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ITINERARY
Tour Pace
This tour is well paced with an initial two night stay in Edinburgh followed by overnights in the Highlands, Wick, Ullapool, the stunning Isle of Skye & Glasgow. The driving days are of a comfortable length with frequent stops.
DAY 1 – SAT – LONDON – EDINBURGH
Our journey from London today, takes us north through England's varied landscapes to Scotland. We stop at Jedburgh with its 12th century ruined Abbey, before crossing the River Tweed to arrive in the beautiful city of Edinburgh for our two night stay. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our fellow travellers. (Tonight, selected departures enjoy the spectacular Military Tattoo at Edinburgh castle.) Hotel: Holyrood.
DAY 2 – SUN – EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
Today our local guide shows us the glory of the 'Athens of the North'. We drive along Prince's Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, then visit the 18th century 'New Town' with its classical Adam facades. Now into the Old Town, to visit the awesome Castle perched on its rock. We see the house where John Knox (leader of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland) spent the last 10 years of his life, and St Giles' Cathedral where he preached his fiery sermons. At the bottom of the Royal Mile we see the Palace of Holyroodhouse where Mary Queen of Scots lived - it is still the official Scottish residence of the Queen. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps research your family tartan in the Tartan Centre? Or visit the art treasures in the National Gallery? (Full breakfast)
DAY 3 – MON – EDINBURGH – HIGHLANDS
We cross the Firth of Forth into Fife, and make our way to St Andrews, where golf was born on the old course in the 15th century. After some time here we continue to Perth where we watch the Caithness glass-blowers at work. Now we visit a whisky distillery where the local water, best malt, and age old skills combine to produce a 'wee dram' which we will be able to taste! Now over the Grampian Mountains to our Highland hotel for our overnight stay. Tonight, we enjoy a highlight dinner with haggis and traditional Scottish entertainment. Hotel: The Highlander. (Full breakfast, Speciality Highlight Dinner)
DAY 4 – TUE – HIGHLANDS – WICK
This morning we travel to the tragic battlefield of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's army was finally crushed. We drive via the stately town of Inverness, home of world famous Pringle knitwear, and then along the scenic shores of Loch Ness to search for the elusive monster! We then follow the coast northwards to the port town of Wick. Hotel: The Norseman. (Full Breakfast, Three or four course table d’hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 5 – WED – WICK – ULLAPOOL
Leaving Wick this morning, we follow the rugged coast north to famous John O'Groats, the most northerly point of mainland Britain. The coastal road to Thurso then offers us splendid views out over the Pentland Firth. Breathtaking scenery of the western lochs and mountains then surround us all the way to the little fishing town of Ullapool. Hotel: The Glenfield. (Full Breakfast, Three or four course table d’hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 6 – THU – ULLAPOOL – ISLE OF SKYE
An exciting day takes us past remote Eilean Donan Castle, then 'over the sea to Skye', hearing romantic tales of Flora MacDonald and her vain defence of the Bonnie Prince. We see the island's most famous feature, the Cuillin Hills on our way to our hotel in Skye's pleasant capital of Portree, situated on a sheltered bay. Hotel: Tongadale. (Full Breakfast, Three or four course table d’hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 7 – FRI – ISLE OF SKYE – GLASGOW
A feast of scenic splendour today as we return to the mainland and head past Loch Garry into the Great Glen. We stop at the Commando Memorial from where we enjoy views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. We then continue through Glencoe, its hills echoing with the ghastly cries of massacred clansmen, and on to Loch Lomond, where we embark on a highlight cruise. We stay tonight in the thriving commercial city of Glasgow. Hotel: Marriott. (Full breakfast)
DAY 8 – SAT – GLASGOW – LONDON
We drive through the Southern Uplands this morning, stopping at a woollen mill to shop for woollens before crossing back into England. Continuing south, we return to London where our tour comes to an end. (Full breakfast)
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