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DAY
1 DEPARTURE FROM NORTH AMERICA
Enjoy full meal service on your scheduled wide-bodied flight
to Glasgow.
DAY
2 ARRIVAL IN GLASGOW (1 NIGHT)
You will be met at the airport by your tour manager/guideboard
your own private coach and be transferred to you hotel in
Glasgow. After time to relax we will take a Walking Tour
of Glasgow, known as the "dear green place", including a visit
to the Transport Museum and the Burrell Art Collection.
DAY
3 GLASGOW - BALLACHULISH/FORT WILLIAM
- SCOTTISH
HIGHLANDS (1 NIGHT)
After a hearty breakfast join the coach for today's
scenic drive. Our first visit is to Glengoyne Malt Whisky
Distillery where, after a tour, there is a chance to taste
the end product! At Tarbet a cruiser waits to show us "the
bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond" from the best vantage
point - the loch itself. The sad story of Glen Coe is retold
as we stop to view the majestic, yet sinister beauty of Scotland's
most famous glen. A short drive brings us to Ballachulish
and our hotel. After some time to relax, there is a short
evening tour when we will marvel at the teamwork between sheep
dog and master when we watch a shepherd at work
DAY
4 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS - ISLE OF SKYE EXCURSION
- THE
SPEY VALLEY TO INVERNESS/AVIEMORE
AREA (2 NIGHTS)
We begin this morning with an unforgettable rail
journey - the West Highland Line. From the train window
spectacular views of mountains and lochs are seen as the train
heads for Mallaig. It's a 30 minute sail aboard the ferry
"over the sea to Skye". At Armadale, on Skye, there is a visit
to the Clan Donald Centre, recalling the history of
one of Scotland's most powerful Clans. After a scenic drive,
with views of the Cuillin Mountains, we return the mainland
and travel through Glen Carron to Inverness and onto our hotel
in the Inverness area.
· Your First Concert Performance will be today
DAY
5 INVERNESS & LOCH NESS EXCURSION
This morning we begin with a drive to Culloden
Moor, where Bonnie prince Charlie's army was routed by the
Government troops in 1746. After ample free time in Inverness
for shopping and sightseeing we drive along the banks of Loch
Ness to Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland's largest,
on a promontory overlooking Loch Ness. The chief of Clan Grant
owned the castle in 1509, and most of the extensive ruins
date from that period. In 1692, the castle was blown up by
the Grants to prevent it from becoming a Jacobite stronghold.
Rising from crumbling walls, the jagged keep still remains.
From Urquhart Castle we will enjoy great views, and have the
best chance of seeing the Loch Ness monster.. We continue
back to the hotel in the Inverness area for the night.
DAY
6 INVERNESS - CRATHIE KIRK - CRATHES
CASTLE -
ABERDEEN (1 NIGHT)
We begin the day with a climb over the famous Lecht
Road, between Tomintoul and Cockbridge. On Royal Deeside there
is a visit to Crathie Kirk, where the Royal Family
worships when staying at nearby Balmoral Castle. Along the
banks of the River Dee, through picturesque Ballater and Aboyne
to Crathes Castle and Gardens, an outstanding example
of a Scottish tower house, dating from 1553. On arrival in
Aberdeen we will take a panoramic city tour, before making
our way to our hotel.
DAY
7 ABERDEEN - EDINBURGH (4 NIGHTS)
This morning we will take a beautiful drive along the coastal
route through Stonehaven, Montrose and Arbroath to Dundee
then across the Tay Bridge to the Kingdom of Fife. In St.
Andrews, the home of golf, we will visit the ancient University,
the Cathedral, the castle before continuing over the Forth
Road Bridge into Edinburgh. An arrival we have an orientation
tour followed by a visit to Edinburgh Castle. This
evening we travel the short distance to Newhaven, on the River
Forth for a traditional Scottish "High Tea" at Harry Ramsden's
fish restaurant complete with beautiful views over Newhaven
harbour.
DAY
8 DAY TRIP TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
Our morning begins with a visit to Abbotsford House,
the home of Sir Walter Scott and continue on to Ayr and the
home of Robert Burns. This morning we travel to the Burns
National Heritage Park, where we will experience the pride,
passion and power of Robert Burns. Set among the delightful
scenery of historic Alloway, Burns National Heritage Park
is an unmatched opportunity to experience Scotland's National
Poet. Robert Burns' birthplace is brought to life through
a mixture of modern technology and unique authentic locations
and artifacts. During our visit we will travel back in time
with a visit to the Burns Cottage, fully restored to
its original state; view the world's most important Robert
Burns collection in the Museum and view Robert Burns'
beloved Ayrshire countryside from the roof of the Burns Monument.
This afternoon we continue to our hotel in Edinburgh.
· Your Second Concert Performance will be today
DAY
9 EDINBURGH
Our day begins with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, a
place filled with history, legend, and lore. Our visit will
include: St. Margaret's Chapel, the State Apartments,
the Great Hall and the Crown Chamber,
which houses the Honours of Scotland (Scottish
Crown Jewels). We continue with a Walking Tour along
the Royal Mile, where we will view many of the city's most
interesting structures, with turrets, gables, and towering
chimneys. During our walk, we will visit the High Kirk
of St. Giles, one of the most important architectural
landmarks along the Royal Mile. Our final stop will be the
Palace of Holyroodhouse, built by James IV, adjacent
to an Augustinian abbey David I established in the 12th century.
Our tour of the palace will include: King James Tower,
the Throne Room, the King's Bedchamber and the Picture Gallery,
with portraits of Scottish monarchs.
DAY
10 EDINBURGH
Today is yours to spend at leisure before your
last concert performance.
· Your Third Concert Performance will be today
DAY
11 DEPARTURE FROM EDINBURGH
Your enjoyable and rewarding tour will come to
an end as your tour manager/guide accompanies you to the airport
for the return flight home.
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