Scotlands Highlands Islands and Cities Summer 2017

13 days
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4.2/5 Great
5 reviews  
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Group Tour
Scotland's arresting natural beauty and centuries-old heritage are the highlights of this adventure that will see you visit the isles of Skye and Mull, the Orkney Islands and the beauty of Loch Ness. View the remarkably intact ruins of Melrose Abbey, where the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce is said to rest, and see Glamis Castle, the setting for Shakespea...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • City tour in Edinburgh
    • Orientation of Dundee, Inverness, Orkney Islands, Stirling and Glasgow
    • See Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and the Battlefield at Bannockburn
    • View Jedburgh Abbey, the 18th green at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle and Glencoe
    • Visit Edinburgh Castle, Glamis Castle, the battlefield of Culloden, Dunrobin Castle, John O'Groats, Skara Brae, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, St. Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow and Stirling Castle

What's this trip about?

    Scotland's arresting natural beauty and centuries-old heritage are the highlights of this adventure that will see you visit the isles of Skye and Mull, the Orkney Islands and the beauty of Loch Ness. View the remarkably intact ruins of Melrose Abbey, where the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce is said to rest, and see Glamis Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityEdinburgh
End CityGlasgow

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • Transformative

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive Edinburgh (3 Nights)

Relax or explore this fascinating capital city. This evening, meet your companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Reception.Welcome Reception

Day 2: Edinburgh Sightseeing

This morning, your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city. See the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and the new Scottish...

Day 3: Excursion to The Borders

This morning view the remarkably intact ruins of the 12th century Jedburgh Abbey as well as and visit the neighbouring Melrose Abbey, where the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce is said to rest, before following the River Tweed back to Edinburgh.Full Breakfast

Day 4: Edinburgh – St. Andrews – Glamis Castle – Dundee

Travel across the Firth of Forth to St. Andrews to view the celebrated ancient university and the home of golf. Visit Glamis Castle, former home of the Queen Mother, birthplace of Princess Margaret, and the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth. Enjoy a guided tour of the...

Day 5: Dundee – Pitlochry – Culloden – Inverness

This morning, gain a Cultural Insight into whisky distilling by visiting a local distillery for a tour and a 'wee dram'. Travel through untamed Scottish landscapes and the rugged Cairngorm Mountains. Visit the site of the Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charli...

Day 6: Inverness – Loch Ness – Thurso (2 Nights)

Admire the beauty of Loch Ness, home of the fabled monster, en route to visit Dunrobin Castle. Dunrobin Castle is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland and resembles a French château with its towering conical spires. Stroll through the formal gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Dine tonight at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Orkney Islands Excursion

Visit John O'Groats, then take the ferry from Gills Bay across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Island of South Ronaldsay. See the Churchill Barriers, built as part of naval defence to protect the anchorage at Scapa Flow during World War II. Visit the ornate Italian C...

Day 8: Thurso – Ullapool – Isle of Skye

Enjoy a scenic drive along the stunning north west coastline. Visit the quaint fishing village of Ullapool. View the impressive Eilean Donan Castle before crossing to the picturesque Isle of Skye. Dine tonight at your hotel. Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Isle of Skye – Ballachulish (2 Nights)

More breathtaking scenery leaving Skye for the mainland. Drive past the Glenfinnan Viaduct which featured in the Harry Potter films, to Fort William at the head of Loch Linnh. Follow this great loch south to Ballachulish, home for the next two nights.Full Breakfast

Day 10: Mull and Iona Excursion

Sail from Oban, across the mouth of Loch Linnhe, to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Enjoy a scenic drive across the remote island to Fionnphort for a short ferry crossing to the island of Iona. Visit Iona Abbey, a beautifully preserved medieval abbey, and the ancient burial ground of many Scottish Kings at Rèilig Odhrain. Dine tonight at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Ballachulish – Glasgow (2 Nights)

This morning, travel south through Glencoe, 'Glen of the Weeping', site of the infamous massacre of the Macdonald clan by the Campbells in 1692. Journey along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, immortalised in the well-known Scottish song, before arriving in Glasgow. Yo...

Day 12: Stirling Castle and Bannockburn Excursion

This morning enjoy a guided visit of the historic Stirling Castle and explore the Royal Palace of King James V. See the Stirling Heads making your way to nearby Bannockburn - the site of the famous battle between King Robert Bruce of Scotland and Edward II of England....

Day 13: Depart Glasgow

Say a fond farewell to bonnie Scotland as your wonderful holiday draws to a close. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.Full Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,175
Price per day$244
Last Updated: 3/14/2018

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Barbara

Jul 2018

had a wonderful time

We just went on Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle and had a wonderful time. This was our first bus tour and we didn't know quite what to expect, however, we couldn't...

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Jo LaFalce

Jul 2018

it was fabulous!

My husband and I recently went to Ireland on a Brendan Vacations tour...first tour we've even been on...and it was fabulous! From start to finish everything about th...

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Mark

Aug 2022

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After waiting for 3 years we were finally scheduled to go to Ireland but 8 days before our trip we were informed that they had changed their vaccination policy and w...

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Tour Operator

Brendan Vacations

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Brendan Vacations is the premier Ireland and Scotland destination expert, backed by more than 50 years of planning authentic Celtic travel experiences from its office in the heart of Dublin. Guided by its mantra ‘taking you personally,’ Brendan Vacations is passionate about delivering deeply immersive, tailor-made experiences across five travel styles: fully Guided Tour packages, independent Private Chauffeur, Lux Self-Drive, Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail vacations. Through the warmth of Brendan Vacations’ highly personalized service, guests will stay in hand-selected accommodations - including castles and B&Bs, explore the iconic landscapes of Scotland and Ireland, and meet local people passionate about sharing their stories. Brendan Vacations is a proud member of The Travel Corporation family of brands.

Why we love this operator
They have a high level of personalized attention and curated itineraries for Ireland & Scotland.
What they’re known for
Experience the best of Ireland & Scotland travel handcrafted by local experts.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

ArrayBrendan Vacations's Airport Transfers 2017-18 At Brendan Vacations, we know how important it is to get your vacation off to a seamless and smooth start. That's why every part of your journey, from your front door to the start hotel of your chosen vacation, and from your hotel to the airport and back home again on your return, is made easy with Brendan Vacations. With Brendan Vacations you will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers by shuttle, minivan or taxi between designated airports and Brendan Vacations hotels on the starting and ending day of your holiday only. Guests  arriving before or leaving after the scheduled itinerary day may book and buy a transfer through Brendan Vacations providing that they also purchase the additional pre and post trip hotel night(s) from Brendan Vacations. When booking extra night(s) accommodation, you will also have the opportunity to book the relevant transfer service(s). In Australia and New Zealand complimentary transfers are also included with pre or post accommodations booked through Brendan Vacations. Heathrow Airport: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London hotel. Brendan Vacations has negotiated special group transfer rates from London's Heathrow Airport to the door of your Brendan Vacations London hotel. Guests will be picked up and dropped off in time to meet all flights booked to/from London's Heathrow Airport. $50 per person per single trip to/from Heathrow Airport  Gatwick Airport: For guests flying into London’s Gatwick Airport, Brendan Vacations recommends the Gatwick Express, see Gatwick Express’s website at: www.gatwickexpress.com.,

Transportation & flights

Array Brendan Vacations's Airport Transfers 2017-18 At Brendan Vacations, we know how important it is to get your vacation off to a seamless and smooth start. That's why every part of your journey, from your front door to the start hotel of your chosen vacation, and from your hotel to the airport and back home again on your return, is made easy with Brendan Vacations. With Brendan Vacations you will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers by shuttle, minivan or taxi between designated airports and Brendan Vacations hotels on the starting and ending day of your holiday only. Guests  arriving before or leaving after the scheduled itinerary day may book and buy a transfer through Brendan Vacations providing that they also purchase the additional pre and post trip hotel night(s) from Brendan Vacations. When booking extra night(s) accommodation, you will also have the opportunity to book the relevant transfer service(s). In Australia and New Zealand complimentary transfers are also included with pre or post accommodations booked through Brendan Vacations. Heathrow Airport: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London hotel. Brendan Vacations has negotiated special group transfer rates from London's Heathrow Airport to the door of your Brendan Vacations London hotel. Guests will be picked up and dropped off in time to meet all flights booked to/from London's Heathrow Airport. $50 per person per single trip to/from Heathrow Airport  Gatwick Airport: For guests flying into London’s Gatwick Airport, Brendan Vacations recommends the Gatwick Express, see Gatwick Express’s website at: www.gatwickexpress.com.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 12 full breakfasts
  • 5 dinners
  • 1 lunch
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
  • Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Ferry to the Orkney Isles and return
  • Ferry to the Isle of Mull and Iona
  • Ferry from Skye to Mallaig
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Hand-picked Insider Experiences
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
  • Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the Edinburgh Festival
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • VIP entry to many sights
Trip ID
brendanvacations-BHLDN12

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