Country Roads of Scotland - Classic Group
Country Roads of Scotland - Classic Group
Country Roads of Scotland - Classic Group
9 Days Starting in Edinburgh, UK and ending in Glasgow, UK
Visiting: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Blair Atholl, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness, Wick, Thurso, Orkney, Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, Skye, Kyle of Lochalsh, Eilean Donan, Commando Memorial, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B905ZN19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Set foot on the stomping grounds of the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, see the grand Georgian architecture of Glasgow and sail across the sea to the Isle of Skye—the most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Join Local Experts on this grand Gaelic tour as you pass Britain’s northernmost point at John O’Groats and board a ferry to the Orkney Islands. Enjoy a quieter pace of life on these tranquil isles as you explore the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. In Wick, whet your whistle with a wee dram of whisky at the Old Pulteney Distillery or visit the fascinating Heritage Museum on this Insight Choice. After exploring the charming cobbled streets of St. Andrews, take afternoon tea at Blair Castle—the historic home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Malmaison Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner, with Wine
Welcome to Scotland - land of legends and romance, from the great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands. On arrival at Edinburgh airport, transfers depart for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00. Then the rest of the day is yours to relax before joining your Travel Director at 16:30 for a Welcome Dinner with wine 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: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Malmaison Hotel
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, the Stone of Destiny 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: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Blair Atholl, Inverness
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pentahotel & Kingsmills Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Afternoon Tea with Wine
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. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Tour the magnificent ballroom and learn about the history of the estate. During your visit relish a delicious cream tea. Continue to Inverness, where your luxury hotel is set within four acres of manicured grounds.
Day 4 : Culloden, Loch Ness And Onto Thurso
Location: Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness, Wick, Thurso
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Norseman Hotel & The Pentland Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine
See Culloden Moor in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre before continuing along the shores of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary monster! Next, follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Explore Wick with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskeys. 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: Thurso, Orkney, Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, Orkney, Thurso
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Pentland Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine
Start the day by driving to the most northerly inhabited village in mainland Britain, John O’Groats. Board 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 Local Expert accompanies you as you visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, 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: Thurso, Skye
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Dunollie Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine
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: Skye, Kyle of Lochalsh, Eilean Donan, Commando Memorial, Glencoe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ballachulish Hotel & Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine
Travel through the ever changing scenery of this beautiful island, 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 Celebration 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: Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Hotel
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
Departure transfers arrive at Glasgow airport at 06:30 and 09:00.
What's Included
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Meals
As per detailed in itinerary
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Fully Guided
Yes. An experience Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local speciality representing the destination
What's Not Included
Not included in the tour package.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the tipping policy?
Hotel and restaurant tips are included. All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are also included.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. An experience Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local speciality representing the destination
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
The fitness level is low - These tours generally have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day and may involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Complimentary arrival and departure transfer by shuttle coach is included on the arrival and departure day of your guided holiday. If your flight times do not coincide with the shuttle coach transfer timings you may choose to book and purchase a transfer.
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What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 40 guests.
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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