Scottish Isles & Glens

13 days
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Group Tour
Experience the “real Scotland” as you journey off the beaten track to explore the northernmost part of the Highlands. Explore the Isles of Arran and Skye and stay two nights in Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney isles. Fairy-tale castles, falconry, Loch Ness, Glencoe and Edinburgh makes this a great in-depth tour.
From$2,541
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Scottish Evening in Edinburgh: This fun evening starts with a 4-course dinner where you can sample the traditional Scottish dish of haggis, neaps and tatties. Then the music, dance and storytelling begins and offers you an insight into many aspects of Scottish life.
    • Eilean Donan Castle: This iconic castle is surrounded by majestic scenery. The first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and re-built through the centuries. Partially destroyed in a Jacobite uprising in 1719, Eilean Donan lay in ruins for the best part of 200 years. It took 20 years to restore from 1912 until its opening to the public in 1932.
    • Stay 2-Nights on Isle of Orkney: Experience island life on the largest island of the Orkneys and enjoy the majestic and historic sights throughout the island. Stay in the capital, Kirkwall, where you will have free time to browse around on your own and dine independently..
    • 5,000-Year-Old Village of Skara Brae: These 5,000-year-old ruins are of an incredibly well preserved stone settlement containing an intricate maze of dwellings. The site was revealed in 1850 by a violent storm and is now one of the most famous Neolithic sites in Northern Europe.
    • Whisky Tasting on Isle of Arran: Scotland is world-famous for its whisky, which is distilled all around the country. Walk through a working distillery to view the many steps of how whiskey is produced from the simple ingredients of malted barley and water. Try a sample “wee dram” at the end of the tour.
    • Highland Scenery: The northern part of Scotland is called the Highlands and provides wonderful scenic views as you travel through the high mountains, many of them covered in heather, or along rugged coastal routes.

What's this trip about?

    Experience the “real Scotland” as you journey off the beaten track to explore the northernmost part of the Highlands. Explore the Isles of Arran and Skye and stay two nights in Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney isles. Fairy-tale castles, falconry, Loch Ness, Glencoe and Edinburgh makes this a great in-depth tour.

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Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityGlasgow
End CityEdinburgh

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • Scotland

Attractions

  • Edinburgh
  • Eilean Donan Castle
  • Glasgow

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
  • Short Cruise

Trip includes

    • Sightseeing by luxury coach
    • Professional tour director
    • 12 nights in hotels listed
    • Full breakfast daily (B) except on day 1:9 dinners (D) including, Scottish Evening in Edinburgh, 8 table d'hote dinners
    • Welcome get-together drink
    • Tour of Edinburgh
    • Loch Katrine steamboat cruise and cruise on Loch Ness
    • Ferry rides to Isles of Bute and Orkney
    • Sheepdog trials at Leault Farm
    • Blair Athol Distillery whisky tasting and tour
    • Reserved seats for Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on July 29 to August 14 departures
    • Edinburgh open-top bus tour
    • Walking tour of Edinburgh
    • Visits and admissions to Mount Stuart House, Eilean Donan Castle, Dunvegan Castle, Kilt Rock, Inverewe Gardens, John o’Groats, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, St Magnus Cathedral, Italian Chapel, Dunrobin Castle, Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre and Edinburgh Castle
    • Audio headsets and group photo
    • Deluxe carry-on backpack, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
    • All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
    • Free Wi-Fi on coaches and in hotel lobbies

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Itinerary

Day 1: Glasgow Arrival & Loch Katrine Cruise

Meals: Dinner

Your Scottish trip starts at 3:00 pm when you meet your tour director at your hotel, located in the village of Drymen, 20 miles north of Glasgow. Set out from your hotel and take a short drive through part of the Trossachs, often called “The Highl...

Day 2: Isle of Bute & Mount Stuart House

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Journey across a scenic Highland route and over the mountain pass of “Rest & Be Thankful.” A short ferry ride will bring you to the Isle of Bute where a drive around the coast will reveal stunning sea and island scenery. Take a g...

Day 3: Loch Lomond & Eilean Donan Castle

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Travel alongside the famous Loch Lomond, renowned for its unsurpassed beauty. Journey through Glen Coe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular and beautiful places. Drive through Fort William and stop at a woolen mill fo...

Day 4: Isle of Skye & Dunvegan Castle

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today explore the Isle of Skye and its Bonnie Prince Charlie associations. He fled to the island after his defeat at Culloden Moor. Travel to Dunvegan Castle, stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, making it the ol...

Day 5: Inverewe Gardens & Ullapool

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Enjoy Highland scenery as you drive north along the west coast to visit Inverewe Gardens, where a haven of trees and shrubs was created from 50 acres of bleak headland in 1862. The varied plantings thrive due to the warmth of the Gul...

Day 6: Highland Scenery & Isle of Orkney

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today explore the northernmost section of the Highlands which is sparsely populated with remote hamlets. See huge tracts of bogland, rugged mountains, coastline and vast areas of open land. Learn about the Highland Clearances, a trag...

Day 7: Orkney Sights & Skara Brae

Meals: Breakfast

Today explore the Isles of Orkney. Drive across the Churchill Barriers, created during World War II to deter German submarines. Discover the charm of the tiny Italian Chapel, built from two Nissen huts with elaborate paintings. View the Ring of...

Day 8: Dunrobin Castle & Inverness

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Return by ferry to the mainland and drive down the east coast to visit Dunrobin Castle, dating to 1275 but renovated in the mid-1800s. With 189 rooms this is the largest mansion in northern Scotland. Visit chambers containing pricele...

Day 9: Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Cruise into Loch Ness to visit the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, once Scotland’s largest castle which was destroyed in Jacobite wars. Stop at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to learn about the conflict where Bonnie Pr...

Day 10: Sheepdog Trials & Whisky Tasting

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Drive past the majestic scenery of the Cairngorm Mountains to visit Leault Farm where skilled dogs obey commands to round up sheep. Continue south to Pitlochry to visit Blair Athol Distillery, Scotland’s smallest, which is set in a p...

Day 11: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

This morning discover Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. See the wide streets and elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town” and walk along a section of the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city where some houses reach 11 stories ...

Day 12: Extend your Stay in Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast

spend the day on an independent hop-on hop-off bus tour of Edinburgh. Also enjoy a walking tour around parts of the city’s historic areas – you will have a selection of different tours and routes.

Day 13: Depart Edinburgh for Home

Meals: Breakfast

Your tour ends after breakfast.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,541
Price per day$195
Single supplement (single occupancy)$641
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with CIE Tours.

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.

CIE Tours Reviews & Ratings

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Dec 2023

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I waited 20 years for my dream trip to Scotland and Ireland and splurged $7000 on this tour. The second half of touring Ireland was great, the first portion in Scotl...

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Apr 2022

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DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME/MONEY WITH CIE!

I gave this return 1 star only because that’s the lowest possible option, otherwise they would receive 0 stars!!! I had a trip planned for September of 2021 to Icela...

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May 2021

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Loved our experience with our tour guide Mert our CIE tour in July/August of 2015 we have many pictures that we wanted to share with our group — I believe maybe howe...

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For the 2015 season we will celebrate 83 years of travel excellence! During this time CIE Tours International has provided travellers with the highest quality holidays to Ireland and Britain and we continue to improve our tours and our services.

Over the years we have built up an enviable reputation for security and reliability with satisfied clients throughout the world. We set our own high standards for delivering excellent holidays with state-of-the-art luxury coaches; prompt and pleasant customer service; the best hotels; and carefully chosen visits and entertainment.

Our coach tours are fully inclusive with no optional extras to purchase at your destination. You pay one price and we insist that our tour directors focus solely on your enjoyment. Once you pay the deposit, we guarantee our land tour prices.

If you prefer to travel independently, we offer self-drive and chauffeur-drive programs for Ireland with a wide range of hotel accommodation, which can be booked in advance, as well as popular B & Bs. Whichever way you like to travel, choose one of our fine holidays from our website and enjoy the greatest travel experience ever!

What makes CIE Tours unique?

Sightseeing Visits: CIE Tours includes a variety of attractions on every tour for an interesting travel experience. Check each tour itinerary to see exactly which places are featured. Admission costs are included in the tour price so that you don't waste time paying as you enter each attraction.

Guaranteed Departures & Prices: We guarantee most of our land tour departures which are updated daily on our website. We guarantee land tour costs will not increase, once you have paid your tour deposit, to protect you against international currency fluctuations.

Group Airport Transfers: As a newcomer to an airport, it's great to have someone meet you. We include complimentary group transfers on the starting and ending date of tours at times specified on each itinerary. If you arrive or depart later than our tour dates, you may purchase a transfer from us.

Travel Documents: On arrival CIE Tours will supply coach tour clients with tour vouchers, maps, ticket wallets, destination information, rain poncho, carry-on backpack, phone cards, VAT tax card, luggage tags and a strap. Self-drive clients receive accommodation vouchers and listings, ticket wallets, luggage tags and a strap. Use the tags and strap on your baggage for easy identification throughout your holiday. All you need to supply is a valid passport and, if driving, a current drivers license.

Leisure & Spa Facilities: Most of the hotels we use offer wonderful leisure facilities and spas. When you travel on a coach tour, you will have some free time most days and may like to enjoy some relaxation and spa serenity! So be sure to pack a swimsuit and workout clothes.

History & Geography: People who choose to travel in Ireland and Britain usually have an interest in the long history of the region and, as you tour around, you will visit a lot of ancient cities, churches and castles. All of our tour directors are well trained in the background information of the places and incorporate this history into their narratives in a manner that is fun and easy to digest. Similarly they are able to give you facts on the geography of the regions you travel through, giving you an insight into climate, farming, weather and other topics.

Coach Touring & Sightseeing: Some people think that on a coach tour, all you do is sit on the coach all day. Not true with CIE Tours! We have created balanced and varied days of sightseeing with plenty of stops for taking photos, shopping, lunch, snacks and bathrooms. You never travel for longer than two hours without getting off the coach.

Fully Escorted Coach Tours:

See what you get on a CIE coach tour

--CIE Tours to Ireland, Scotland and Britain Luxury coach travel, daily sightseeing and a professional tour director

--CIE Tours to Ireland, Scotland and Britain Speedy group check-in at hotels

--CIE Tours to Ireland, Scotland and Britain All breakfasts and most dinners including special dinner/shows

--CIE Tours to Ireland, Scotland and Britain Airport transfers and baggage handling

--CIE Tours to Ireland, Scotland and Britain Prepaid hotels, meals and admissions help you control holiday costs

--CIE Tours to Ireland, Scotland and Britain Comprehensive tour documents

Selection Of Itineraries: Touring by coach is a holiday with a capital H! CIE Tours International offers the widest range of itineraries. Depending on your available time and budget, you can choose an ideal tour. All of our programs are carefully planned to permit full enjoyment of your holiday.

Luxury Touring Coaches: Travel in the height of comfort with CIE Tours and sit back and let an expert do the driving! Our state-of-the-art coaches feature panoramic windows for optimum viewing while reclining seats, individual climate controls and a public address system ensure your well-being.

Your Tour Director: CIE Tours could not exist without our great locally employed tour directors they are the envy of the travel industry. From the moment you land in Ireland or Britain, your tour director is there to welcome you, handle your luggage, drive you from place to place and give you a daily commentary. Tour directors make history and culture come alive and create a superb experience with daily doses of humour, information and assistance.

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Logistics

Accommodation

,The Winnock Hotel Picture yourself soaking up the atmosphere of this 18th century Inn near Loch Lomond, sitting beside the roaring log fire whilst planning your day's exploration of the surrounding beautiful Trossachs countryside with many castles, gardens and city attractions within easy reach. The Balmacara Hotel near Kyle of Lochalsh This traditional Highland hotel offers a peaceful haven of relaxation with great views of the Isle of Skye and the hills of Wester Ross. A family run hotel, emphasis is on high standards of personal service to ensure your stay will be memorable. All rooms are tastefully decorated in either Victorian or contemporary style and many enjoy stunning views. The Victorian-themed dining room specializes in local seafood and game and the bar serves casual meals. The hotel is close to the Isle of Skye Bridge and Eilean Donan Castle. The Royal Hotel Ullapool This property was originally a 19th century coaching inn and has undergone many renovations to create a warm and welcoming oasis of comfort, set in a wonderful scenic area. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet with a wide range of foods in the stylish restaurant, which is also the setting for dinner with fresh produce and seafood. Relax in the cocktail bar or the Waterfront Bar, which also serves snacks. The hotel offers 55 rooms, half of which boast breathtaking views over Loch Broom and the rugged mountain landscapes beyond. Ayre Hotel Kirkwall This modern, family-run hotel is in a classic Victorian building on Kirkwall Harbour. Rooms are modern and sophisticated, with flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, tea and coffeemaking equipment and upscale bedding; many have harbor views. Full Scottish breakfast is included, and there's a restaurant serving locally-sourced fare, plus a casual sports bar with a pool table, darts and a light menu. Columba Hotel Inverness Opened in 1881, this grand historic hotel combines contemporary style and amenities with traditional comfort. Each room features excellent modern facilities including movies, music, radio on demand, and high-speed wireless and free Wi-Fi Internet access. There is a traditional roast meal restaurant with a range of hot, cold and grilled options. This hotel has a great location in the heart of Inverness with splendid views of the Ness River and Inverness Castle. Apex Grassmarket Hotel Edinburgh This contemporary hotel is a 7-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle and some of the guest rooms have views of the castle. Sophisticated yet casual rooms have designer toiletries, free WiFi and 42-inch flat-screen TVs, as well as tea and coffeemaking equipment. A brasserie offers breakfast, lunch and evening meals, plus city views, and private dining is available at a rooftop restaurant with castle views. Other amenities include an indoor pool, a fitness suite and 6 meeting rooms. The Grassmarket hosts an excellent collection of pubs and restaurants of many types.
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Meals Included

12 Breakfasts and 9 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
cie-ScoIslCie

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