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Small Group Experiential Travel
Tour Code
SC10 Max Group Size
18 Start
Edinburgh (EDI) End
Glasgow (GLA) Overnight In
Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Stirling, Grantown-on-Spey When To Go
May, Sep Activity Level
1 - Light? Tour Type
Cultural? - Overview
- Info & Inclusions
- Itinerary
- Map & Hotels
- Photos
- Dates & Prices
Highlights
- Stirling Castle
- Royal Lochnagar Distillery
- Loch Ness
- Highland Safari
- Scone Palace
- Meeting Pedigree Highland Cattle
- Singles friendly (view options for single travellers)
Description
Welcome to Scotland, a land of rugged beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Over the next 10 days, we'll embark on a journey that weaves together the threads of Scotland's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and timeless charm.
From Glasgow and Edinburgh's vibrant streets to the Highlands' windswept landscapes, we'll delve into Scotland's heart. We'll explore ancient castles like Stirling Castle, uncover whisky-making secrets at Royal Lochnagar Distillery, and stroll along Loch Ness's shores, where folklore and nature entwine.
We'll experience the Scottish countryside's warm welcome, meeting Pedigree Highland Cattle and exploring picturesque towns like St Andrews and Aberdeen. At Scone Palace, we'll uncover Scotland's monarchs' history, and on a Highland Safari, we'll venture into the untamed beauty of the Scottish wilderness.
Join us on this unforgettable journey through Scotland, where past and present, nature and culture, blend in enchanting ways.
From Glasgow and Edinburgh's vibrant streets to the Highlands' windswept landscapes, we'll delve into Scotland's heart. We'll explore ancient castles like Stirling Castle, uncover whisky-making secrets at Royal Lochnagar Distillery, and stroll along Loch Ness's shores, where folklore and nature entwine.
We'll experience the Scottish countryside's warm welcome, meeting Pedigree Highland Cattle and exploring picturesque towns like St Andrews and Aberdeen. At Scone Palace, we'll uncover Scotland's monarchs' history, and on a Highland Safari, we'll venture into the untamed beauty of the Scottish wilderness.
Join us on this unforgettable journey through Scotland, where past and present, nature and culture, blend in enchanting ways.
Price Includes
- Full-time Tour Leader with local guide support at various locations.
- Breakfast, some lunches, and most dinners ( (see itinerary) daily.
- All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters (if available)
- Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving/late departing land & air customers who book both their air and extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
- International airfare to/from the tour.
- Tour Leader gratuities, most lunches/some dinners (see itinerary), drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), excursions referenced as 'optional'.
- Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance (for information please click on the "Resources" tab).
Trip Info
- Seasonality and Weather:
MAY is one of the best times to visit the UK's north if you want to visit before the summer crowds arrive. The weather at this latitude tends to be good, with average highs of 15C/59°F and average lows of 9C/48°F. Although May is still spring in Scotland, the days are nice and long with the sun rising at 05:00 and setting at 21:00 (mid-May). This makes it possible to maximize our itinerary with lots of daylight hours to play with.
Scotland in SEPTEMBER is also hard to beat. Average temperatures see highs of 13C/55°F and average lows of 9C/48°F. We also enjoy long days -- at the beginning of the month, the sun rises at 6:40 am and it sets after 8 pm. This means we’ve around 12.5 hours of daylight to explore! September also means the school year has resumed and many of the tourists that will have visited during peak season will have flown home. The beauty of visiting just after summer is that you’ll still have good weather and places will be much quieter with peak-season behind us. - Transport and Travel Conditions:
Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size').
Our difficulty rating Level 1 refers to the comfortable, easy-going nature of this journey and the advanced state of development as it relates to tourist infrastructure, transportation, accommodation, and hospitality services. Our days are full but our travels from A to B are not arduous, with reasonable distances and plenty of stops of interest along the way. The sites we visit are many, but none are terribly large and all/most feature easy grades, handrails, and short distances. We will have walking tours of towns and cities, and some short walks to dinner. Please note that smaller hotels may not have porters, so you'll need to be independent with your luggage.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form - Activity Level: 1
No particular physical activity is involved other than town/city walks and short walks to dinners and sites of interest, some of which are large.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page. - Accommodation:
Well-located, mid-range hotels (3-4 star) throughout. Porters are sometimes available but you must be prepared to manage your own luggage. All hotels have elevators.
For more info, please click on the "Map & Hotels" tab - Staff and Support:
Tour Leader, driver, local step-on guides in various locales. - Group Size:
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader
View / Print Itinerary
- Day 1:Arrival in EdinburghToday we arrive in Edinburgh, where the buzz of Scotland's capital city sits in perfect contrast to the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding Lothians region. Edinburgh has one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, making it the ideal city break destination. With Scotland's most famous castle dominating the city skyline, there is plenty to see and do with the perfect balance between all things traditional and contemporary.
Overnight in Edinburgh.
Included Meal(s): Dinner - Day 2:Edinburgh: City TouringToday we have a half-day guided tour of this most beautiful of cities.
We'll begin with a walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town with our local guide, ready to learn about the history of Edinburgh. We start at Holyrood Abbey, before passing by the Scottish Parliament building. We continue to St Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the vibrant area of Grassmarket before exploring the National Museum of Scotland.
Our sojourn proceeds with a tour of one of Europe’s foremost attractions; the dramatic Edinburgh Castle. Standing aloof and massive on its hill, Edinburgh Castle both dominates and adds majesty to the historical ambiance of the city. Within the castle itself we view the Honours of Scotland Exhibition and display of Scottish crown jewels; visit St. Margaret’s Chapel, see the famous 500-year-old cannon “Mons Meg”, then stroll through the Great Hall.
The rest of the day is yours to explore Edinburgh independently (your Tour Leader can help you plan your afternoon). Museum lovers maight consider the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and/or The National Museum of Scotland. Johnnie Walker Princes Street is spread across eight floors and offers an experience perfect for whisky lovers and novices alike, along with incredible views of the Edinburgh skyline from the 1820 rooftop bar.
Overnight in Edinburgh.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 3:Edinburgh - Falkirk Wheel - Stirling Castle - StirlingToday we travel to Stirling via the Falkirk Wheel and Stirling Castle.
The Falkirk Wheel boat lift is an exceptional feat of modern engineering that connects the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals. This unique and elegant mechanical marvel lifts boats by a height of 35 metres to bridge the gap that was originally linked by a flight of 11 locks. At the end of the 20th century, it was decided to reconnect the 2 canals with the innovative wheel as an inspiring symbol for the new Millennium.
We'll enjoy the full experience of the Falkirk Wheel as we sail through the sky to join the Union Canal 35m above. After moving smoothly through the aqueduct and through the Roughcastle tunnel to the beginning of the Union Canawe then descend to the start point returning to the visitor centre.
We then head to the city of Stirling where we visit Stirling Castle, the largest in Scotland. The castle is well defended by cliffs on 3 sides, and became a military stronghold and seat of royalty and government. Stirling Castle rock has been used as a fortress for centuries, probably since Roman times. The earliest buildings upon it mentioned in surviving records are the castle and the chapel dedicated by Alexander I in 1120. From the 12th Century it became one of the principal royal strongholds in Scotland. Destroyed or rebuilt several times in the 13th and 14th centuries, it was close to great battles against the English during the Wars of Independence.
Overnight in Stirling.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 4:Stirling - St Andrews - AberdeenToday we leave Stirling and head for St Andrews, a quaint town located on the east coast of Fife. St Andrews is home to the oldest university in Scotland, University of St Andrews, one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. St Andrews is also known globally as the "home of golf" mainly due to it being home to the iconic The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, dating back to the mid-18th century.
We enjoy a guided walking tour of St Andrews, seeing some of the town’s most iconic sights. We start with a visit to St Andrews Cathedral, Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church. Here, we visit the museum and the visitor centre (please note that St Rule’s tower is currently closed). Next, we see the outside of St Andrews Castle, a ruined fort which sits overlooking Castle Sands Beach. There has been a castle of some type here since the 12th century.
Next we see The Old Course, home of the Open Championship golf tournament, before seeing University of St Andrews, where the future heir to the British throne, William Prince of Wales, first met Katherine, Princess of Wales. We end our visit at St Salvator's Chapel, a beautiful example of late gothic architecture dating back to the mid-15th century before continuing to Aberdeen.
Aberdeen's architecture is known for its principal use of granite during the Victorian era, which has led to its local nickname of the Granite City, or more romantically, the less commonly used "Silver City," since the quartz in the stone sparkles in the sun. The city's architecture is a reminder of its heritage and rich history, but Aberdeen also has a cosmopolitan buzz and is very much a city on the rise.
Overnight in Aberdeen.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 5:Aberdeen - Highland Cattle - Whisky Distillery - Grantown-on-SpeyToday in Aberdeenshire we meet a herd of Pedigree Highland Cattle up close and learn about the history of the native breed and how they are farmed. Following our tour we'll have an included lunch featuring traditional Scottish Highland beef stovies, oatcakes, and beetroot (vegetarian options available).
Later we'll have a private tour of Royal Lochnagar Distillery, located near Balmoral Castle in Royal Deeside dating back to 1845. The distillery holds a Royal Warrant after a visit from Prince Albert in 1848. Today, we will be led through the distillery to learn about the distilling process. The tour will end with a tasting of two drams of Royal Lochnagar whisky.
We end our day in Grantown-on-Spey, near to Aveimore in the heart of Scotland’s Highlands. The town's traditional Highland hospitality and ideal location as a gateway to exploring the stunning Scottish Highlands, make it an attractive base for two days of touring in the region.
Overnight in Grantown-on-Spey.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 6:Loch Ness Folklore & NatureToday we have a full-day tour to discover the folklore, nature, and history surrounding the famous Loch Ness.
We head first to Loch Ness itself and enjoying a drive along the famous shoreline to visit Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland's most popular attractions. Situated on the north-western shore of Loch Ness, it offers visitors fascinating insights into its dramatic history and spectacular views over the world famous Loch.
Next we travel to Fort Augustus, a lovely village situated at the south end of Loch Ness and the start of the Caledonian Canal. We have free time here to explore and have lunch (at own expense).
In the afternoon we will travel to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, north of Loch Ness. The centre celebrates rewilding and the region’s rich Gaelic culture and offers a gateway for visitors to explore the 10,000-acre Dundreggan estate. Conservation charity, Trees for Life, has been rewilding Dundreggan since 2008 to restore the Caledonian forest and its wildlife. The estate is now home to more than 4,000 species of plants and animals, including many rare and protected species, and the charity’s tree nursery where around 90,000 trees are grown every year.
We explore Dundreggan with a knowledgeable member of staff and find out more about this fascinating place, and why and how Trees for Life are rewilding the estate. We return to our hotel via the lesser-travelled south shores of Loch Ness, stopping at the beautiful Falls of Foyers on the way.
Overnight in Grantown-on-Spey.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 7:Highland SafariToday we'll embark on an exciting and scenic Land Rover "safari" experience! This exclusive, tailored safari with our very own safari ranger, will provide a personalised adventure in the Scottish Highlands.
Along the way we may be lucky enough to see majestic red deer, grouse, mountain hare, or the soaring golden eagle as we travel through forests, mountains, and moors on private hill tracks, exploring the magnificent natural wilderness.
Included in our excursion -- tea, coffee, local Kenmore shortbread, and a dram of Dewars Whisky (of course). This will be served to you in a traditional mountain bothy surrounded by the inspiring mountain views.
We return to our hotel with the balance of the day to enjoy some well-deserved down-time.
Overnight in Grantown-on-Spey (dinner on your own this evening).
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch - Day 8:Grantown-on-Spey - Scone Palace - Loch Lomond - GlasgowToday we head for Glasgow with a stop at Scone Palace, offering a captivating journey through Scottish history and set against the stunning backdrop of its picturesque grounds. Here we explore the regal rooms that once hosted Scottish kings and queens, immersing themselves in the opulence of the palace's architecture and décor. The surrounding gardens, with their vibrant flora and serene landscapes, provide a tranquil escape.
Next we’ll venture out beyond stately homes and the magnificent Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro, to Inchmurrin Island, the largest inland island in Great Britain and home to the ruins of the 12th century Lennox Castle.
Our final destination is Glasgow, a city famous for its contributions to architectural styles, with the Glasgow School of Art being the most notable example. The wealth of the city's merchants in the 18th century saw a shift towards neoclassical architecture with simple lines and grand imposing stately buildings. Glasgow's friendly residents, diverse culinary experiences, and abundance of green spaces, make it a welcoming and unforgettable destination for experiencing Scotland's unique charm.
Overnight in Glasgow.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 9:Discovering GlasgowGlasgow is home to an array of remarkable museums, visitor attractions, and galleries, and today we'll have the chance to discover some of the best Glasgow has to offer.
We start the day at Glasgow Cathedral, a Medieval cathedral thought to have been built on the site of St Kentigern’s tomb, the birthplace of the city of Glasgow. One of Scotland's most magnificent medieval buildings, Glasgow Cathedral is the only one on the Scottish mainland to survive the Reformation of 1560 intact. After a tour of the interior we will step outside to visit the Glasgow Necropolis.
The Necropolis is a Victorian garden cemetery of of wonderful architecture, sculpture, and fascinating stories. Adjacent to Glasgow Cathedral, the Necropolis was modeled on Père-Lachaise in Paris; it is estimated that something in the order of 50,000 burials have taken place here, with around 3,500 tombs. Today we will be treated to a special guided tour of the cemetery by a friendly local volunteer whose passion for the cemetery shines through.
We will then enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, with a stop at St George's Square, the iconic central square of the city which showcases an important collection of statues and monuments, including those dedicated to famous Scots such as Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir Robert Peel, and Sir Walter Scott. We stop in the centre and enjoy some free time for lunch before continuing to explore the city.
Finally we cross the river to reach the world-renowned Burrell Collection. Here we have a VIP tour of the museum for a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and see some of the thousands of objects not on display to the general public. Finally, take some time to explore the main galleries and visit the shop before our visit ends and we prepare for our farewell dinner.
Overnight in Glasgow.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 10:DepartureDeparture from Glasgow.
SAFE TRAVELS!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Regions Visited: Western Europe
Countries Visited: Scotland
Countries Visited: Scotland
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
Excellent
Overall Rating
4.7
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This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip.
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1-800-665-3998
- Final payment: Due 90 days prior to departure.
- Deposit: A non-refundable $500 CAD Deposit is required at booking.
- Optional Single Supplement: $1630 CAD (number of singles limited).
(View options forsingle travellers) - Transfering Tour or Date: Transferring to another tour or tour date is only permissible outside of 120 days prior to departure and is subject to a $100 CAD change fee.
(Read our cancellation policy)
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Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
- Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
- How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.
A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).
Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.
Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. - What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
- I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.
This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.
The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.
On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.
Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed. - Do you have a shared accommodation program?Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").