Best of Scotland
Best of Scotland
Best of Scotland
7 Days Starting in Edinburgh, United Kingdom and ending in Glasgow, United Kingdom
Visiting: Edinburgh, Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye, Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, Stirling
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBOSZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 45
Age range:
6-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Battlefield Tours, Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Scotland with the "Best of Scotland" tour, where ancient history meets breathtaking landscapes. Begin your adventure in the enchanting city of Edinburgh, exploring its historic streets and iconic castle. Venture into the Scottish Highlands, visiting the legendary St. Andrews and the serene Pitlochry. Experience the haunting beauty of Culloden Battlefield and the mystical Loch Ness, before crossing to the Isle of Skye. Discover the vibrant city of Glasgow, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Enjoy a unique "Be My Guest" dinner with the Wood family, savoring traditional Scottish cuisine and lively ceilidh tunes. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and historical exploration, all while traveling in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach. With expert guides and carefully selected accommodations, this tour promises an enriching and memorable Scottish experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Novotel Edinburgh Center, Delta Hotels by Marriott.
Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Center, Delta Hotels by Marriott.
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: Novotel Edinburgh Center, Delta Hotels by Marriott.
Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Center, Delta Hotels by Marriott.
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: Scottish Highlands
Accommodation: Laggan Hotel Cairngorms, Craiglynne Hotel
Accommodation Name: Laggan Hotel Cairngorms, Craiglynne Hotel
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 or join an Optional Experience to Blair Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan Murray. 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
Location: Isle of Skye, Scotland
Accommodation: Laggan Hotel Cairngorms, Craiglynne Hotel
Accommodation Name: Laggan Hotel Cairngorms, Craiglynne Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue your journey to the tragic battlefield of Culloden. Pay tribute to the brave men who lost their lives in the Jacobite Uprising, then travel past Scotland's infamous Loch Ness. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Dundreggan Rewilding Center, to learn about the preservation of the fragile Caledonian pine forest and rare animal species. The solitary beauty of Eilean Donan Castle will leave you speechless before you continue to the coast and cross to the Isle of Skye. Heather-clad peaks provide a stunning backdrop for our scenic drive across the Sleat Peninsula. Board your ferry in Armadale and cross to Mallaig, back on the mainland.
Day 5: Journey To Thriving Glasgow
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Glasgow
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
Location: Stirling
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Madainn mhath! While your Gaelic may be a little rusty, your orientation tour around this edgy city will be anything but. Begin your day seeing Glasgow's iconic sights. Enjoy views of the Necropolis, the regal George Square and River Clyde, for over 200 years the center of shipbuilding. Later, we Dive Into Culture at a whisky distillery and enjoy a wee dram. Continue 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. After we join the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard to Connect With Locals over a home-cooked Be My Guest Farewell Dinner, amidst tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping ceilidh tunes.
Day 7: Farewell Glasgow
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
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 in the tour.
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Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, are included in the tour.
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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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Ferry
Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig is included.
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Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time are included.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your tour is not included in the tour price.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across Scotland. Enjoy scenic rail journeys and a ferry ride from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig, enhancing your exploration of this beautiful country.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
- Kinlochard: Join the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Scottish Be My Guest dinner, tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping ceilidh tunes.
Dive Into Culture
- Glasgow: Visit Clydeside Distillery for a tour and a tasting of their whisky as you learn of their long history.
Iconic Experience
- Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
- Stirling: Visit Stirling and see its castle, once the seat of Scottish royalty.
What's Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Novotel Edinburgh Center and Delta Hotels by Marriott in Edinburgh, the Laggan Hotel Cairngorms and Craiglynne Hotel in the Scottish Highlands, and the Crowne Plaza Glasgow, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional Scottish hospitality.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Dundreggan Rewilding Center, where you learn about the preservation of the Caledonian pine forest and rare animal species. Additionally, there is a 'Be My Guest' dinner with the Wood family at their 15th-century farm, featuring tales of Rob Roy and traditional ceilidh tunes.
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Will there be any opportunities to learn about Scottish history during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to historical sites such as Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and the Culloden Battlefield. You will also have the chance to learn about the Battle of Culloden at the Culloden Visitor Center.
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Are there any cultural activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow for a whisky tasting and a tour, where you can learn about the distillery's long history.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and includes a ferry ride from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig.
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Is there a focus on sustainability or environmental conservation during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Dundreggan Rewilding Center, which focuses on the reintroduction of native animal species and the reforestation of the Caledonian pine forest, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
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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.