Country Roads of Scotland - Classic Group

Country Roads of Scotland - Classic Group

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Country Roads of Scotland - Classic Group

9 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Glasgow, Scotland

Visiting: Edinburgh, Inverness, Thurso, Orkney Islands, Skye, Glencoe, Glasgow

Tour operator:

Brendan Vacations

Tour code:

B905ZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 45

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

6-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

UK tours by Coach

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes of Scotland with the "Country Roads of Scotland - Classic Group" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the historic streets of Edinburgh to the vibrant city of Glasgow, with stops at iconic locations such as the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and the Orkney Islands. Discover the rich cultural heritage of Scotland as you explore Edinburgh Castle, the ancient village of Skara Brae, and the dramatic Cuillin Hills. Enjoy authentic Scottish hospitality with stays in charming hotels and savor local delicacies, including a traditional afternoon tea at Atholl Palace. Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned coach, ensuring a seamless and relaxing journey. This tour not only offers breathtaking scenery and cultural insights but also supports sustainable tourism initiatives, making it a truly enriching experience.

Highlights

  • Wick: Visit the Wick Heritage Museum and share a wee dram with a master distiller.

  • Edinburgh: Witness the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and visit Edinburgh Castle.

  • St. Andrews: Explore the university town and see the historic golf course.

  • Inverness: Discover the history at Culloden Visitor Center and explore the city.

  • Loch Ness: Drive along the shores in search of the legendary monster.

  • Isle of Skye: See the dramatic Cuillin Hills and enjoy the scenic beauty.

  • Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of the picturesque castle on an island in the Loch.

  • Glencoe: Join a ranger to learn about the protection of the rare ecosystem.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation: Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh

Meals Included: Dinner

Join your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant. On select departures, during your time in Edinburgh you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colorful 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: Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh

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 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: Inverness

Accommodation: Kingsmills, Inverness

Accommodation Name: Kingsmills, Inverness

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 Atholl Palace and Gardens for a delicious cream tea. Originally opened in Victorian times, the hotel retains many traditional features.

Day 4: Culloden, Loch Ness and onto Thurso

Location: Thurso

Accommodation: The Pentland, Thurso

Accommodation Name: The Pentland, Thurso

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Keep your eyes peeled for the Loch Ness monster this morning during a scenic drive along the legendary lake. See Culloden Battlefield in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Center. Next, with Brendan Choice discover the fishing port of Wick. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskies. 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: Orkney Islands

Accommodation: The Pentland, Thurso

Accommodation Name: The Pentland, Thurso

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start the day by boarding 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 Travel Director accompanies you as you visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the old Norse Town of Kirkwall, 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: Skye

Accommodation: The Dunollie, Broadford

Accommodation Name: The Dunollie, Broadford

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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: Glencoe

Accommodation: Ballachulish, Glencoe

Accommodation Name: Ballachulish, Glencoe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take in this wild and beautiful landscape 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 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: Glasgow

Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Glasgow

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Glasgow

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

Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of Scotland as you transfer to the airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Enjoy 8 nights' accommodation in a variety of charming hotels, including the Malmaison Hotel in Edinburgh, Kingsmills in Inverness, The Pentland in Thurso, The Dunollie in Broadford, and the Radisson Blu in Glasgow.

  • Transport

    Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coach is sanitized before the start of your tour and maintained to very high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.

  • Dining

    6 Dinners, 8 Breakfasts, and 1 Afternoon Tea are included.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • International Travel

    International flights to and from the tour are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coach is sanitized before the start of your tour and maintained to very high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.

Dining Summary

  • 6 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
  • Additional Included Highlights

  • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with us, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
  • Authentic Dining

  • Edinburgh: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers.
  • Pitlochry: Atholl Palace, built as a Victorian Baronial retreat, is over 130 years old. The Palace plays host to your afternoon tea. You are welcomed into the banqueting room to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by sandwiches, scones, Scottish shortbread and traditional Scottish tablet.
  • Glencoe: Your adventure culminates with a wonderful evening enjoying the best Highland hospitality and market-fresh ingredients.
  • Brendan Choice

  • Wick: Visit the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum to gain a full picture of this once thriving fishing community and how your visit helps keep the story of this town alive.  The Wick Society is committed to preserving and promoting Wick's proud heritage for the inspiration of future generations. They collect, collate and display the many artefacts that tell the history of Wick and their community ethos is one of welcome and sharing. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
  • Wick: Share a wee dram with a master distiller as you appreciate the distinctive flavors of a selection of whiskies.
  • Brendan Experiences

  • Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy.
  • Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of the luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
  • Check out our Q&As

    • What unique experiences can I expect during the tour?

      During the tour, you can expect to visit the Wick Heritage Museum to learn about the history of the fishing community, share a wee dram with a master distiller, and join a ranger in Glencoe to learn about the protection of the ecosystem and reintroduction of indigenous species. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Orkney Islands and visit historical sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar.

    • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

      The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coach is sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.

    • Are there any special dining experiences included in the tour?

      Yes, the tour includes several special dining experiences such as a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant in Edinburgh, a traditional afternoon tea at Atholl Palace in Pitlochry, and a wonderful evening enjoying Highland hospitality and market-fresh ingredients in Glencoe.

    • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

      The tour includes 8 nights' accommodation in a variety of charming hotels, including the Malmaison Hotel in Edinburgh, Kingsmills in Inverness, The Pentland in Thurso, The Dunollie in Broadford, and the Radisson Blu in Glasgow.

    • What is the focus of the Make Travel Matter® experiences on this tour?

      The Make Travel Matter® experiences focus on sustainable tourism and conservation. In Glencoe, you will learn about the protection of the rare ecosystem and the reintroduction of indigenous species. Your visit supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • How many people will be on my trip?

      You’ll find an average of 40 to 45 guests on trips throughout Europe.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    Reviews of this operator

    Emily Melvin (Google Reviewer)  

    In December 2023 I took...

    17-Jun-2024

    In December 2023 I took a Brendan Vacations Locally Hosted Rail journey, and it was incredible! The trip was perfectly planned, and everything was top-notch from the hotels to the trains and the sightseeing tours. Even though I was traveling on my own, I never felt alone because in each city I was met by a local host who was able to provide restaurant recommendations and insider information that only a local can know. Plus, I loved traveling in the winter as there were no crowds when exploring the famed Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher and the hotels were beautifully decorated for Christmas. Working with Brendan Vacations was a breeze and took a lot of pressure off of me as I didn’t have to spend hours of my time researching and planning the trip. The hotels they booked fit my needs and they were able to suggest experiences that I wouldn’t have thought of myself. The highlight was staying at Dromoland Castle and doing the falconry experience – it’s a memory I’ll never forget. Thank you, Brendan Vacations! I can’t wait to return to the Celtic Isles with you.

    Krista Erickson (Google Reviewer)  

    Do you want to see...

    23-Apr-2020

    Do you want to see Ireland your way? Brendan Vacations did an amazing job setting us up with a Self-Drive through the county. They reserved a Hertz vehicle which we found the rental process to be seamless, placed us in wonderful hotels near city centers per our request and even suggested some places to visit and eat. We tend to be bucket list seekers so climbing Ireland’s country highpoint Carrauntoohil in beautiful County Kerry was a highlight of our trip. Our next stop is Scotland and hiking up Ben Nevis with the help of Brendan Vacations the true Celtic Experts.

    Mackenzie Gerber (Google Reviewer)  

    Brendan Vacations made all my...

    23-Apr-2020

    Brendan Vacations made all my Ireland dreams come true. My husband and I took a Private Chauffeur trip last August and we think back on it almost daily. The level of service and detail from our Chauffeur to the people behind the scenes scheduling our activities and hotels made it easy for us just to relax the entire time. Thank you to the amazing Brendan team for an unforgettable vacation.

    Katie Jessup (Google Reviewer)  

    This last summer I planned...

    23-Apr-2020

    This last summer I planned a trip to take my family to Ireland, being from England the United Kingdom has always been very special to me I just love the outdoors and the people. Living in the US my family have never visited Ireland before so I decided I wanted to plan with them a trip where we could explore this this amazing place. When we started writing down the key places that we wanted to visit we realized it was a lot from Belfast to Derry, Dublin to Galway and Killarney to Cork I was just not sure how I could piece all of this together. I decided I would look for help and the team at Brendan vacations were my superstars, all I had to do was give them my itinerary and they took care of everything else for me. They made our trip so easy and effortless to plan and they offered little extras because they knew we were a multi-generational family traveling together. They even helped us book and plan activities while we were visiting Ireland from the Cliffs of Moher to the Giants Causeway. By far my favorite moment was seeing my 7 year old daughter's face when we had the opportunity to take a horse drawn carriage ride through Killarney National Park, without my Brendan vacation specialist recommending this to me we would have missed out and I know it was a highlight for little Charlie. Thank you Brendan vacations for taking our trip personally and truly helping create memories that will last us a lifetime. We are already talking about going back to Ireland and our next adventure.

    Tara Ward-Burgess (Google Reviewer)  

    We recently took a 13...

    16-May-2024

    We recently took a 13 day chauffeured tour of Ireland. Brendan Vacations scheduled our chauffeur through Pat Keough Tours and our driver, Andy Burke, was outstanding. If we mentioned particular places of interest along the way Andy would find a way to make it happen. He has the best sense of humor, is professional, and very knowledgeable. We hope to use Andy for future trips.

    Tam (Google Reviewer)  

    Brendan Vacations is amazing!!! In...

    28-Apr-2020

    Brendan Vacations is amazing!!! In my opinion it was the only way to fully experience Ireland. We did a private chauffeur trip with our family. There were 4 adults and 3 children ranging from 7 to 12 years old and all of us were completely entertained the entire time. From the moment we were picked up at the airport it was clear that then attention to details was unmatched. We were able to be completely immersed into the incredible culture and people of Ireland. The tour took us around most of the country from the city of Dublin to the picturesque town of Killarney. We experience the Majestic Cliffs of Moher from a unique perspective taking a ferry ride along the coastline which was beautiful. Next we went to the AMAZING Ashford castle which was straight out of a story book. There were so things to do, our family loved fishing, zipplining, horseback riding and falconry. Throughout our trip we went on walking tours in the cities, stayed in enchanting castles and manars, and even horse drawn carriage ride through a historic park surrounded by lakes and beautiful scenery. Everyday we saw unbelievable countrysides, had yummy stews and Irish ales. The people were all welcoming and nice in every city and town. Our chauffeur made us feel comfortable and was professional which made the trip fun and relaxing throughout our many adventures. Ireland was full of rich history, memorable landscapes, music and dancing. We can't thank Brendan Vacations enough for making our vacation stress free and so unforgettable, what an adventure!

    Amy Yarruhs (Google Reviewer)  

    I did the Irish Highlights...

    02-Feb-2024

    I did the Irish Highlights tour last October and it blew any expectations I had of guided tours out of the water! It was my first time out of the US and they made it so easy and comfortable. Our Travel Director, Maeve, and Driver, Stevie, were absolutely wonderful and super knowledgeable. The whole trip was very organized and well-planned. There were 2 main experiences that stand out to me as different than other tour companies. The first were the Make Travel Matter experiences which were hosted by locals and focused on sustainability (a huge plus for me) and their Be My Guest experience where we got to eat in celebrity chef, Catherine Fulvio's farmhouse! I still dream about her cooking months later. All in all, I would highly recommend Brendan Vacations and I can't wait to visit Ireland again.

    Stan Kap (Google Reviewer)  

    Excellent local hosts and nice...

    18-Sep-2024

    Excellent local hosts and nice accommodations. However, very poor customer support. We had to make last minute change in hotel and ground transportation but Brendan provided us zero help. Further, opaque pricing of trip add-ons with no documentation. Overall, we cannot recommend this company.

    Book with Confidence

    • 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.

    • 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.

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