Discover Scotland

From the rugged sea-sprayed islands, to its stately castles drenched in history, Scotland's treasures are diverse and compelling. Explore the regal city of Edinburgh. Learn the secrets of making Scotch whisky during a tour and tasting of the smallest distillery in Scotland. See the remarkable Ring of Brodgar, reported to be older than Stonehenge. Stop in St. Andrews, home of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Discover the ancient, Neolithic village uncovered at Skara Brae, and dating back to 3200 B.C.E.

Tour Highlights

  • Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, St. Andrews, Dunrobin Castle*, Orkney Islands, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Stirling Castle

    Collette Experiencess
  • Experience the Orkney Islands during a full-day guided excursion.
  • See magnificent Edinburgh Castle, a stone fortress perched high above the city.
  • Search for the infamous Loch Ness Monster from the beautiful shores of Loch Ness.
  • Learn the art of producing Scotch whisky during a distillery tour and tasting.
  • Witness the remarkable skills of working Scottish sheep dogs.

    • Please email travel@rovia.com for more information or to book today! Mention code 9075733

    Tour Operator
    Collette Vacations
    Offer
    Offer valid through 5/31/2010
    Duration
    10 Days
    DayDestinationDescription
    Air 1Overnight FlightOvernight Flight : An overnight flight transports you to a country of stunning landscapes, lively cities, stirring history and distinct myths and stories!
    Day 2EdinburghEdinburgh, Scotland - Tour Begins : Your tour begins in Edinburgh. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception. Learn about the historic neighborhood and the architectural significance of your hotel before continuing to dinner.
    Day 3EdinburghEdinburgh : Begin your day with a unique visit to Mary King's Close, where you will tour Edinburgh's fascinating ancient underground city. Then, meet your local guide for a tour of this regal city, including a visit to famous Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city and home of the Scottish crown jewels. This afternoon you will have free time to explore the city's many museums, shop for a kilt, or strike up conversations with the locals to hear stories told in their distinctive brogue.
    Day 4AviemoreEdinburgh - St. Andrews - Pitlochry - Aviemore : This morning you travel to St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf. See the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Your next stop is at Pitlochry, a vibrant Victorian town. There is time to explore before visiting the Edradour Whisky Distillery, the smallest distillery in Scotland. Taste and see for yourself why Highland malt whisky is considered the world's finest. Continue to Aviemore, Scotland's premiere highland resort.
    Day 5ThursoAviemore - Inverness - Thurso : At Inverness you will visit the prehistoric burial ground of Clava Cairns where some of the graves date back to 3,000 B.C. Then, stop at the nearby Culloden Battlefield where, in April 1746, a half-hour battle changed the course of history and the lives of the Highland people. A visit is included to the award-winning Culloden Moor Visitor's Centre. Next, visit the majestic Dunrobin Castle*, built in 1275. Enjoy a fascinating falconry display in the beautiful formal gardens overlooking the North Sea. Later this afternoon, soak in the breathtaking coastal drive along windswept cliffs that overlook Scotland's pristine Moray Firth, famous for its abundance of playful dolphins and whales. Your day concludes in Thurso, the gateway to the Orkney Islands.
    Day 6ThursoThurso - Orkney Islands - Thurso : A full day of adventure awaits in the Orkney Islands. Traveling to Gill's Bay, you'll board a ferry bound for St. Margaret's Hope. On the crossing you will see seabirds, perhaps porpoises and seals, and if you are very lucky, the family of otters that live in Gill's Bay! A local guide introduces you to this magical place that very few visitors to Scotland ever get the opportunity to experience. Visit the Italian Chapel and Skara Brae where you will discover the remains of a Neolithic village which was built at the same time as Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Next, pass the prehistoric Ring of Brodgar, reported to be older than Stonehenge. Visit the town of Viking Kirkwall before returning to the mainland.
    Day 7BallachulishThurso - Loch Ness - Ballachulish : Today, enjoy stunning and unspoiled landscapes as you travel through Inverness, known for people who delight in the craic - Gaelic for "light hearted chat." Take in the panorama of Loch Ness, one of Britain's most scenic bodies of water. Here, you will enjoy a visit to the striking ruins of Urquhart Castle. Keep your eyes open - you never know when Nessie will appear! Travel through the Great Glen, famous for its many lochs (lakes) before arriving at your hotel situated on lovely Loch Linnhe, an inlet to the Atlantic Ocean.
    Day 8BallachulishBallachulish - Isle of Skye - Ballachulish : This morning, take the stunningly beautiful ride along the "Road to the Isles" and over the Skye Bridge to the legendary Isle of Skye, also known in poetry and song as Eilean a' Cheo (The Misty Isle). Enjoy dramatic views of the Cuillin Hills. Then, visit Armadale Castle and Gardens** and the Museum of the Isles where you will learn about island life and the history of Skye. Conclude your visit taking in views of the isle from yet another vantage point during a ferry crossing back to the mainland. On your return to Ballachulish, see Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied the clansmen for battle during the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.
    Day 9DrymenBallachulish - Drymen : Your first stop this morning features a delightful sheepdog demonstration and the opportunity to learn about Scottish farming at the Scottish Wool Centre in Aberfoyle. Continue on to Stirling Castle, first erected 900 years ago and formerly used as a royal residence for the House of Stewart - this is where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned in 1543. Join your fellow travelers tonight for a Scottish farewell meal and a ceilidh (a social gathering with traditional music, dancing and storytelling).
    Day 10DrymenDrymen - Tour Ends : This morning your tour of Scotland comes to a close in Drymen.
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call (972) 805-9600 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    03/22/2010$1,649.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    04/12/2010$1,749.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    05/19/2010$1,549.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    06/23/2010$1,599.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    08/18/2010$1,799.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    09/15/2010$1,649.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    10/06/2010$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    03/23/2011$1,399.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    04/06/2011$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    Lodging
    Apex International or Apex City
    Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort
    Royal Hotel
    Ballachulish Hotel
    Winnock Hotel
    Disclaimer
    Note
    Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.

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