A Big Scottish Journey – 7 night Group Tour
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Stirling Castle, Scotland © VisitScotland, Kenny Lam
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Edinburgh Castle and the Balmoral Hotel clock tower viewed from Carlton Hill ©VisitScotland, Kenny Lam
Embark on your very own Big Scottish Journey; follow in the footsteps of royalty, explore castles, sail across lochs and steam through glens on this incredible tour.
Scotland is a country steeped in royalty, heritage and history. This tour will allow your group to explore some of the hidden highlights of this incredible country and experience the legendary Scottish way of life. With a knowledgeable guide to show you around, this tour will showcase the best Scotland has to offer.
Tour Highlights Include:
Edinburgh – A wonderful city mixing the medieval old own with the elegant new – overlooked by Arthur’s Seat and the incredible castle.
Royal Yacht Britannia – The Queen’s former ship is one of the most famous in the world and travelled over a million miles on a thousand official royal visits during its 40 years in service.
Stirling Castle – One of the largest and most important castles in Scottish history; once taken for the Scots by William Wallace and where Mary Queen of Scots spent the first few years of her life – she was crowned Queen of Scotland in the chapel here when she was just 9 months old.
Jacobite Steam Train – Described as the greatest railway journey in the world; this 84 mile journey takes you on a breathtaking journey through the highlands past lochs, mountains, glens and fells.
Loch Ness – Holding more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined, Loch Ness is more than 23 miles long and is said to hide the Loch Ness Monster (Nessie.)
Famous Grouse Experience – Discover the secrets to the age old tradition of whiskey brewing and try some of the famous blend.
When you are on tour, your group will travel by comfortable coach with an experienced driver and guide to ensure that you really make the most of your Big Scottish Journey.
Return to our other Scottish Tours: https://www.ukincoming.com/scotland-incoming-group-tours/
Dates
Available April to October 2024
Itinerary Summary
Day 1
Welcome to Edinburgh
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport where you driver will meet you and take you to your centrally located hotel. Your guide will meet you in the hotel in the afternoon and take you on a short orientation tour of Edinburgh, before heading out to Leith to follow in Royal footsteps on board the Royal Yacht Britannia. The rest of the evening will be spent at your leisure to explore the hotel and the local area.
Day 2
Exploring Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel you will embark on a guided, full day, Royal tour of Edinburgh. The first stop with be Edinburgh Castle, steeped in nearly 900 years of history, before continuing onto the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh.
You will then leave Edinburgh and travel up to Crieff via coach – a journey of approximately two hours. After checking into the hotel, your home for the next 3 nights, you will enjoy a delicious dinner in the onsite restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to spend at your leisure.
Day 3
Stirling and Stirling Castle
After a hearty Scottish breakfast your driver will take you to Stirling where you will have the chance to explore Stirling Castle, the centre of art, culture and celebrity in the 16th century. The afternoon will then be free to explore Stirling town which has a fascinating cultural centre with numerous galleries, museums and a large shopping centre. Your driver will take you back to your hotel where you will enjoy your evening meal.
Day 4
Scottish Kings
After breakfast you will travel north via coach to enjoy a tour of Scone Palace – where Scottish Kings were crowned. A lunch stop will be followed by a tour of the Famous Grouse Experience, where you will discover how the Glenturret Highland single malt if produced – and tastes! Your driver will then return you to your hotel for you to spend the final evening in Crieff at your leisure.
Day 5
Loch Lomond and Inveraray
After breakfast at the hotel head to the west banks of Loch Lomond – Tarbet before climbing aboard for a one hour Loch Lomond cruise with live and informative commentary and tea and coffee served during the cruise. Your tour guide will suggest some local places for lunch before you travel via coach to Inveraray to visit Inveraray Castle (home to the chief of the Clan Campbell), and Inveraray Jail (one of the finest and best preserved courtroom and jail complexes in the world). You will then return to your hotel for the evening where you will check in before enjoying dinner in the onsite restaurant.
Day 6
Jacobite Steam Train
After a delicious Scottish breakfast you will make your way to Fort William Train Station where you will catch the Jacobite Steam Train – enjoy spectacular scenery as the train journeys to Maillaig. Upon arrival there will be free time to explore before your driver will take you to Inverness via the incredible Loch Ness (keep an eye out for Nessie), a journey of approximately 3 hours. After checking into your hotel and taking some time to freshen up, you will travel the short distance to Bogbain Farm where you can enjoy a Scottish themed menu with Scottish entertainment before returning to your hotel.
Day 7
Inverness and return to Edinburgh
After breakfast spend a relaxing morning exploring Inverness before commencing your journey back to Edinburgh. Stop on route in the quaint village of Pitlochry, situated in the most southern part of the Cairngorms National Park, where you can enjoy some free time to explore the shops and admire the beautiful scenery. Check into your Edinburgh hotel before enjoying your groups farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 8
Home time
Enjoy your final Scottish breakfast before your transfer takes you to the airport for your journey home.
Accommodation in Edinburgh will be at the 4* Crowne Plaza or similar.
Accommodation in Crieff will be at the 4* Crieff Hydro Hotel or similar.
Accommodation in Fort William will be at the 4* Nevis Bank Inn or similar.
Accommodation in Inverness will be at the 4* Kingsmill Hotel or similar.
All accommodation includes a full Scottish Breakfast each morning
Hotels mentioned are suggestions, but we can tailor the tour to suit your own requirements, and using a pool of different hotels – just let us know your preferences.
All prices shown are per person, and based on a group of 15 people sharing twin or double rooms.
Rooms for single occupancy are available and a supplement will apply – please contact us for details.
Rates are Nett and non commissionable and are available to Travel Trade only – Public rates are available on request.