Country Roads of Scotland - Classic Group
Country Roads of Scotland - Classic Group
$4770
Country Roads of Scotland - Classic Group
9 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Glasgow, Scotland
Visiting: Edinburgh, Inverness, Thurso, Orkney Islands, Skye, Glencoe, Glasgow
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B905N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Wildlife Tours
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Country Roads of Scotland - Classic Group" tour and immerse yourself in the rich heritage and stunning landscapes of Scotland. Starting in Edinburgh, explore the historic city with visits to Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Journey through the picturesque towns of St. Andrews and Inverness, and keep an eye out for the legendary Loch Ness monster. Discover the ancient wonders of the Orkney Islands, and experience the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Skye. Enjoy traditional Scottish hospitality with afternoon teas, whisky tastings, and dinners featuring market-fresh ingredients. Conclude your adventure in Glasgow, having traversed the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and the serene shores of Loch Lomond.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Malmaison, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Dinner
Join your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant. On select departures, during your time in Edinburgh you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Day 2: Edinburgh, The Capital Of Culture
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Malmaison, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. In the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the King. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is at leisure; why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery?
Day 3: To St. Andrews And The Highland Capital Of Inverness
Location: Inverness
Accommodation Name: Kingsmills, Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course, home of golf since its creation in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Alternatively, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Stop at Atholl Palace and Gardens for a delicious cream tea. Originally opened in Victorian times, the hotel retains many traditional features. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley.
Day 4: Culloden, Loch Ness And Onto Thurso
Location: Thurso
Accommodation Name: The Pentland, Thurso
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Keep your eyes peeled for the Loch Ness monster this morning during a scenic drive along the legendary lake. See Culloden Battlefield in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre. Next, with Insight Choice discover the fishing port of Wick. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskies. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum and hear about the past of this once thriving fishing community.
Day 5: A Day In The Orkney Islands
Location: Orkney Islands
Accommodation Name: The Pentland, Thurso
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start the day by boarding the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquillity supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water.’ Your Travel Director accompanies you as you visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the old Norse Town of Kirkwall, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II.
Day 6: Over The Sea To Skye
Location: Skye
Accommodation Name: The Dunollie, Broadford
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through stunning, pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie and see the dramatic Cuillin Hills.
Day 7: Through The Scottish Highlands To Glencoe Relaxed Start
Location: Glencoe
Accommodation Name: Ballachulish, Glencoe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning explore this wild and beautiful island on your own, before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there is a fine view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe. Join a ranger for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy market-fresh Scottish ingredients and wine, as you get together with your newfound friends for a sumptuous dinner. Don't be surprised if, by the end of the evening, you're 'Toasting to the Lassies' or singing 'Auld Lang Syne'.
Day 8: Along The Bonnie Banks Of Loch Lomond To Glasgow Relaxed Start
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to Sir Walter Scott and the largest in Great Britain. Perhaps experience the beauty and tranquillity of the loch with an optional cruise before continuing to Glasgow? An orientation drive through the city will show you the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Then the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Day 9: Depart Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of Scotland as you transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Meals
6 Dinners (D), 8 Breakfasts (B), and 1 Afternoon Tea (AT) are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Wick: Visit the Wick Heritage Museum or appreciate the distinctive flavors of a selection of whiskies with a master distiller.
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Edinburgh Military Tattoo
On select departures, attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance, and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
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Local Expert Tours
Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of Edinburgh, including the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scott Memorial, New Town, and Edinburgh Castle.
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Visits to Historical Sites
Visit various historical sites including Edinburgh Castle, St. Andrews, Culloden Battlefield, Skara Brae, and the Ring of Brodgar.
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Scenic Drives
Enjoy scenic drives along Loch Ness, the northern coast, and the Valley of Glencoe.
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Ferry to Orkney Islands
Board the ferry to the Orkney Islands and visit Skara Brae, Kirkwall, and the Italian Chapel.
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Accommodation
Stay at various accommodations including Malmaison in Edinburgh, Kingsmills in Inverness, The Pentland in Thurso, The Dunollie in Broadford, Ballachulish in Glencoe, and Radisson Blu in Glasgow.
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MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
Participate in experiences that support sustainable tourism, such as visiting the Wick Heritage Museum and learning about the protection of the ecosystem in Glencoe.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a cruise on Loch Lomond are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour starting and ending points are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and other service providers are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Scotland's stunning landscapes by comfortable coach, with ferry crossings to the Orkney Islands and the Isle of Skye, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey.
Accommodation
Stay in charming accommodations such as the Malmaison in Edinburgh, Kingsmills in Inverness, The Pentland in Thurso, The Dunollie in Broadford, and Ballachulish in Glencoe, offering a blend of traditional and modern comforts.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect in Wick?
In Wick, you can visit the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum to learn about the town's fishing history and community. Alternatively, you can appreciate the distinctive flavors of a selection of whiskies with a master distiller.
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What unique experience is offered in Glencoe?
In Glencoe, you will join a ranger to learn about the protection of the rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. This visit supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Orkney Islands?
During the visit to the Orkney Islands, you will see the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the old Norse Town of Kirkwall, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, and a small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II.
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What is included in the visit to Edinburgh Castle?
At Edinburgh Castle, you will view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg, and other artifacts with a Local Expert.
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What kind of meal experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes 6 dinners, 8 breakfasts, and 1 afternoon tea. You will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Atholl Palace, a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant in Edinburgh, and a wonderful evening with Highland hospitality in Glencoe.
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What is the significance of the visit to Culloden Battlefield?
The visit to Culloden Battlefield is significant as it is where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. You will also visit the Culloden Visitor Centre to learn more about this historic event.
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What kind of activities are available in Loch Lomond?
In Loch Lomond, you will have time to explore the beautiful 'Queen of Scottish Lochs'. There is also an optional cruise available to experience the beauty and tranquility of the loch.
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What can I expect during the visit to St. Andrews?
In St. Andrews, you will pass the Old Course, home of golf since the 15th century, and have free time to explore. You can stroll to West Sands Beach, where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed, or visit St. Andrews University.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 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.
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Terms and Conditions