Discover Scotland

br />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.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
An overnight flight transports you to a country of stunning landscapes, lively cities, stirring history and distinct myths and stories.

Day 2: Edinburgh, Scotland - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Edinburgh. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a lovely welcome dinner.

Day 3: Edinburgh
A locally guided tour of this regal city includes Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels, and the Palace of Holyrood*, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city or strike up conversations with the locals to hear stories in their distinctive brogue.

Day 4: Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Pitlochry - Aviemore
Travel to St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf, to see the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Next, stop at Pitlochry, a vibrant Victorian town. There is time to explore before visiting one of Scotland’s famous whisky distilleries. Taste and see for yourself why Highland malt whisky is considered the world’s finest. Continue to Aviemore, Scotland’s premiere highland resort.

Day 5: Aviemore - Inverness - Thurso
At Inverness, visit the prehistoric burial ground of Clava Cairns where some of the graves date back to 3,000 B.C. Then, visit Culloden Battlefield where, in April 1746, a half-hour battle changed the course of history and the lives of the Highland people. Next, visit the majestic Dunrobin Castle** which was built in 1725. Enjoy a fascinating falconry display in the formal gardens overlooking the North Sea. Later, soak in the breathtaking coastal drive along windswept cliffs that overlook Scotland’s pristine Moray Firth. Your day concludes in Thurso.

Day 6: Thurso - Orkney Islands - Thurso
A full day of adventure awaits in the Orkney Islands. Traveling to Gill’s Bay, board a ferry bound for St. Margaret's Hope. On the crossing you’ll 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 this magical place that very few visitors to Scotland get to experience. Visit the Italian Chapel and Skara Brae where you will discover the remains of a Neolithic village 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 7: Thurso - 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. Keep your eyes open - you never know when Nessie will appear! Here, enjoy a visit to the striking ruins of Urquhart Castle. Travel through the Great Glen, famous for its many lochs (lakes), before arriving at your hotel situated on lovely Loch Linnhe.

Day 8: Ballachulish - Isle of Skye - Ballachulish
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' Cheò (The Misty Isle). Enjoy dramatic views of the Cuillin Hills. Then, visit Armadale Castle and Gardens*** and the Museum of the Isles to learn about island life and the history of Skye. Conclude your visit with views of the isle from yet another vantage point during a ferry crossing back to the mainland. Returning to Ballachulish, see Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied the clansmen for battle during the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.

Day 9: Ballachulish - Drymen
Begin your day with a delightful sheep dog demonstration and the opportunity to learn about Scottish farming at the Scottish Wool Centre in Aberfoyle. Continue 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 for a Scottish farewell dinner complete with Scottish piper.

Day 10: Drymen - Tour Ends
Your tour of Scotland comes to a close in Drymen.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/21/2012 - 3/30/2012	$1,499
4/11/2012 - 4/20/2012	$1,599
4/18/2012 - 4/27/2012	$1,599
4/23/2012 - 5/2/2012	$1,599
5/14/2012 - 5/23/2012	$1,949
6/18/2012 - 6/27/2012	$2,049
7/16/2012 - 7/25/2012	$2,049
8/13/2012 - 8/22/2012	$2,299
8/20/2012 - 8/29/2012	$2,299
9/10/2012 - 9/19/2012	$2,049
9/24/2012 - 10/3/2012	$2,049
10/1/2012 - 10/10/2012	$1,949
10/15/2012 - 10/24/2012	$1,849
3/11/2013 - 3/20/2013	$1,699
4/8/2013 - 4/17/2013	$1,799
4/22/2013 - 5/1/2013	$1,799
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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