banks of the river Ness known for its rich history and friendly people.
Day Six. This morning we head for Dunrobin Castle, a stately home in Sutherland, Scotland, and the family seat of Clan Sutherland. It is one of the largest and oldest continuously inhabited houses in Britain, dating back to the early 1300s. The castle has 189 rooms and is set in beautiful gardens. Heading back to the hotel we will be stopping in Dornoch with its rich history, dating back to the 8th century. The town was once a royal burgh and was home to a number of important historical figures, including the Earls of Sutherland and the Bishops of Caithness. Dornoch is also known for the witch trial which was the last known execution for witchcraft in Scotland. It took place in 1727, when Janet Horne and her daughter were accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake.
Day Seven. We head for the historic city of Perth, the gateway to the Highlands known for its beautiful Georgian architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Along the way we will be stopping in Pitlochry on the banks of the River Tummel. It is known for its stunning scenery and Victorian architecture. You’ll find a plethora of shops, bars, and cafes to explore. We then go for a photo stop at Scott’s View, offering stunning views of Loch Tummel and the surrounding mountains. It was named after Sir Walter Scott, who visited the spot in 1825 and described it as one of the "finest views in Scotland". We then arrive at our hotel with time to settle before dinner.
Day Eight. The historic town of St Andrews on the east coast of Scotland is our destination today, known as the "Home of Golf" and the prestigious Old Course at St Andrews. It is also home to the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. St Andrews with its historic buildings, golf courses, quirky shops, cafes and bars mixed in with fabulous golden beaches, and coastal scenery is a great place to explore.
Day Nine. On our final day of the tour we head for the historic royal residence, Stirling Castle. Built in the 12th century, located on a volcanic rock overlooking the River Forth, it’s location has been strategically important since the Iron Age. The castle was also the site of many important battles, including the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. We round off this tour at the breathtaking Kelpies sculptures. These 30 meter tall horse head sculptures, which are based on the mythical shape-shifting water spirits in Scottish folklore are a must see. Dropping off in central Edinburgh, we say our goodbyes with memories that will last a lifetime.
Lodging
3 Nights The Royal Hotel in Oban, a 3-star hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1895. It is located in the heart of town, just a short walk from the harbor and ferry terminal. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, lounge, and free Wi-Fi, and walking distance to many of Oban's popular attractions, including McCaig's Tower, Oban Distillery, and the Glencruitten Golf Course.
2 nights Salutation Hotel, a historic hotel in the heart of Perth. It is one of the oldest hotels in Scotland, dating back to 1699.The hotel is located in a beautiful Georgian building on South Street, just a few minutes' walk from the River Tay and Perth Concert Hall. There are two dining options: Reids Bar, which serves traditional Scottish bar meals, and the Adam Restaurant, which offers a more formal dining experience.
3 nights in Ben Wyvis Hotel, a traditional Victorian manor house situated in a picturesque woodland setting in the spa town of Strathpeffer. It is a popular stopover for the North Coast 500 and is complemented by the nature and adventure that sits on its doorstep.
The hotel has an imposing façade, yet indoors a warm and friendly welcome awaits you. The public rooms are elegant with high ceilings, and the hotel retains the character and atmosphere of a bygone era. The hotel has a bar and lounge where guests can relax and enjoy a drink, as well as a restaurant which serves seasonally-inspired, locally-sourced Scottish food. The hotel is surrounded by five acres of woodlands and landscaped mature gardens with stunning views of Ben Wyvis itself.