Tom Brett Group
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: EDINBURGH ARRIVAL
Land at Edinburgh Airport complete customs and immigration formalities before meeting your CIE Tours guide who will welcome you to Scotland. Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and settle into you room. Enjoy the remainder of the day free to sightsee shop and dine on your own.
Day 3: EDINBURGH HIGHLIGHTS
Set off on a guided tour of Edinburgh to see some of the citys 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. The afternoon is free to sightsee and shop.
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 4: BLAIR ATHOLL DISTILLERY
Leaving Edinburgh travel to Pitlochry to visit the Blair Atholl Distillery where you can see the process of whiskey production and sample the finished product at the end of the tour. Afterwards journey to Inverness and check into your hotel. You may wish to relax or freshen up before dining on your own.
Day 5: CULLODEN VISITOR CENTRE
This morning Travel to Fort Augustus so you can take a boat ride on Loch Ness. This excursion will give the opportunity to enjoy the lovely scenery and also to keep an eye out for the famous monster Nessie. Next travel to Culloden Moor and 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. Return to Inverness where you are free for individual pursuits and dining.
Day 6: ELGIN CATHEDRAL & BLACK ISLE BREWERY
Today stop for photos in Nairn before visting the Elgin Cathedral. Afterwards stop at Johnstons of Elgin before enjoying a tour and tasting at Black Isle Brewery. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free in Inverness.
Day 7: STIRLING CASTLE
After breakfast drive to the historic town of Stirling 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. Then motor a short distance to Edinburgh and check into your hotel. Once you settle in you can explore Edinburgh on our own before an independent dinner.
Day 8: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
Transfer to Edinburgh Airport and check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before flying back to the United States.
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Mercure Haymarket Hotel, Edinburgh- 2 nights
Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness- 3 nights
Mercure Haymarket Hotel, Edinburgh - 1 night
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 6 nights
Full breakfasts (6)
Scottish Evening in Edinburgh
Guided tour of Edinburgh
Scenic cruise on Loch ness
Visits and admission fees to:
Edinburgh Castle
Blair Athol Distillery
Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre
Elgin Cathedral
Johnstons of Elgins
Black Isle Brewery
Stirling Castle
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap