Best of Scotland Winter 2024/2025
Best of Scotland Winter 2024/2025
$1850
Best of Scotland Winter 2024/2025
7 Days Starting in Edinburgh and ending in Glasgow
Visiting: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Scottish Highlands, Culloden, Isle of Skye, Glencoe, Glasgow, Stirling
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WBOSZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 45
Age range:
6-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the Best of Scotland from Edinburgh Castle to the eclectic streets of Glasgow. Revel in the romance and history of the Scottish Highlands and contemplate the mysterious depths of Loch Ness, before toasting bonnie Scotland’s lochs, glens and legendary locals.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
Meals Included: Dinner
Get lost in the narrow lanes of Edinburgh – the Scottish capital with a mystical air that combines ancient heritage with the verve of a modern city. Spend your day at leisure delving into its rich history and embracing the warm culture of the Scots, before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a light meal and drinks.
Day 2: Discover Enchanting Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist this morning for an intriguing sightseeing tour of the city. Ascend Castle Rock and visit Edinburgh Castle, which watches over the surrounding city from its elevated vantage point. Stroll through the Old Town along the Royal Mile and see the stunning Palace of Holyroodhouse before enjoying time at leisure to soak up the city's festive atmosphere.
Day 3: Venture Into The Scottish Highlands
Location: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Scottish Highlands
Accommodation: Highlander
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of the world's golfing greats and head to St. Andrews en route to the glorious Scottish Highlands. A scenic drive takes us north and across the Firth of Tay, past the city of Dundee to Pitlochry. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore its riverside setting. Our day in beautiful surrounds comes to an end with a cozy dinner at our hotel located within the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands.
Day 4: Explore Culloden, Loch Ness And The Isle Of Skye Make Travel Matter
Location: Scottish Highlands, Culloden, Isle of Skye, Scottish Highlands
Accommodation: Highlander
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Follow the Great Glen towards Fort Augustus where we stop to view Loch ness, keeping a keen eye out for the elusive ‘Nessie'. Meet your friendly and knowledgeable guide to learn more about the highlands and the iconic hairy coos. The soul-stirring sight of Eilean Donan Castle is our last stop on the mainland before we cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye. The tragic battlefield of Culloden will be our final stop of the day, where we pay tribute to the brave men who lost their lives in the Jacobite Uprising.
Day 5: Journey To Thriving Glasgow
Location: Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, Glasgow
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our first stop today sees us commemorate World War II history at the Commando Memorial near Fort William, from which we admire spectacular views of Britain's highest peak – Ben Nevis. We journey through the volcanic ruins and precipitous mountains that lie just beyond Glencoe to see the 'Glen of Weeping'. Here we remember the MacDonald clansmen who were massacred in 1692. Continuing towards the River Clyde, we arrive at our final stop for the day – Glasgow.
Day 6: Walk The Walls Of Stirling Castle Connect With Locals Dive Into Culture
Location: Glasgow, Stirling, Glasgow
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey to Stirling, to see its hilltop fortress, which stands as a symbol of national pride. Stirling Castle was once the seat of Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. View the Wallace Monument from the castle walls, paying tribute to the Scottish hero who fought for Scotland's independence. Later, join the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard to Connect With Locals over a home-cooked Farewell Be My Guest experience, amidst tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping ceilidh tunes during lunch. Next, we head to a whiskey distillery. Here we'll Dive Into Culture and learn how whiskey is made, followed by a chance to sample a wee dram.
Day 7: Farewell Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
The rugged beauty and warmth of Scotland’s people forever in your memory, we enjoy one last hearty breakfast with our travel companions before wishing them and your Travel Director a fond farewell.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included.
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Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, are included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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Hotel Tips and Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Sightseeing
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
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Transportation
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are included.
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Ferry
Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig is included.
What's Not Included
International airfare is not included.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
Check out our Q&As
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Are tips and gratuities included in the tour price?
Yes, all porterage and restaurant gratuities, as well as all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes, are included.
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Is there any special experience included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a 'Be My Guest' experience where you will connect with locals over a home-cooked meal and enjoy ceilidh tunes during lunch.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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Is international airfare included in the tour package?
No, international airfare is not included in the tour package.
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Will there be any opportunities for whisky tasting?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to a whisky distillery where you will learn how whisky is made and have a chance to sample a wee dram.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes optional experiences and free time for you to explore on your own.
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, the tour includes must-see sightseeing with an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, as well as a Local Specialist for certain locations.
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Is there seat rotation on the coach?
Yes, your Travel Director will implement a seat rotation system, whereby all guests will rotate their seats on the coach daily. This allows for everyone to experience the spectacular views from different seats, and you’ll have a better opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
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Is luggage handling provided?
On Guided Vacations and Private Chauffeur Vacations, all luggage handling is provided at no extra charge. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes! Our hotels are personally selected by Managing Director Catherine Reilly and personally known for their quality, impeccable service and comfort, with the majority of them having air-conditioning. Note: A few hotels may not have air conditioning due to the colder climate.
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What are the coaches like?
We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches – all with reclining seats and on-board restrooms. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city center. We also have on board WiFi.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Brendan Vacations is an active supporter of the Treadright® Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than $2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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How many people will be on my trip?
You’ll find an average of 40 to 45 guests on trips throughout Europe.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided vacation with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Will I have free time?
Each itinerary offers the perfect balance of downtime and discoveries. We also give you the opportunity to tailor your trip with Optional Experiences.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. If you are travelling solo but would be happy to share your rook with another traveller of the same gender, we offer 'Twin-share' pricing on our trips. However, if you prefer the privacy of your own room, you can opt for our single supplement. The cost will depend on your trip and can be found in the pricing section of the itinerary.
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How much luggage can I bring?
On Guided Vacations, you can bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30" x 18" x 10") and weight not exceeding 23kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.
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What is a Travel Director?
Our Travel Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a passion for travel and their homelands. These experienced professionals show you what the guidebooks can't - a true insider's perspective of Ireland and Scotland. Each Travel Director has been through a bespoke training program, and many have at least five years' experience under their belt.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents (important information, itinerary and any relevant vouchers) will be provided 7-10 days prior to your trip's departure.
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What if I have special dietary requirements?
We can accommodate guests who are vegetarian and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking. Unfortunately, we're unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements. We cannot provide salt-free, Kosher, Halal, requests for specific dietary supplements such as soy milk, and high protein or low-carb meals.
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Low Deposit
Brendan Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brendan vacations charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.