WAYNE GRIFFIN TRAVEL
Day 1: DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Day 2: GLASGOW ARRIVAL
After landing at Glasgow Airport complete customs and immigration formalities. Your CIE Tours guide will welcome you to Scotland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Next set off on a panoramic tour to see the highlights of Glasgow. Drive around George Square filled with statues of Sir Walter Scott Queen Victoria and other influential people. See the Victorian City Chambers opened in 1888 by Queen Victoria. Pass Glasgow Cathedral a splendid 12th century Gothic building dedicated to St. Mungo the patron saint of the city. Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and settle into your room. In the evening join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 3: STIRLING CASTLE
Leaving Glasgow travel along the shores of Loch Lomond and into the historic town of Stirling. Upon arrival stop to visit Stirling Castle. Captured from the English in 1297 by William Wallace and again in 1314 by Robert the Bruce Stirling Castle has been featured largely throughout Scottish history. At one time Mary Queen of Scots resided there. Then continue on to visit the Bannockburn Heritage Centre learn how in June of 1314 the Scottish gained their independence. Next travel a short distance to visit the National Wallace Monument to learn about William Wallace Braveheart who struggled for Scottish independence 700 years ago. Also climb the tower for a panoramic view of Stirling. After transfer to your nearby hotel check in and enjoy some free time before dining with your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 4: GLENCOE VISITOR CENTRE
This morning enjoy panoramic views as you travel via Callander and Balquihidder into Glencoe. Upon arrival stop to visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre to explore the landscape wildlife and history of this special place. Also learn about the conservation issues that faces the region both past and present. After continue your journey into Inverness check into your hotel and settle into your room. Tonight dine with your fellow travelers in the hotel restaurant.
Day 5: CULLODEN VISITOR CENTRE
After breakfast drive into Culloden Moor and stop to tour the Visitor Centre. Walk around the battlefield where on April 16 1746 British Government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart in just one hour and ended hopes of restoring the Jacobite Stuarts to the British throne. The brutal measures imposed after the battle signaled the end of the distinctive Highland way of life and culture. Then travel into Fort Augustus so you can take a boat ride on Loch Ness. This excursion will give you the opportunity to enjoy the lovely scenery and also to keep an eye out for the famous monster Nessie. After return to your hotel in Inverness where the remainder of the day is at leisure for individual pursuits and dining.
Day 6: ST. ANDREWS SIGHTSEEING
Departing Inverness journey via Pitlochry and into St. Andrews where golf originated. Upon arrival embark on a guided walking tour to see the highlights of this historic town. See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the British Golf Museum which tells the story of British golf both past and present. Also view St. Andrews Castle once home of the Bishop of St. Andrews and St. Andrews Cathedral which was founded in 1160. After continue your travel into the bustling city of Edinburgh check into your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure before this evening’s festivities.
Tonight head to a unique Scottish venue for dinner followed by a traditional Scottish ceilidh. The night includes lively music dancing and of course the ceremonial Haggis
Day 7: EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
This morning set off on a guided tour of Edinburgh to see some of the city’s magnificent highlights. During your tour you will travel through the Old Town and of course along the Royal Mile. If time permits you will also see the Palace of Holyroodhouse St. Giles Cathedral and even the National Museum of Scotland. Stop for a guided tour of the imposing Edinburgh Castle perched high above the city on volcanic rock. After return to your nearby hotel where the balance of the afternoon is at your leisure. This evening meet your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 8: EDINBURGH HOP ON HOP OFF
Today spend the entire day at leisure to rest or sightsee and explore Edinburgh. Use your open-top bus voucher to get better acquainted with the city. Learn about major attractions along the way and of course you can get on and off as you please. In the evening you may like to dine in one of the many restaurants or pubs that Edinburgh has to offer.
Day 9: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
All too soon your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Edinburgh Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Grand Central Hotel, GLASGOW 1 night
Stirling Highland Hotel, STIRLING 1 night
Palace Hotel, INVERNESS 2 nights
Principal Hotel George Street, EDINBURGH 3 nights
TOUR INCLUDES
Exclusive transport by luxury motorcoach with a driver/tour director
Meet and greet service with one group transfer upon arrival and departure at the airport
Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath as listed for 7 nights
Full breakfasts (7)
Dinners (5):
Table d'hôte dinners (4)
Scottish Evening w/dinner & entertainment
Loch Ness Cruise
Guided walking tour of St. Andrews
Guided tour of Edinburgh
Edinburgh open-top bus tour
Visits and admission fees to:
Stirling Castle
Bannockburn Heritage Centre
Wallace Monument
Glencoe Visitor Centre
Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre
Edinburgh Castle
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap