Country Roads of Scotland - Small Group
Country Roads of Scotland - Small Group
9 Days Starting in Edinburgh and ending in Glasgow
Visiting: Edinburgh, Blair Atholl, St Andrews, Inverness, Thurso, Wick, Loch Ness, Culloden, Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, Orkney, Skye, Glencoe, Commando Memorial, Eilean Donan, Kyle of Lochalsh, Glasgow, Loch Lomond
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SB905ZM19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 24
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Set foot on the stomping grounds of the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, see the grand Georgian architecture of Glasgow and sail across the sea to the Isle of Skye—the most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Join Local Experts on this grand Gaelic tour as you pass Britain’s northernmost point at John O’Groats and board a ferry to the Orkney Islands. Enjoy a quieter pace of life on these tranquil isles as you explore the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. In Wick, whet your whistle with a wee dram of whisky at the Old Pulteney Distillery or visit the fascinating Heritage Museum on this Insight Choice. After exploring the charming cobbled streets of St. Andrews, take afternoon tea at Blair Castle—the historic home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh.
Accommodation Name: Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Welcome to Scotland - land of legends and romance, from the great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands. On arrival at Edinburgh airport, transfers depart for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00. Then the rest of the day is yours to relax before joining your Travel Director at 16:30 for a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. On select departures, during your time in Edinburgh you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colourful 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, the Stone of Destiny 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: Blair Atholl, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Inverness
Accommodation: Hotel, Kingsmills Inverness. Pentahotel Inverness.
Accommodation Name: Kingsmills Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Afternoon Tea with Wine
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 Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Tour the magnificent ballroom and learn about the history of the estate. During your visit relish a delicious cream tea. Continue to Inverness, where your luxury hotel is set within four acres of manicured grounds.
Day 4: Culloden, Loch Ness And Onto Thurso
Location: Inverness, Thurso, Wick, Loch Ness, Culloden
Accommodation: The Pentland Hotel, Thurso.
Accommodation Name: The Pentland Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
See Culloden Moor in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre before continuing along the shores of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary monster! Next, follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Explore Wick with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskeys. 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: Thurso, Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, Thurso, Orkney, Orkney
Accommodation: Hotel, The Pentland Thurso.
Accommodation Name: The Pentland Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine
Start the day by driving to the most northerly inhabited village in mainland Britain, John O’Groats. Board 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 Local Expert accompanies you as you visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, 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, Thurso
Accommodation: The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford.
Accommodation Name: The Dunollie Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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, Commando Memorial, Eilean Donan, Skye, Kyle of Lochalsh
Accommodation: Hotel, Ballachulish Glencoe. Isle of Glencoe & Leisure Centre.
Accommodation Name: Ballachulish Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine
Travel through the ever changing scenery of this beautiful island, 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 Celebration 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, Loch Lomond, Glencoe
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Hotel
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
Departure transfers arrive at Glasgow airport at 06:30 and 09:00.
What's Included
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Personal radio headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Hotel and restaurant tips
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.
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Baggage handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Airport transfers
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 Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
What's Not Included
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Airfare to and from the tour
Flights to the starting point and from the ending point of the tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Costs for optional activities that are not included in the tour itinerary.
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Personal Expenses
Expenses for personal nature like souvenirs, laundry, and beverages are not included.
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Meals not mentioned
Any meals not specifically mentioned in the tour inclusions.
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Visa Fees
Any applicable visa fees are not included.
Mode of Transport
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 Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Accommodation
Throughout your journey, you will be staying at various hotels including the Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh, Kingsmills Hotel, The Pentland Hotel, The Dunollie Hotel, Ballachulish Hotel, and Radisson Blu Hotel.
Check out our Q&As
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What are the COVID-19 safety measures on the tour?
The tour has implemented enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. This includes sanitization of the luxury coaches before the start of the tour, training for Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors, and Drivers in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols, and ensuring that all establishments visited adhere to high well-being standards.
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What are the inclusions of the tour?
The tour includes services of a highly-skilled Travel Director, personal radio headsets for visits to famous highlights, baggage handling to your hotel room, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes and porterage charges at hotels, transfers at scheduled times if arrival and departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, and Insight Flourishes which are local specialties representing the destination.
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What type of accommodations can I expect on the tour?
Throughout the Country Roads of Scotland - Small Group tour, you will be staying at various hotels including the Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh, Kingsmills Hotel, The Pentland Hotel, The Dunollie Hotel, Ballachulish Hotel, and Radisson Blu Hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, meals included in the tour are 6 Dinners with Wine (DW), 8 Breakfasts (B), and 1 Afternoon Tea (AT).
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What are the highlights of the Country Roads of Scotland tour?
The highlights of the Country Roads of Scotland - Small Group tour include visiting the Wick Heritage Museum or the Old Pulteney Distillery, enjoying the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned coach with onboard washroom, experiencing enhanced hygiene protocols, dining at local restaurants, visiting Blair Castle and Gardens, exploring Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, attending the Edinburgh Military Tattoo (limited time in August), visiting the university town of St. Andrews, exploring the history of Inverness and the Battle of Culloden, searching for the Loch Ness monster, visiting Britain's most northerly mainland village John o' Groats, exploring the Isle of Skye, and enjoying a Celebration Dinner in Glencoe.
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Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided. If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. The tour also features travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
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