Scenic Scotland - Small Group

Scenic Scotland - Small Group

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Scenic Scotland - Small Group

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

Visiting: Glasgow, Scotland, Glasgow, Oban, Isle of Mull, Inverness, Edinburgh

Tour operator:

Brendan Vacations

Tour code:

SBSCON26

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:

Small Group

Activities:

Whisky Tasting

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland with the "Scenic Scotland - Small Group" tour. This immersive experience begins in Glasgow, where you'll explore grand public buildings and enjoy a traditional Scottish tea at Ardgowan House. Discover the historic Stirling Castle and the serene beauty of Loch Lomond. Travel to the Isle of Mull and Iona Abbey, and delve into the rich history of Scottish royalty. In Inverness, choose between a Loch Ness cruise or a whisky tour at Glen Ord Distillery. Conclude your adventure in Edinburgh, exploring iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This tour not only offers stunning scenery and cultural insights but also supports sustainable practices and local communities.

Highlights

  • Loch Ness: Enjoy a scenic cruise and hear tales of the legendary Nessie.

  • Scottish Highlands: Discover the whisky-making process at Glen Ord Distillery.

  • Glasgow: Explore grand public buildings like George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

  • Stirling Castle: Delve into the history of one of Scotland's most important castles.

  • Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle and see the Scottish Crown Jewels.

  • Isle of Mull: Take a ferry to explore Iona Abbey and the burial ground of Scottish kings.

  • Inverness: Learn about rewilding efforts and the reintroduction of native species.

Places You'll See

Palace Of Holyroodhouse

Edinburgh Castle

Loch Ness, Scotland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Glasgow

Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Accommodation Name: Voco Grand Central

Meals Included: Dinner

Glasgow, the undisputed capital of Scottish culture, offers endless opportunities for the curious traveler. As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow boasts more than 20 museums and art galleries that may tempt you upon arrival. After you meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers, celebrate your first night of your tour over dinner.

Day 2: Glasgow Full Day Relaxed Start

Location: Glasgow

Accommodation Name: Voco Grand Central

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Embark on a City Tour Orientation drive with your Travel Director who reveals Glasgow’s grand public buildings including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. The morning continues with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Ardgowan House where Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart welcomes you to his family castle set on a 10,000-acre coastal estate. Not only do you get to dine with a Baronet, but your host even gets involved with the food preparation. Work up an appetite walking amid the beech trees while learning about the Shaw Stewart family. Then return to the castle for a sumptuous afternoon tea of finger sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients, freshly baked scones, cream, jam and cakes.

Day 3: Travel To Oban Relaxed Start

Location: Oban

Accommodation Name: Ballachulish, Glencoe, Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Center

Meals Included: Breakfast

Centuries old history and a massive structure rising above the River Forth – Stirling Castle, a symbol of Scottish national pride and once home to Scottish royals including Mary, Queen of Scots, awaits your discovery. Explore its halls, chapels and bedrooms, see the famous 'Stirling Heads' and admire the poignant Wallace Monument and battlefield of Stirling Bridge from its 16th-century walls. After a morning exploring the lives of royals, arrive in scenic Scotland’s Loch Lomond for an Optional Cruise and Lunch on the ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to historian and novelist Sir Walter Scott. The evening finds you in the resort town and seafood capital of Scotland, Oban, where you can opt to sample the local fare over a seafood dinner.

Day 4: Isle Of Mull

Location: Isle of Mull

Accommodation Name: Ballachulish, Glencoe, Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Scenic Scotland conjures up images of green highlands and wind-whipped seas. Encounter them for yourself today on a ferry from Oban to Craignure, the main ferry port on the Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Then make your way to the Isle of Iona for a visit to Iona Abbey. Your curiosity will be piqued on this tiny island that has been a vibrant center of Christian worship. It’s even rumoured that the Book of Kells was made at Iona Abbey. Before returning to the mainland, view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.

Day 5: To The Highland Capital Of Inverness Relaxed Start

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: Hotel B&B, Inverness

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take your Scotland tour to a deeper level at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Dundreggan, home to a pristine and fragile ecosystem, at Dundreggan Rewilding Center. Meet a conservation expert to learn about the ecology of the Highlands and the connection between nature and regenerating the Gaelic cultural heritage. After an illuminating morning, the afternoon finds you tailoring your time with Brendan Choice. Choose between a relaxing Loch Ness Cruise and a tour of Glen Ord Distillery.

Day 6: Blair Castle And Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Virgin, Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Full of curiosities, Blair Castle is a treasure trove of history and fine 18th century interiors. Join an Optional Experience to learn how it has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries with a history of both turbulent and peaceful times. Even the gardens surrounding Blair Castle, featuring a nine-acre walled garden, wooded grove, and extensive deer park, will have you reflecting on the castle’s past. Continue to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, where you could opt to experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu Georgian hall for Scottish dining, and live music.

Day 7: Edinburgh Castle And Orientation

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Virgin, Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Edinburgh offers endless possibilities for the curious traveler. Discover the sights and insights of the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Georgian facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, the palace of Holyroodhouse, in the Old Town. Your Local Expert then guides you inside the walls of Edinburgh Castle for the sights and insights into the lives of the royals. With the afternoon free, you are at leisure to continue exploring as you wish. Stroll past the charming buildings on the Edinburgh Mile or join an Optional Experience of Royal Edinburgh with a Local Expert who brings its ancient stories to life. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.

Day 8: End Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s time to close the chapter on a memorable Scotland tour. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell.

What's Included

  • Choice Highlights

    Choose between two carefully selected activities: a Loch Ness cruise or a tour of Glen Ord Distillery.

  • Top Rated Highlights

    Explore Glasgow, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh with a Local Expert.

  • Make Travel Matter® Experiences

    Visit Ardgowan House and Inverness for sustainable and educational experiences.

  • Iconic Experience

    Embark on a day trip to the Isles of Mull and Iona, including a visit to Iona Abbey.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as the Loch Lomond Cruise and Lunch, Blair Castle tour, and Royal Edinburgh tour are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Airfare

    International and domestic airfare to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel through the scenic landscapes of Scotland with ease, as the tour includes comfortable transportation between key locations such as Glasgow, Oban, Inverness, and Edinburgh, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Dining Summary

4 Dinner (D)7 Breakfast (B)1 Lunch (L)

Authentic Dining

Glasgow: Tonight you'll be greeted with genuine Scottish hospitality. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Glasgow's city center as you indulge in a carefully curated selection of local flavors and traditional delights. Let the evening unfold as you connect with fellow guests and embark on a journey of culinary discovery in this bustling Scottish hub.Edinburgh: Enjoy a dinner of modern Scottish cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh.

Brendan Choice

Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise on one of Scotland's most famous lakes.Scottish Highlands: Learn the fascinating process of Scottish whisky production at a local distillery and malting facility. Glen Ord Distillery was founded in 1838 and has been a major distillery since the mid-1960s and is the perfect place to get an in-depth look at this Scottish drop, complete with a ‘wee dram’ to compete your visit.

Iconic Experience

Isle of Mull: Embark on a day trip to the Isles of Mull and Iona, an ideal way to explore the sights and insights of the Scottish Highlands. At Iona Abbey, your Travel Director reveals its history, beginning with Columba’s monastery until the end of the 12th century followed by a Benedictine abbey. Iona Abbey Museum also houses Scotland’s finest collection of early medieval carved stones and crosses. Then visit the Reilig Odhrain, a sacred burial ground of 48 Scottish Kings

Accommodation

Experience the charm of Scotland with stays at the Voco Grand Central in Glasgow, the Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Center in Ballachulish, and the Virgin Hotel in Edinburgh, offering a blend of comfort and local character throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the Scenic Scotland tour?

    The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Ardgowan House where you will be welcomed by Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart for a tour and traditional Scottish tea. Additionally, there is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Dundreggan Rewilding Center to learn about the ecology of the Highlands and the reintroduction of native species.

  • What are the optional experiences available during the tour?

    Optional experiences include a Loch Lomond Cruise and Lunch, a tour of Blair Castle, and a Royal Edinburgh tour.

  • What activities can I choose from during the Brendan Choice segment of the tour?

    During the Brendan Choice segment, you can choose between a relaxing Loch Ness Cruise or a tour of Glen Ord Distillery to learn about Scottish whisky production.

  • What is the significance of Iona Abbey on the Isle of Mull?

    Iona Abbey is a historic site that has been a vibrant center of Christian worship. It is rumored that the Book of Kells was made there, and it houses Scotland’s finest collection of early medieval carved stones and crosses.

  • How does the tour contribute to sustainability and local communities?

    The tour supports sustainability through visits to places like Ardgowan Estate, which educates visitors about sustainability initiatives and invests in renewable projects. The visit to Dundreggan Rewilding Center contributes to the conservation of the Highlands' ecosystem.

  • 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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