Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Scotland
Depart U.S. on your overnight flight to Glasgow, either traveling direct or via London.

Day 2: Glasgow City Tour
Arrive in Glasgow Airport where your CIE Tours tour director or representative will greet you. Complimentary group transfers depart Glasgow Airport at 8:00 am, 10:00 am or 12:00 noon. Passengers arriving later will transfer to the hotel at their own expense. Your hotel is centrally located near Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow's main pedestrianized shopping thoroughfare. At 3:00 pm take a coach tour to see the main attractions of Glasgow including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral and the River Clyde, once famous for shipbuilding. Visit extensive collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, originally opened in 1901 and recently refurbished. Chat with your tour director and fellow travelers over a welcome drink before dinner. (D)

Day 3: Loch Lomond Cruise & Glen Coe
Depart Glasgow and drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond with views of Ben Lomond and other Highland peaks. Pause at the quaint village of Luss with charming cottages, which stretch to the lochside. At Tarbet embark on a short cruise to appreciate the beauty and peacefulness of this famous loch and admire panoramic views. Cross the mountain pass of "Rest and Be Thankful" to the Georgian town of Inveraray, built between 1753 and 1776 by the 3rd Duke of Argyll who decided to move the existing town to landscape his splendid new castle properly. Then journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Campbells' massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Arrive at Loch Linnhe, an inlet of the sea, and check into your hotel in Ballachulish. (B, D)

Day 4: The Great Glen & Culloden Battlefield
Drive to Fort Augustus, which sits at the southern end of the famous Loch Ness. Travel beside Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the famous monster and enjoying the scenic views of Scotland's largest inland body of water. Drive through Inverness, capital city of the Highlands, and on to Culloden Moor to tour the Visitor Centre. Walk around the battlefield where, on 16th April 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. Drive to Blairs on the outskirts of Aberdeen to your elegant 19th century mansion in time for dinner. (B, D)

Day 5: Crathes Castle & Afternoon Tea
Depart your hotel mid-morning to visit Crathes Castle, a fairytale Renaissance castle completed in 1594 with a wealth of fine furnishings. See the wonderful gardens before driving along the River Dee Valley, favored by Queen Victoria and most of the Royal Family since her era. Stop in the attractive town of Ballater where many shops show a royal warrant, indicating patronage by the Royal Family. Near the village of Banchory stop at the Falls of Feugh, a charming tea shop, which is popular with people in the area. Sample afternoon tea with delicious freshly-baked scones. Return to Blairs in time to relax before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 6: Glamis Castle & St. Andrews
Travel south through the lush countryside of Aberdeenshire to visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of "Macbeth" and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Drive across the modern Tay Bridge to St. Andrews, the "Home of Golf." See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course and enjoy free time to visit the British Golf Museum or browse through the medieval town with its cathedral and castle. Drive south into Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. At this evening's Scottish cabaret sample local specialties, including haggis, and enjoy bagpipes, traditional music, singing and dancing. (B, D)

Day 7: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour
This morning discover Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Drive along Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old "New Town" with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city, and together forming a World Heritage Site. Learn about many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors and writers. Finish your tour at the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you can see historic buildings and enjoy a splendid view of Edinburgh. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities. On August 02 to 23 departures enjoy the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. (B)

Day 8: Extra Day in Edinburgh
Today you are free to schedule your activities as you wish. You may use your independent Edinburgh open-top bus tour pass (valid for 24 hours) to travel around Edinburgh's attractions and you may get off and on at any stop or stay on the bus for the complete route. As you will dine independently tonight, you may choose to head to one of the many restaurants along the Royal Mile, which is close to your hotel. (B)

Day 9: Depart for U.S.
Today take a shuttle bus transfer from your hotel to Edinburgh Airport. Be sure to allow sufficient time for check in and security formalities. A transfer to Glasgow Airport will be provided on request at a cost of $75 per person. (B)


B=Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner