| Your Day-by-Day Itinerary Day
1: Depart U.S. for Glasgow
Depart U.S. on your overnight flight to Glasgow, either traveling direct or via
London.
Day 2: Glasgow Arrival
Arrive in Glasgow Airport where your CIE Tours guide or representative will greet
you. Complimentary hotel transfers depart Glasgow Airport at 8:00 am, 10:00 am and 12:00
noon. Passengers arriving later will transfer to the hotel at their own expense. At 3:00
pm take a coach tour around the main attractions of Glasgow. See the red sandstone
Victorian buildings and some of the delightful parks. Pass Glasgow Cathedral and the River
Clyde, once famous for its shipbuilding industry. Visit the extensive Museum of Transport
featuring many Scottish inventions. Chat with your guide and fellow travelers over a
welcoming drink before dinner. (D)
Day 3: Stirling Castle & Glen Coe
Depart Glasgow and visit Stirling Castle, first erected 900 years ago. Its location
on a rocky crag was vital for control and defense of the Forth River valley. It became a
royal residence for the House of Stewart where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned in 1543.
Drive through the Trossachs, a scenic region of wooded hills and small lochs that is
associated with Rob Roy MacGregor. Continue your journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor
and through Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the massacre of the Clan Macdonald
in 1692. At the end of the glen arrive at Loch Linnhe, an inlet of the sea, and check into
your hotel in Ballachulish. (B, D)
Day 4: Isle of Skye
Drive through Fort William and past the Glenfinnan Monument to Mallaig. Take a
short ferry ride to the Isle of Skye, made famous by Bonnie Prince Charlie's flight after
his defeat at Culloden Moor. Visit the Clan Donald Visitor Centre in Armadale Castle that
narrates the story of the Macdonald Clan and the history of Skye. Drive across part of the
island and return to the mainland by the Kyle of Lochalsh Bridge. Stop for photos at the
romantic Eilean Donan Castle set in Loch Duich before driving through dramatic scenery
around Glen Shiel and Invergarry. Return to your hotel through Fort William. (B, D)
Day 5: The Great Glen & Whisky Tasting
Drive to Fort Augustus, which sits at the southern end of the famous Loch Ness.
Travel beside Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the famous monster and enjoying the scenic
views of this delightful body of water. Stop in Inverness, a popular marketing town,
before continuing past Culloden Battlefield to the Spey Valley, where a huge number of
whisky distilleries are located. Stop at Glenfiddich Distillery to see how malted barley
and water combine to make whisky and sample a "wee dram." Drive to Blairs on the
outskirts of Aberdeen to your elegant 19th century mansion in time for dinner. (B, D)
Day 6: Aberdeen & Crathes Castle
Visit Crathes Castle which dates from 1323 and contains a wealth of fine
furnishings, china and portraits. Then drive into Aberdeen to visit the old city center
including St. Machar's Cathedral. After some free time drive along the River Dee Valley,
favored by Queen Victoria and most of the Royal Family since her era. Stop in the
attractive town of Ballater where many shops show a royal warrant, indicating patronage by
the Royal Family. Visit a farm to sample freshly baked scones and tea and learn about
Aberdeen Angus cattle. Return to Blairs in time to relax before dinner at your hotel. (B,
D)
Day 7: Glamis Castle & St. Andrews
Travel south through the lush countryside of Aberdeenshire to visit Glamis Castle,
the legendary setting of 'Macbeth' and childhood home of the Queen Mother. Drive across
the modern Tay Bridge to St. Andrews where golf originated. See the famous Royal and
Ancient Clubhouse and enjoy free time to visit the British Golf Museum or browse through
the medieval town with its cathedral and castle. Drive south into Edinburgh, Scotland's
capital. At this evening's entertaining cabaret sample Scottish specialties, including
haggis, and enjoy bagpipe music, dancing and storytelling. (B, D)
Day 8: Edinburgh Highlights
This morning discover Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Drive along Princes Street,
the main shopping thoroughfare and compare the wide streets and elegant mansions of the
Georgian "New Town" with the narrow lanes and tall townhouses along the Royal
Mile, the oldest part of the city. Pass the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish
residence of the Queen. Finish your tour at the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you can
see many historic buildings and enjoy a splendid view of Edinburgh. The afternoon and
evening are free for independent activities. On July 27 to August 17 departures enjoy the
Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. (B)
Day 9: Depart for Home
Your tour ends at Glasgow Airport at 8:00 am this morning to allow you plenty of
time for check in procedures and duty free shopping before boarding the aircraft for your
return to the United States. (B)
What Your Tour
Includes
9 days/7 nights/13 meals
- Round trip flights between U.S. & Scotland
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Services of a professional Scottish tour director
- Superior first class hotels with private bath/or shower for 7 nights
- 7 full Scottish breakfasts (B)
- 6 dinners (D) including
- 5 table d'hote dinners
- Scottish cabaret with dinner in Edinburgh
- Welcome get-together drink
- Ferry ride to the Isle of Skye
- Tea and scones at a Scottish farmhouse
- Whisky tasting and tour of Glenfiddich Distillery
- Reserved seats for Edinburgh Military Tattoo on departures July 27 to August 17
- Visits and admissions to Museum of Transport, Stirling Castle, Clan Donald
Visitor Centre, Crathes Castle, Glamis Castle, St. Andrews and Edinburgh Castle
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
- All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per
person
Your
Hotels
Stay at the following (or similar):
- Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor, Glasgow (1 night)
- Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish (2 nights)
- Ardoe House Hotel, Blairs (2 nights)
- Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh (2 nights)
Departure
Dates & Rates

Early Payment
Discount
Inclusive air prices reflect savings of between $85 & $170 per person when
airfare is paid at least 90 days prior to departure. Book early and save. For travel from
Chicago ask about special airfares with Aer Lingus.
General Conditions for All
Tours |