Scottish Dream Tour 8 Day
Itinerary
Day 1 - Sun: Glasgow City
Tour
Arrive
in Glasgow Airport where your CIE Tours tour director or representative will
greet you. Complimentary group transfers depart Glasgow Airport at 8:00 am,
10:00 am or 12:00 noon. Passengers arriving later will transfer to the hotel at
their own expense. Your hotel is centrally located within easy reach of major
attractions and the shops of Buchanan Street. At 3:00 pm take a coach tour to
see the main attractions of Glasgow including red sandstone Victorian buildings,
delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral and the River Clyde, once famous for
shipbuilding. Visit extensive collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum,
originally opened in 1901 and recently refurbished. Chat with your tour director
and fellow travellers over a welcome drink before dinner. (D)
Day 2 - Mon: Loch Lomond Cruise &
Loch Ness
Depart
Glasgow and drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond with views of Ben Lomond
and other Highland peaks. At Tarbet embark on a short cruise to appreciate the
beauty and peacefulness of this famous loch and admire panoramic views. Then
journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe, a spectacular glen
made famous by the Campbells' massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Travel
beside Loch Ness and pause for photos at the huge ruins of Urquhart Castle
before continuing to your hotel in the centre of Inverness. After dinner enjoy a
special ceilidh, traditional Scottish entertainment with singers, a piper and
Highland dancers in your hotel. (B, D)
Day 3 - Tue: Sheepdog Trials &
Culloden Battlefield
Enjoy
a leisurely day of discovery in the lovely countryside and majestic Highland
scenery. Just south of Aviemore visit Leault Farm to see a team of dogs herd
sheep and ducks through various obstacles. Learn how each dog responds to
individual whistles and meet collie puppies, bottle-feed orphan lambs and see
sheep-shearing. Drive to Culloden Moor to tour
the Visitor Centre. Walk around the battlefield where, on 16th April 1746,
British Government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart in
just one hour and ended hopes of restoring the Jacobite Stuarts to the British
throne. Return to Inverness
mid-afternoon to relax or browse around on your own before dinner. (B,
D)
Day 4 - Wed: Glenfiddich Whisky Distillery
& Shortbread
Drive along the coastal route through Nairn and
Elgin and head south into Speyside, the region where many of Scotland's famous
distilleries are located. Stop in Craigellachie to visit the family-owned
Speyside Cooperage which produces fine casks from American oak using traditional
methods and tools. Although shipped around the world, most of the casks supply a
vital component to Scotland's whisky-making process. A few miles further on tour
the Glenfiddich Distillery and enjoy a "wee dram." In Huntly visit Dean's to
watch staff make Scottish shortbread and learn about its history. Continue to
Blairs to your elegant 19th century mansion in time for dinner. (B, D)
Day 5 - Thu: Crathes Castle & Royal
Deeside
Visit Crathes Castle, a fairytale Renaissance castle
completed in 1594 with a wealth of fine furnishings. Take time to walk through
the wonderful gardens. Drive along the charming River Dee Valley, called "Royal
Deeside" as it was first favoured by Queen Victoria. Stop in Braemar, where the
Royal Family attends Highland games that are held each summer. Return through
Royal Deeside passing Balmoral Castle where the Royal Family vacations during
August and visit their lovely Crathie Church. Near the village of Banchory stop at the Falls of Feugh, a charming tea shop, which is
popular with local people. Sample afternoon tea with delicious freshly-baked
scones and enjoy a talk on Highland life. Return to Blairs for some free time to
relax before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)
Day 6 - Fri: St. Andrews & Coast of
Fife
Travel
south through the lush countryside of Aberdeenshire and cross the modern
Tay Bridge to St.
Andrews, the "Home of Golf." See the famous Royal and Ancient
Clubhouse and the Old Course and enjoy free time to visit the British Golf
Museum or browse through the medieval town with its cathedral and castle. Take
the coastal route south through the picturesque "East Neuk" fishing villages.
While fishing is no longer the main industry, the towns retain an old-world
charm. Stop for a walk around the cobbled streets of
Anstruther, a rabbit-warren of alleyways and
wynds. Continue south into Edinburgh and check in to your hotel in the
New Town. In the evening head to the cosy Beehive Inn for an informal pub dinner
and then join a local guide for a fun walking tour to discover the haunts of
Edinburgh's many colourful characters. (B, D)
Day 7 - Sat: Edinburgh Castle & City
Tour
This
morning explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Compare and contrast the wide
streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old "New Town" with the
narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of
the city. See Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare that separates the
two areas. Learn about many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors and writers.
Finish your tour at the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you can see historic
buildings and enjoy a splendid view of Edinburgh. In the afternoon take an
open-top hop-on hop-off independent bus tour to see more of this great city. On
August 01 to 22 departures enjoy the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.
(B)
Day 8 - Sun: Depart Edinburgh Airport or
Extend your Stay
If
you are on an 8-day tour, your vacation ends with a group transfer to arrive at
Edinburgh Airport by 6:30 am or 9:00 am. This will allow you plenty of time for
check-in procedures and duty-free shopping before boarding the aircraft for your
return home. A transfer to Glasgow Airport will be provided on request at a cost
of €50 per person. If you have booked our 9-day tour, spend an additional day in
Edinburgh on your own. As your open-top bus tour pass is valid for 24 hours, you
may continue to use it in the morning. Then take a shuttle bus transfer to
Edinburgh Airport on following day. (B)
Breakfast ( B) Dinner ( D)