Discover Scotland

From the rugged sea-sprayed islands, to its stately castles drenched in history, Scotland's treasures are diverse and compelling. Explore the regal city of Edinburgh. Learn the secrets of making Scotch whisky during a tour and tasting of the smallest distillery in Scotland. See the remarkable Ring of Brodgar, reported to be older than Stonehenge. Stop in St. Andrews, home of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Discover the ancient, Neolithic village uncovered at Skara Brae, and dating back to 3200 B.C.E.

Highlights

  • Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, St. Andrews, Dunrobin Castle*, Orkney Islands, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Stirling Castle

    Collette Experience

  • Experience the Orkney Islands during a full-day guided excursion.
  • See magnificent Edinburgh Castle, a stone fortress perched high above the city.
  • Search for the infamous Loch Ness Monster from the beautiful shores of Loch Ness.
  • Learn the art of producing Scotch whisky during a distillery tour and tasting.
  • Witness the remarkable skills of working Scottish sheep dogs.

    • Details

    Tour Operator
    Collette Vacations
    Offer
    Offer valid through 8/31/2010
    Duration
    10 Days
    DayDestinationDescription
    Air 1Overnight FlightOvernight Flight : An overnight flight transports you to a country of stunning landscapes, lively cities, stirring history and distinct myths and stories.
    Day 2EdinburghEdinburgh, Scotland - Tour Begins : Your tour begins in Edinburgh. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a lovely welcome dinner.

    Todaydinnerwill be included.
    Day 3EdinburghEdinburgh : A locally guided tour of this regal city includes Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels, and the Palace of Holyrood*, the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. This afternoon you have free time to explore the city or strike up conversations with the locals to hear stories in their distinctive brogue.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 4AviemoreEdinburgh - St. Andrews - Pitlochry - Aviemore : Travel to St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf, to see the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Next, stop at Pitlochry, a vibrant Victorian town. There is time to explore before visiting the Edradour Whisky Distillery, the smallest distillery in Scotland. Taste and see for yourself why Highland malt whisky is considered the world's finest. Continue to Aviemore, Scotland's premiere highland resort.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 5ThursoAviemore - Inverness - Thurso : At Inverness, visit the prehistoric burial ground of Clava Cairns where some of the graves date back to 3,000 B.C. Then, visit Culloden Battlefield where, in April 1746, a half-hour battle changed the course of history and the lives of the Highland people. Next, visit the majestic Dunrobin Castle**, built in 1275. Enjoy a fascinating falconry display in the formal gardens overlooking the North Sea. Later, soak in the breathtaking coastal drive along windswept cliffs that overlook Scotland's pristine Moray Firth. Your day concludes in Thurso where you will visit Caithness Horizons, Thurso's museum of natural resources.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 6ThursoThurso - Orkney Islands - Thurso : A full day of adventure awaits in the Orkney Islands. Traveling to Gill's Bay, board a ferry bound for St. Margaret's Hope. On the crossing you'll see seabirds, perhaps porpoises and seals, and if you are very lucky, the family of otters that live in Gill's Bay! A local guide introduces this magical place that very few visitors to Scotland get to experience. Visit the Italian Chapel and Skara Brae where you will discover the remains of a Neolithic village built at the same time as Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Next, pass the prehistoric Ring of Brodgar, reported to be older than Stonehenge. Visit the town of Viking Kirkwall before returning to the mainland.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 7BallachulishThurso - Loch Ness - Ballachulish : Today, enjoy stunning and unspoiled landscapes as you travel through Inverness, known for people who delight in the craic - Gaelic for "light hearted chat." Take in the panorama of Loch Ness, one of Britain's most scenic bodies of water. Keep your eyes open - you never know when Nessie will appear! Here, enjoy a visit to the striking ruins of Urquhart Castle. Travel through the Great Glen, famous for its many lochs (lakes), before arriving at your hotel situated on lovely Loch Linnhe.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 8BallachulishBallachulish - Isle of Skye - Ballachulish : Take the stunningly beautiful ride along the "Road to the Isles" and over the Skye Bridge to the legendary Isle of Skye, also known in poetry and song as Eilean a' Cheo (The Misty Isle). Enjoy dramatic views of the Cuillin Hills. Then, visit Armadale Castle and Gardens*** and the Museum of the Isles where you will learn about island life and the history of Skye. Conclude your visit with views of the isle from yet another vantage point during a ferry crossing back to the mainland. Returning to Ballachulish, see Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied the clansmen for battle during the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 9DrymenBallachulish - Drymen : Begin your day with a delightful sheep dog demonstration and the opportunity to learn about Scottish farming at the Scottish Wool Centre in Aberfoyle. Continue to Stirling Castle, first erected 900 years ago and formerly used as a royal residence for the House of Stewart - this is where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned in 1543. Join your fellow travelers for a Scottish farewell dinner complete with Scottish piper.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 10Tour endsDrymen - Tour Ends : Your tour of Scotland comes to a close in Drymen.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    September 08, 2010$1,649.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    September 22, 2010$1,649.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    October 13, 2010$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    March 09, 2011$1,399.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    March 23, 2011$1,399.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    April 04, 2011$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    April 06, 2011$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    April 11, 2011$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    April 27, 2011$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    Lodging
    Apex International or Apex City, Edinburgh
    Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort, Aviemore
    Royal Hotel, Thurso
    Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish
    Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish
    Winnock Hotel, Drymen
    Disclaimer
    Note
    Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.

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